Raceweek 20 - Sun Sea and Skeg

So to the fun coast we all go, for plenty of laughs, lager and laying about. Oh and Skegness Stadium made it rather inconvenient to have some racing on......


THURSDAY - 

TORRENTIAL RAIN FALLS MOSTLY ON SKEGGY PLAIN

Monsoon like condition befell the fun coast, putting a real and actual dampener on manys preceedings. Whether we saw flooding like previous years which saw tents pitched in rivers remained to be seen.

Racing wise, the apertif saw the obligatory Skegness win for one G. Moodie Esq (7) and in heat 2 local success as budget racer Mark Meeds (458) splashed his new to him RCE to victory. Should be a fairly busy weekend for Mark, he's a manager at one of the many campsites! The consi saw Justin Fisher (315) continue his good spell of decent form, however it was only after Aaron Vaight (184) was deemed to have joined the Pringle club...
The final saw Moodie, Polley and Burgyone scrap, but it the silver top who took the win.... Burgoyne rounded out the evening by being the first in the dry motorhome and taking the national..

FRIDAY

Proof that the best laid plans goes breasts upward all the time went with the J-ho Funbus. As of Thursday tea time, the car was partially loaded with the essentials for any 7 hour journey. Haribo and energy drinks, incidently between myself and Gordon Moodie, we bought enough Red Bull to fund a F1 season for the soft drinks company.  Plan was to chill in the morning, pick up one traveller, have a kip and then hit the road after the 2 part of the entourage had finished her modelling gig. I cleaned the cars and gave its pre flight checks and checked the tread on the tyres and found, that thanks to Her Majesty's potholes, the tracking on the car was out and the tyres were unevenly bald. Like an alternative girls hair cut! So an early morning trip to get 2 new tyres tracked and balanced, I get a text saying that one of my entourage has dropped out because of monetary issues. Ho hum, says I, we'll go with 2 and me. So I head to bed at 3pm to get some kip before the big journey up overnight, only to be awoken by my phone. Text, ack well, down to riding solo. With this in mind, back to sleep I went and got on the road.

Diversions and a peasouper on the way in didn't help my concentration. I rolled into the infamous Simmo's campsite, to be greeted by the legendary Janners, Liam Rowe (605) and westcountry super fans Laz and Jimmy C, along with "former" Saloon World Champ, Eddie Darby and banger driver Kat Dawe, who we chatted about the upcoming ladies race, where she will be racing the one and only Bill Batten's car, and the fact we share the same birthday. She kept on yapping as the sun rose, and Ed went to bed. It was also bedtime, time for a cheeky power nap before setting about the fun ahead.

SATURDAY

PANNETT RODS TO SATURDAY NIGHT FINAL FEVER

So as a bit of a tradition, the weekend started with the champions challenge which involved, 2 members of Her Majesty's Finest Old Bill, with a speed gun, and 3 world champions, Tom Harris for the Tractors, Stuart Shevill for the Tintops, and the legend, Rygor the Tiger. It was a win for Harris overall, as although Rygor thoroughly enjoyed his go in the one, it was a diasterous couple of laps in the saloon which scuppered his chances.

So with the capacity crowd champing at the bit, it was go time. Plenty of cars, meant fairly busy grids, and with it, the opportunity for a lower grader to get away. That they did. Heat 1 saw Chris Bryan (805) lead away Jak Marshall (199) now resplendent with the ex Nigel Green RCE leading them away. Bryan took over, and held off Moodie who was a fairly distant third.

You gotta be this high to ride.....

The second heat was a win for all round cheeky chappy Micky Brennan (968) who's always the life and soul of the party, with one of the bigger camping pitches at Simmos.

If Scotland was to go independent, then there would be no doubt that Gordon's English base would be the Fun Coast, so it was a little bit of a shock that Moodie took heat 3, a win on his second attempt, proof that he is nearly human!

Heat 4 was a yellow top affair with the scrap between Bryan and Marshall and AJ Thompson (717). With 2 to go Thompson led Bryan from North East driver Dave Pannett (836). With Pannet breathing down the 717 cars as the 2 to go, the race was called early cos of pile up involving 100 and 921. A win for Andrew John Thompson, ace race painter extraordiaire and owner of one of the prettiest cars on the scene crossed the line first and I spoke to AJ just after...

listen to ‘Stox Cast - Interview with Andrew John Thompson (717)’ on Audioboo

A controversial end to heat 5, as Nail 'em Broatch (725) and Justin Time (315) sped away after the yellow red top H383 Pieter van der Valk... who kerbed his car in the traffic. This brought them under the starters orders, and there was certainly some confusion as most of the lead cars thought there was 2 to go. However, when they exited turn 4 to be greeted with the chequered, some puzzled looks were gazed, as there would have be a more dramatic finish if there was another lap. Dave Polley (38) the steward's favourite(!) remonstrated with the starter and waved his "2" board at race control. But Nail'em (complete with nostaglia on board ) held on for the win.

With the confusing format saw 2 "consolations" for the ones not lucky enough to be in the top 28 points scorers. Consi 1 saw Skegular Regular Jimmy "The Wriggle" Riggals (527) holding off Dicky Pint Of (254). Consi 2 saw Livov Riley (422) take full advantage of the charging Luke Lovelength (120) , by catching and beating the midlands yellow top to take a popular win.

The meeting final with it's confusing nature was a cracker of a race. Early progress was hampered by favourite Moodie, allowing the yellow top Jak Marshall to speed away. He was again hotly persued by charging blues Pannett and Fisher. Neil Hooper (676) had broken away from the red top scrum (as a rugby man, he is used to this). That's the way it finished and a return to red for the Barford regular.

SUNDAY

GOLDIN'S OK UK

Sunday was one of those days. A reasonable night's sleep in Dirty Gertie, and a relatively quiet snooze. As the sun rose, I woke to see at around 6am, the professional drinking side of Janner Motorsport stumbling back to base. Enough of these shenanigans, sez I, and I grabbed another 20 minutes before making my traditional decision (as is the norm whenever I camp) to seek sustenance and facilities for the morning convolutions. A search for a good old fashioned greasy spoon open in Skeg on a Sunday morning was somewhat unfruitful and I found myself in the comforting bosom of those golden arches, and got myself a breakfast wrap. With little or no life coming from the campsite and a look at the watch saw it was worth a punt to drive up to the track. Plenty of life up there and I got in early doors. Now, with the best laid plans, also included a squad of at least 4 models and a pro tog, ended up with yours truly on camera and the lovely April and Emma to join me for some calendar shooting.

Dodging the showers seemed to be the order of the day, as quite heavy showers came about thick and fast and in some very specific areas, downpours were thicker than others....

However what was questionable was George's politeness when drenching the girls, and the fact he has a Hello Kitty bucket in his transporter!

In the bit before the big race, there were heat wins for Mickey Brennan, final winner Pannett and Gordon Moodie. In the last chance consolations, wins for Skeg regular Chris Utley (780) and Paul Reid (17) gave a good Scottish win

UK Open time, and with the meeting severely overrunning due to the fence demolition, no parade was available. Shame really. Perhaps, and this is just a salient point, that the UK race should be earlier on the bill, so that any folks who want to get home the right side of midnight can do. The grid looked like Kellog's Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes. Tasty, tasty, very very tasty. Moodie was on pole, alongside veteran Broatch with Brennan and Polley taking the inside line. Justin Fisher (315) due to start on Row 4, proclaimed in the pre race build up, that he might be leading come the end of the first lap. He did, briefly, as bedlam reigned, seeing the end to many hopes, including Rygor, Rubery and several others.

On the restart, it was Barry Goldin (401) who lead them away with George McMillan and Chris Burgoyne tacking along for company. With not many laps to go, GeoMac had a dive at Goldin, which slightly over cooked, allowing Burgy thru and also Irishman Chris Kincaid. Faultless driving from Goldin saw him take the title home, one of few not to have adorned the 401 car.

listen to ‘Stoxcast - Barry Goldin (401)’ on Audioboo

So with Moodie rectifying his UK misdeameanours by taking the last race of the weekend for the F2's and everyone set about their merry way home....

POINTS OF ORDER

An Apology. Sorry Crimond fans left last weeks meet of the report. If you didn't come from Aberdeenshire, then it was unlikely to of hit your radar as Stuart Kelly (339) took a hatrick, from brother Graham (721) and Robbie Dawson (854). Dawson took the national...

Fence. Many an event seems to have a lengthy delay for fence repairs. The very nature of the racing on these large meetings at Skegness means that the racing is hard. But to have these lengthy delays, when people have travelled hours, and have long journeys home is unacceptable. It seems all too regular an occurence and the track needs a new fence. Plate it up and lets see the sparks fly! The standard arguments about the bogs and the like

Format - Total confusion for the format of the Saturday night, and good luck to David Hamar who has the uneviable task of trying to make head nor tail of the points system used. A weekend style system is good, and whilst it appears to be a compromise between action and format, becomes a fudge not worthy of the trackside sweetshop. Racers race 2 out of 5 on the Saturday and another heat on the Sunday - making it 3 out of the 8. Quite a simple concept. But confusion comes when
Come the meeting final, there are very few people who actually care and are more influenced by that girl Stella and Kenneth Heine. So is their actually a purpose to having a final? If so, why not add some double points on the old scoreboard for the UK final and give it some gravitas?

A plea to Ms Cooke, the promoteress extraordinaire. Your PA, is old, tired and worn out, and sounds incomphrensible. But enough about Paul Brown, your sound system is patchy in places. Either not heard at all, or distorted, it needs addressing, as it is pointless having a great show from Richard Kaleta if you cannot hear him.

Dykes. Team Janner Motorsport's newest member Alex "Barry" Wills had his Skeg virginity well and truly taken from him. Drunk on the Saturday night trudge back from the track to Simmo's campsite he fell into one of the East Coast's infamous ditches and come out looking like he'd taken on a swamp monster. Remember kids, please drink responsibly...

If ever Alistair Oxby or Steve Linfield fancy a change from commentary, then maybe they could find work on the tannoy at ASDA, giving the amount of public service announcements, seeing as all they seemed to do was to give out car number plates to move. Whether it was poor parking by general numpties, or an over zealous cram them in attitude, it was clear that there was not enough parking spaces. Nothing more annoying (as I have been in the past) by aiming to get away swiftly on a long journey only to be blocked in.

Generally - the stadium is looking very tired. With the onslaught of the wet stuff we had on the Thursday night turned the pits into a slurry. The toilets look antiquated. I know, its not about this when it comes to racing, but surely, the bread and butter, the holiday specials with the stunt shows and the like, with the holiday makers, they expect better.

However, it was Skegvegas, and it is worth noting, that the Saloons certainly added a lot of fans to the party. Brutal and solid racing...I certainly fell in love with the place again...

Raceweekend 19 - The not so calm before the storm!

Another race weekend, and with the eyes of most getting some more qualifying points, but for most one eye on the weekend coming....

BRENNAN'S BUXTON BONUS

Saturday night qualifiers at Buxton are becoming the norm, nowadays, and with a few extras in the form of Jay Tomkin and Paul Moss, there was a small invasion from Scotland in the form of Wee Den...However, talking of the norm and Buxton, Kelvyn Whalley (101) took the first heat. Double World champ Mickey Brennan (968) needed some points drastically. He took the second heat, and after a win for Ryan Morgan (48) in the consolation, Brennan took the final at the track where he won his first title.

RYGOR'S ROY'S BOY

Inclement weather was on the forecast, however, despite one slight shower, the Devonian day was mostly under sunshine, with just a few shy under 40, with a few regulars away chasing World Points and no real travellers of note, it just proves how strong the Westcountry currently is. If anything it was a small dress rehearsal for the Taunton Big Weekend, which saw Bill Batten (167) back in earnest in prep for his testimonial and another practice session for the girls.
So two heats and the final, and strongly upheld views from promoter Crispen Rosevear about the state of F2 and how Taunton is bucking the trend by sensible positive racing and giving the perfect send up. Heat 1 saw a near perfect run for Neil Hooper (676). Heat 2 was the more lively affair. After a few frantic laps, Chris Rowe (76) had his throttle stick open rendering the cheery Plymouthian unsure of his whereabouts! This allowed the pack to close up. It appeared that it was going to be more than likely a win for James Rygor (783). However, the rain gods scuppered the golden charge, as the Bradmobile seemed to struggle as the spits and spots made the track moist. Wily old veteran Paul Butcher (189) used his 30 plus years of experience to full advantage to take the win. The consolation went the way of the newly sheared Ladies' Favourite Dale Moon (302) in a solid scrap for places in the meeting final.
When the meeting final came along, it was clear it was going to be a classic. From the get go, The Colonel, Glen Sanders (734) sped away to an impressive lead. Further back, comeback king Lazarus Farrell (667) and Neil Hooper were trading blows like old times....
Sanders looked like he was going to take another final win, however, with not many to go, the race was brought under caution, and Liam Rowe (605) and Justin Fisher (315), passed on the restart. With the laps ticking down Rygor swooped on the pair of blues. However, they fought back, and Fisher took the brunt of a decisive and crucial move for The Tiger which spun Fisher, and allowed Rowe onto the back bumper. However the Cornish driver wasn't close enough, and Rygor crossed the line to take the Roy Goodman Perptual Trophy, and was presented by the nonogenerian former world champion in a shirt that could be used as a floodlight, or indeed worn by Neil Truran!

listen to ‘Stox Cast..... Smeatharpe Final winner 6/7/14 James Rygor (783)’ on Audioboo

The GN was a 2nd win of the day for Neil Hooper, and everyone who was there, was in agreement, one of the best meetings for quite some time and certainly a great show in front of a packed crowd, who were waiting for the Caravan Race, which also, was one of the best I had ever seen. Cars vaulting over the flatbeds left behind and turning the race into an impromptu ramp rollover - and that car was first across the line too! With meetings like this I am truly honoured to have Taunton as my local track - racing anywhere else just doesn't come close!

MOODIE MARVELLOUS AT BARFORD

Our very own Barford botherer Andrew Hingley reports
"25 cars made it here to race today. A couple of welcome visitors 979 and 290 to boost the numbers. 224 was also here but never made out to race. 
All cars in all races was the format today, 24 in this one with 625 missing as he was changing his head gasket. 560 was soon into the lead, but a couple of laps later 7, does his favourite tap on him to put him off line to take the lead and is untroubled to the chequered flag. 
Heat 2. This starts with an early spin for 652 after the push from 7 on 38 onto 960 and 652. 7 was going well again getting pasts blue tops 49 and 301 but then having to retire with a broken half shaft to cheers from certain parts of the crowd near me. 38 was then challenging 49 and 301 for the lead and eventually taking the win. 
Final time and they formed the grid as normal for WQR in grades within grades. No 7 got a flyer as normal, always quick off the mark and as expected took the win with ease. They were a few battles for the minor places, 968 taking out 560 and 618 and 16 have a go at 301 on the last lap. 38 was 2nd and 49 3rd. 
GN time and 38 takes the win from 49 and 968. Not much action today, maybe there would have been more if 2/3rds format had been adopted."

POINTS OF ORDER

The ZETEC was unleashed without any fanfare, but with some teething problems, but heh, Rome wasn't built in a day. Main pilot was Mike Priddle, and I'll have a chat with him with regard to this as soon as I find a bleep button....

All roads lead Skegward, and I shall be there, I'll be the one with a small harem and a camera!

Raceweekend 18.... Moodies Brit of alright

A totally solus weekend saw the biggest championship of the season so far. Despite this being the only F2 meeting of the weekend numbers were down for the British Championship....

Our man in the north east Andrew Hingley reports

"It was the best turnout for Barford so far this year with about 38 cars in the pits. No white tops but plenty of the superstars and red tops incluing the World Champ. Cars were split into 3 out 5 heats. Heat 1 had 783, 7 and 218 staring in this one. This heat needed a complete restart after all the red tops got a massive push from the superstars. Speaky was launched over Aldridge, 964 Fortune ended up perched on the fence. Speaky received a lot of damage, 3 corners needed fixing and athe use of another roof when he made it out for his next heat. The heat was restarted with Speaky and Aldridge missing. It was a great race with action everywhere. 560 was well away from the rest of the pack with blue tops 836 and 49 going well too. Things soon changed for 49, after been sent wide on turn 4, 578 Gibbs went past and squeezed him into the fence and ended up riding the fence until hitting a post and coming down hard ending up on the centre green with all missing him as he came down. 560 took the win with 7 2nd and 854 3rd. 

Heat 2 next and another race full of action. 224 Dobson this time took to riding the fence, but this time ending up on his roof with 102 Draeger having to take avoiding action and he ended up rolling too, landing heavily on his wheels without even damaging the roof. Lots of bumper work in this one with 301 Whitfield holding off 401 Goldin until 3 Rennie caught up and nipped past them both to take the win, with 38 and 647 also getting past 301. 
Heat 3. This was another good heat with 836 Pannet going well until his engine let go and took himself and 7 others out. Moodie won this one with 401 not too far behind. 
Heat 4 was quieter. Speaky made it out, but started at the back with 49's roof on instead of his own as it was damaged in the first heat. Another win for 560 and good showing from 3 and 401 for 2nd and 3rd. 
Heat 5. 7 took 3 out wide early on and on the next lap put 783 in a spin after he made contact with 187 just after turn 2. 915 was spun by 854 and managed to get going again soon after. 301 took the win with 7 2nd and a good finish for 725 in third. 
The British was next and 31 drivers came out for the parade. 7 was on pole with 560 outside, 401 in third and 3 4th. We were all wondering how many starts would be needed and expected carnage on the first corner. It wasn't to be though, with moodie getting away from Goldin who was directly behind. In turns 1 and 2 there was a big push with 823 and 488 getting spun. 488 quickly recovered, but 823 ended up stuck on the concrete humps. 187 also had a tangle too. 301 and 647 quickly got past 560. The only stoppage happend at around lap 6 with 301 being stuck on the bottom corner. 7 led the restart from 401. 401 had a go at turn one but was just to far away on just about making contact, but spun to great cheers from the crowd. There was no stopping 7 after that and he basicly cruised to victory. 401 made it back into the top 10, he was really going well today. Scots filled the first 4 places at the end with 854 2nd, 647 3rd and 3 4th. The race with the biggest field of cars had the most finishers with only the one stoppage. That was quiet surprising. Next week we have the world qualifier. Let's hope they all turn up again."

So for Moodie, a second British title, surprising as he seems to have had a fair few titles. But certainly the form man round the tight ovals at the moment...

POINTS OF ORDER

Whilst the opportunity for a casual spectator of those tractors came about for the first time in 5 years, a real opportunity was missed by F2 to be part of the show. To show the visiting hoards just what the "hairdryers" are like in their more natural habitat would have been good.
 The scheduling of the British on the Sunday furthermore meant that a lot of visiting drivers for Cowdie could have made a weekend for it.

Attendance for the British, whilst it was Barford's busiest meeting of the year, this meeting should attract 50 plus. A lack of a weekend made it unfeasible for many of the travellers, and might well have made the meeting run smoother. Perhaps WQ attendance points for the championships, say 10, would encourage a few more travellers, or perhaps the WCQR is the following weekend would have been tacked on to it?

And.......

Over the next couple of weeks we are shooting the 2015 Jho Calendar for Macmillan, so keep your eyes peeled in the pits, and come Skegness we shall have some good sneaky peakies for you the discerning reader....

Raceweekend 17... Irish Eyes are Smiling...

The first weekend away for many and the continuation the championship weeks sees the Irish get involved...

CAYZER CHIEFS FINAL BUT DAZ WHITER THAN WHITE

A dusty day at Mildo which saw a relatively big field of 2's for the World of Shale qualifier. Mini Moss was there although the dreaded engine gremlins struck again. New F1 pilot Mark Sargent (798) took his "hairdryer" out for a run and took heat 1. Then Grahams galore, as Morrison (881) took heat 2 and Mole the consolation. Final time saw a roll over for Aaron Vaight (184) but it was Daz Schenschall (376) who led until the lap boards came out, when Steve Cayzer (380) moved him wide and took another final at the under threat Suffolk shaleway. Steve Mallinson (788) took second, but it was Schenschall who took the final step on the podium. The national was won by George Turrucki (186)

KINCAID GOES NUTTS AS HE WINS IRISH, BURGY WIN NATIONALS

The annual Brisca F2 weekend to Ireland, was full off travellers from the main island. A last minute schedule change, meant the total weekend was done at Nutts Corner, instead of Ballymena. With a dramatic split with Spedeworth back in Ireland, it was taking of the pulse to see how healthy the Irish scene is, with Tullyroan and the returning Aghadowey taking some cars away. Our view is taken from Team Menace, the one and only Dennis Middler (641) and mates and their roadtrip.

"Well they say its the 'Luck of the Irish' we just had no luck. It was fast hard hitting racing! On the Saturday night it was 2 heats then the final (Irish Championship) we managed a 8th in Heat1. The two heats went to 925 Craig McConnell & 647 Chris Burgoyne. In the Irish Championship itself we we going good then got binned by Gavin Fagan which gave us a considerable amount of damage and left the under carriage of the car slightly bent. On the Sunday it was a early rise for the team to get the car fixed. The first race was the F2 Nationals championship where 647 Chris Burgoyne took the honours. We finished just outside the top 10 (11th). There was two reversed heats that made up the final grid. Heat 1 went to 571 we managed a 9th. Heat 2 went to 647

We were running strong but were spun out by 929 Connor Hughes. We managed to get going again but finished outside the top ten. In the final (George Fagan perpetual cup) we started 13th on the grid got a good start we went into the first couple of bends hard. On the restart we were sitting 3rd then 929 took another lunge at us which sent us straight into the wall with 944 ryan mcCrory left on top of the car leaving the car in a sorry state with a bust engine."

Ooo err, lots of hard work in Carnoustie coming up Den....

THOMPSON WINS AS PENIS RUNS CONTROVERSIAL ALL IN
A meeting that got many an F2 purists head shaking is summed up by Ard God Dave
"Despite a near-40 car entry the F2s stuck to their all-in format which caused a little disquiet among the drivers, Courtney Finnikin’s new car having a short day thanks to a lap one tangle with Darren Phillips with the restart seeing Richard Bowyer pull clear of a four-way scrap for the front to win it. The Phillips family’s tough day continued in heat two as Luke Phillips was taken out in a tangle with Luke Wrench before Philip Mann and Andy Brewin slammed heavily into the back straight wall in a big crash, Mann lucky not to roll with both cars destroyed. Mark Gibbs has finally got his new car running properly and held off Chris Bradbury for victory, before white top AJ Thompson led all the way in the main race for the first Final win of his career, Mike Green leading the GN until sliding wide on dropped oil handing Wrench the win."

CLOW PLOUGHS BELLE VUE

To Manchester... Local hero Rob Speak was away tractor racing at PENIS, but it was all eyes on the World qualifiers. The obligatory PJ Moss appearance was made. Heat wins went the way of John Wright (448) and final winner last time Josh Coleman (615). Shale superstar Michael Lund (995) took the consi, and final time came along, with Barry Clow (597) taking a well earned victory from Wright and Phil Mitchell (219).

POINTS OF ORDER

Can someone please explain the "retired" rule for grade changes. There seems to be confusion on this fact. At the start of the season there were drivers who had come back from periods of retirement to drop only by doing 3 meetings. I always thought you maintained the grade you had for 2 grading periods before you could be considered for regrading.  At the beginning of the year, both comeback kings Neil Langworthy and Ross Rowe dropped. Yet, Liam Rowe, who started halfway through the season, done his 1 the previous month, and 3 the following period, and doesn't drop to yellow?
Over the close season, the whole grading process needs looking at. For instance, how can Kelvyn Whalley win umpteen finals in April and have an average over 20, and drop to blue for May?  There are also drivers who because they started the season undergraded, hit the points hard and then spend the rest of season a grade or two too high. And then you have the self confessed "plastic" red tops north of the border... maybe next season grades should be done on averages too.

And whilst I'm off a long run, prepare for a beamer Incaworth. Over 35 cars all in is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. If you want a big field, buy a farm. Traditionally the final is the feature race.
The rule of thumb should be - under 10 cars cancel, 10-25 all in, 25-30 2 out of 3 (for the bigger tracks up to 35), Over 30, 2 heats + consi. Over 70 cars, 3 heats! It discourages the budget racer when all they are going to get is damage and no reward (for the little reward they get). Meetings like this when drivers do it "for the love" soon fall out of love with it, and lo, the cars up for sale or in the garage until something better comes along. Sensible formats produce sensible racing, and yes, whilst a 15 car heat at NIR might be a bit dull, its better than a 15 car meet! But then you have the build up of a 30 car final!  If you are publically going for 30 cars, restrict the bookings, not allowing the "turn ups" to race, and not moan in driver's briefings that cars have turned up! 38 cars is an extremely good turn out for NIR these days, lets have some fair, hard and decent races, but not water down our finals. Plan for the best case scenario, not the worse, as it is easier to drop a race than put one on.

Raceweekend 16 --- Westward Ho!

Greetings from a sunny weekend in God's own acre, as the World QR Caravan pulled into the Westcountry, only this one wouldn't jack-knife and cause untold problems to those weary travellers....

COWDENBEATH BREAKS WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL

After the biblical downpours that befell its domestic meeting the previous week, it was the end of term as Scotland breaks up for Summer...
Alan Edmiston (580) took heat 1 and the recharged form man Dennis Middler (641) proved that his promotion to the red grade was no handicap by taking heat 2. Moodie then took final number 348 from usual nemesis Chris Burgyone (647) and Craig Wallace (16). Burgoyne then took the national from Wallace and Moodie recovered to take 3rd from his handicap.
Moodie loaded up and went through the night off to St Day..... truly mad and dedicated in equal measure.

ISSIT A COV QR WINNER.... YES HE IS
Coventry hasn't had the best of seasons so far with the early season cancellation due to waterlogging. But with the semis on shale this season and with many tar only drivers taking the opportunity to get dirty. With a season best 78 cars in the pits, with Neil Hooper (676) and George McMillan (100) were surprising competitors. However it was the shale supremos that took the plaudits in a 3 heats and consolation format. The heats went the way of form. Barry Goldin (401) took heat 1. The second was won by Mark Simpson (871) and the third the way of Andrew Palmer (606). Kyle Taylor (136) took his first win from blue in the consolation. However, the final went the way of veteran Carl Issit (103) who just seems to be a shale only driver, but he certainly looked the part, boosting his world score. Chris Bradbury (886) rounded off the night with a GN win.

GORDON GRABS NEAR MAX IN CORNWALL

To the track with more than its fair share of old engine houses, and if the earth moves for you, you've problem fallen in a tin mine shaft, as a disappointing turnout of 33 cars came to play at St Day. Lots of local stay at homes, some banned, some not arsed, but only 3 "non" locals turned out for the qualifier. Last year's QR winner Mark Gibbs (578 was 270) was present along with "Jaguar" Skeels (124). Again, Gordon Moodie (7) did the overnight drive to St Day, or maybe have they mastered the art of teleportation in Scotland, as the silver haired silver top running solely on Red Bull. Usually, this fixture attracted numerous travellers, but this just seemed to be furthermore to the apathy surrounding this year's world series.

So to the racing and with the sponsorship of former F2 racer Neil Truran, another superb show with mugs and the like...the usual massive trophies, which my previous quote "that they were like buckets" was used by Truran in his pre meet publicity

Heat 1 went the way of James Rygor (783) who caught the aforementioned Gibbs (578) on the last bend after the popular Potteries driver had sped away.
Heat 2 looked as it was going the way of Ty Keveth (428) who was truly on it, pulling a gap of nearly half a lap on the charging Moodie (7). The unlucky Keveth was caught by backmarker Paul Barker (529) halfway down the back straight, which gave Moodie the necessary gap to move forward.
With most of the major names

Final time saw once again the Motorworld Monorail seeker Neil Hooper (676) finding himself perched on top of the stricken Steve Gilbert (542) and vaulted over Jag Skeels (124) bonnet, in a way which could get him into the England Commonwealth Games Gymnastic Team.

Neil's game of jenga was somewhat disappointing

A complete re start was called, but many of the blue tops had been wiped out. All eyes were facing front wards as Keveth and the revitilised 90's legend Neil Langworthy (740) sped away, pursued by the winner of the previous year, the Laughing Gnome, Mark Gibbs (578). Gibbs reeled in the white tops and pulled a good distance away, with Richard Beere (254) not too far behind. Behind, it was Moodie that got the jump on the rest of the fellow stars, but Rygor was visibly catching Moodie, but the #7 car got the better of the traffic. However as the boards came out, Gibbs was still a way away from the Scot, but with one to go, Moodie moved the Potteries based driver wide. However, not settling for second was not on Gibbo's agenda as in to the tip bend he had a nibble of the Moodie RCE. However the last bend saw a massive bite, but Gordon rode out the hit, and Gibbs had to settle for second. A 4th podium in 4 United Downs meetings for James Rygor (783) and Beere rounded off the Truran 1-2-3-4.

Meanwhile in the National, after a yellow flag part way through, Richard Beere (254) held off a spirited charge from the Moodster to round the day with a win. Another lap and a Moodie max could have been on the cards.

listen to ‘Stoxcast 12- Gordon Moodie (7) winner of Neil Truran Motorsport QR’ on Audioboo

BURGOYNE BEASTS BARFORD
Andrew Hingley was there...
"18 F2's made it out onto track today. A couple of no shows and a couple of extras to what was shown on the booking list. It was the first booking list seen for while. Heat 1 was full of action. There was plenty of action throughout the field with a couple of yellow flag incidents. Firstly when 192 got it wrong on the home straight, he was sideways on the track with 301 pushing and cars passing either side. 301 made it clear and then the yellow flags came out for the stranded 192 who was pushed off the track. As per the rule book the line up was done back to the previous lap with 301 in about 3rd place. A few laps later 49 and another tangled on turn 2 and then got going again as 321 went fence wards courtesy of 766. Yellows out again but no lining up to the previous lap when 49 was about 3rd. He was made to start at the rear. 301 was in the lead at this point. Maybe the yellow flags came out when 49 was still against the fence, I am not sure. A few more laps after the restart 647 gets past 301, and suddenly on turn 2 301 spins around after his outside rear wheel comes off. It bounces on the track and then gets hit by 299 i think and it gets sent over the catch fencing and catches someone in the crowd. Fortunately he wasn't hurt and he had a lucky escape. After the restart 647 lead until the finish. The other races never lived up to the first one, but the red tops certainly never stopped trying with 647 taking the 2nd heat and the final and 301 winning the GN. In 2 weeks time the British comes to Barford with lots of the top drivers already booked in. Let's hope it's a good one."

KELLY KREAMS KRIMOND
A football team of drivers took to Crimond, which again is to be expected. With no Moodster, it was the locals that did the winning. After two heats for Robbie Dawson (854), Graham Kelly (721) turned back the clock and took an emphatic win in the final. Dawson took the GN.

MEANWHILE IN ST AUSTELL
The interlude between qualifiers in the past has always seen the legendary Neil Truran BBQ, with chefs in the past including Barry Goldin, Mickey Brennan and Sam Wagner. In the shadow of the former track situated across the road from St Austell Bay Auctions, I felt the need to drive the car across to look at where the old track was. Ironic that Cornish Market World stands on top of the old Cornish Stadium, when many will tell you that the late great Trevor Redmond brought the market in -across the road where the auction house is, as "something for the ladies to do". Nethertheless it was a good shin dig to discuss the day at St Day and to talk tactics about the following nights racing. With no sous chef it was left to Minty to do the cooking himself, with plenty of steak, pork, burgers and sausages laid on. Very tasty too. After the apologies were given for the no shows it was time for the video show. 3 films on show. The first one was a documentary about Tom Pitcher, the first double world champion following him round the road to gold. Very much the gentlemen. How much the 1973 World Final looked. Ringwood looked very different, Bristol looked the same, if not better than it does now (nooooo inner armco- result!). It was an old school documentary, no Sam Wainman talking money or dynasties and back stories. Even a young Bill Batten and a middle aged Roy Goodman! I also saw the 1972 World Final which took place at St Austell. Lots of my nan's favourite Nic Edwards (ex 611) in action The old cine film and its shakiness was good to see. I am led to believe you can get the same kind of experience with the videos on Ftooz.... Then we brought it upto date. The 2013 World Final, and whilst we all sat and looked at Steve Linfield's interviews, then the race itself. Loads of memories shared, even Crispen himself still can't believe that race. Some drunk the place dry, some were clock watching and was bored (Mummy Moss!!) and some had work in the morning. A good evening of joshing!

GORDON SWIFTY AS HE REACHES THREE FIFTY
Another glorious early summer's evening befell the wonderful Smeatharpe Stadium, and memories of the corresponding fixture last year which saw the making of a legend... No ginger janners with a penchant for late night Maccie D's this time, but in the paid practice period the talk was over the battle for 350. Moodie versus Speak. Part Umpteen!
Speaky had been ill with a dodgy ear infection, which if anyone who has suffered this ailment will tell you, it can severely play with your body! So with the showdown put on ice, it was to look to see if Moodie could.
Practice day saw several turn back the clock, with Bill Bghtatten (167) having a run about in his car, for the first time in 2 years all told. Clearly inspired by this fact, Peter Gilbert (ex542) had a blast in son Steve's car, regressing back a few years prior! And then, in a spot of practice for the up and coming Ladies Race at Taunton, which could indeed be a bit of an epic all be told with the entries flying in, left, right and centre, was Sarah Bowden (ex918) who took the Richard Beere (254) car out for a spin

So race time came along, and heat 1 was won at a canter by Moodie, who with numerous yellow flags, won it at a canter from Liam Rowe (605). Heat 2 looked like it was going the way of Smokey Issacs (937) before those nasty red tops Chris Bradbury (886) and James Rygor (783) got ahead. The consolation saw a few drivers who shouldn't have been there as both Neil Hooper (676) and Jack Aldridge (921) failed to negotiate their heats, however, it was on the cards as veteran from the Newton Abbot era of mid week meetings, Neil Langworthy (740) finally taking a win, much to raptures of those who remembered his last!

listen to ‘Stoxcast 13 - Neil Langworthy (740) Consolation winner Taunton WQR’ on Audioboo

Final time and it was a hectic affair. Issacs led away and was looking good, when Nathan Maidment (935) spun halfway down the back straight causing pandemonium between the stars, as Hooper and Bradbury ended up in the the marker tyres to take avoiding action. With cars spinning everywhere, all eyes were on Moodie who had the gold roof Rygor for company. As all were losing their heads around them, Moodie carved his way to the front, pursued by Rygor who looked to be catching the Scot, but Moodie put in some priceless laps, on a very busy track. Once the chequered dropped Moodie smoked some donuts on the pit bend, and got out and was clearly moved by his achievement. Rygor was 2nd, and Chris Mikulla (522) rounded out the top 3.

listen to ‘Stoxcast 14 - Gordon Moodie (7) on his 350th career final win’ on Audioboo

With work in the morning, Gordon skipped the GN with the blessing of the crowd - he certainly had the longest journey. With a fairly busy grid, it soon became a shoot out between Rygor and Bradbury, until the latter met, yes you've guessed it, Dave Sansom (352). For once, one could say Sammo was blameless, as he was used as a snooker plant to remove Bradbury from the race. But still, not Dave to make mates on track! Rygor took the GN from Justin Fisher (315) who rounded out a reasonable night.

listen to ‘Stoxcast 15 - Matt Issacs (937)’ on Audioboo

POINTS OF ORDER

Funny how when the recent Brisca directive update notes about bonnets, it was clear to see that in the Grand National at St Day, that Ollie Skeels (124) was not plastic or indeed metal. Or existent! Errr.....

The Scottish Break kicks in this week, although the added attraction of a Brisca formula at Lochgelly will be a feather in their cap, albeit a grating one for all Scottish fans who would rather see F2's there. No Cowdenbeath's until end of July - whilst I can understand most of the Scots go south. I hope that most of the drivers take the time to recharge and I'm expecting a 40 car turnout for the next Cowdie....

The chase for 350 turned into a bit of a damp squib. Speak is currently suffering from an inner ear infection which has made the multi champ extremely ill. Gordon has looked imperious. I think that we are extremely privileged to have two of the greats racing against each other, although a much more hungry Speak would have another 50 or so finals!

Stoxnet numpties strike again, this time they can't agree whether the meeting was good or bad at Birmingham for the British. And that they hate rebels, and anything else that isn't cumbersome and noisy.

The ability of Marie Issacs to destroy a pack of wine gums and jelly babies is something truly to behold. Still fair swap for some burgers on their BBQ...

Bill Batten was unsure just how many final wins he has- he is top dog when it comes to final wins. I'm sure that it is somewhere between 460- 500 final wins over his 45 year career!

Till the next time... auf wiedersehn muther hubbards....

Raceweekend 15. Whalley's Full English.

So with a busy old week of fun and frolics up't north, it was Buxton's first opportunity to have a weekend of fun. With it being a totally solus weekend, perhaps a few more cars could have been coming but there were a few notable travellers, including Jason MacDonald (387) from over the border and Cornishman Steve Gilbert (542) who I overtook by the Saltash Tunnel on my way to work at 8 am!

With the Saturday being more of an appetizer for the championship ahead the following day, and with the biblical forecast bringing tempest and wind, many stayed at home. A little foolhardy as it was shirt sleeve order for the 3 heats. Heat 1 was won by Lee Dimmick (59), and the second by Richard Bowyer (761). A fiesty conclusion saw a huge tangle between Messrs Aldridge, Goldin and Rubery, which brought an abrupt end to Heat 3, which was won by the Racing Golfer Darren Clarke (571). Final time and the heavens had opened. Bearing in mind that Buxton is the closest track to heaven, the rain didn't have far to fall. It was Richard Stott (169) who splashed his way to victory from Goldin and Luke Wrench. With the party about to start, Ben Lockwood, signalled the party hooter by taking the GN

Sunday saw a few more cars turned for the qualifying heats and consolation. Heats went the way of Bowyer and Mike Green (115) with Dimmick taking the Consi. Soon, it was final time.

Now the English Championship has a strange grid formation. It is gridded up in banks of 6 in reverse average grade. I remember in the early 2000's the then red graded Chris Roots lining up in the first bank because he had only done a few meetings. Needless to say he romped it... 

So for the 2014 race.... here's how they lined up....

94 Marriott 299 Smith
184 Vaight 749 Aimson
91 Constable 604 Conway

319 Wadsworth 578 Gibbs
571 Clarke 560 Wrench
618 Lockwood 581 Fallows

297 Bailey 387 MacDonald
59 Dimmick 960 Whitehead
817 Bailey  411 Williamson

768 Adcroft 921 Aldridge
101 Whalley 823 Wagner
115 Green 700 Rubery

38 Polley 169 Stott
968 Brennan 761 Bowyer
401 Goldin 886 Bradbury

359 Wrench (Had a zero average)

So with the averages of some drivers somewhat Rootsesque, it was Aaron Vaight (184) who led the majority of the race, until Mr Buxton himself, THE man round Buxton, Kelvyn Whalley (101) took the win, from Bridesmaid Bradders (886). However, Kelvyn had only just finished his nuptials...

With Whalley taking the handicap, it was Richard Stott (169) that took the folowing GN.

POINTS OF ORDER

Whilst having a speedweekend is a conducive and positive approach for one of Brisca's lesser titles, surely maybe having a double header with a Qualifying round would be more beneficial??

Sad news from the general world of motorsport in the past couple of weeks. The tragic events of the Jim Clark Rally certainly brings a few points. 1. Is it really worth getting that close to action? 2. Listen to the marshalls advice at all times & 3. Motorsport is dangerous, and despite organisers taking all necessary precautions accidents can happen - it's printed on our tickets. Drums it home.

Also, the Isle of Man TT claimed another 2 victims, one of whom was the boyfriend of a friend. The news has devastated her, justifiably so. What she didn't want to see was her fella's last moments put on Youtube.  There are some sick callous morbid shit for brains fuckers out there. It was the same with some of our fatalities and injurys - simply what is wrong with these people. If you find any footage, report it please. There's a family grieving.

Sorry to be a downer on everyone, but it had to be said....

Anyways, next weekend, round mine for a quick blast eh? Let the Pet Shop Boys sung.... Go West, life is peaceful there....

Raceweekend 14... Steel and Scotch.

So with the season well alight and now we enter the championship period... But we start on a Thursday

ALDRIDGE TAKES ANOTHER SKEG

A half term means one thing, another Fun Coast Fursday at Skeg. After a heat wins for Andrew Spence (557) and Mike Green (115), Jack Aldridge took yet another Skegness final. He really is giving his Gordyness a run for his money for the Skeggy track championship this year. The GN was taken by Dave Pannett (836).

TOWNSEND THE KING OF LYNN

Two days later and a jaunt up the A16 from Boston, saw the drivers descend on the super smooth King's Lynn shale for another meeting. Such is the popularity of the track, I find it baffling that they place so many restrictions on bookings. With limited pit space I understand the constraints, but with the right support (with them restricted) a massive mega line up could see the way forward. But with the cars there they put another good show. Allen Cooper (702) took heat 1 on the track he led the World on. George Turricki (186) finally found some form by taking the second heat. Paul Nicholson (198) took the consolation on his home track. Final time and it was clear that is was going to be a cracker. With opening day final winner Dave Harley (362) and Brett Townsend (710) setting the early running. In the closing laps, one time track champion Chris Bradbury (886) got amongst them, but it was Brett that took the chequered and thanks  to the steward, not getting docked this time. Andrew Palmer (606) saw out the night at 9:15pm... super quick time..

DENNIS MENACES COWDIE WORLD QUALIFIER

So with the World Final track holding its qualifier, a season best turnout of 26 cars, including a few from the west including PJ Moss (979), Jamie Avery (126) and Ryan Wadling (476), and Sam Wagner (823). Also turning up was a Robert Speak (218). Some novice from down south apparently.  For the first time in a long while, a full format meeting took place. The first heat saw the usual fare served up by Moodie, who hunted down and chased Devonian Jamie Beere (954). The second heat went the way of Dennis Middler (641) in his last meeting from blue. After John Broatch (722) took the consolation, it was final time. With pole blue drawn for Middler (being a QR the back of the grade rule for racewinners is dispensed with) it became clear, that Wee Den was going to be unbeatable. Not even the charging Moodie could stop the Carnoustie based smiler, who certainly signed off the blue roof in style. A Maximum QR score of 35 certainly boosted his chances of being on the grid come September. Moodie took the GN...

7 TAKES 8 AS MOODIE TAKES SCOTTISH

For the first time ever, GMP did not host the Scottish title, Crimond was the host, and the northern outpost attracted 17 cars, however not as many 19 for the QR, as many chose not to head north. But a good show was put on by Crimond. With a small turnout, it was clear that first race was to be the championship. Another faultless display from Moodie, who made it an eighth Scottish title, and his third in a row. Another heat and final followed for Moodie and another stunning display. Graham Kelly (721) took another Crimond GN....

SPEAK SHOWS SHEFFIELD STEEL

To the Owlerton Stadium they came for the Qualifier round. Last year's qualifying round was snowed off at the first attempt, no such coldness this year. Form shalemen Andrew Palmer (606) took heat 1  after winning his last race at King's Lynn the night before. Barry Goldin (401) taking heat 2. Veteran Carl Issit (103) took the consolation. However in the final, fresh from his Cowdie experience, was Rob Speak (218). Another shale win for the 8 times champ, certainly boosted his position up the semi grids, taking his career final wins to 349. Former Sheffield track champion Sam Wagner (823) took the GN.

POINTS OF ORDER

Zetec engines could be out as soon as the St Day Qualifier, The combined work of Mike Priddle and Matt Linfield, means the power unit could be there for all to see - lets hope the rules are sensible and that the costs don't escalate.

And now to announce the JHO Scottish Pasty/Beverage Westcountry QR Bonus.... For EVERY SCOTTISH driver that does both St Day and Taunton qualifiers, a pasty plus Cornish beverage of choice (We do some fine ales, lagers and of course cyders). It won't pay for the diesel, but it's my thank you to you for coming on down!