Short Circuit Latest

Short Circuit Publishers statement

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:12:09 +0000

“Unfortunately we are running so late with Short Circuit’s August issue that in order to catch up to a reasonable level we have decided to combine the August and September issues. All subscribers will have one issue added to their subscriptions to make up the full 12 (or 24) issues.
Earlier in the year the June SC was well on schedule and Oval Track Classic was also due out. Then myself, the publisher and person who puts the magazines together suffered a hand injury, making it almost impossible to type and difficult to put magazines together on the pc. After several weeks being slowed down to roughly 20% speed, (and considerable pain!) a backlog soon built up, and with an unexpected rush of work from outside of the usual magazine business, making it impossible to catch up. The June and July issues suffered, thankfully I am now fully fit, and decided that Oval Track Classic was a priority after being ready to put together since early April, and is out NOW.
Expect a slightly larger than usual Aug/Sept issue out soon. It will take a bit of sorting with lots of behind the scenes admin so please bear with us – it should be out 10th September and normal service will resume with October SC with an aimed for publishing date of the first Friday of the month.
Anyone on the Demon Tweeks scheme – they usually know when we publish the magazine as they have a copy – any problems you can always refer them to me.”

National Hot Rod World Final and SpedeWeekend

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:12:52 +0000

Reports Kevin Wegg, photos Dave Smith. (More detailed report and photos in August SC)
Suffolk gleefully saluted it’s stranglehold on the National Hot Rod World Title Chris Haird from Newmarket claimed the title in stunning fashion and thus brought to an end the magnificent reign of Carl Boardley. In a seventy-five lap race full of excitement and drama there was a shock before the cars even left the grid when the much-fancied Irishman John Christie was sensationally disqualified from the line-up when his car failed the weigh-in after the lap times. Things were looking good for Boardley’s defence as he claimed pole position in the same Tigra chassis that had brought him four consecutive titles and another record-equalling fifth win looked even more likely as a result although a suggestion of what was come lay in the fact that only five hundredths of a second separated the first three in the shape of Shane Murphy and points champion Chris Hard.
David O’Regan from Southern Ireland was another to suffer heart-break as his car developed problems on the grid and he was out before the flag dropped. The first incident to prove that anything can happen in motorsport saw a loose bonnet appear on the track causing early race-leader Boardley to take evasive action and this let Haird through for a shock lead. Soon after Ralph Saunders hit the fence following a tangle with several others causing a race stoppage and a complete restart thus thwarting Haird’s earlier work.
On the second time of asking Boardley, Haird and the Irish pair of Murphy and Gary Woolsey soon pulled away from the pack with Boardley gradually creating some space between himself and Haird. It was starting to look like business-as-usual for Boardley until the second unexpected incident which literally did all the damage. Stu Carter and John Holtby collided and Boardley went for a gap to avoid them only to clip Trevor Stimson which sensationally resulted in steering damage and a puncture.
Twenty-six year old Haird was now in the box seat and together with Murphy they opened up a big lead, yet try as he might Haird could not shake him off. With almost ten laps still to go they passed sixth-placed Matt Simpson to graphically illustrate just how quick they were and although Murphy stuck like glue he simply could not find a way past and so it was that Suffolk joyfully crowned Chris Haird the new “King of the Ovals”.

QUOTES
Chris Haird: “It’s all about luck – you never know what can happen. In fact we only just made it over the line as I could feel the diff getting loose and looser. We were confident from the start mind and having got ahead once I was even more determined to do so again after the restart.”

Carl Boardley: “You need bags of luck in this game and this time it wasn’t to be. The car was just coming-on before the incident. If I wasn’t going to win then I was praying it went to someone who deserved it and Chris certainly does – I wish him all the best.” And commenting on recent retirement rumours he added: “That was definitely my last race and I’d like to thank my Ipswich & Suffolk fans for all their fabulous support and best wishes over the last eleven years – we’ve really enjoyed it.” ……….It was announced over the PA that Carl sold the Tigra and “delivered” it before the meeting even finished!!

SUPPORT RACES
With the cream of Europe’s top formulas and drivers on display the support action was top drawer and at times simply jaw-dropping. The National Hot Rod “Best in Britain” race was nearly as good as the gold roof race with Colin Gomm and Shane Murphy having a terrific scrap which resulted in the Irishman once again just missing out on a title. New world champion Chris Haird was simply superb once again and very nearly snatched it on the line in a blanket finish. It followed-on from his from-the-back charge in the world final “revenge”, which saw him overtake all-and-sundry to claim a simply stunning second place that confirmed he could well take over Boardley’s title of ‘Mr Entertainer’ as well.

The Lightning Rod World Final was another full of drama after Diggy Smith appeared to be spun out of the lead by Frankie Cunningham. No action was taken, then O’Reilly caused the chasing pack to close up as he dramatically slowed up in front of Cunningham. This allowed Lee Skoyles to dive up the inside where he remained – just – after Cunningham almost spun him on the last lap. Mind you, since then Cunningham has been removed from the result and Steve Santry moved up to third place.

Things were more straight-forward in the first of the weekend’s world title races as Jason Wilks took a comfortable win in the 2.0 Hot Rods although Mark Paffey and defending champion Wayne Woolsey rubbed door handles in a tense run-in to the flag for third.

Crash-of-the-weekend went to Joe Palmer who spun his 1300 Stock Car and then complete a high-speed double side-over-side roll-over which collected Trackstar driver Dean Moat in the process and sent him rolling as well. Amazingly both walked away with Palmer actually bowing to the crowd having completed his second stunning roll at Foxhall in as many months. Such rolls in the non-contact Stock Rods are a rarity but Mark Barber duly obliged. Lone Scotsman James Smith from Edinburgh had the “let-off-of-the-day” as he piloted his Historic Ford Popular Stock Car to victory when having led the field in style he had Mark Whybra all set to pounce until the yellow flags came out for a race stoppage. In an unusual move the cars were sent round again for a one-lap dash but Whybra sensationally limped out with a dead engine hence fortune smiled on the plucky Scot. Talking of plucky, Laurence Wells had the most impressive car of all with the rather diminutive 1957 Jaguar Xk150 in the all-jaguar Banger race which actually survived in one piece mind after another thrilling and truly hot weekend both on and off track.

Results
National Hot Rod World Final (Spons. by Kent Cams & Hoosier Racing Tyres)
1 Chris Haird(Newmarket), 2 Shane Murphy(Southern Ireland), 3 James Jamieson(Aberdeen)

2.0 Hot Rod World Final (spons. by Image Wheels)
1 Jason Wilks(Stevenage), 2 Wayne McClure(Ireland), 3 Mark Paffey(Havant)

Lightning Rod World Final (spons. by Teng Tools)
Result amended post race: 1 Lee Skoyles(Gt. Yarmouth), 2 Craig Boyd Jnr(Cambs), 3 Steve Santry(Weston Colville)

National Bangers “Big Cat Cup”
1 Dale Hughes(Kent) 2 Lee Hughes(Ashford) 3 Sonny Sherwood(South Ockendon)

Historic Saloon Stock Cars “Bob Studd Trophy”
1 James Smith(Edinburgh) 2 Gary Madgwick(Newmarket) 3 Chris Olding(Middlessex)

Stock Rods European Challenge Cup
1 Andy Sturt(Ashstead) 2 Kerr Paterson(Scotland) 3 Raymond Harper(Ireland)

1300 Stock Car Supreme “Open” Championship
1 Daniel Wenn(Dereham) 2 James Radcliffe(Gt. Yarmouth) 3 Barry Radcliffe(Gt. Yarmouth

Superstox National Championship
1 Glen Salmon(Grays) 2 Paul Anscombe(Newhaven) 3 Billy Smith(Diss)

2.0 Stock Cars “Golden Helmet”
1 Simon Byrne(Alton) 2 Robert Gamble(Hethersett) 3 Adam Ball

National Hot Rods “Best in Britain” (Spons. by Teng Tools)
1 Colin Gomm(Bucks) 2 Shane Murphey 3 James O’Shea(Dublin)

Banger Team Event
Winners: “Midnight Runners C”

2010 National Hot Rod World Final & Spede Weekend Preview

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:23:26 +0000

By Kevin Wegg, photo Matt Bull
Spedeworth’s legendary Spede Weekend is always a “must see event” but in the modern era anticipation this year is surely at an all-time high with not only the National Hot Rod World Final wide open but mouth-watering tussles in prospect amongst a very strong burgeoning support cast as well.
Only in the last few days defending NHR champion Carl Boardley has declared that this will be his last appearance in the formula, citing family reasons (baby due) and his desire to focus on his Pick-up racing as the main reasons for his decision. There is a possibility that he will compete at the Hednesford National weekend if the Tigra hasn’t been sold which in itself raises an intriguing question – will he be really gunning for gold or have one eye on keeping the car in one piece in order to sell? I strongly suspect the former as he attempts to equal Ormond Christies’ record-holding five title wins, albeit five-in-a-row for the Ipswich-based driver would in itself be yet another monumental record. Boardley and Team Simpson haven’t exactly been bosom buddies this year and whatever is said that small matter will be in the backs of everyone’s minds should the cars get close during the 75-lapper!!
If Boardley isn’t to win the Hoosier Tyres & Kent Cams backed event then John Christie must be a short-price favourite having won convincingly at Foxhall in the T-500 only a fortnight ago, leading as he did an Irish 1-2-3 in the shape of Glen Bell and Gary Woolsey. Ominous signs then for the English who have enjoyed a purple patch with Boardley’s domination. Steve Thompson would have been the choice of many to help lead England’s charge, coming home fourth in the same T500 event however he was sensationally eliminated from the world altogether when he dropped out of the qualifying places at the last Northampton qualifier. English points champion Chris Hard will relish the opportunity to prove that his consistent form can also lead to success in the big one-off events mind, whilst Malcolm Blackman can never be discounted having qualified for front row outside at the T-500 only to struggle with the car. Back to the formidable-looking Irish entry though and of course from the South Shane Murphy finished third last year only to be disqualified so has already had the taste, albeit a short-lived one, of life in the top three…..A healthy twenty plus support entry again underlines how buoyant the formula is and watch out too for newcomer Scott Bourne who was most impressive a fortnight ago and could be a champion-in-waiting……

And that’s not all!….
An Irish jig could be on offer well before Sunday’s main event mind with Spedeworth generously offering the traditional 2.0 Hot Rod and also the Lightning Rod world title shoot-outs as well, sponsored by Image Wheels and Teng Tools respectively. The former have been superb at Foxhall this year as Wayne Woolsey looks to take the gold back home again and heads a ten-strong posse of fellow countrymen whilst the appearance of defending champion Stephen Emerson from across the same stretch of water is sure to send a shiver down the spins of the English in the Lightning Rods but they also need to look out for Gordy McKee who has given him a good run for his money this year. Steve Santry was on top form during their last appearance mind whilst Diggy Smith is likely to be unperturbed having had a memorable dice with Emmerson in the same event at Foxhall a few years back. He won the battle on that occasion and it conjures up a picture in my mind (…with no offence intended…) of Diggy – Clint Eastwood style – rocking back in a chair and saying to Emmerson: ”Well, do you feel lucky punk?” Can’t wait!….. The Stock Rods meanwhile produced a classic finish last year and will be competing for the European Challenge Cup.

Steel Gloves….
The contact formulas often steal the show and there is the promise of memorable action in all formulas with big entries and intriguing sideshows. The Superstox remain the “must see” formula at the moment and compete for the National title, with the Eaton Family trophy having now been switched to their World final meeting. Although the big-hitting Daz Kitson is a surprise withdrawal the action will come thick-and-fast for sure with Nick Smith not afraid to use the steel gloves whilst Ben Marjoram is just as tough having taken the British title only recently. Talking of which, the 1300cc Stock Cars have been the ‘talk-of-the-town’ for weeks with the PRI, Trackstar and Skegness drivers accepting the “open ORC invite” to come and play this year for the Supreme Championship. Julian Smith has already promised them a “warm” welcome and when you add in the fact that there is a forty car entry it all ensures that the hairs will rise rapidly on the back of your heck as the “Sounds of the Swinging Safari” rings out over the speakers.
It will do likewise when the 2.0 Stock Cars (“Golden Helmet”) take to the track and I’m delighted to report their numbers have been boosted significantly in return weeks with a very healthy thirty-five scheduled, including legendary Banger driver and Lightning Rod star Geoff Bowen. Now he will definitely be worth watching as too the on-going battle between Cecil and Colin Farley, whilst both Billy & Diggy Smith are out for a play too. When it comes to playing, Mark Whybra’s appearance in the Historic Stock Cars will undoubtedly be good value where he is joined by top 1300 pilot Aaron Morris. The Historic entries have been superb all year and they boast a magnificent thirty-nine car entry for the Bob Studd Trophy. Sadly Nick Dellar who pilots the famous 499 look-a-like Magnette that Bob used to race won’t be racing due to a broken arm suffered at work, however Ipswich banger star Dave “Canhamball Express” Canham has inherited the ride and this supremely talented driver will be one to watch for sure.
Bringing up the rear in style will be the impressive twenty-one team entry for the Bangers on the Saturday, followed by the All-Jaguar National Bangers ‘Big Cat Cup’ on the Sunday which features nearly forty cars, They will certainly go a long way to filling the sacred Foxhall Oval which will also ring out to both the sights & sounds of some all-new breath-taking pyrotechnic and digital effects too boot.
It’s a cliché but that’s a feast-and-a-half if ever I saw one with racing starting both days at 12 noon. Who’s YOUR money on then?…..Come and ENJOY!….

Anglo-Dutch Golden Helmet Meeting

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:21:58 +0000

It is business as usual at Coventry MCM Stadium, since England were unceremoniously dumped out of the Football World Cup competition in South Africa.
For BriSCA F1 Stock Car fans, all is not lost – The Anglo-Dutch Golden Helmet contest comes to Brandon on Saturday 3 July, starting at 7pm.
Both UK and Dutch drivers have raced season long to qualify for this one-off feature race and information received from Holland’s Emmen Promoter Minne Meyer really whets the appetite for an explosive start to the F1 proceedings.
Dutch H17 Bowe Arjen Hiddinga is described as driving like Bobby Burns, which for UK fans will be a treat of pedal to the metal; if he is half as good as the ex-F1 superstar, then the enormous trophy – currently held by Stuart Smith Jnr – could be winging its way back to Holland with the race winner’s share of the £2,000 prize fund.
Talking of Stuart Smith, surprisingly he has not qualified for this year’s race. As defending Golden Helmet trophy holder, however, he will be seeded onto the grid. Stuart’s luck needs to change – will this be his night? It would certainly be a popular result if the National Points Champion could pull it off.
Once the Golden Helmet race is run, it is back to the increasingly popular Whites and Yellows race, followed by two more heats, consolation, final and Grand National.
Thirty-five C (white) and B (yellow) grade drivers have booked in for their heat, which includes one Dutch driver: H62 Camiel De Dekker. Every heat has an inter-continental flavour, with Dutch drivers across the grades competing in the remainder of the Golden Helmet meeting.
Full grids for seven BriSCA F1 stock car races are supported by the Rebel Racers. The July Golden Helmet meeting at Coventry’s mobilecashmate.com Stadium will – if nothing else – be a lively affair.
Come on England! Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Holland; in fact, all nationalities are welcome. Restore the faith! Start time for F1s 7pm.
Admission: Adult £17; Concession £12; Child 11-15 £5 Under 11 FREE.
Oval Racing continues at Coventry on Sunday 4 July, with Street Bangers 4-a-Side Team Racing, National Mini Stox for drivers aged 10-16 years and the fast and furious UK Modifieds. Start Time: 12 noon.
For more information visit the MCM Coventry Stadium website at http://www.coventrystox.com.

Polley Motorsport News

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:15:42 +0000

On the Polley racing front it has been a highly successful start to 2010 for the #38 F2 Team. Dave has already won 10 Grand Finals this year including the British Championship at Buxton Raceway and the Irish Open Championship at the Ballymena Showgrounds, he is currently running a close second in the National Points to Scottish Ace Gordon Moodie and is near the top of the World qualifying Points.
2010 has also seen the debut of the next generation of the Polley family with 11 year old Ryan hitting the tracks in the Ministox formula, Ryan is picking up the pace quickly and after a handful of meetings has been upgraded to yellow and already won trophies.

Dig Deep for a Good Cause

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:11:24 +0000

For many years Richard Marsh has been a track marshal with Spedeworth Motorsports and can be seen waving the red & yellows behind the fence at Foxhall raceway. This year he has decided to do something a bit different leading up to Spedeweekend.
Richard is trying to raise funds for the air ambulance service and a local Ipswich school. Thomas Wolsey school, based in Ipswich, is for children with moderate to severe physical and associated learning difficulties.
In a rather unique way of raising some cash, he is growing a ‘half beard’ and for some months has been collecting donations for his chosen charities. The hair brained scheme reaches its finale at Spedeweekend when Madam Starter Lynne Cooper will be getting out her cut throat razor and in full view of the gathered crowd on the centre green, will be tidying things up!
Let’s hope she has a steady hand. So far Richard has raised over £250 and is well on his way of achieving his target. It’s
hoped the generous oval racing folk will dig deep over the coming weeks and on the big day, so he can achieve his worthwhile cause.
Smiffyman

NSD – Track Guide

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:07:48 +0000

National Speedway Directory announces the arrival of TRACK GUIDE, a new iPhone App for the motorsports industry.
Available in the iPhone App Store, race fans, teams, and owners have a complete listing of over 1,350 race tracks in the palm of their hand. From oval tracks, to dragstrips, to road courses, Track Guide (www.trackguide.com) can be used to locate and connect you with your favourite tracks, or ones located near you. It is also perfect for planning a motorsports road trip. No other source has more accurate data on race tracks.
“I was so excited about the new Track Guide app, I downloaded it 5 minutes after I found out about it. It’s a great tool for my travels and instant reference! This app is just what the motorsports industry needed!” – Stewart Doty, Editor, Racing Promotion Monthly
Features of the Track Guide iPhone app allow users the ability to:
Search Tracks: By track type: By state: By surface type; or By track name.
Connect with Tracks: Get key track information; Call track; Visit track website; Get directions.
The Track Guide iPhone app was a collaboration of efforts between Tim Frost of Frost Motorsports and National Speedway Directory; and Mutual Mobile, an app Development company from Austin, Texas.
“When Tim Frost came to us with the Track Guide concept, we immediately became excited. This app is truly focused on the user, in this case, race fans, track owners, and the racers themselves, and that is exactly what we try to accomplish with every project.” – Sam Gaddis, CMO, Mutual Mobile
While National Speedway Directory has been a staple in the motorsports industry for over 30 years, the new Track Guide app takes the directory to the next level, allowing iPhone users to locate and connect with any track, anywhere, anytime. The app can be downloaded from iTunes web site

Nick Farrer Memorial – Super Rods

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:06:28 +0000

The Northampton meeting on the 10th July featuring the Slick Cars will also include the inaugural Nick Farrer Memorial race for the Super Rods. Any ex-Super Rod driver who has (or can borrow) preferably a Super Rod please get in touch about taking part in the meeting.
Contact Rob Tinto or Trevor Foskett via the contact details on the website or at trevor@teamfoskett.co.uk
Mark Tiller and Tim Foxlow are both looking to borrow cars for the meeting if anyone has any ideas.
Trevor Foskett

Surprise Visitor

admin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 10:01:15 +0000

People’s heads began to turn when a huge continental coach and car transporter rolled into the pits at Arena Essex. The rig contained the Audi TT of former National Hot Rod Driver Volker Timm.
This well presented car had not been raced for a few years and was now being piloted by Dutch driver Eric Roffen. Eric, who has raced successfully for many years on the continent, wanted a new challenge and decided to try out the Arena Essex tarmac at the Rolling Thunder show, Despite a few handling problems and the obvious disadvantage of having to race in a different direction from normal, he and the team did well and enjoyed their evening.
It’s rumoured that other continental drivers may follow suit, which would help the flagging car count in the Outlaw Hot Rod formula.
Also having a very good evening was Helen Blackman who took heat and Final victory in her ‘Corlio’.
Smiffyman

Pleasant Surprise

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:00:08 +0000

Trudy Harold and Colin Aylward, Superstox 51 were married on the 12th June at Peterborough. Friends were expecting to be celebrating Trudy’s 40th birthday, so their announcement was quite a surprise – a very pleasant one!’

Oval Racers Going Straight

admin — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:40:25 +0000

The rare sight of a couple of race cars that normally appear at the Rolling Thunder shows at Arena Essex raceway turned a few heads at Santa Pod drag strip. Danny Ellis, James Gray and Danny Jago, made a couple of runs along the hallowed tarmac as part of the Classic Ford Festival.
A contingent of Pickup drivers, friends and family decided to join in the fun along with thousands of other Ford fans assembled at the Northamptonshire raceway for a celebration of all things Ford. Henry Ford may have raised an eyebrow, if he had seen some of the creations tearing up the strip, but some of the other classic vehicles showed that there is plenty of passion around for restoring and maintaining part of Britain’s motoring heritage.
The Pickup boys were never going to set the strip alight with their times, but nobody cared, it was all about having fun and enjoying themselves. Just for the record, Danny Ellis who organised the weekend away set two runs at 15.9 seconds, James Gray posted 17.02 and Danny Jago managed 16.98 seconds.
Talking about setting the strip alight, the highlight of the show was a couple of ear bursting runs from the awesome Jet Powered funny car ‘Fireforce’. This amazing creation is a regular at the ‘Pod’ and never fails to entertain and deafen the crowd. With a ¼ mile at 6.036 seconds and a terminal speed of 265.45 MPH!
With plans already underway for next year’s festival, I’m booking my tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Smiffyman

Sprints at Warneton

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:37:02 +0000

A variety of UK based formulas have enjoyed racing at the superb, banked 3/8 mile oval over the years, no more so than the UK Sprint cars. With the tracks smooth carpet like surface, sweeping turns the Sprint Cars can really use their 500+ horsepower to the full. With speeds exceeding 138 mph on the straights, and lap times of 12.9 seconds they are always guaranteed to put on a good show.
The cars that made it across the channel thrilled the crowd and created quite a stir in the pits. The evergreen Vince O’Connor was uncatchable, winning two heats and the Final. Jimmy Bryan and Duncan Panton (with his usual display of sideways driving) picked up the other honours.
Making their debuts with new cars were Deane White and Roy Thompson who also kept the leaders on their toes.
The racers return to Belgium in mid August for the European championship, but for British fans who can’t wait that long they will be appearing at the Rolling Thunder shows on a Saturday night and a special event at Lydden Hill on July 17th & 18th. Also at the Lydden meeting will be the European late model and the historic touring cars, defiantly one to go in your diaries.

Upside of Racing

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:13:39 +0000

A Hot Rod being upside down is fairly rare, and this could well be the first Hot Rod to be upside down at Nuttscorner Oval since it opened in its new format in 2003. Pictured is NI 935 Philip Beatty, upside down on the opening lap of Heat 1 at Nuttscorner Oval, Saturday 29th May. A credit to the team, the car was out again for heat 2.
Brian Lammey

Over Before It’s Begun

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:55:40 +0000

Staines Stock Car driver Adrian Blackwell will have to wait a little longer for his official 2010 season debut after blowing an engine in pre-meeting practise at Arena Essex Raceway on Sunday 6th June. Having completed just a couple of dozen laps a sudden misfire followed by a loss of all power and an expensive looking cloud of smoke saw Blackwell done for the day leaving no option other than to load it up in the trailer and head for home. Following a career best season in 2009 Blackwell was set to start 2010 with a well earned promotion to the yellow-roof ‘B’ grade in the national grading system. The Adrian Blackwell MotorSports team will now put that official 2010 debut on hold while the cause of the engine blow-up is investigated and rectified. Driver Quotes: “It’s frustrating after the work we’ve put in to the car during the off-season to have our first meeting back at yellow-top ended before it’s begun. We had it on the rolling road on Tuesday and it was as good as gold there. The few laps I did manage to get in I felt right on it. The car seemed to be handling real good after the changes we made for the new rules this year and before the problem the engine was pulling real well out of the corners and down the straights.”
Adrian Blackwell MotorSports

UK Sprint Cars Taking Off

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:54:49 +0000

The season opener for the UK sprint cars took place at Arena Essex raceway on 24th April and with a healthy field of cars assembled in the pit area, the evenings racing looked promising. A dry track and warm evening ensured that all the cars were able to put on a good show and the crowd were not disappointed.
Jimmy Bryan in his Charlotte County Speedway liveried car was the star of the meeting, winning both heats and the feature Final. Dean White in the Mr Kipling sponsored car, showed well all evening, as did regular participants, Ashley Boam, Duncan Panton, and Vince O’Connor. Debutant Pete Finnis in his smart looking Pepsi Max car suffered mechanical gremlins, but showed potential.
With another four cars awaiting completion the season may well hot up in the coming months.
Smiffyman

National Speedway Directory Launches Redesigned Website

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:50:22 +0000

The publisher of the National Speedway Directory announced the launch of the redesigned Speedwaysonline.com. The new website offers expanded content in a dynamic environment allowing the user to search and access information on race tracks, schedules, and organizations. Image based technology provides weather and directions and mapping information for the fan, driver, and race team. Like the directory, the Speedwyasonline.com contains lists for 330 sanctions, 70 racing publications and 66 racing related museums, providing over 1,800 motorsports related listings. The 2010 National Speedway Directory even includes schedules for 238 race circuits.
Along with the launch of the new website, the 2010 National Speedway Directory is available. This publication features a total of 1,380 auto racing facilities. It is the most comprehensive and accurate listing of active tracks in the United States and Canada. Inside this handy 592-page paper-back book is detailed information on 1,020 oval tracks, 331 dragstrips and 103 road courses, including phone numbers, addresses, exact directions, nights of operation and type of racing.
“I’m really excited about the new Speedwaysonline.com,” shares Frost, “I want to continue to strengthen how the National Speedway Directory serves the motorsports industry and feel that the new Speedwaysonline.com is a great extension of this publication.”

What’s new at Speedwaysonline.com?

Prior to the launch of the new Speedwaysonline.com, the site listed track and motorsports industry information. The site takes that service a few steps forward:
Sort Feature: now race fans and teams have a number of sort features to help them locate tracks or races near them, or in travel destinations.
Weather: Each track listing now shows the local weather.
Directions: Each track listing displays a Google Map of the facility and the ability to get directions, without ever leaving the page. Perfect for planning a motorsports vacation.
Social Media: Speedwaysonline.com has landed in the social media space, providing Facebook and Twitter updates for all of its fans.
News: This is a new component to the Speedwaysonline.com. Moving ahead, this site will feature exclusive news from motorsports fans and professionals.
Advertising: for the first time, Speedwaysonline.com will be offering ad space on their website. Helping businesses connect with race fans and professionals.
“While I think this is a big step up, we have plans to offer even more on Speedwaysonline.com…keep your eyes and ears peeled, we have some really cool features in development,” adds Frost.

About National Speedway Directory
National Speedway Directory www.speedwaysonline.com is the trusted information source for the motorsports industry. It prints listings of oval tracks, dragstrips, road courses, sanctions, publications, museums and race schedules. National Speedway Directory has been published annually since 1975.
Take www.speedwaysonline.com for a SPIN.

Oval Racing at the JDM All Star Drifting

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:49:48 +0000

Thanks to a joint promotion between 4FS Marketing, Buxton Raceway & Startrax Oval Motorsport Oval Racing was represented at the JDM All Star Drifting event at the Trafford Centre (2nd biggest shopping centre in the UK). The BriSCA F1 of Colin Chambers, the BriSCA F2 of World Champion Micky Brennan
and the outlaw hotrod of Ste Dunstan were on display. Many national & track fixture lists were given out and was a very worthwhile exercise in meeting a new potential audience and many a small child (and a few adults!) sat in a stock car for the first time!
Paul Brown

Obituary – John Griffiths

admin — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:29:13 +0000

The sudden passing of Birches’ man John Griffiths has brought shock and sorrow to the whole community. The twenty eight year old was a very popular Stock Saloon driver at Nutts Corner and Ballymena Raceways. John a former Loughgall man was also a keen piper and was a member Augharan pipe band Co Tyrone. His was a keen Stock car man and started racing in the Junior Production Car class at Shamrock Park in 1997 driving under the number 28.
Four years later John moved up a gear to The Senior Productions with a change of number to 252. The Ford Sierra took him to many wins before he decided to move up to the rough and tumble Stock Saloon Class in 2002.
The following year he purchased a Stock Rod but sold it very quickly just after one meeting – the car was sold to Glenn Bell who won the World Final in it the following year. John came back to his beloved Stock Saloons in 2003. He continued in the class until 2005 took a short break and was back in 2007 with a new car bought in Scotland. Another car came his way from England the following year. His current mount came last year, the ex Francie Allan Car and little did we know that on Easter Saturday night at Nutts Corner Raceway when John came in third in the Final that it would be last ever race.
He was held in high esteem by his fellow drivers and last Friday night after a minute’s silence all the drivers had black bands draped on their cars. A minutes silence was also observed at the Wednesday night race meeting. Loughgall football team also paid tribute with a minutes silence and wore black armbands during their match on Tuesday night.
Wherever John went he made friends and this was reflected in the large number of people who attended his funeral. John was laid to rest in the Loughgall Parish Church Graveyard after a service in the home at the Birches and in the Church. Our deepest sympathy, love and prayers go out to his fiancée Samanatha, daughter Ella and his mother Annabelle from the entire oval racing fraternity.
John Wolsey

KAM Racing – Toyota in the European Late Model Series

admin — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 10:28:29 +0000

Finally a Toyota has made it to the European Late Model Series. Wim ‘Turbo’ Verloo, from Belgium, has purchased a Tanner Speed Shop NASCAR Super Late Model through the Roots V8 Racing team. The car features a Tanner Speed Shop Chassis powered by a GM Goodwrench fastburn 5.7 Litre V8 engine developing around 450 BHP. The car is finished in a Fivestar Toyota Camry body which has been given a fiery wrap by A3 Advertising in Belgium.
The car is sponsored by Simpson Race Products Europe and, as we go to press, lies 10th in the CAMSO Late Model Championship and 11th in the European Late Model Series. With the ever changing short track NASCAR scene in the USA, it will be good to see more of the new body styles filter through to Europe’s only short track NASCAR type series.
Chris Beeney

BriSCA F2 meets British Touring Cars

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 10:11:02 +0000

As part of a promotion for the Rockingham round of the BTCC. Honda drivers Matt Neal, Gordon Shedden and Paul O’Neill were present at the Marshall Honda’s showroom in Peterborough on the 24th April to take part in a ‘Question of Motorsport’ Quiz. On display outside Marshall Honda were the BriSCA F2’s of World of Shale Champion Andrew Palmer who works at Marshall Honda. Rising Touring Car Driver Paul O’Neill even got behind the wheel of one of the cars!
Paul Brown