The Madman Writes - 27th June 2009

Welcome to the Racewall for our final fling before the mid season break. It also sees the end of a month that has had international events staged every week starting with the F2 nationals and finishing with the F2 Scottish. This is always a strongly contested title which will have a good number of visitors including a contingent of the South West who were at Crimond last Sunday and the World qualifier at Knockhill on Wednesday in a mini tour of all of the Scottish venues. The first time the title was contested was over at Newtongrange back in 1981 when a certain Bill Batten took the title back over the border. Incidentally, Bill was out racing last Sunday at Taunton where he managed to take a heat victory in what is only very limited outings for him these days. One year later it was George Macmillan in the 100 car that won the crown. Name and number sounding familiar? George is the father of the current incumbent holder of the number today and junior will be looking to follow in his footsteps. Indeed you could go back even further when George’s granddad, also called George, won the old Superstox title back in 1967 and can still be found around the current 100 car today helping out on the tools. George wouldn’t be the first father and son to lift the title. That accolade goes to John and Stuart Gilchrist, John a winner back in 1983 with Stuart doing the honours some 19 years later. The English had a good record in the race for the first couple of decades but the last time the title went south was in 2001 at the hands of Bryn Tootall. There is a fair chance that is could happen tonight with David Polley a strong contender to do the honours. He was in great form last weekend with two heat wins and a final to his name at Barford and has now opened up an ever widening gap in the National points over Chris Bradbury. Barry Goldin loves it round here especially if it is wet. You only need to cast your mind back 11 months to the stunning drive he put in to win one of the F2 semi-finals last year on a rain soaked track. Then there is the Speak factor. Rob Speak, twice holder of this title, would dearly love to win it again but so far has been trying to get the car to run to his liking. His dad, Billy, was saying on his last visit how they were struggling to get grip on the Yokohama tyres. His mere presence on the grid could have a say as to the destination of the title. I could mention a stack more of names as likely winners such as gold roof, Ian Thompson, who has come through some big fields with ease and former winners Chris Burgoyne and John Fortune. Whoever wins will have earned the crown and will wear it with pride over the next twelve months.

Last week saw the Open Scottish Prostox title being raced for with only one Irish visitor, Andy McLeister, making the trip. It looked a tall task for him against the might of the Scots but he scooted past all the early pile ups and then never looked back. Whilst the home team may well be licking their wounds, it could be a blessing in disguise for the future as Andy’s success is likely to encourage more of his fellow countrymen to make the trip for the World cup in September. Northern Ireland continues to produce top driver after top driver year in, year out. We have seen many unfamiliar names coming over and plundering the loot in the Stock Rods and Hot Rods down the years.

The Saloons saw the first full meeting of Gordon Alexander as British Champion. However, his challenge did not last long as engine failure meant a premature end to his activities. Chris Carey led everyone a merry dance in heat one before Frankie Cunningham rocketed to success in the second one. Frankie looked on course for the final as well as he got himself clear of the pack but after a yellow flag and Stevie Honeyman on his back bumper on the restart, there was only ever going to be one outcome. Stevie doesn’t take any prisoners, and it was unsurprising to see Frankie kissing the wall and into retirement as Stevie proved that he is back with a vengeance. Don’t come here for the next couple of weeks as you will find the gates closed for our summer break. Many fans will be heading down to Ipswich next weekend for the National Hot Rod World final or Skegness the weekend after. Closer to home, Crimond have a weekend of action next Saturday and Sunday with the action getting underway at 5pm. We are back here on the 18th of July with a whole host of big events to come in the second part of the year. Now sit back and let the action commence.