The Madman Writes - 30th May 2009
Welcome to the Racewall where the Saloon Stock Car British Championship takes pride of place. Luke Grief defends his crown but there will be plenty of quality opposition out to stop him. Luke has made a dream start to 2009 lifting the English championship down at Mildenhall three weeks ago. Then we have the problem of World Champion, Shane Brown to contend with. His record in big races at the Racewall is second to none. Who could forget that memorable night last August when he won the crown in a race packed full of drama. It was one of the best atmospheres I have experienced on over 30 years of attending stock car meetings. Add into the mix David Aldous, winner of three of the last four Superbowls, and last weeks final winner here, Todd Jones, and then you will realise just what a hard task that the Scots face to bring the title back across the border. Frankie Cunningham was by far the quickest of the home contingent last week as he won two heats in facile style and it is only a matter of time until he breaks through onto the big stage. Stevie Honeyman made a surprise return to the track last week and was on the pace right away whilst Gordon Alexander, winner of this title back in 1997, knows how to stay out of trouble and has a record second to none when it comes to winning big races. As I always say at a time like this, may the best man win.
It is not just about the British over the weekend. The annual Raymond Gunn tribute race will also be taking place. New fans to the sport may not remember Raymond racing out on the track. He was a guy who just loved his racing. Win or lose he always had a smile on his face and was always willing to help any driver who needed assistance in the pits. Tragically, his life was cut short after an accident here at the Racewall in what was one of the darkest days for the sport. Any driver you speak to tells you how much winning the trophy will mean to them. Make it loud for the family when they come out onto the track to present the victor with their spoils.
Scotland’s challenge for the British looked as if it would be depleted after accidents last week for Alan Stirling and Lindsay Wilson. I am pleased to report after a few moments; both were able to walk away from their cars albeit feeling a little bit sore. Star of the show last week was undoubtedly F2 driver David Polley who won both the final and Grand National. Before this season it had been about 5 years since the feat had been achieved then two drivers manage to do it in a matter of weeks, Chris Burgoyne being the other one. David narrowed the gap in the battle for the National points between himself and Chris Bradbury with those successes as Bradders was unable to match the feat at Mildenhall and it was about honours even last Sunday as both drivers won a heat and final apiece, Chris at Bristol and David at Barford. Hopefully the pair will make the trip here next week when the 2009 Nationals are staged for the formula as it is the closest battle for the points in many years.
If you missed Knockhill a week last Wednesday then you missed a cracker. George Macmillan won his second final in 4 days in what was a massive turn out of cars at the track. I am never one to usually speculate as to why cars breakdown but it looked for the entire world like the stock Rod of Jonathon Lattka run out of petrol in the final. He won two heats with ease and looked on course for the hat trick until he coasted to a halt in the home straight. He still looked baffled after a quick look under the bonnet when the race was finished. His demise left the way open for James Matson to win a hard fought battle with Michael Bethune. James is a regular winner in the Hot Rod class down at Barford and looks on course for another good season.
Crimond was in action last Sunday with some good action despite the absence of the F2’s. Ally Strachan put himself in the picture for the British with two wins having been able to dispatch race leader, Andy Bonner, on the final lap of both events. The Stockarts returned to the track where World champion, Lee Anderson, looked the quickest of those on the track.
The big meetings now come thick and fast in Scotland with the F2 Nationals and Ministox next week before the mighty Brisca F1’s roar into town. Come back and see us then if you can. Now sit back and let the action commence.