The Madman Writes - 7th March 2009
Saturday nights will never be the same again as the wait is over and GMP Scotland embark on the 2009 season. Judging by the numbers of cars at the practise days, there should be packed fields in all the formulas.
A lot of the new cars at the practise had been on display at the Autosport show at the NEC in January with some impressive looking machinery which will no doubt be a lot more battle scarred when they head home tonight. Jonathon Lattka had to sit out last season as he waited on the finishing touches being put to his saloon before joining brother Chris on the grid. He posted some quick times in practise and could be the man to rattle up a sequence of wins before the first grading period. The first month or so always sees runaway successes from the lower grades and with Michael Bethune and the return of Ally Strachan, the red grades are going to have their work cut out. Track champion, Frankie Cunningham, will be looking for the consistency of 2008 in a bid to retain his crown in a car which has picked up a couple of new sponsors for the season. It is going to be tough on a lot of drivers during the year as companies look to make savings with sponsorship high on the list of where the cut backs are going to come from. The unofficial Racewall site run by Kevin McQueen has a link on it whereby fans can pledge a donation to a fund. All the monies received will be put back out into the sport with many drivers benefiting in 2008 from this scheme. You can donate any amount, large or small, secure in the knowledge that you have done your bit to help out in 2009.
The F2’s will receive a boost in 2009 with the 795 machine of Alan Kirkcaldy the car generating most interest at the practise. Alan has long track experience from Knockhill and the times he was posting were not that far from the quickest of the day. Once he gets used to the hustle and bustle of lots of cars jostling for position in a small space, then who knows what he can achieve. The return of James Harris to the ranks will be a welcome boost along with Alistair Noble, whose great 2008 season was curtailed by injury at the Skegness weekend during the summer. Top Hot Rodder, Brian Wilson has made the move over to the formula as well putting Scotland in it’s healthiest position for a long time as far as numbers are concerned. 2008 saw a thrilling climax to the track championship with Paul Ford and Robbie Dawson taking the battle down to the last meeting Paul came out on top whilst Robbie gained some compensation by lifting the Champion of Champions trophy. There have already been a couple of meetings this year with King’s Lynn keeping with tradition and hosting the first World qualifier of 2009. Buxton in September seems an age away for those with World title aspirations and the picture will become clearer as to who will be the main contenders later in the season. Nationally, Chris Bradbury had a great end to 2008 by lifting the National points and Central League titles, the latter won at a rain lashed Birmingham in November.
I am particularly pleased to see GMP have a tie up with the charity CHAS during 2009 with the return of the Hot Rod two seater night in August. CHAS is a charity that helps to provide some respite for terminally ill children and their families with two houses, one in Fife and one on the West coast. The company I work for has strong ties with the charity and cars will also carry the banner on them during the season.
There are many top events to look forward to during 2009 with the F2 Nationals, Saloon British, and Stock Rod World, all being staged at the Racewall. The return of the Wednesday night Summer series at Knockhill is something I am looking forward to with the Knockhill Legends a welcome addition to the programme up there during the year. The Grand Prix midgets have a booked date here in 2009 in what is their first visit North of the border in over 25 years.
Add onto all that I have mentioned so far, The World cup for Bangers. The Brisca F1 weekend, and the return of the mighty Reliant Robins, then the Racewall is definitely the place to be on a Saturday night from now to the end of October. Now, as the roar of the cars join us from the pits, sit back and let the 2009 action begin.