The Madman Writes - 5th September 2009
Regular readers of this column (if there are such people) will realise that from time to time, I like to poke fun at my fellow scribe, Jim Turner. It is a jealousy thing really. Anytime a driver wins a race or crashes, he is first on the scene to get an exclusive quote from them whilst, I am stuck up in the box trying to lip read what they are saying. Once a year I call a truce when Jim, usually assisted by grandson, Jack Watson, present their annual Turner trophies to all of the various formulas. Any stock car magazine you pick up you can virtually guarantee that you can read the wisdom (?) of Jim Turner. Give him some applause as he makes his way round the track tonight.
It is a welcome return to the Saloons tonight who now have a good run of meetings between now and the end of the season. Having swapped grades last month, Ian McLaughlin and Robbie Burgoyne do the same again this month with Ian’s good run of results elevating him back up to the red grade whilst Robbie who has been out of luck of late finds himself down to the blue grade. He must be favourite to lift the Turner trophy from there as he had the fastest laps a number of times last time out only missing out on a final win because the front bumper of Stevie Honeyman ensured that he wasn’t getting a clear run to the flag.
The National championship success of David Philp down at Hednesford at the beginning of August elevated him to favourite to win the World Stock Rod championship here in a couple of weeks time. A heat and final double over at the final Wednesday night meeting at Knockhill virtually sealed him the track championship over there with just one more meeting to go. The Wednesday night series has been a big success as far as cars have been concerned and hopefully it will be given the go ahead again in 2010. A lot of people have been disappointed that the Saloons were not on the bill at Knockhill but it is understandable given the mess that they made with their antics leaving the Knockhill staff having to working into the night to clear up the gravel dragged out onto the track. James Jamieson has one hand on the Hot Rod track championship whilst the F2’s is the most interesting with Ian Thompson, Robbie Dawson, and George Macmillan all in with a chance of success which will make the final session tough to say the least. The F2’s have a welcome week off as drivers get their cars prepared for the World final at Buxton next weekend. As I mentioned last week, only Gordon Moodie and Robbie Dawson have earned their place by right although adopted Scot, Ian Thompson, starts the consolation race on pole and will be allowed to start at the back of the grid irrespective of what happens as the defending champion. George Macmillan, Chris Burgoyne, Graham Kelly, and Dennis Middler will be keen to join them on the grid with Dennis having shown his liking for the track with victories there earlier in the year. Good luck to all the drivers heading down there for the weekend.
With the F2 World taking pride of place next weekend, it means that there is no racing at the Racewall next Saturday night. Those looking for action closer to home can head up to Crimond for their Open Scottish weekend. The Stock Rods are once again on the bill racing for their Highland Fling trophy, the title of which has been renamed as the Stock Rod Open Scottish is being held at Knockhill in a couple of weeks time. The cars had their final meeting to determine who was going to qualify for the World up there at the end of the month and the names of the lucky ones should now be on line as they were still being tallied up at the time of writing this article. The action at Crimond starts at 5pm on the Saturday evening whilst those going for the Sunday should note that the meeting starts earlier than normal at 12.30.
Finally, I had the opportunity to view some old racing from the 60’s courtesy of cameraman, Eddie Paterson. It made some good viewing considering it was originally shot on cine camera. Eddie does not know who owns the copyright so if you fancy seeing racing as it was in the old days go and see him and he will sort you out a copy.
Hopefully see you all again in a couple of weeks for that big World final for the Stock Rods. Now sit back and let the action commence.