HOT ROD RACING ONLINE MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 13 ● SPRING 2013
The forgotten history 50 years of Hot Rod missed as anniversary approaches Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 1
WJS EDITORIAL
This issue may have on the front cover 2013, but I’m assembling it in 2014 as I got so far behind. That shouldn’t really bother you as the reason for this magazine was to keep everything I’ve created in tact instead of being pushed into the pit of internet oblivion. For the 2013 issues, they’ll be split into quarters and there’s a revision to the style of the front covers that moves away from the cartoon style
PAUL BALLARD
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Contents GENERAL RACING 6
RACE OVERVIEWS
Title races during the winter across the UK
8
LATEST NEWS
Super Rod resurgence and Tipperary’s future
18
RACE REPORTS
Wimbledon and Northampton meetings
FEATURES 12
HOT ROD RACING: 50 YEARS
The impeding landmark anniversary
REGULARS 4
SNAPSHOTS
Jason Kew races a banger!
11
DRIVER PROFILES
Former Hot Rodder Danny Brosnan
16
FORDS NEWLETTER
End of year comments
26
11
12
ON THE COVER Classic Hot Rods racing at Hednesford © whistlinjacksmith.co.uk Photo: Peter Ballard
Magazine contains reports, news and articles from the website whistlinjacksmith.co.uk which has been built and maintained by Paul Ballard. All photos have been taken by Paul Ballard unless otherwise stated.
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 3
Snapshots
PICTURE: PETER BALLARD
Mikey Godfrey began 2013 with Ford Duratec power, the only driver to stand up against the Vauxhall redtop.
PICTURE: PETER BALLARD
Hot Rods and Bangers next to each in the Northampton pits
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Jason Kew raced a Banger at his local Standlake track during January at the Heavy Metal Classic
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 5
Race overviews
3rd February: Wimbledon The opening round of the Yokohama Tyres / Polleysport Series saw the same 1-2 in every race, this being 77 Andy Owen leading home 257 Ashley Brown. Owen has been around the ovals for a while racing 2L and National Hot Rods and was able to benefit from a generous yellow grade. There was also a debut for former Banger ace 183 Paul Hunter but he retired in the opening heat after just a handful of laps.
10th February: St Day The Winter Supreme Championship for Stock Rods saw south-coast based Nathan Olden win the title in dominating style. Taking first and second in the heats gave him pole position. The excitement was behind as Adam Daniels and Lindsey Jones clashed in the final few laps racing for second place, Daniels was disqualified promoting Jones up to second. The other heat winner was Rich Crowther, 19 cars raced.
24th February: Coventry Whilst eveyrone is being nostalgic, another style of an older form of Hot Rod racing is still alive and thatʹs Hot Rods on shale. The fairly new Startrax Hot Rod formula will race at Coventry, Belle Vue and Stoke during 2013. At Coventry (Round 2) 924 Stuart Wright of Stock Rod and Classic Hot Rod fame won the final after two third places in the heats; the other heats were won by 89 David Swingewood and 516 Shaun Lane who was racing in the SwaLam 2L class last year.
24th February: Tullyroan Tullyroan slowly got its season off to a start with a below average 13 2L Hot Rods in aGendance, the finals being won by Mark Madill and Mark Taylor in the Lightning Rods. The newest track in oval racing is ready to embark on its first full season with a host of international events. Those being the Lightning Rods World, National Hot Rods British and 2L Hot Rods British Championships. Shane Murray will be keen to make 3 in a row after winning the title at Northampton and Ipswich.
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4th March: Wimbledon Rick Pannell won the 2L Hot Rod London Championship at Wimbledon from ScoG Bourne. The heats went to Damon Wellman and Dan Smith, sadly Smithʹs engine went pop later in the meeting. Nicky DʹSouza won his first race in the supporting Stock Rods when he won the final.
9th March: Birmingham The National Hot Rods circus rolled back into action at Birmingham as part of a double-header weekend. Colin Gomm took a heat and final double; Shaun Taylor and Jack Blood won the other heats. In the baGle for the silver top Jason Kew closed the gap on Chris Haird from 16 to 5 points. PICTURE: PETER BALLARD
29th March: Ballymena The Northern Irish NHR season kicked off with 997 Andrew Murray taking all 3 races, former World Champion Keith Martin claimed some much needed points with a second and third. Keith Martin and John Christie entered the meeting outside of the qualifying positions.
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 7
News
Super Rod resurgence One of the first Hot Rod meetings every year is the Rolling Thunder Showʹs Expo, this year the resurgence Super Rods are expecting a decent entry. For the new season the following grades will be applicable: Gold 44 Steve Tandy English 12 Rob Tinto English Long Track 46 John Wicks Silver 32 Wayne Hearn Superstars 56 Dave Leeks
341 Jason Osborn Red 711 Danny Ellis Blues 67 Chas Farrer 76 Del Featherstone 84 Ben Mann 87 Mark ScarleG 157 Jonathan Willis Yellow
41 Graham Osborn 57 Dave Willis White 8 Sue Tandy 43 Lee Tandy 65 Rick Miller 78 Dalton ScarleG 178 Marcus Hopkins 278 Ashley Finch 307 Charlie Hearn
Anybody failing to have the correct roof grade will be put to the back of the grid. Anybody failing to line up in the correct grid position will be either docked points or eliminated. This rule is effective as of now and will be enforced at the Expo (Sunday 20th January, gates open at 9:30).
Speed Sunday
SwaLam Racewayʹs 2 Litre Hot Rod formula will be featured in a allnew Speed Sunday’s in 2013 featuring all of their non-contact “rod” formulas on one bill. They will have three championships – the East Anglian, the Gold Roof and the Track Points Championship. The new 2013 hotrod rules will be online in the next week or so @ www.swaLamhotrod.yolasite.com The SwaLam Speed Sunday’s will feature racing from: 2 Litre Hot Rods, Stock Rods, Lightning Rods, Mondeo Rods, Junior Rods, Classic Modifieds and Street Rods (new for 2013). 2013 Speed Sunday early season fixtures (all meetings start at 1.30pm)
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The future of Tipperary Following on from the news that Bryan Allen has stepped down from his role as promoter an urgent meeting has been called. This meeting will be held at Cahir House Hotel on Friday 15th February at 8pm, all drivers and supporters involved with the track are invited to secure the future of the Tipperary Raceway. Tipperary Motor Speedway announce, with immedi- binding court order, a governing body who does not reply to ate notice, they have relinquished the exclusive lease the most simple of requests, and an organisation who conducts rights they hold on Rosegreen Raceway.
the most flippant of enquiries at the whim of others’ hidden wishes and desires.
Bryan Allen, sole proprietor of Tipperary Motor Speedway, commented “this is a decision not taken light- “Let there be no confusion though. I remain the owner of the ly as I was and remain proud of my endeavours to return
Tipperary Motor Speedway brand and all associated intellectu-
Rosegreen as the pre-eminent venue for our sport. Howev-
al properties. As a fan of our fantastic sport I shall continue
er, with the ever increasing volume of restraints placed on
my involvement through other means, however I shall not let
the circuit I am only too happy to offer someone else the
myself, my companies or associated ventures be tarnished with
opportunity to utilise their expertise and funds in the hope
hearsay and rumour anymore.
that they can return the raceway to former glories. “To all the genuine patrons of Rosegreen over the past few sea“In the current economic climate, and with an apparent
sons, I thank you sincerely and wish you all the very best for
continuation of restrictive trade practices from various
2013 and beyond”.
stakeholders, quite simply this loss making venture has beAll further enquiries regarding the Rosegreen Raceway
come untenable.
must be made in the first instance to the landlord, Mr “Perhaps the many faceless commentators who frequent
Michael Barry.
social media outlets can step forward and find a way past a
Supreme Championship The grand final of the DB Mechanical Services Series for Rookie Rods will now be called the Supreme Championship. The final will be lined up in points order at Wimbledon on the 27th October. An unusual title name for a Spedeworth formula it more common at PRI (Arena Essex) where all their non-Banger formula race for such a title. The winner will paint their roof in red and white chequers.
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 9
News
NHRPA driver list After having one of the longest running presence as an online formula there is finally an official National Hot Rod driverʹs list online. There are a few major names missing but it does show some new drivers embarking on a historic year for the class. Outlaw racer 89 Mick Cave races the ex-Andy Holtby Tigra that he started the World Final from the front row with a few years back and current 2L English Champion 43 Paul Wright who has been present at most National Hot Rods fixtures over the last few years. Although missing from that list 50 Wayne Woolsey is returning to National Hot Rods in 2013 racing the ex-Cooney Tigra.
Practice updates The die hard fans braved the cold conditions to get a glimpse of their favourite drivers preparing for the season ahead. At Ipswich saw the Nationals on the Saturday while the following day at Birmingham there was plenty of Classics. Cars of note were brought by Stuart Wright who was fresh from a win the night before at Coventry to test his rebuilt Anglia; Fil Gambone in a new Escort mk2 (after racing the exBarry Lee mk1 last year) and newcomer Gary Winterton in a Castrol painted Escort mk1, which undoubtably confuse the lapscorers as Charlie Schembriʹs will be in the same colour scheme.
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2L Hot Rods Points update 22ND MARCH 2013. ScoG Bourne has taken the lead of the Hoosier Tires Series after two rounds followed by 38 Mark Constable; surprisingly 60 Mark Paffey props up the boGom of the table. In the latest National points chart 65 Mark Willisʹs lead has been cut down to 10 points by 565 Dan Smith.
Driver Profiles
Danny Brosnan Race Number: 147, 09, 9, 33 Why did you pick this race number: 147 was used at NIR way back in the early 80ʹs then asked John Clark for 09 in which I used on the yellow NMT Crane Hire Starlet. No 9 was used in the Classic Hot Rods, I wanted 9 for the NHR Tigra but Glenn Bell had claimed it, so because the Tigra came with 338 Graham Gordon I just removed the 8 and went out in it at NIR that same week. I now use 33 on My SHP Pickup Race Truck
Most memorable race competed in: All of the wins and places in the Escort Classic Hot Rod, great races with the likes of Dave Fry, Lee Wood, Mr Richard Boulton and many more, great times and memoryʹs Years active as driver: Off and on where money dictates for maybe 10 years in total, hard to say really Favourite track: Mallory
Formulas raced in: Grass Track mini pick-up, that was when my hair was black. Escort Mk1 Hot Rod at Brafield, Alwalton, grey hair starting to come. Starlet NHR with a Mass engine, grey hair well on by then.
Racing idol: Past and present. Phil White 63 and he is still on it. At present I would say John Christie is one, mainly due to how he bucks the trend to go racing in a big flash lorry, he and his team are so well presented, respect!
Title success: Brafield Stadium Mass Trophy Hot Rod Final Winner 1987. Mallory Park Rowe powered Escort winner 2007 and 08
Who introduced you to oval racing: Canʹt remember its too many grey hairs away
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 11
The forgotten history 50 years of Hot Rod missed as anniversary approaches
PICTURE: PETER BALLARD
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Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 13
Feature
50th year anniversary
Y
ou ready for a shock, Hot Rod racing is hi:ing a major landmark and nobody knows about or perhaps cares. Hot Rod
racing is closing in on its 50th year anniversary and the promoters have made no effort to highlight this occasion. I realised last year how this date was approaching and I thought that the promoters were keeping it close to their chests to release something exciting – I feel so silly for having hope. In 2004 F1 Stock Cars was the same age, Brisca didn’t just have a one-off meeting that coincided with the date but a whole year – they aGempted to race at the original tracks which saw the big cars even returned to Great Yarmouth. Hot Rods got in on the act with the George Polley v Barry Lee show which later morphed into the Classic Hot Rods we have today. It was a huge effort by the organisers of the sport and all the promoters of the tracks – Hot Rods have the opportunity to do the same or do beGer yet they’ve dropped the ball or perhaps the ball wasn’t even brought to the pitch. The nearest event is the Hednesford 50th anniversary but this doesn’t match the important dates or formulas. It is the clear the start of Hot Rod racing and the man who had the vision – Bill Morris. When Stock Car racing came to the UK it was different to the American version which
14 whistlinjacksmith.co.uk
Taken from the Blog by Paul Ballard 19.01.2013
is non-contact. Bill wanted a scaled down version of Day- put together to signify the 50th anniversary of Hednestona where the racing was more similar to our U.S coun-
ford I think its 13 months too late.
terparts. Hednesford Hills was the chosen destination for Bill’s dream and racing for Stock Cars began in 1962 be-
Where now? To be honest I’m not sure if the likes
fore the original Hot Rod class begin Easter Monday
Spedeworth, Incarace, Autospeed, NHRPA, etc. actually
1963. The actual date was the 15th April, an important
care about running an event (the 15th is a Monday but
day in history even stepping away from the ovals– Abra- not a bank holiday by the way). Is it significant to them ham Lincoln died after being shot, the Titanic sunk, the
that the Earth has rotated exactly 50 years around the sun
Hillsborough Football disaster and it’s my mother’s
and is now back in the same place it started on the 15th
birthday.
April 2013 or do they think that 18,293 days of a sport doesn’t have the alluring presence that will force the pub-
The original Hot Rods had a similar look to the Stock
lic to spend money and watch hot rod racing.
Cars (i.e. having their wings removed) but the all important element of ‘contact’ was not allowed. Over time the Hednesford track changed and Hot Rods become quicker evolving into what we have today. What hasn’t changed is the 15th April 1963 is the most important day in the sport of Hot Rod racing – the introduction of the
I could not agree more about the 50th year of National Hot Rods, promoters just aren't promoting. I sponsor the Bill Morris and Veterans meeting every year and try my hardest to get ex drivers to race both bangers and Classic Hot Rods.
Vauxhall 16 valve engine, converting to rear wheel drive, We are really trying to give the Classics a big the World Final, using a Toyota Starlet do not come close push this year we have a press day and doing passenger rides in our Hot Rods on the 3rd March to the birth of a sport. at the annual practice day. George Polley is doing quite a few meeting this year and Barry Lee is doI briefly alluded to the Hednesford anniversary meeting ing 2 meetings. DAZ OWEN earlier which doesn’t actually appear on the correct time or with the correct formulas. Bangers – I’ve not a problem with the class and I enjoying watching them (the
Glad to hear Spedeworth are doing something, time clearing them up is an issue though) but I think that after all, they celebrated the Superstox 50th and let's be honest Hot Rods has probably been their sport started in the late 1960’s – they are not ready for a most successful formula. LEE MAHER 50th anniversary meeting (I’m ready to be disproved as my Banger history is not that good). If this meeting was
PICTURE: PETER BALLARD
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 15
Update
Fords Newsletter
D
ear Friends, Welcome to the latest quarterly-
wich but there are more exciting details on that still to be re-
ish newsle:er keeping you up to date with
leased!
progress on your Ben Fund. As we come to
the end of our first full year, the Fund is beginning to take shape and grow some secure roots. With over £25,000 raised and more still due in, we’ve been able to
There will be another Stoxkarts Ladies’ Race and possibly another one as well, as we’re looking to gradually build up these ‘formula events’ which have far greater potential than track collections and give people more opportunity to get involved.
pay out more than half of this to injured drivers and still start next year with a healthy bank balance. Just a
Another very exciting announcement is Tullyroan’s FORDS
few brief comments on this, because the Spring news-
Ireland Championship, the Tony ‘Happy’ Gilmore Memorial in
le:er will be for a more detailed review of the past year. aid of FORDS over St Patrick’s weekend, with a packed racing programme, a band and a chance to raise a glass to Tony, who Fundraising - brief summary Despite a quiet first half of the
lost his baGle with cancer last year aged just 46. Our thanks to
year (due to transport problems) there have been some out-
Tony’s family, Davy and Doris McCall, Darren Black and Greg
standing efforts for FORDS - Nicci Noo’s Stockarts Ladies’ Race
O’Connor for your support and may it be a fantastic weekend
and Kewy v Godfrey’s Big Bike Race spring to mind. Dan Moth
in Tony’s honour.
with his full and frank ‘access all areas’ Bears Banger Team DVD has made a tremendous contribution, at £3,500 and still
We’re looking for sponsors for these events and more - so if you
counting. Ryan Wright’s 311 Steve Newman stickers raised just
have your own business, racing-related or not, or just want to
under £500, and a special thank you to Tracey Killick who
support the Fund and put your name to a trophy, we’d love to
bought a Chris Haird model shell specially to re-sell for FORDS. hear from you. A mention for the top three promoters, too. At Crimond, Bill
We’ve also got a very special item coming to eBay over the
Barrack, Chris ‘Chewy’ Cartmel & co raised over £900 with pas- Christmas period so stay awake! senger rides and camping charges. RDC’s Mildenhall Big Raffle, Dover collection and a £1 from drivers matched by RDC them-
Our Phone Number We have a new number * 0333 577 5422 *
selves generated a record-breaking £1400! And PRI’s Debbie
please note! This non-geo number is owned by FORDS so that
tirelessly sold raffle tickets at every meeting to raise awareness
we will never need to change it if the office should move. 0333
and a superb nearly £500.
numbers are charged at local call rates and are included in your minutes if you have a calls package, for both landlines and mo-
Fundraising - looking forward The announcement of a Banger
biles. You can still use the geo landline number 0117 3851540 if
Mechanics Championship for 2013 was possibly the biggest
you wish and this will save us money, and we’re also happy to
news of the year. With promoters free to use any formula for
ring you back if you prefer - that’s free from our landline to a
their Qualifiers it’s likely most will be in their own limited con-
landline. Notice we managed to get our lucky number 422 in
tact formula. We already know the Finals will be held at Ips-
there so there’s no excuse for forgeGing the number!
16 whistlinjacksmith.co.uk
Website This has not been working hard enough for us. With
merchandise item or a fundraising event, you must please tell
experience, we’ve now identified the changes that need to be
us if you are raising money for FORDS before you do anything.
made and Oliver will be making those changes in the coming
Not only can we help to publicise it but buyers and the public
few weeks. There’s a restructuring, including a new FORDS
will be able to check our website to verify that it’s genuine and
shop! This will take the form of links to our Friends who pro-
we know about it. I really cannot overstress the importance of
duce and sell something with a donation to FORDS - and
this.
there’s no limit to how many such Partners we have, so anyone who wants to support FORDS can. A new Bulletin Board will
One of the factors under Charity Commission scrutiny is that
keep all updates and information on long-running fundraisers
the Trustees of FORDS are in control of the money entrusted to
like the Mechanics Championship together in one easy-access
them on the drivers’ behalf. We cannot be deemed to be in con-
place, too.
trol if we don’t know what’s happening - this is the most elementary of Good Practice guidelines. As much as we trust Pro-
Merchandise We’re delighted to announce our first Partners -
moters and friends to make sure the money reaches us, the
Dave Rennie who can produce anything you like with our 422
Commission must be able to see the evidence. So the same ap-
Car-Toon to order; Ur-Badge for Keep Calm key rings, mugs,
plies - an email, a phone call or a message is all it takes to pro-
coasters and much more; and Paul Sherliker with the Keep
tect us all and keep ahead of the con men.
Calm T-shirts. These will all appear in the new website shop, coming soon.
Secretary’s comment: It just keeps geGing beGer! The Fund is really still in its infancy yet in our first full year of operation
Charity Application This is quite an adventure, with Charity
turnover is already at a quarter of our first stage target, despite
regulation having been tightened up and all kinds of hoops to
a slow start to the year. Promoters, formulae and individuals
jump through. We’ve enlisted expert help, which doesn’t come
are geGing involved with ideas and helping us to build up the
cheap but once successful will pay for itself very quickly as it
name of FORDS. We’re being talked about, too!
will open up many doors for us. There will be a few changes for one thing an injured driver will now be making a Grant
It is disappointing to discover that there are people out there
Application rather than a Claim - and part of the website re-
prepared to try to use our name to make money for themselves,
view is to reflect those, but the common-sense approach and
or even try to steal what we’ve worked hard to raise to help
friendly service, and of course the level of support, will keep on people keep out of financial trouble when they’ve been hurt improving. This will be paid for from funds given for the pur-
entertaining others through their hobby. But these are just a
pose of covering costs; 100% of funds given or raised for drivers couple of scumbags among thousands of good, genuine people. goes to the drivers, and always will. Next year is already looking very promising and I’m looking The not so good news Unfortunately, we have to report two
forward to trips to Ireland in March and Scotland in June, as
incidents recently that have saddened us. Firstly, we foiled an
well as visits to at least 20 tracks in England. Let’s aim for a nice
aGempt to defraud the Fund. We do rely heavily on people’s
50 grand next year and lots of fun raising it!
honesty and ‘common knowledge’ within our racing community - but clearly that doesn’t take away the need for vigilance as
Finally I’d like to extend our best wishes to our injured drivers
sadly it seems there is always one bad apple in a barrel.
and also to a special friend, Ellie McMahon, who had her tonsils out recently. Ellie is our youngest friend and bucket-shaker at
The second incident concerns items put up for sale on eBay
just six years of age. Get well soon Ellie!
claiming to be for the benefit of FORDS. The money has never been received and the seller has not replied to messages. As this All that remains is for me to wish you all a happy Christmas is too easy to do, we will be taking steps to protect ourselves
and health, wealth and happy racing for 2013.
from this as we (and the Charity Commission probably would too) consider this as theft. The seller will be identified publicly,
Manuela
after further messages and a clear warning, and reported to
Secretary on behalf of the Trustees
eBay. Important notice: Whether it’s a one-off item for sale, a regular
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 17
Race Reports Lightning Rods 01.01.2013 Wimbledon Winterna(onals
F
ollowing on from their epic Best in Britain meeting the Lightning Rods were back to the capital for another title race. The spoils fell to former World Champion Lee Skoyles. The format agreed before the start of the meeting would be reverse heats with the top scorer lining up on pole position for the final. 15 cars raced including Reid Murray in his first senior race since stepping from Ministox.
Final Once the second heat was completed the mistake of lining up cars was realised, this meant the points scored for grid positions was now void so a new grid was drawn out of the hat – this didn’t suit Boyd who would now start last.
After coming through the Best in Britain carnage unscathed Lewis Geraty must be the luckiest driver in the class as he drew pole position but his luck ran out quickHeat 1 ly when Jordan Murray slammed into the back of him at turn 1, this put Warner into the lead followed by Neil Allgoodʹs return failed to get going as his exhaust Skoyles. Geraty was left with half a bumper, the remfell off trying to get onto the track, he was quickly back nants of the bumper eventually detached and with that in the pits. Adam Eyles converted his front row start into laying on the home straight it was deemed dangerous so the lead and pulled clear but found Daniel Gibbs diffithe yellows came out to remove this debris. cult to lap, going to his outside on the back straight it seemed Eyles clipped the fence but that didn’t seem to One lap after the restart Boyd was on an outside charge faze him. Moving up to second was Ben Furness and he but he clipped the fence which tore off his front wheel, started to catch Eyles, on the final lap he caught him and he limped to safety with his wheel flapping about undermoved beyond to snatch a last gasp win. neath the wheel arch. Upfront Furness muscled by Warner for second and collected a black cross but no Res: 339, 636, 452, 45, 411, 591, 398, 553, 627, 44 punishment was given, Skoyles stayed out of trouble to collect the title. Heat 2 Res: 636, 339, 411, 503, 591, 627, 452, 398, 385, 388 Although it seemed to take an age to get the cars to lineup the crowd were assured by the commentator that it was just to make sure all cars were in their correct positions, this was not the case though. The race still started and it was reigning champion Craig Boyd who led off with Furness moving into an early second place, his move on Warner was deemed illegal and he picked up a black cross, the move also allowed Skoyles to pass Warner. Res: 45, 636, 411, 339 (x-2), 591, 627, 452, 553, 398, 385
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2L Hot Rods 01.01.2013 Wimbledon Winterna(onals
W
hat is a be:er way to get rid of the New Year hangover? Simple go racing! The 2 Litre Hot Rods provided a top entry that included 302 Andy Harris in his old Nova (still with 666 on the side that Graham Jackson used last year at Ringwood). 21 cars raced in a reverse grid format. Heat 1 After the usual delay for lining up the grid 928 Dave Leech was given pole position but he chose to the start all his races from the back. This enabled 8 Damon Wellman to take up the lead with 338 John Payne initially in second. Payne started to fall back a few places, 65 Mark Willis had moved up to third before retiring. This put Payne back up to fourth place and he had lots of quicker cars queuing up behind and geGing restless as Wellman was half a lap clear of this group. 87 Jason Busby moved by Payne but he was given a black cross, 565 Dan Smith barged by Payne for another black cross. Payne then extracted revenge by spinning out Smith at the other end of the track which triggered a crash. 30 Martin Codling, 75 Chris Crane and 38 Mark Constable all went into the fence while Smith got himself going before the caution flag.
Heat 2 Front row starters Jowers and 310 Sean O’Leary were slow away and went through the first turn three abreast with 745 Dan BenneG. O’Leary was the one who lost out to Harris who briefly held third place before Smith took that place. Harris lost a few places before losing it completely on the back straight. Harris bounced off the wires and was collected by 75 Chris Crane. Crane was flicked towards the fence as Harris slide to the inside of the track. Jowers led BenneG at the restart. Willis was 8th at the restart and quickly moved beyond Paffey and 3 Chris Harvey (who was smoking from his panel rubbing on a rear tyre). Willis spun out 71 Brendan Carton for fifth place that meant another black cross. Smith moved up to second place near the end. Res: 31, 565, 60, 537, 745 (x-2), 65 (x-2), 303, 7, 87, 8 Final
Once the points were added the penalties took their toll on some, puGing BenneG on pole with 303 Gavin Botfield, Jowers and Wellman behind. Like the previous heat the front cars went through turns 1 and 2 three abreast – Wellman used his head and dropped in behind these. The following lap Botfield and BenneG both slide out wide allowing Wellman to jump from third to first. WellFrom the restart Wellman had three back-markers beman simply pulled away as the others squabbled other tween himself and 537 Billy Clarke but troubles with lap- second. Jowers got inside BenneG that allowed Botfield to scoring during the meeting meant 31 Charlie Jowers follow through. 7 Collin Moss made a late charge to take (who was a lap down) was being shown in second place. third place – Willis looked quick in the final but had too Jowers held his line forcing the rest to go outside, Clarke much to from near the back. tried a few times but couldn’t get by, on the final lap Bus- Res: 8, 31, 7, 303, 745, 565, 65, 537, 39, 75 by tried that line and did go past but was docked several places for contact, so was 60 Mark Paffey and Clarke. Res: 8, 303, 745, 7, 3, 87 (x-4), 60 (x-2), 38, 31, 537 (x-8)
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 19
Race Reports 2L Hot Rods 10.03.2013 Wimbledon Hoosier Series Round 2
The usual characters raced at Wimbledon in miserable conditions though it was in front of a huge crowd that had come to see bangers and sadly got excited for any contact in the Hot Rods as well. The meeting was Round 2 of the Hoosier Tires Series, 503 Ben Murray led the way after a hat-rick in the opening round. Heat 1 Sole white top 17 Luke Bicknell led the opening heat with raining falling, he was passed by 38 Mark Constable who went around the outside in his unique Toyota MR2, 71 Brendan Carton followed him by as Bicknell was swallowed up by the pack.
gear and was under aGack by the yellows by the time he arrived at turn 1. Bicknell was given the blue flag for every lap before spinning out coming out of turn 4 with 48 Leyton Milsom and BenneG. Constable and Carton held the top 2 places while Bourne barged his way by 310 Sean O’Leary for third place, Smith was making up for poor earlier heat and charging through this one, though he was fortunate to make up many places when Carton spun out which impeded 88 Dale Atkins and 39 Rick Pannell. With Smith up to second it was a copy of the previous for Constable as he yielded his lead with only a handful of laps left. Res: 565, 38, 43, 88, 39, 3, 199, 65, 29, 503
Coming through quickly from the back were 199 ScoG Bourne and 3 Chris Harvey, Harvey was able to take third place when Bourne ran too deep into turn 3. The tricky conditions allowed some drivers to make real progress 65 Mark Willis being one of them, once he shook off 43 Paul Wright he was cuGing through the field and was un-phased about a three abreast moment with 8 Damon Wellman and 303 Gavin Botfield. 565 Dan Smith wasn’t so lucky, when the cars bunched up on the back straight he was flicked into the wires with 338 John Payne and 745 Dan BenneG rotating. Smith was able to continue.
Final Bicknell was slowly off the line but kept a tight line forcing the faster cars to go around the outside of him. Constable made the move coming off turn 2 with Carton in tow, the pair were significantly faster and passed by the mid-point of the back straight. Carton then switched to the inside for the bend but misjudged this tapping Constable into a spin. A black cross was instantly given to leader Carton who had to overcome Constable again when he decided to pull off to the centre of the track in front of him.
Upfront the laps were quickly disappearing and so was Constable’s lead, with 2 to go Harvey made an easy pass Bourne was the first to catch Carton who was struggling for the win. to get a tight line or perhaps he felt it was quicker using a wider line, whatever the reason there was no defence Res: 3, 38, 199, 87, 65, 71, 75, 8, 310, 303 against Bourne who was able to skate by on the inside for the win. Heat 2 Res: 199, 87, 31, 303, 65, 7, 565, 75, 88, 39 The track was still very wet but the rain was holding off. Bicknell made a poor start struggling to engage second
20 whistlinjacksmith.co.uk
2L Hot Rods 10.03.2013 Northampton
H
istory was being made as the class made
Heat 2
their first ever appearance as an Incarace promoted formula, luckily Spedeworth
Leech was probably meant to start at the back of the
drivers are eligible to score points that boosted num-
blues for this one but ended up starting from the back of
bers. Newcomers on the Incarace side were former Bly-
the field. Gould stayed out front for a few laps before
ton racer 13 Ian Gould in a Peugeot 206 and ex-
spinning out on turn 3 giving the lead to Edwards who
Lightning/ Outlaw/ National Hot Rodder 45 Mark Ed-
took the flag – however a tyre infringement cost him the
wards in a Tigra (possibly ex-Kevin Randell). 81 Lee
victory once the scrutineers had a look at the car, giving
Parsons had raced before, 99 Barry Limer was also out
the win to 75 Chris Crane who closely followed Edwards
last year but now raced a brand new Vauxhall Corsa C
throughout the race.
and 928 Dave Leech repainted his Peugeot 206cc in yellow.
Res: 75, 310, 543, 964, 27, 87, 338, 65, 43, 88
From Spedeworth there was the returning former World
Final
Champion 110 Jason Wilks, former Lightning Rodder 27 Roger Dormer in a Vauxhall Corsa C and 486 Jon Wood
Gould again led the final race of the day, making early
with the experimental Zetec engine Corsa. On top of that
strides was 310 Sean O’Leary (who had finished third
was Northern Irish driver 964 Bradley Dynes to bring the and second in the heats and wanted to go one beGer in total to 22 cars.
this one). O’Leary made a great move on the back straight going around the outside of Limer and then in-
Heat 1
side Gould – all in the space of about 100 yards. 543 Tommy Miller’s moves past the pair were less impressive but
The cars started off very tentatively in the slippery condi- he was up to second, the gap between the leaders retions with sole white top Gould leading before being de-
mained preGy constant but O’Leary’s race destroyed by
moted by Leech who had Edwards in tow. The slippery
others inadvertently. Parsons had a huge smokey blow-
track saw Gould, Limer and 275 BreG Collison all spin off up going into turn 1, O’Leary was one of the first that on the straights while 31 Charlie Jowers’s spin caused
drove into the foggy cloud and sensibly slowed to avoid
him to end his race backwards in the wall. Leech took the sliding into the wall on the potential oil – Miller though historic first win.
didn’t seem that phased by the visual issues and moved into the lead. The oil flag was hung out for the final few
Res: 928, 45, 310, 65, 88, 745, 87, 43, 543, 111
laps and no one suffered the misfortune of crashing on the oil. Res: 543, 310, 75, 65, 928, 43, 88, 27, 110, 31
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 21
Race Reports
Classic Hot Rods 17.02.2013 Wimbledon
W
imbledon is a track that drivers love to race on, unfortunately 10 Paul Bowring’s brand new Escort mk2 didn’t get that far as it hit the fence hard in practice. The entry was pre:y similar to last year with 20 Dave Fry and 8 Daz Owen starting at the back as the top men in the class, all drivers racing had completed their 3 meetings probation period. 22 Rob Montagner was back for the first time since his Ipswich crash.
Final
Heat 1
Res: 29, 16, 333, 161, 172, 445, 39, 144, 22, 8
29 Stu Donald led off the opening heat with 16 Pat Smith glued to his outside for several laps, he switched to the inside line and looked quicker but his impatience cost both as he pushed Donald into a spin exiting turn 2. Smith was disqualified and pulled off handing the lead to Montagner. He led for a few laps before 333 Lee Wood and 6 Graham Fulker moved inside. Donald’s spin had only demoted him to fourth place, which became third when he passed Montagner. Res: 333, 6, 29, 22, 39, 30, 20, 144, 8, 161 Heat 2 Smith made a great start from the outside of the front row to take the lead off Donald. Smith did pull away before Donald closed up, then the yellows were needed as 39 Dean Hunt t-boned Montagner, they were all out as the cause of the stoppage and so was Fulker from the restart. Smith hung onto the victory from Donald. Res: 16, 29, 333, 30, 445, 144, 8, 20, 172
22 whistlinjacksmith.co.uk
Smith was regarded for this heat and started the final from sixth place. Montagner was holding up a queue of 9 cars (sounds like National Hot Rods of 20 years ago), once he got off line he fell back. He wasn’t last as Owen and Fry baGled for those places well and truly away from the action. 172 Colin Hitch had started with these two and broke clear making good progress to take fifth place.
I
t’s always difficult for a formula like the Rookies to shine when Classic Hot Rods and a major Stock Car title is also on the bill, the formula done what it
should have with the faster star men cu:ing through the
Rookie Rods 17.02.2013 Wimbledon
field. Heat 1 333 Billy Wells led a lot of the opening heat but he was hampered by traffic and with 4 laps left to run star men 212 John Smith and 144 Lee Evans came flying past him. Res: 212, 144, 333, 21, 455, 747, 19, 113, 5, 383 Heat 2 Wells lead this heat as well and established a big lead before struggling to get by the back-marking 28 Leon Paine that enabled 69 Tony Perfect and 90 Karl Mills to close up. Perfect lost his second place and he was given a black cross was spinning out 61 Jamie Stickland – who was a lap down because he clashed with 21 Lee Bridgman. Res: 333, 90, 113, 69 (x-2), 455, 32, 14, 747, 212, 217 Final Wells started this race at the back of the whites and although he was quickly up to second Perfect was clear, Mills moved by Wells for second place. Wells had the stars come flying by on the final lap as Paine was again a troublesome backmarker. Res: 69, 90, 383, 212, 333, 217, 455, 144, 747, 626
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 23
Race Reports Na(onal Hot Rods 10.03.2013 Northampton W/Q Round 10
W
ith National Hot Rods back racing the season really feels like it has begun, but the weather is still playing catch up and more like January!
Res: 42, 174, 316, 304, 491, 162, 95, 192, 348, 271 Heat 2
Frost was the early leader before leaving the door open The qualifying round at Northampton was the second for 152 Shaun Taylor that allowed 219 Russ Wilcox and part of double-header (Birmingham the previous night). 18 Ben Taylor through as well. 491 Colin Smith loomed A few drivers didn’t race at both as mechanical issues closely behind to make that group 5 cars, a black cross and damage took their toll. On the car front over the win- was handed out to one of these at this early stage but ter 42 Shane Bland had bought the Spedeworth hire car none of them received a penalty at the end of the race. and repainted and 637 Warren Farazmand was back after several years away in Peugeot 206cc. In the points baGle Wilcox took up the lead with B Taylor following through 174 Jason Kew had closed the points gap on 115 Chris the same gap, Smith moved by S Taylor a few laps later. Haird from 16 to 5 overnight. Smith lost contact with the front two. Taylor moved to the outside and with 2 laps left he skated past for the vicHeat 1 tory. With light snow/ sleet/ hail/ ‘not really sure what to call it but it’s cold’ falling the track was wet and the race began with a rolling start. Bland turned his pole into a lead followed by 316 Paul Frost and 27 Mikey Godfrey (who had switched over to Duratec power during the winter); Godfrey was soon parked up on the outside of turn 4.
Res: 18, 219, 491, 271, 316, 115, 304, 174, 152, 278 Heat 3
S Taylor briefly lead before 369 Tommy Maxwell moved by however all eyes were on 278 Colin Gomm and 115 Chris Haird who were running nose to tail and passing The slippery conditions were catching a few drivers out cars with ease. It was a real joy to see two drivers that and causing incidents, 31 Dick Hillard was bumped out were obviously feeling confident in their cars in the awkinto the wall when 3-abreast was aGempted through turn ward conditions making such strides through the pack. 2. Hillard was able to carry on, though 117 Rob McDon- Once up to second and third Haird turned it up another ald bounced off the wall a few laps later when clashing notch by cuGing inside Gomm as they powered off turn with 304 Danny Fiske and had to retire. 2. After taking that position the leader Maxwell was reeled and had no defence for the former World ChampiThe man on the move in this race was Kew who eased by on who is chasing his fifth straight points title. You’ll 348 Shane Brereton, 192 Tony Moss and Frost for second have to see a lot of races this year to see a more impresplace. With 5 laps left and the gap to leader the length of sive drive than this one. a straight it too much for Kew. Res: 115, 278, 95, 39, 369, 42, 162, 192, 219, 348
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Final As something new for the sport this year the top scorers of the day were introduced in reverse order as the cars gridded for the final (at that point it was Bland and Haird) all to individual songs – similar to wrestling or darts. A very good idea that could be incredible with a liGle tweaking. Bland turned pole into the lead from Frost and S Taylor who spun himself out of that position. Both Wilcox and B Taylor had looked good day and they were soon up to first and second – the likes of Kew and Haird had a lot to do on this busier track, though Haird had made a vital pass on Kew with Fiske siGing behind those two. Moving towards the end of the race the midfield got themselves into troubles that impeded the leaders. Smith was facing the wrong followed by 162 Carl Waller -BarreG both on turn 4, CW-B made the decision to reverse off the track to the centre but this was in front of Wilcox whose lightning reactions saved him from hiGing that car but he had to swerve off circuit to the infield. This delay cost Wilcox several seconds and benefited B Taylor who led for the final few laps and ultimately was in-front when it maGered, at the chequered flag. The action wasn’t over though as Brereton, Gomm, Fiske, S Taylor and 95 Gavin Murray all ended up in a heap at turn 4 as a poor ending to the meeting where the only beneficiary is the panel maker!
PICTURE: PETER BALLARD
Res: 18, 219, 42, 316, 100, 115, 31, 348, 174, 95
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 25
Race Reports Na(onal Hot Rods 29.03.2013 Northampton W/Q Round 11
N
ational Hot Rods racing on a Good Friday is a tradition that goes back many years. Autospeed can trace its roots back to the 1970’s for this fixture; track closures caused the venue to change from one to another, it may surprise some to know that this year was the 9th running of the event at Northampton after the move from Ringwood.
Heat 2
Res: 42, 444, 92, 192, 117, 348, 304, 209, 278, 95
Res: 444, 31, 115, 152, 42, 174, 491, 162, 304, 192
Bland made a good start to lead 27 Mikey Godfrey through the first lap though Shuddall was soon into the lead. 192 Tony Moss and 316 Paul Frost moved up to third and fourth but they clashed sliding into the centre of the track, Frost got back into the race but very slowly. Frost was crawling down the back straight and although The usual suspects chasing the all-elusive qualifying po- most were able to amend their racing line 304 Danny sitions were in action but numbers dropped slightly in Fiske couldn’t - he was the only driver in the main pack practice. 100 Dick Burtenshaw crashed hard at turn 1 to be on the outside line at the time. Fiske hit the rear of when his throGle stuck open and 555 Gavin Taber had Frost at full speed lifting the rear wheels off the ground. gearbox issues, 219 Russell Wilcox was a late cancellaFrost’s car coasted to a stop at turn 3 while Fiske contintion. On a positive note 309 Simon Johnson was racing ued. Frost was out for the rest of the meeting and altfor the first time in 2013 and 141 Martyn Ginger was now hough Fiske made it to the finish line he didn’t race eligible to start in a graded position (which turned out to again. be pole for each race). For the Michael Fish fans reading this report, it was about a cold as the previous NorthFiske was involved in more controversy as he tangled ampton meeting with a few specks of snow in the air that with 174 Jason Kew exiting turn 2, Godfrey clipped these seemed to appear each time the Nationals started to grid, that caused his car to half spin and face the on-coming at least the track surface was dry. traffic. Kew and Fiske raced on but a caution was needed to remove the unlucky Godfrey. It should also be noted Heat 1 that just before this caution 31 Dick Hillard had gone around the outside of Taylor for third place and 115 Birthday boy 152 Shaun Taylor turned his front row grid Chris Haird moved up to fifth. position into the lead followed by 155 Lee Pepper but both were passed in quick succession by 42 Shane Bland The restart saw Hillard and Haird line themselves up on on the outside. Pepper tried the same manoeuvre on Tay- the outside as the pack built up speed for the green of the lor but he wasn’t keeping a tight inside line for the bends 6 lap showdown. Hillard moved himself up alongside which enabled 444 Sam Shuddall to move past the pair Shuddall with Haird on his rear bumper for the final few on the inside exiting turn 2. Shuddall set after Bland and tours but couldn’t nose himself in front. With 2 lines bedid catch him in the final 5 laps, he moved to the outside ing taken there was clearly no way through for Haird and although at times he seemed to nose ahead he wasn’t who had to keep out wide that enabled him to nick third ahead when it maGered. place from Taylor.
26 whistlinjacksmith.co.uk
Heat 3 Ginger lead the opening few laps as it took Pepper a few aGempts to go around the outside of him, he was able to quickly build up a lead before 217 BreG Walter and Godfrey could pass in similar fashion. Once Ginger was out on the wide line he fell back. Walter did start to reel in Pepper but only to half his lead. Res: 155, 217, 27, 117, 491, 162, 348, 31, 278, 95 Final The traditional top 3 drivers of the day were brought out onto track with their chosen theme songs which at this point were 117 Rob McDonald, Bland and Shuddall. Taylor converted outside pole into the lead but the gaps between each grade were soon compressed and the race became one large pack, this is an impressive sight but due to confines of an oval and faster cars behind there is usually one result. The inevitable incident came on turns 3 and 4 that put several cars right out to the fencing, no one was knocked into a spin though 92 Jack Blood instantly pulled off. That skirmish allowed Shuddall into the lead; the other big benefactor being 39 Terry Hunn
who suddenly jumped up to fourth place while Bland was back to tenth. A black cross was shown at this point allow it wasn’t clear who to. Hunn moved quickly beyond Pepper and Taylor via the outside line for second place but Shuddall had already created an uncatchable lead. All eyes moved to third place as Pepper tried the outside line of Taylor for what must have been 20 odd laps, at times he moved ahead sometimes by the length of car but had the decency not to pull straight across the front of him that would usually cause contact. While those were baGling the faster guys were creeping from behind up like predators in the savannah seizing up their prey – these being Hillard, Haird and 348 Shane Brereton. However quick they were with 2 lines taken they had to wait for an opportunity to appear and that never happened. So the chequered flag fell on Shuddall but he was adjudged to have caused the early clash and dropped to third place that handed the win to Hunn who turned around a bad day (DNF and a last place), Pepper had edged ahead of Taylor as they crossed the line so that became second.
PICTURE: PETER BALLARD
Whistlinjacksmith.co.uk 27
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