ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP SETTLED
The mighty V8 Stock Cars fought it out for their English Championship at Bovingdon Raceway on June 5th and delivered a great race for the fans who braved less than perfect summer weather to attend.
Prior to the race the huge V8s fell silent as staff and spectators held a minutes silence in memory of V8 Stock Car driver Steve Spinks, who was tragically killed in a racing accident the previous week. Some well-chosen words from commentator John Sharpe caused the crowd to reflect on the courage of the drivers who regularly race Stock Cars around the country. He concluded by stating that Steve (who was a hugely experienced racer) would have wanted today’s championship race to go ahead as he loved the sport with a real passion.
After the dignified silence the V8s burst once more in action and with the pre-drawn grid positions giving pole to Andy Dallard #5, the cars began their rolling lap behind the pace car.
As the green flag fell the Hertfordshire sky was rent by the sound of 24 V8s opened to full throttle. All eyes were on Robert Harris #31 the current World Champion, who was making a storming drive through the pack.
Harris continued his charge displacing Dallard and an equally hard charging Richard Carter#297 to take the lead in no uncertain fashion. Once installed at the front of the pack his experience and car control allowed him to start building a commanding lead. Half way through the 20-lap race he was lapping back markers and looked in no real danger of losing the race. As the laps wound down to the finish it became evident that no one was going to catch the World Champion who took the chequered flag ahead of Russ Williams #28 and Peter Scott #98, who had overcome a starting grid engine problem to get back in the race and secure third place.
The Rookie Bangers provided more thrills and spills with their 4 a side team racing. The action came thick and fast until the final saw just two cars (out of over 50) finishing the race. When the scrap metal was hauled away and the points totalled up it was a win for the Monkey Boys team – who doubtless celebrated with something a little stronger than banana juice on the night!
The non-contact Rookie Rod final was won by James Lock #112, after the race leader David Burton #17 was docked a place for illegal contact during the race.More action at Bovingdon on June 19 with the 2.0 Hot Rods National Championship, Superstox British Championship, Rookie Bangers and Grand Prix Midgets.
Full details from Spedeworth South on 01252 322 920 or spedeworth.co.uk
