The World Championship full contact crown for the National Bangers was taken in fine style by Shane Davies, 158, at Wimbledon Stadium on November 13th in front o f a sell-out crowd.

Ahead of the final the audience was treated to two last chance qualifiers with 80 drivers vying for a spot on the final grid with only two places available. Needless to say the action was intense as car after car was reduced to scrap metal as the bumpers went in around the famous Plough Lane circuit. As the smoke cleared from the two heats and the last wreck was towed off the track the two drivers who had fought their way through to the World Final were Anthony Crowshaw, 145 and Jason Jackson, 331.

Robert Moffat, 430, drew pole position in the public draw for the grid ahead of the big race, while defending champion Keith ‘Maverick’ Painter, 46, drew 8th spot. The rest of the field was assigned their places and the immaculately prepared Bangers began two rolling laps behind the pace cars.

The second the green flag fell automotive anarchy reigned as the drivers ploughed their cars into the opposition and attempted to batter their way to the front. Early leader Dean Mayes, 730 set a storming pace as the rest of the field snapped at his rear bumper. The second place spot changed several times with Frankie Whitelock, 69 then Mark Welland, 264 piling on the pressure.

As the race wore on and the track began to resemble a scrap yard, Shane Davies, who had worked his way up from third to second, made his move and took out Mayes with a well-timed attack on the back straight. As Hayes spun out of contention Davies took up the running and never looked in any real danger of losing the top spot.

As the chequered flag fell the 2005 World Championship title went to Shane Davies, who was followed home by Billy King, 49 and Mike Kilford, 202.

The winners were presented with their impressive trophies, laurels, and champagne in front of a wildly appreciative crowd.

The new champion stated, “I’ve never really had that much luck with the big races,” before breaking into a huge grin and finishing, “but that’s all changed with this one.”  The gold roof holder for 2005 also pledged to travel to as many tracks as possible to defend the title in the coming season. 

There will be more action at Wimbledon Stadium on November 27 with the Best in Britain championships for the Stock Cars, 2.0 Hot Rods, and Superstox.

Full details from Spedeworth South on 01252 322 920 or spedeworth.co.uk