Spedeworth International's Banger racing stars of the past put on a great show at Wimbledon Stadium on March 14th. The 'old boys' had to endure endless jokes about missing their nice cup of Horlicks by the fire and having to finish early to be back to the home on time, but swiftly showed that once behind the wheel they had lost none of their ability to put the bumper in with fine style.
Ahead of the stars of the past's return to action the Young Guns and 'Inbetween' racers took to the track. The 15 laps of carnage set the pace for a great night's entertainment with the win going to 348, Sonny Sherwood, ahead of a very fast and destructive 206, Dave King.
Heat 2 for the pretenders to the throne saw more cars dispatched to the scrap yard in the sky with 811, John Kemp winning the crowd's approval by dragging his extremely mangled automobile around Plough Lane and not giving in until it was reduced to a pile of scrap metal at the pit bend. Star Banger driver 194, Steve Anscombe took the win in a car that had also received its fair share of attention from fellow competitors.
The Stars of the Past took to the track to rekindle memories of Banger bashes long ago and showed the crowd how it was done in the 'good old days.' The pace was rapid and the destruction all out from the green flag as the drivers showed the 'young 'uns the way around Plough Lane. 245, Jack France drove a great race and was within sight of the raised chequered flag when the hard charging 627, Terry Coke, spun him aside and narrowly avoided destroying his own car in the very unforgiving safety fence to take the win. The Banger final saw all the age groups take to the track and proceed to wipe each other out in fine style. Veteran driver 264, Pete Welland was one of the past stars to be smashed to pieces on the pit bend, but he could at least watch is son 264, Mark Welland take the win.
Despite the night's destruction 20 cars made it onto the track for the demolition derby. From the second the green flag fell it was full-on Banger action with cars ploughing into each and expiring in a shower of sparks and steam. Fittingly, the win went to veteran driver 510, Gordon Cool who powered his Jag the full length of the circuit to demolish 194, Steve Anscombe and take the final trophy of the night for the 'old boys.'
The non-contact Stock Rods were also in action and with a full grid of cars delivered some very close and exciting racing. Heat wins went to 148, W. Shackelford and 125, Tony Noye. The 30-lap final was won by 213, Graham Moreton.
Another great night's racing action is on the cards on Sunday 28th March when the National Hot Rods, Stock Cars and Rookie Bangers take to the track at Wimbledon Stadium, Britain's finest stock car racing circuit. Full details from Spedeworth International on 01252 322 920
