MSA British Drag Racing Round 1: Auto Trader Festival of Power, Santa Pod, 30 March-1 April

Battling the coldest conditions ever experienced at a major British drag race, Garrett and his nitrous-boosted 1941 Willys produced the best eliminations performance in the final to beat former champion Andy Robinson, who was debuting his much-heralded new Camaro.

Wayne Nicholson was the top qualifier with the events quickest pass, while Robinson set the fastest speed. Meanwhile Kevin Slyfield escaped unhurt after a high-speed crash.

Results semi-finalRick Garrett 7.661sc / 179.21mph def. Wayne Nicholson DQ (red light)Andy Robinson 8.622s / 149.12mph

FinalRick Garrett 6.981s / 196.24mph def. Andy Robinson 14.260s / 60.96mph

Provisional championship standings1 Rick Garrett 95 points2 Andy Robinson 773 Wayne Nicholson 634 Graham Ellis 365 Jean Dulamon 34

Image: Rick Garrett in action at Santa Pod Raceway, courtesy of David DJ Jones