The grey skies could not put a damper on the racing action at Bovingdon Raceway on May 9th when the Spedeworth Superstox took to the Herts circuit to contest the 2004 English Championship.
Former Superstox World Champion 18, Mark Eaton, led out a grid of star drivers as the grid positions were determined by a draw. Eaton drew spot number 11, while the defending champion 22, Mark Kelman drew spot 27, giving him the best part of the field to pass if he had any chance of keeping the title. Pole position went to 23, Matthew Carberry.
The green flag fell and the pack sprinted into the first lap with the bumpers going in at every opportunity. With such pace and ferocity in the opening stage it was inevitable that a massive pile up was coming and it duly appeared on the pit bend with Superstox slewing into each other and leaving some drivers with an interesting view of the circuit as they were left perched precariously on top of their fellow competitors' cars.
The restart saw an equally blistering pace with 23, Carberry heading the pack and sparks flying from the Super's iron bumpers. 22, Kelman was determinedly making his way through the pack while 219, Stu Thompson, assumed the lead. Thompson grimly held onto first place, as Kelman's immaculately prepared car loomed ever larger in his rear view mirror. That view was soon replaced by that of the rear end of the Kelman machine as the defending champion roared past on the inside line.
Kelman now found himself in a position he has come to know well, leading a pack of thundering Superstox around the Herts circuit. The local driver kept his cool and drove a textbook remainder of the race to claim the title for the second time ahead of fellow star Superstox drivers 174, Paul Poulter and 86, Chris Bradbury - victory subject to Spedeworth Board of Control decision after post race scrutineering.
Kelman now is on track to become the Michael Schumacher of the Superstox formula holding all the major titles and claiming his second English Championship as the 2004 season unfolds.
Equally spirited racing action was delivered from the Rookie Bangers, where the current track champion 13, Pip Brookes saw his chances of adding points to the 2004 championship go up in smoke courtesy of some very "light contact" from 77, Tony 'Bones' O'Leary who wiped out the current champ's car on the home straight.
Those who braved the overcast weather were also treated to some fine racing from the non-contact Lightning Rods and the full-contact Stock Cars, making for a day 's entertainment, which was only lacking some sunshine to have created the perfect day out for race fans.
There is another four formula racing programme comprising of National Bangers, Rookie Bangers, Ministox and Lighting Rods at Bovingdon on Sunday May 23 at 1.30pm Add to that free parking, and a great view of all the action from high-banked spectator areas, and Bovingdon (situated off B4005 Bovingdon, Nr Hemel Hempstead, Herts on the airfield complex) will provide a great day out for all the family come rain or shine.
