Mendips Raceway - NEWS AND RESULTS - 2007

To help you find News and Results Quickly, here are links to the first articles for each month. 

Recent News Follows:

Practice Day 2008 takes place on Sunday March 2nd. All drivers are welcome, even those who may not necessarily race with us! It is an ideal opportunity for MiniRod newcomers to take their assessment tests, and for anyone from a banger to an F1 to get some laps under the belt. As usual, the charge is £15 per car, and anyone is welcome to come along and watch , free of charge. We have been able to maintain this for one more year, but increases in insurance and medical cover will mean an increase in 2009.

The 2009 Mendips Raceway Dinner and Dance will take place on Saturday January 24th 2009-one week earlier than usual. Unfortunately, the popularity of the Webbington means that dates need to be booked over twelve months in advance!

Another record number of guests totalling 265 sat down to an excellent dinner at the Webbington Hotel on Saturday night for the 2007 Presentation night. There were also a record number of presentations, with Mendips Drivers not only having a clean sweep of all the home Banger Championships, but also several away wins as well. Phil Cleverley was never far away from everyone's thoughts, as Nicky was presented with the guitar that he was making when he died , which had been completed by his lifelong friend Graham, and the band with which he used to play provided the music for dancing. The new Mendips Raceway website recieved had its official launch, with preview pages available for viewing, and a 30 minute 2007 Highlights dvd was shown on the big screen in the interval. The cars that were present, pictured below, comprised a gorgeous Reliant Regal for the World Cup meeting for 2008 from Mike Cocks, the breataking new Bunterbuilt F2 car of Nathan Maidment which had made its debut at the Autosports Show, and a superb Granada Limo from Sam Trim which is destined for THUNDERBOLT VIII on May 4th .

After all the presentations had been made, including a couple presented by the Christmas fairy Andy Booth, it came down to the final award of the night, the Driver of the Year, and after explaining that despite a large number of votes being polled by Filo, his name had been withdrawn by mutual agreement with family and friends, Graham Bunter announced the Marcus Goldsmith had placed third, Steve Griffin second, but the winner, with in excess of 30% of all votes cast, was Martin Dalton, who retained the trophy to great applause.

The excitement is building towards the award of the Mendips Raceway Driver of the Year! This is the final week for voting, with Saturday 26th January the final day. The announcement will be made at the Dinner and Dance on Saturday February 2nd.

Four Mendips Raceway drivers attended the World Championship Qualifying Round for Reliant Robins at Mildenhall on 19th January. 87 Barry Richards, 116 Sam Summerhayes, 117 Craig Wright and newcomer 115 Mark Wlaznik had an excellent day, with Sam winning a heat , and Barry the meeting Final, which qualified him for the World Final in July.

The 2008 Autosports show at the NEC at Birmingham saw the launch of the World Championship series that culminates in the Final at Mendips Raceway on September 14th. The brand new Bunterbuilt car of Nathan Maidment (935) was on the official Brisca F2 stand and is seen here with a couple of cuties (and Nathan, of course)

Mendips Raceway drivers were well represented at the Heavy Metal Classic at Standlake on January 6th. A seven strong team of Weymouth Wallies were present, with Danny Smithson(311) winning two heats in his Stellar, Jason Ayles(315) impressing with his Sunbeam Rapier H120, and Finchy(803) with his Avenger estate. Rob Mills(404) recorded a second place with his well travelled XJS, and Sam Trim(363) went on a one man Bear Hunt with his Volvo. points Champion Scott Mowlam(396) had a bad day when the engine of his Ipswich Vectra expired, and The Flier (15) put in some good hits with his Mondeo.

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Tickets and Hotel rooms are still available for the Mendips Raceway Dinner and Dance on Saturday February 2nd, at the Webbington Hotel, Loxton. If you facncy a good night out with racing company, a three course dinner and some live music, phone 01963 22008 to reserve your tickets. And no-you don't have to be a driver............

After consultation with the family, and other interested parties , We can now announce that CRASHMANIA 2008 will be the tribute meeting for Phil Cleverely(402) The meeting will be titled Filo's Crashmania, and will continue the pink theme, and it's fundraising. The reasons for this are thrre fold-Crashamania was always one of Phil's favourite meeting, it is inexorably linked with Cancer Research UK for which it will be a major fundraiser, and finally, it is a successful meeting that will have the opportunity for all those who wish to take part. Filo's Crashamania takes place on Sunday 27th July 2008.

The Mendips Raceway will be hosting the 2008 Formula Two Stock Car World Championship in 2008, and the launch of that campaign will take place at the Autosports Show at the NEC on January the 12th and 13th 2008, as part of the Brisca F2 stand.

A promotional car has been built that will attend most of the 2008 World Championship Qualifying Rounds, and details will be available of a Discount Ticket and Hotel Offer, as well as a Free Prize Draw.

The ticket Hotline is 0870 040 0396-or visit www.autosport-international.com

The date and time of Phil's funeral have been confirmed as 1pm on Monday December 31st , at the South Bristol Crematorium, which is on the A38 south of Bristol-postcode is BS13 7AS. All are welcome. After the service, a wake will be held at the Town and Country Lodge, which is 5 mins away, again on the A38 southbound.

Flowers are by family only, please , but donations will be gratefully accepted for the Bristol Oncology unit. Anyone wishing to donate and not attending the funeral is very welcome to send them to the usual Mendips Raceway address, and we will pass them on.

Plans for a suitable tribute meeting for Phil are being discussed, and will be announced when confirmed.

His funeral will take place on Monday 31st December in Bristol, and all are welcome. Time and venue will follow.

Wednesday December 19th

It is with great sadness that we have to report that Phil 'Filo' Cleverley lost his fight with cancer early this morning.

Details of funeral arrangements will follow.

In a really entertaining ORCI Banger Team Championship on Sunday, the Mendips Raceway team finished a best ever third place. The meeting came alive when the RDC team started a war with PRI, the hot favourites, in the third heat, and that let Spedeworth through to the lead. Jason Ayles(315) was a late substitute for injured Ben Edwards, and despite losing his car, and the Primera of Darren Feltham (364) quite early on with engine problems, there were still six blue and silver cars out for the Final-the last points scoring race. Although there were no race wins, steady scoring resulted in third place overall in the Championship. There would have been more, but Marcus Goldsmith(198) suffered two punctures, Scott Mowlam's car didn't run until the Final, and Martrin Dalton had two points scoring finishes taken off him on the last lap.

Pictures of the four Mendips Raceway drivers at the Wimbledon World Final on Sunday November 11th, in which Scott Mowlam(396) achieved a career best 10th place in the big race, won by Jason Jackson(331) for the second year on the trot.

ORCi Banger Team Meeting-Ipswich November 18th.

With Kenny Dalton(458) unable to take part in the Team Meeting, it will be a first outing in the blue and silver for Scott Weldon(517), who will be racing a 2litre Bluebird. The annual event that has 12 teams of eight drivers from all ORCi Promotions is probably at Ipswich for the last time, as the Spedeworth World Final will be moving to Foxhall for 2008, and there is considerable debate as to where the 2008 event will be held.

With the onset of Autumn comes several major Banger dates away for Mendips Raceway drivers.

On Sunday November 11th is the Unlimited Banger World Championship at Wimbledon Stadium, and representing us will be 198 Marcus Goldsmith and 396 Scott Mowlam, with 49 Rob Bevan ,and 51 John Worstencroft racing in the last chance qualifying races. As usual, all drivers will be presenting cars of extremely high quality paint and signwriting, which is the trademark of the Wimbledon Final. There is much talk that this may be the last ever, due to the anti pollution regulations that may be in place in 2008, so fans are advised to see it before it is too late. Tickets are limited, so to avoid disappointment, book now by visiting www.spedeworth.co.uk.

One week later, the annual ORCI Banger Team meeting takes place at Ipswich. This year it is 1.30pm start, and the Mendips Raceway team has been selected:

51 John Worstencroft, 58 Martin Dalton 198 Marcus Goldsmith, 363. Sam Trim, 364 Darren Feltham, 396 Scott Mowlam, 418 Ben Edwards, 458 Kenny Dalton will be racing in the blue and silver and hoping to improve on our best ever 5th place in 2004

RESULTS - 07.10.07

Bangers:-

Heat 1 - Mitchel Mills 159,46,190,396,58,198,40,116
Heat 2 - Ben Wyatt 133,151,244,199,299,44,702,341,381,23
Cons - Jason Burt 446,363,517
Final - Steve Griffin 44,151,46,58,244,190,702
Fig.8 - Martin Dalton 58,46,396
DD - Keith Painter 46.

A brilliant drive from Steve Griffin in his 2007 THUNDERBOLT Mk 1 Granada make a clean sweep of titles this year being won by home drivers. 46 cars took part, including a superb Lincoln Town Car Limo from Bubbs (83) and a brave old DS Limo from Tony Harrison(45) Defending Champion Keith Painter(46) was runner up all day, but finally won the DD By silencing the limo and Scott Mowlam's THUNDERBOLT winning Jag.

Mini Rods:-

Heat 1 - Ross Montgomery 14,19,18,42,5,79,411,121
Heat 2 - Sam May 501,60,122,7,119,118,62,22
Cons - Micky Ford 266,90,11,404
Final - Sam May 501,19,14,90,18,5,7,42,22,60

15 years after his father Richard (501) won the Banger West of England, young Sam May (501) won the MiniRod version in some style, with a heat and Final double. Rare visitor Micky Ford won the consolation, and Ross Montgomer was the only other winner.

Saloon Stock Cars:-

Heat 1 - Richard Paris 11,834,499,720,425,199,401,186,18,369
Heat 2 - Daniel Climo 834,199,18,499,401,240,369,425,711,11
Final - David Aldous 499,11,156,199,369,401,836,776,18

Here is the Mendips Raceway sponsored Templecombe Rovers team at the beginning of the season .

Sunday 7th October 2007

Preview by Steve Linfield

The Unlimited Bangers and the Mini Rods both have their West of England Championship and we welcome the Saloon Stock Cars for their annual outing here.
The Bangers West of England is actually one of the oldest titles of all for the form of racing anywhere, pre-dating a few of the other titles and fancily named meetings that take place up and down the land. Last year was the usual hectic affair and it was 46 Keith ‘Maverick’ Painter who came through to take the win. He appeared here again at Crashmania back in July, and can never be discounted but in truth the entry list is oozing with potential victors with 99 Ritchie Ahern, already a race winner here back on August Bank Holiday Monday, winner two years back 199 Jamie Wyatt and brother 133 Ben the pick of the visiting bunch and then there is of course this years domestic track champion here 396 Scott Mowlem and outgoing silver roof 58 Martin Dalton. Neither of them have won the title before and would dearly love to do so. Last weekend at Hednesford for the classic car meeting, 49 Rob Beavan won the ‘unders’ section and 517 Scott Weldon the ‘overs’ so we congratulate them for that, and they will be looking to build on that success today too. Afterwards, the Horace Hunt Memorial Figure of Eight will take place which is always a spectacular event, and it will be 404 Rob Mills who will be defending the trophy for that one.
The Saloon Stock Cars have been looking forward to their date here all season, and last year they put on a great display and looking at the entry list all the signs are that there will be more of the same this afternoon. It is great to see the World Champion 401 Steve Webster with us, and he will be one to watch as will former title holder 499 David Aldous who was impressively fast last year without taking a victory. That is because none of them could live with 720 Shane Brown who romped to a hat-trick of wins, and such is his like of the Mendips track he will be the one to watch again today. That said though, 425 Richard Baldwin and 834 Dan Climo will be hard ones to catch from the front end of the grid so they will have it all to play for.
The youngsters in the Mini Rods have had another season of great racing, maybe not as many cars as we have seen in previous years but this was largely due to so many reaching the retiring age of 16 at the end of last year and over the second half of this year several new faces brought the numbers back up again. One of them who retired last year was the winner of the West of England in 20 Brad Sykes and so there will be a new name on the trophy, and all the signs are that it will be a wide open race although those at the top of what is a very close points chart must surely fancy their chances the most such as 11 Tony Munden, 14 Ross Montgomery and 60 Steve Sayer to name but three, who will also be looking to gain the silver roof too and another worth keeping an eye on will be 90 Daniel Moss who hasn’t raced here much this year but has shown up well when he has done. Also, the Mr Starter’s Triers Trophies will be awarded where Starter Andy Chant and his wife Shirley will be giving out two awards to two Mini drivers where the emphasis will not be on what the driver has achieved during the course of the season but the overall package such as the preparation of the car, attitude of the race team and the determination to carry on. All will be revealed today!

So, as the saying goes, “That’s All Folks”…. We will be back in 2008 with another exciting season, with all the Banger favourites back again and the BriSCA F2 Stock Car World Championship in September. In the meantime though, don’t forget the ORCI Banger Team Championship at Ipswich on November 18 where eight of our guys will be up against teams from all the other tracks and promoters in the UK and also our Dinner, Dance and Presentation evening which takes place at the Webbington Hotel in Loxton on February 2, details of which can be found inside this programme and the tickets, at £20 a head are available from the track office.

Here is the latest list of drivers booked for the Unlimited Banger West of England Championship

9 Adam Elias CLAVERHAM
23 Graham Tibbs EPNEY
24 Stinky Cuddihy Oxford
40 Pete Stanley Bournemouth
44 Steve Griffin Bristol
46 Keith Painter Oxford
49 Rob Bevan BRISTOL
51 John WorstencroftHolmes Chapel
58 Martin Dalton BRISTOL
80 Matt Buckland Bath
83 Andy Beaven Melksham
88 Tim Wood Cullompton
90 Mark Bartlett Ringwood
99 Richie Ahern Brentwood
107 Daniel Chiplen WINCANTON
114 Martin Lake WAREHAM
118 Aaron Brown Taunton
127 Pete Wake Neath
133 Ben Wyatt Ringwood
159 Dan Godley Torquay
167 Tom Luke Congresbury
187 Stuart Harrop Weston
188 Timmy Mc Donald Worthing
190 Steve Bailey Exeter
198 Marcus GoldsmithPaulton
199 Jamie Wyatt Ringwood
216 Nigel Baker Poole
231 Stuart Dunn Ringwood
244 Michael Bunyan Oxford
298 Sam Wyatt Ringwood
305 Mark Penfold Weston
333 Steve Randall Ringwood
363 Sam Trim BLAGDON
364 Darren Feltham BRISTOL
381 Trevor Joyce Ringwood
383 Mark Yard Banwell
396 Scott Mowlem WEYMOUTH
404 Rob Mills TROWBRIDGE
414 James Ellerker GUILDFORD
444 Mark Loader Weston
456 Nathan Roberts Essex
500 Lee May Yate
502 Kai May Yate
517 Scott Weldon Corfe Mullen
801 Mike English Neath
899 Andy Dodge HIGH WYCOMBE

RESULTS 30.09.07
Rebels:-

Heat 1 - Adam Rubery 100,2,3,10,25,8,234,215,67,40
Heat 2 - Darren Clark 3,2,844,52,12,80,17,395,8,51
Final - Darren Clark 3,100,2,52,844,80,67,8,51,744

Great racing from the Rebels on their 2007 visit, with the usual suspects coming through to head up the results. 23 drivers raced in a Clash Series round, heat race and Final, with Darren Clark(3) coming out on top.

F2’s:-

RR - Steve Davies 499,812,246,509,891,707,223,762,53,838
Heat 1 - Tim Farrell 667,497,167,38,522,676,812,935,189,229
Heat 2 - Rob Batten 467,315,511,254,246,628,499,830,891,14
Cons - Jeremy Moss 707,832,14,509,612,771,229,891,53,737
GF - Steve Davies 499,38,522,315,511,676,229,254,628,812
GN - Dave Polley 38,667,315,891,522,676,812,467,189,499

A dream day for Middlesex yellow top Steve Davies(499) who romped away with the Rookies Reward Final, and then turned it all on, keeping his nerve to win the beautiful Howard Cole Memorial trophy from a fast closing David Polley(38). Shaun Robinson (104) was presented with the Annual Endeavour Trophy, and Tim Farrell(667) wrapped up the Points Championship.

Special Rods:-

Heat 1 - Alan Cambridge 173,58,75,48,5,43,2,407
Heat 2 - Richard Howard 47,25,87,198,993,46,89,51
Cons - Rob Garrett 50,62,6,83
Final - Robin Bath 25,47,198,87,173,407,50,89,43,48

The inaugural West of England Championship Final by John Major Plant Hire was run with heat winners on pole, without grades, and it produced an enthralling race, well won by Robin Bath(25) when Martin Dalton(58), who was looking like a winner, was taken out by a back marker who was subsequently reported to the Board of Control. Richard Howard (47) finished second, which took him to second in the Points Championship, which was unsurprisingly won by Marcus Goldsmith(198) after a steady day.

Rookie Bangers:-

Heat 1 - Dan Crosbie 51,58,581,158,107,444,19,364,60
Heat 2 - Ben Hale,991,51,58,458,187,178,444,23
Final - Ryan Wallace 581,58,19,991,158,458,29,107,178
AC - Ben Hale 991,58,458,29,158,581
DD - Martin Dalton 58

A good show of 25 Rookie Bangers provided some great entertainment, with the visiting Autospeed drivers taking much of the glory, although there was a a photo finish between Martin Dalton(58) and Ryan Wallace(581) for the Final. Drivers voted to have a Destruction Derby, which was almost entirely composed of All Black drivers, who were, as usual, demolished by Martin Dalton(58). Martin also took the Rookie Bangers first Points Championship.

September 30th-Preview by Steve Linfield

We reach the penultimate meeting of the 2007 season at Mendips Raceway on Sunday 3oth and in quick succession we will be back again seven days time when we reach the dramatic climax of the year with the Unlimited Bangers West of England Championship, the return of the Saloon Stock Cars and the Mini Rods for what will also be their West of England title.
However, , on Sunday 3oth we have a busy afternoon of racing ahead and taking into consideration the time of year we will be getting underway sharply at 1.00pm, so hopefully you were all be there well in time for this! The BriSCA F2 Stock Cars, Special Rods and Rookie Bangers all reach the conclusion of their particular part of proceedings, and it is a warm welcome back to the Rebel Racers for the first time since the summer of 2005.
For the F2 Stock Cars, another good year here at Mendips has seen a variety of winners, as well as memorable and great races. The track championship looks set to go right to the wire, as it has done every year for the past several but really on current form 667 Tim Farrell, who took his 50th career Final win here last time out on the August Bank Holiday weekend, has to be the favourite. But, as we have seen so many times over, anything can happen and it usually does. The annual Howard Cole Memorial Trophy will be the main event to wrap up things, won last year by 111 Lewis Geach. He has not raced this season, so we will be looking at a new winner. Farrell is a highly likely candidate of course, as is 886 Chris Bradbury who matched him very well last time and then wily 167 Bill Batten, who returned from three months off through ill health earlier in the month will be eager to win this particular race. Before all that though, we will have the final of this years Rookies Reward series. It has been yet another successful season for the series dedicated to the white and yellow graded drivers where their opening race of the meeting has again often stolen the show of their whole meeting. Each round has had a different winner, and for the Final they will line up in points order within the two grades. The smart money obviously has to come from the yellow graders, but that is not to say that a quick white grader couldn’t get away. 614 Simon Brace was third in the meeting Final last time out, and will be one to catch as will 812 Scott Williams who has made a huge impression in his first few weeks of racing, driving the car of the afore mentioned Geach and then from the yellow grade, 509 Terry Butcher, 830 Andrew Bennett and even perhaps last years winner 612 Bernie Serpell are all quite capable. It will be an interesting and hard fought race. The series this year has been sponsored by L&F Commercial Parts, M&M Motors, Stacey, Watts and Hawkins, Stanic Parts, Northward Solutions, and we gratefully acknowledge the help of Graham Harding.
Speaking of interesting and hard fought, but of a slightly different kind the Sierra Special Rods will not only be going for the conclusion of their points championship but also the first running of the West of England Championship. After an ill-tempered season in 2005, the formula went on something of a probation period last year and the points scored during the year were not announced until the year was over. Thankfully, it worked and 2006 was much more how it should be and this year has followed suit. So, hopefully good clean stuff for today and a worthy champion – indeed probably even champions at the end of it all. Last time out on Bank Holiday Monday, 407 Nigel Gissing lead them all home in the Final on a day when the high graded drivers did not fair so well. That propelled Nigel to second in the points with 198 Marcus Goldsmith still sitting in first place. Whether the likes of he, 87 Barry Richards, 158 Wayne Hughes or indeed several others can come through to win the West of England remains to be seen, but it will be fascinating to watch, because any one of several at the top of the points table could leave here this evening as with the new silver roof. Indeed one of them could be 42 John Major, and we thank him through John Major Plant Hire for his sponsorship of the race.
It seems a long while since we saw the Rookie Bangers with us, on what has been a little bit of a trial run for this format of Banger racing here at the track this year. It is all in the essence of Banger racing, but there are restrictions on what drivers can do both in the preparation of the car and what can happen on track in comparison to the more ‘normal’ Banger racing, as a few found out at the first meeting…. Really, the plan was and is to encourage folk wanting to get on the track without having to go through a massive build or the fear of getting ‘blown up’ by a big gun. It has worked, and plans are already afoot to have some Rookie meetings again in 2008. Some of the “big guns” just love to race of course, and so as long as they do so to the rules, they can do. Two examples of this have been the Final winners in the first two meetings with 387 Marc Le Faux winning in March and then 58 Martin Dalton the winner on Easter Sunday and these two are just a point apart at the top. Thanks to the Ramplin Family for their support meaning the drivers have something to go for over these three meetings, so no doubt they will play their part.
Finally, it is great to see the Rebels back with us after an absence that has been too long n my eyes! These specially built cars with Reliant engines really have been one of the success stories of the past decade in oval racing with some great action mixed with very close racing which is exactly what we like to see. 2 Tony McCarthy and 100 Adam Rubery were two who were with us the last time back in June 2005, and they come here as first and second in the points so therefore their battle for supremacy will continue, but by the same token there will be several having their first race around the unique Mendips track.

Unlimited Banger West of England Championship-Sunday October 7th 2007

The bookings are flowing in for this, the oldest Banger Racing title meeting in the west country, which will finish the 2007 season in great style. Here is the list of drivers to date:-

9 Adam Elias CLAVERHAM
23 Graham Tibbs EPNEY
49 Rob Bevan BRISTOL
51 John WorstencroftHolmes Chapel
58 Martin Dalton BRISTOL
83 Andy Beaven Melksham
99 Richie Ahern Brentwood
107 Daniel Chiplen WINCANTON
114 Martin Lake WAREHAM
118 Aaron Brown Taunton
127 Pete Wake Neath
133 Ben Wyatt Ringwood
187 Stuart Harrop Weston
198 Marcus GoldsmithPaulton
199 Jamie Wyatt Ringwood
315 Jason Ayles WEYMOUTH
333 Steve Randall Ringwood
363 Sam Trim BLAGDON
364 Darren Feltham BRISTOL
381 Trevor Joyce Ringwood
396 Scott Mowlem WEYMOUTH
404 Rob Mills TROWBRIDGE
414 James Ellerker GUILDFORD
418 Ben Edwards WEYMOUTH
444 Mark Loader Weston
456 Nathan Roberts Essex
500 Lee May Yate
502 Kai May Yate
801 Mike English Neath
899 Andy Dodge HIGH WYCOMBE

RESULTS - 27.08.07

Results from Sunday 26th August

Sunday August 26 and Monday August 27 - preview by Steve Linfield

Sunday afternoon will see the BriSCA F2 Stock Cars back in action, along with the Bangers and the youngsters in the Mini Rods whilst if you are here on Monday then obviously for many the annual Banger Caravan race will be the highlight, but there will be more Banger racing too along with the Reliant Robins, including their figure of eight race and racing too from the Hot Rods and Special Rods.

It seems so long ago since we saw the F2 Stock Cars with us here at Mendips, so for some there could have been quite a wait between race outings. For others though not so, with plenty of major titles and trophies being contested up and down the land, and indeed beyond. The big one of the year though comes for them next weekend with the World Championship at Arena Essex. A timely reminder, in case you haven’t heard but that particular race will come back here for the first time since 1991 next season, so that is certainly something to look forward to. For today though, the track points is very close coming into the meeting with 467 Rob Batten holding a slender lead over 676 Neil Hooper and 667 Tim Farrell. Tim has certainly been the man to catch in recent domestic south west meetings and could be again this time, with the annual Freddie Funnel Memorial up for grabs, but as we have seen so many times it is never over until its over. Another tradition at this meeting is the annual veteran stock car drivers association race to round out the meeting for the ‘Tamworth Trophy’. Open to all former F2 drivers who haven’t raced for three years, it has in the past produced some good entertainment and some one time big name winners none more so than World Champions Jeremy Deeble and Dave Bunt who are the most recent winners.

The Mini Rods for 10 to 16 year olds have had a good season once again with more and more young drivers cutting their racing teeth in the class and hopefully progressing on into adult classes when the time comes. After seeing numbers dip due to a rash of drivers reaching retiring age at the end of last season at the beginning of the year, several newcomers have swelled the entry back up again and as with last time it is hoped that the more traditional format can be adopted again this time. As with the F2’s the points are very close with 60 Steve Sayer, 11 Tony Munden and 14 Ross Montgomery and even 403 Sam Howard all very close and a good or bad meeting from any of them will lead to a significant difference.

The Bangers will be under 1800cc on Sunday, just as they were two weeks ago when a good entry put on a great show in support to the BriSCA F1 Stock Cars and Coach racing in front of one of the biggest crowds of the season so far. The points chase is on for them too, but really as the meetings tick away its surely consolidation time now for 396 Scott Mowlem as he seeks to hold off 198 Marcus Goldsmith, who raced an MGB last time (!) and 58 Martin Dalton. There were three different winners a fortnight ago, with returnee 614 John Marshall, 364 Darren Feltham and 582 Paul Mabalott taking the spoils, so as ever plenty of surprises in store.

24 hours later we will be doing it all again, where the Banger Caravan race will be taking centre stage. If you are here specifically for that, remember that it will come right at the end of the programme. But, we are sure you will enjoy the racing prior to that. The Banger racing will be in an Unlimited format, which means just what it says – the drivers can race what they want and its usually a case of the bigger the better. So, look for some big cars looking for a big crash whilst the points chase is just as much in play for this meeting as the Sunday.

The Reliant Robins will be making their last appearance of the season here, and after two races on the more conventional oval they will finish up on the figure of eight course. If you haven’t seen this before, then you are really in for a treat as the cars cut across the centre and try and avoid each other on the crossroads. We are the only track in the country (even the world?!) to do this so sit back and enjoy the spectacle as they say….The big question is-will Mr Blue be back?

The Hot Rods finish up their season with the West of England Championship, the biggest domestic date of the year in this part of the country. It was good to see the entry was much more respectable for their meeting last month and that bodes well for this meeting. We can confirm that 2006 winner 904 Wilson Hamilton will be back to defend, making his first appearance of the season. There will be plenty of opposition though with 718 Colin White (assuming present) the one to watch as ever whilst a former winner in 205 Mike Norton will be looking to hold off 18 Larry Langmead and 54 Mark Sear to secure the points title, but that looks highly likely to go down to the very last race of the season.

Finally, the all Sierra Special Rods complete the bill where another good entry will contest the split heat and qualifiers only format. The previous meeting saw some very good racing, and whilst incidents and accidents can happen with so many of the big cars going around the tight track the racing was very good and clean which pleased drivers and officials alike. 45 Martin Dredge took the Final victory last month but finds himself some way back in the points chase which is as close as ever, but 198 Marcus Goldsmith has held sway throughout the season so far and will be using every little bit of his vast experience of racing around here to hold on.

Making his debut in Brisca F2 stock cars this weekend is the son of 70s/80s Exeter racer Phil Williams. Universally known as the potato man, from his agricultuural business, Phil raced under a couple of different numbers, but his son Scott will take over the Lewis Geach(111) machine under the number 812. Scott's day job is working for (unrelated) Williams F1 Grand Prix team, which will restrict his racing opportunities.

Also expected to be at the Mendips Raceway will be the Brisca f2 sponsored test car ftted with the 1800cc Ford Duratec engine that may be the future of the sport, as the replacement for the Pinto. The engine has been built by Brisca Partner SRD, and the cars modified by Randall Motorsport, and it will be driven by Dave Harley(362) for the remainder of the season for evaluation.

It has been confirmed that Orchard FM's Laura James of the breakfast show, will be racing a Reliant Robin on Bank Holiday Monday August 27th.

Filo Phil Cleverley(402) has not been around lately, and was last seen at CRASHMANIA 9. He is now being treated at Bristol Royal Infirmary, and is very much cheered by all the recent good luck messages on Ovalchat, and wants well wishers to know that he is facing this latest challenge in the only way possible - head on!

Dan Chiplen(107) married Charlotte Maidment on Saturday 18th of August, so we wish then all the very best for their future. Best Man was Alan Bunter, and here are pictures of their special car to leave the church!

RESULTS - August 12th

An enjoyable day played out to a large crowd under glorious blue skies. Sixteen Formula One stock cars put on a good display, with Paul Hines (259) dominant in the heats but Stuart Smith (390) had then pace of him in the Final, even before Hines retired with a puncture. Mick Harris(8) won the Grand National which featured a good last bend effort by Will Yarrow(22) to dislodge the opposition.

Mabbsy(582) won the Banger Final, shwoing his talents despite irregular racing appearances, as Darren Feltham(364) made good use of his 2006 Ipswich Bluebird which is in danger of rusting out before it gets trashed by winning a heat and the Allcomers. There was some good crashing all through, with internet whizzkid James White (010) making his debut in the Trummer team, which fielded 5 cars, including a fresh Mk 5 for sam, and an MGB for Marcus (198) Th DD was won by Scott Mowlam with another car, Cavalier, that has been around since March!

Four coaches and a Mercedes 709 Minibus(!) for Ben Edwards put on a great display, with two races and a Destruction Derby. Scott Mowlam(396) in a very rapid Bedford, Martin Dalton in another Bedford supplied by Colin White's Avalon Coaches, Darrne Feltam (364) in a Leyland Tiger, and Ron Mills(404) in the ex Buster Sage Seddon coach transporter put on a wrecking display in the centre that had the crowd gasping and cheering alternately. A joint win was declared!

Formula 1:-

Heat 1 - Paul Hines 259,390,22,141,12,208,8
Heat 2 - Paul Hines 259,390,22,141,481,91,257,246
Final - Stuart Smith 390,8,257,141,22,91,92,507,481,397
National - Mick Harris 8,259,22,91,92,390,481,308,397,208

Bangers:-

Heat 1 - John Marshall 614,19,83,114,404,58,49,582,363,198
Heat 2 - Darren Feltham 364,29,404,49,363,502,58,396
Final - Paul Mabalot 582,396,364,58,29,404,361,49,360,83
AC/DD - Darren Feltham 364,58,29,540,396,582,404,363,83 - DD 396

Coaches:-

Pursuit - Darren Feltham 364,396,418,58,404
Catch Up - Ben Edwards 418,396,364,404
DD - Rob Mills 404 and Scott Mowlem 396

Sunday August 12th will feature the long awaited 2007 visit from the unlimited Formula One Stock Cars, racing for the West of England Championship, and a good entry of over 20 cars is booked, including Superstars (259) Paul Hines and (390) Stuart Smith jnr, stars Will Yarrow(22) brothers Ed(321) and James (322) Neachell, and a wonderful opportunity to watch Mike James (417) back at the wheel of an F1 stock car, after his recent retirement from F2 stock car racing.

This meeting also features, for the very first time, racing Coaches, which will take part in three events during the day, ending up with a destruction derby! Those with long memories will recall Buster(602) and Antony(39) from nearby Temple Cloud racing in Formula Two throughout the eighties and early ninties, and on Sunday, Rob Mills(404) is planning to race their Perkins V8 powered Seddon Coach transporter, that has lain idle since their retirement!

This meeting also has 1800cc Bangers, with all the usual suspects taking part, including Points Leader Scott Mowlam, and the majority of the CRASHMANIA 9 winning Contenders team of Marcus Goldsmith, Sam Trim, Andy Beavan, and Ben Small.

BBC TV Points West Article - CLICK HERE

July 21st CRASHMANIA 9 Preview by Michael Coventry-(since this was written, four more teams have booked -details to follow.)   TOP

Once again the annual Crashmania team meeting for 1600cc bangers at Mendips is shaping up to once again not only be the biggest banger bash of the season at the raceway but also one of the most action packed.
Over the years this sessions has developed a superb reputation for delivering some cracking action and this looks set to be the case once again with a fine mixture of local and visiting talent plus a potent combination of teams who will have their eyes set on lifting the title as well as those who will be more interested in causing mayhem and destruction during the course of the afternoon which will hopefully lead to plenty of fireworks during the course of the day.
Here is a closer look at the teams expected for action this Sunday.

The Aftermath squadron make a welcome return and will look to continue their excellent run of performances on their trips to Bristol which include an excellent show 12 months ago and at the more recent British Beef bash last month. The A team has a brotherly look to it with the Shinn brothers teaming with the Coopers to make a very strong showing. All but 391 Ol Matey were here in June and he will be looking to make up for lost time and is certain to involved on the crashing front as will be brother 400 Shinny who is regarded as one of the sports leading entertainers with a series of action packed displays up and down the country. 602 Mr Moody was one of the men of the year in 2006 and one of his best outings was at this team meeting last year and he would love to repeat that form again today. Completing the team is 603 the Younger Hitman, another impressive young gun who isn't afraid to mix it with anyone and will be at the heart of the action here. The class continues in the B team with young gun 179 the Leg-End who always flies the Aftermath colours in style and is another huge entertainer. One of the big news stories heading into the weekend revolved around west country livewire 262 Axle signing for the Math for the day following his guest appearances with the Bears and more recently Team V. This well travelled rising star is already among the sports elite and will look to continue that here and brings with him regular running mate 220 Russ Apline who is another lively force.

Former champions the All Blacks return with two sides for the event with the A team looking very strong indeed and they must start the day as favourites. However after the events of the British Beef meeting it must be asked whether we will see more fireworks between these guys and the Aftermath. If their swords do cross once more it could be one of the talking points of the afternoon and it will be an interesting battle to follow. The A team is headed by reigning track champion 58 Martin Dalton who has continued to travel the country in fine style this season and will certainly lead his platoon by example. He is joined by regular team mates 458 Kenny Dalton and 581 Ryan Wallace, two very underrated performers who should not be overlooked here and will certainly be troubling the front runners during the course of the day. The same can be said for Standlake regular 112 Rusty who again joins forces with this team and will be very useful whether the team is racing or crashing. The B team however is far less likely to challenge for the title but could prove extremely useful in backing up their counterparts in the A team. 05 Neil Teakel could be good for a few points as is 558 Martin Edney while 920 Terry Church should not be overlooked and it will be great to see long time fan 582 Vance Cainey on track enjoying the action from a first person basis.

The Contenders are a new outfit for this year's line up and it's a quality team which will certainly make an impact one way or another, regardless of whether they go for the title or the crash and they are more than capable of either as this one unfolds. Former Cornish champion 83 Bubbs is a fine all rounder and has proved to be great asset to the Mendips scene this year while the vastly experienced 198 Marcus Goldsmith is an asset to any team. We have seen more of Goldsmith in the bangers this year and he usually impresses including a fine display at the wheel of a Rover P5 at Thunderbolt in May and he will look for another strong showing here. 363 Trummer is one of the sports top young guns and a good display here would further enhance his growing reputation in the sport. Completing this promising looking outfit is the always action packed 804 Ben Small who has been in lively form on his travels this season since forming an alliance with Stinkbridge in February. While his three team mates are very capable of scoring well, Small is more likely to be crashing than racing but together this is an excellent all round outfit and it will be interesting to see what role they play on the day.

The Green Team return as defending champions after the closely fought battle in 2006 and they will be looking to successfully retain the crown this season despite only having one team for battle instead of the two they provided 12 months ago. It's a solid outfit from top to bottom with 69 Trotter one of the sport's most underrated performers who learned his craft at Grimley but has since enjoyed many fine performances around the country where he is often joined by regular running mate 123 Robo who is definately going to be a solid member of this team. Spedeworth star 439 Danny Sutton remains one of the sports leading young guns who always makes an impact whenever and wherever he races and he was the difference maker last year. A very crafty and clever racer who will do whatever it takes to ensure the team succeeds here. Completing the team is 383 Dodger who is also no stranger to team racing both on track and behind the scenes and he will be an asset to the team here. We have seen more of him on track this season which has seen his form improve and he is sure to bag a few points on the day. Will be very surprising if these guys don't challenge for the podium.

The Head Hunters are another new side to this year's line up and a team many will be watching with great interest as they also have the ability to impress on the day and make an impression on the front runners. 517 Scott Weldon is another impressive addition to the Mendips stable for 2007 and has been enjoying one of his best seasons in recent memory this year which he will want to continue here. He is joined by Mendips' regular 67 Matt Harris who was well involved in the breath taking and unforgettable Thunderbolt crash of 2006 but he also knows this track very well and is a solid member of the team capable of boosting the sides points tally nicely. Completing the field are the very experienced Ringwood based pairing of 40 Pete Stanley and 446 Jason Burt who sadly we don't see too much of these days at the big banger events so it will be great to have them back here again today where they should not be overlooked by any. Very good bets to make the final and another team who could challenge for the title should they commit to the cause.

Mendips signing for 2007 51 Wusty heads the Hillbillies from Buxton which is another team that on paper could make a serious challenge for this one and that is likely to be their focus here. Wusty, 75 Steve Thacker, 470 Pete Corbett and 606 Red Mist all bring bags and bags of experience to the table and on paper it is a very strong looking line up which many predict will be among the front runners when the dust has settled on this one. The only thing which could work against them is a lack of experience on the Mendips raceway which could give the local teams an edge over them. However with Wusty now a regular here that will help them overcome that obstacle and reassert them as favourites here.

Every year great things are expected from the Impact Squad but it never seems to be their day but again they start with a promising looking team which has the skills to make a serious challenge for the title. 44 Steve Griffin and 49 Rob Bevan are not only two of the fastest men around Mendips but they also impress on their rare trips away from home. Together they should be strong bets to pile on the points and with solid back up from 80 Matt Buckland and hopefully another useful team mate they could be players as this day unfolds.

While the Quality Assured outfit may not field the amount of big names it has done in the past this is still a very useful looking side which is most likely to be involved on the crashing side of things. Leading the way will be 7 Jamie Charles whose recent form includes an excellent display at Crasharama in May and he is going to be one to watch at this one. He is joined by 59 Mike Jones, 137 Andy Huelin and 502 Dippy who are no strangers to Mendips and together they should prove to a useful outfit which is capable of making the final if that is their goal and could even make a challenge for the title if luck is on their side.

The Renegades are one of the long running sides from the West Country who are also no strangers to Mendips and are bound to be a factor in this meeting. It will be interesting to see what their goals are here as you would usually expect the team to not worry to much about the points and instead get stuck in without remorse but the team they have assembled for this one could easily make a run for the title if they go for it. 66 Spoons is widely considered one of the sports unluckiest performers but is still a determined racer who will battle hard for the positive success of the team. 147 Phil Purdy is a most useful addition to the team and is most likely to be going for the points where he is going to be a front runner for scoring well. Former Cornish Champion 406 Chris Bridger can make an impact on the results or the opposition and will be another lively player on the day while 452 Lurch is perhaps more catered for the crashing side of things. However should the team set its sights on the title, Lurch could add a couple of valuable points to their total or be useful in stopping leading members of the opposition.

The last few weeks have seen the Saints become something of a talking point in the sport when they were suddenly ousted from their local track at Standlake and since then the team has been on the road with some lively outings at Northampton and Coventry. They travel to Mendips looking to continue boosting the reputation as a lively outfit boasting some fine young talent eager to make a name for themselves. Leading the charge will be 790 Little Dodgy and 791 Little Tricky who have enjoyed several lively showings in recent memories and are almost always a good bet for some crashing on the day. Meanwhile 41 Dan Pullen and 391 Adam Bligden are two rising stars who will be up for some entertainment here.

Returning to this event for the second year is the ever lively Six Bolt crew who had a belter 12 months ago. Mendips men 9 Mavis and 402 Filo travel with this team all around the country and it will be nice for them to be on their doorstep in the colours for once where they will be keen to impress. The former had a great day last year in his A60 which he ultimately won the DD in, concluding a fantastic afternoon for him while Filo is almost always in lively form. They are joined by Kent based RDC pairing 379 the Worm and 279 the Chief. The former also had a sensational day last year where he won the excellent Allcomers as the last car running and will be one to watch again this season, especially after a fine display for the team at Coventry's recent team bash. The Chief was plagued with mechanical problems last year and will hope for better luck this year where he will try and continue his lively ways.

Once again the Three Litre team has a very strong Wallies theme running through it and this team starts the afternoon as big favourites for the title. 300 Jon Ayles and 311 Danny Smithson have many years of experience and know this track very well and are always a big danger to the results front. While 830 Christian Finch does not have quite the years of experience he still goes very, very well here and will be hard to beat while 260 Keefy may lack Mendips experience he is another long serving racer who brings plenty to the table and together this team could prove very hard to beat, in fact it would be a big surprise if they are not among the front runners on the day.

The Wallies team is just as strong as any other side entered into this event and another big time favourite to once again win the title here. 114 Lakey, former track champion 396 Scott Mowlam, former World Champion 404 Millsy and the underrated 418 Ben Edwards are a very dangerous quartet who surely start the day as being among the top three or so contenders for the title. Will be a big surprise if they don't end the day on the podium or challenging for the top spots but at the same time they are not a team to take advantage off as the side boasts some big hitters who can easily put their crashing heads on if the need arises.

Completing the entry is the Westworld team which boasts some useful and lively racers from the west country venue. 111 Rusty is perhaps the most familiar name of the four but his stable mates 511 Dan Crosbie, 177 Will Powell and 261 Marc Daley have all been well involved on home turf and beyond in the last few months and will look to do the same again here. Perhaps not among the leading contenders to take the titles but ones to watch on the wrecking front.

July 10th                                                                                                                                                                    TOP

With two and a half weeks to go before CRASHMANIA FOR CANCER, fourteen teams have now indicated that they will be taking part, which is well up on last year's entries at this time. All the usual suspects are there, plus some new team names with some familiar faces! Wusty (51) leads a team of Hillbillies down from the North, and Spooner a team of Renegades from the south. All Blacks have a special guest driver, who will be bale to enjopy the banger racing experience even more from behind the steering wheel, and another well experienced team has a new member this year. Think Pink!

July 1st    TOP

CRASHMANIA FOR CANCER 2007 - July 29th

Once again this year the annual CRASHMANIA TEAM MEETING will be raising money for Cancer Research

We ask all drivers to support the cause by painting some pink on their cars, or wearing pink during the Grand Parade, and asking their supporters to do so.

For everyone who arrives at the turnstiles or the Pit Gate with something pink, we will put £1 into the funds, and we welcome any assistance that you can offer to help collect more.

Last year we had pink beards, pink hair, pink pants, pink pyjamas, and pink cars and we raised a very substantial amount for the charity. Drivers even donated prize money to the funds.

We all know someone who has been affected by this dreadful disease, so once a year, through our hobby, we try to make a difference by collecting as much as we can.

Please do whatever you can, and don’t worry, some else will look a bigger fool than you!

June 30th

Following the great success of British Beef 2007, we can confirm that British Beef will run again in 2008, and almost certaibnly on the same date. It is under consideration to make this all rear wheel drive, to keep the Cortina and Capri theme to the meeitng, and this will be confirmed later on in the years.

Saturday 23rd June
Heritage Stock Cars:-
Heat 1 - F2 - Tony Clarke 144, 728, 763, 773, 505, 36, 676, 658, 709, 29
Heat 1 - F1 - Barrie Shepherd 59, 64, 146, 75, 161
Heat 2 - F2 - Mick Whittle 505, 629, 676, 658, 773, 36, 722, 729, 709, 763
Heat 2 - F1 - Garry Tressler 64, 75, 161, 59
Final - F2 - Mick Whittle 505, 676, 616, 36, 709, 629, 59, 722, 7, 29
Final - F1 - Garry Tressler 64, 75, 146, 161

V8 Hot Stox:-
Heat 1 - Kevin Stutchbury 131,575,149,210,315,42,117,216,279
Heat 2 - Kevin Stutchbury 131, 575, 117, 149, 42, 210, 159, 161, 216, 279
Final - Darren Cottrill 575, 149, 210, 42, 117, 159, 161, 279, 417, 72

British Beef Bangers:-
Heat 1 - Steve Hemmings 401, 502, 83, 400
Heat 2 - Wusty 51, 83, 49, 502
Final - Mike Jones 59, 83, 44, 404, 74

DD - Steve Griffin, 44

Reliant Robins:-
Heat 1 - Sam Summerhayes 116, 87, 58, 15, 162, 117, 41, 364
Heat 2 - Martin Dalton 58, 87, 15, 116, 787, 117, 162, 46, 419, 132
Final - Sam Summerhayes 116, 87, 58, 15, 41, 117, 131, 4, 36, 132

Mini Rods:-
Heat 1 - Aaron Charles 7, 90, 11, 112, 19, 43, 79, 119,
Heat 2 - Ross Montgomery 14, 60, 410, 266, 62, 411, 12, 18
Cons - Ben Trought 21, 46, 5, 8
Final - Josh Harrison 46, 14, 11, 410, 60, 266, 62, 43, 5, 21

Sunday 24th June

F2:-
Rookies Reward - Paul Rice 990, 509, 737, 830, 14, 616, 223, 104, 838, 785
Heat 1 - Chris Mikulla 522, 676, 509, 667, 467, 76, 685, 14, 830, 540 (A&B)
Heat 2 - Chris Rowe 76, 676, 430, 990, 522, 628, 509, 254, 438, 613 (A&C)
Heat 3 - Paul Rice 990, 667, 254, 628, 467, 830, 613, 685, 827, 707 (B&C)
Final - Justin Fisher 315, 667, 676, 467, 628, 254, 990, 76, 540, 830
G.Nat - Jason Walters 540, 667, 254, 676, 189, 76, 935, 628, 14, 315

V8 Stock Cars:-
Euro Champ - Kevin Stutchbury 131, 575, 149, 210, 42, 117, 159, 184, 279, 21

6
Heat 1 - Kevin Stutchbury 131, 210, 575, 117, 159, 42, 149, 161, 184, 279
Final - Kevin Stutchbury 131, 117, 159, 149, 42, 210, 161, 575, 184, 216

Bangers:-
Heat 1 - Adam Blingdon 391, 51, 80, 58, 404, 49, 502, 444
Heat 2 - Rob Bevan 49, 51, 59, 58, 500
Final - Mike Jones 59, 404, 58, 51, 500
A.C. - Martin Dalton 58, 404, 49, 80, 500, 59
DD - Rob Mills 404

Another seven Bangers expected for Saturday nights British Beef all Ford Bangers- 29 Dave Dalton, 83 Andy Beavan, 300 Jon Ayles, 391 Adama Blingdon, 791 Aaron Rowland, 402 Filo, 731 Diabolical Dyer.

We also have booked over twenty F2 Brisca Heritage cars, and five F1, over twenty Reliant Robins, and over twenty V8 Stock Cars.

Racing starts 6pm sharp.

June 22nd

Following a meeting of the Oval Racing Council in June, the ongoing matter of membership for Ringwood Raceway has now been further clarified.
The situation has been that drivers who race at Ringwood Raceway, or any other venue operated by the current management, may be refused bookings at future ORCi events.

Since October 2006, the ORCi has had a continued dispute with John Slack, who, whilst fronting the Ringwood Raceway Promotion, had not fulfilled his obligations to the Oval Racing Council. As this matter has now run its course, from 1 July 2007 Ringwood Raceway, will be considered as any other non–ORCi venue.

ORCi Registered drivers who have raced at Ringwood, or who race at Ringwood before 1 July 2007, will be refused ORCi bookings for 8 weeks, from the date that they last raced at Ringwood.

Independent drivers who have raced at Ringwood, or who race at Ringwood before 1 July 2007, may apply for an ORCi licence at any time.

From 1 July 2007, drivers who are ORCi registered or otherwise, who race at Ringwood, will not be penalised for doing so by ORCi members.

This has been agreed and adopted by all ORCi promoters.

ORCi Promoters also remind ORCi licenced drivers that their first consideration should be to race with their own promotion.

June 19th

Here is the drivers list to date for British Beef-all Ford Bangers-on Saturday night. The list has a good collection of Predators from East Anglia, plus most of the victorious Pikey's team from Hednesford National Teams.

7 Jamie Charles Cortina Est
9 Mavis Cortina IV
23 Tibbs Mondeo
49 Rob Bevan
51 Wusty Cortina
58 Martin Dalton Cortina
59 Mike Jones
66 Dave Spooner Capri
67 Matt Harris Sierra
74 Dave Carter
79 Twelly Capri
80 Matt Buckland Mondeo
107 Dan Chiplen Cortina
118 Richard Hillman
135 James Astell
190 Steve Bailey Capri
305 Mark Loader
309 Andy Oliver Cortina III
364 Darren Feltham Cortina IV
387 Marc Le Feaux Anglia
401 Steve Hemmings Mondeo
404 Rob Mills
406 Chris Bridger
414 James Ellerker Capri
416 Danny Lawrence
444 Mark Loader
458 Kenny Dalton Cortina
502 Kai May Cortina IV
515 Will Irvine Cortina IV
517 Scott Weldon Cortina IV
558 Martin Edney
829 Wrecked Reg Mondeo
899 Andy Dodge Cortina
902 Tony Lowther Mondeo

June 18th

A good Sunny Day at Smeatharpe for Scott Weldon(517) winning the Final on Sunday June 17th. Also in attendance Danny Smithson(311) and Christian Finch. Danny cutting back on his racing now due to the impending birth of the first baby in the family.

A great day at Hednesford National Teams meeting on June 11th for the former Outcasts team, now consisting of Martin Dalton(58) Marcus Goldsmith (198), Sam Trim (363), Kenny Dalton (558) Ryan Wallis(581) and stalwart Rusty, now renamed the All Blacks, when the finished fourth overall in a 160 car line up of 25 teams! Trummer also won the B Final, and he and Dalton went head to head as the last two in the DD, which was called a dead heat.

Martin Dalton also raced at Coventry on June 8th, winning a heat and plavcing fifth in the Final at the Friday night Unlimited session.

Coming up next is the second British Beef all Ford Bangers on Saturday night June 23rd. This was a top meeting last years with a selection of Mondeos, Capris, Cortinas, and this year there are already some interesting entries, including a Taunus, and an Anglia 105E! This weekend also features two days of V8 Stock car racing-big and loud F1 type cars-, plus the annual visit of the Brisca Heritage Cars-now fielding twenty cars+ per outing, and F2 stock cars on Sunday. Start times are 6pm and 1.30pm on Sunday 24th.

It is hoped that the F1 Heritage cars will also be in attendance-including the 6 wheeler of Gentleman John Stirk.

June 4th         TOP

A large contingent of Mendips Raceway Banger drivers attended the excellent pre 70 meeting at Mildenhall on June 2nd. Lakey (114) Marcus (198) , Jason Ayles (315) Sam Trim (363) Scott (396), Ben Edwards(418) all took part, with Jason claiming 2nd in heat and Final, and awin the the accumulator, Scott 2nd in heat, and all except Trummer and Marcus qualifying for the Final, out of an entry of 100cars+. All were Triumph mounted except for Trummers Volvo Amazon, and Ben's Volvo 240, which was previously used at the Wimbledon World in November.

May 30th-Results

MiniRods
Heat One-11 Tony Munden, 14,43,60,7,62,411,5
Heat two-60,14,119,5
Final-11,14,60,5,79,43,42,21,31,8.

With all 18 cars in all races today, the wet conditions led to careful driving and a minumum of crashes. A really good day for Tony Munden(11 with a heat and final double, with Ross Montgomery(14) runner up in every race. New driver Ben Mountain(80) son of seventies F2 driver Jeff Mountain, placed in his first ever meeting.

F2 Stock Cars
Rookies Round 2-223 Nick Stott,920,612,53,246,891,540,76,827,651
Heat One-7 Gordon Moodie,761,628,791,886,707,540,246,104,315
Heat Two-667Tim Farrell,223,827,676,53,613,76,189,430,935
Consolation-832 Kane Moore,105,522,685,890,612,467,254,737,762
Final-613 Ian Serpell, 628,737,7,76,886,430,612,667,676
Grand National-7,886,676,667,612,430,189,890,315,935

Local boy Nick Stott(223) revelled in the wet conditions winning the Rookies Round, and placing second in his heat. Tim Farrell(667) finally brought the new car out, winning its first race, and pleasing his fans, but the meeting was all about lower grade glory, with Ian Serpell(613) taking a final final. Surprise Visitor World Champion Gordon Moodie(7) was gifted the heat win after a last bend collision between the leading yellow top pair, and won the Grand National.

Bangers
Heat One-396 Scott Mowlam,51,198,458,58,581,404,364,107,585
Heat Two-458 Kenny Dalton,364,396,58,198,51,582,59,385
FInal-458,364,396,582,198,581,51,58,404

A good turnout of under 1800 bangers, inclusing a lot of Weston drivers made for some action packed racing, but Kenny Dalton (458) took the Nigel Cook Memorial Trophy with ease, after winning his heat.

May 28th
Hot Rods
Heat one-18 Larry Langmead, 205, 775
Heat two-205 Mike Norton, 117,18,775.
FInal-117 Dave Tossell, 775,18,205

A low turnout of five Hot Rods was reduced to four when Mark Sear (54) blew his gearbox. Thereafter the honours were evenly shared between the drivers with some very fast racing on a quick and dry circuit for the Andy and Loreen Trophy

Reliant Robins
Heat One-87 Barry Richards,116,3,58,59,15,364,117,131,162
Heat Two-87,116,59,58,15,3,41,364,131,162
Final-3 Dan Tytheridge, 87,58,15,117,364,162,131

Another all action day in the Robins, with multiple rollovers and plenty of action, including the the double caravan stunt by Mel Charles and Mike Cocks

Special Rods
Heat One-158 Wayne Hughes, 12,42,993,2,58,376,67
Heat Two-365 Paul Feltham,198,50,25,87,171,62,142
Consolation-33 Shaun Norton,64,43,17
Final-198,64,42,58,158,12,33,50,2,376

Paul Feltham(365) won his very first race today in Heat Two, even surviving a late yellow flag, only to clout the fence in the Final, which was very well won by Marcus Goldsmith(198) for white tops Mark Collis(64) and John Major(42)

Bangers
Heat One-44 Steve Griffin,49,198,396,363,107,51,404,796
Heat Two-396 Scott Mowlam, 363,198,404,44,107,51,23,58,364
Final-396,404,107,44,363,51,198,364,23
Allcomers-396,44,363,404,107,58,198,364
DD 58 Martin Dalton

A small turnout of unlimited bangers enhanced by Rob Mills(404) superb Datsun 260XZ, Darren Feltham(364)s Pinto powered Triumph, Filo's returned Camaro, and Steve Griffin'(44)s breathtaking THUNDERBOLT Mk 1 Granada. Scot Mowlam(396) won three out of four, and Martin Dalton(58) bottled up a short and savage DD, donating his winnings to the Wallace and Gromit Appeal, for which a collection was made during the day

May 29th

A very wet Sunday, and a cold but sunny Monday resulted in some excellent racing, and good results, especially for the lower grade F2s on Sunday. Monday's Reliant Robin and Caravan stunt was just superb, with Mel Charles and Mike Cocks simoultaneously crashing through two caravans and into each other-only to land and line up to race.

Full report and results later

May 27th and 28th-PREVIEW

First of all,Martin Horsley is back at Mendips Raceway as the man behind the microphone for this weekend. Martin came down last year and talked us through the F1 meeting, which is his speciality, and since then, has been carrying out a lot of work at Coventry, including Speedway, and is now also working for Incarace. He will be shooting off early on Monday for a Coventry Speedway commitment, however, but we hope he will keep you informed until then.
On Monday afternoon we shall be attempting a multiple Caravan and Reliant Robin stunt, the details of which I have been sworn to secrecy, but it certainly looks to be spectacular! The Robins were brilliant last time, and fear not, Josh Collins (115) was absolutely fine after his rescue from the car, and should be back with us today, as part of the multi talented Lodmore Garage Team, ably managed by Keith Summerhayes. Also fine was F2 driver Dave Sloggett(616), who tells us that his headache finally went away after two weeks!
On Sunday we hold Round Two of the 2007 Rookies Series for Formula Two stock cars, sponsored by our good friends Merv and Mark Maggs from M&M Motors at Hallatrow, Commercial Vehicle repairers and long serving as a driver and fan, here at the Raceway. We thank once again for their interest. There should be more lower grade drivers lining up for this round. Staying with F2, the annual Marion Bennet Trophy is up for grabs, which is brought along every year by Jenny Chalk, and her family of stock car fanatics, to remember her late granny who was a great follower of the sport herself. This trophy has been a mainstay of F2 racing here for more years than I care to remember, and Jenny and I have a bit of a truce about exactly how many years because it makes us feel old! Suffice it to say that she was a shy teenager when it was first raced for, and is now a mum with lots of very big children!
Bangers this weekend are 1800cc on Sunday, and the only Unlimited World Qualifier of the season on Monday. We should have some more new drivers this weekend into the mad world of banger racing, so let us hope that all enjoy one of the most exciting sports there is. You can do it as well-just pop along to the Office below Race Control and get the details. The drivers on Sunday will race for the Nigel Cook Memorial Trophy. The Special Rods, Hot Rods and MiniRods are all with us as well. There are new grades in the MiniRods, and the latest Points Chart show that Liam Lake(114) son of Martin Lake (114) at the top of the chart, which is quite remarkable considering how short his career has been. Jack Caulfield(18) had a nasty crash last time, and suffered a fracture but is now well on the mend and looking forward to getting back behind the wheel. Hot Rods were down on numbers, but most of the drivers will be back in action today, and at the top of the table is a tight battle between Mike Norton(205) and Mark Sear (54), which represents the two opposites of the scale in terms of car expense!
Special Rods have been great entertainment this year, with Novice Stephen Hine (10) still atop the points despite having missed the last meeting welcoming a new arrival into the family. Today, Doug George (83) and family will be asking you to help with the Bristol Children’s Hospital Wallace and Gromit Appeal, which holds a special place in their hearts following their very sad loss. Please help with a few pence, or a few pounds.

We shall be back in action on Saturday June 23rd, with the second running of the British Beef all Ford Bangers, plus the fascinating Brisca Heritage vintage stock cars, and a two event featuring the V8 stockcars-first time in the west country. Sunday 24th will feature F2 Stock Cars, 2 litre bangers, and MiniRods. You’ll be very welcome……

F2 drivers 616 David Slogett was airlifted to hospital after a suspected head injury was diagnosed, but was released last night.

Reliant Robin drivers 115 Josh Collins was cut from his car after the Robins Final and taken to hospital, leading to the cancellation of the Banger Allcomers event, and further news on his condition will follow.

Results for May 6th and 7th

RESULTS - SUNDAY 06.05.07
Bangers:-
Ht 1 - Scott Mowlem 396, 107, 114, 761, 58, 274, 363, 83
Ht 2 -Jamie Wyatt 199, 190, 381, 262, 49, 519, 905, 66
Consolation - Marcus Goldsmith 198, 265, 502, 517
Grand Final - Scott Mowlem 396, 262, 179, 83, 58
All comers - Steve Carter 239, 363, 83, 714, 34, 404
DD - Rob Mills 404 & Jamie Charles 7

Special Rods:-
Heat 1 - Shaun Norton 33, 12, 64, 23, 17, 58, 39, 25
Heat 2 - Wayne Hughes 158, 42, 365, 43, 198, 47, 173, 50
Consolation - Barry Richards 87, 51, 376, 407
Grand Final - Mark Collis 64, 42, 158, 198, 39, 12, 365, 47, 25, 23

Hot Rods:-
Heat 1 - Brian Loram 262, 54, 775, 205, 18, 35
Heat 2 - Larry Langmead 18, 205, 262, 54, 35, 775
Grand Final - Phil Parkhouse 775, 205, 54, 262, 18, 35

RESULTS - MONDAY 07.05.07
F2:-
Heat 1 - Chris Stephens 628, 540, 613, 14, 612, 661, 616, 762, 223, 785
Heat 2 - Rob Batten 467, 886, 737, 522, 254, 530, 667, 676, 393, 685
Heat 3 - Rob Batten 467, 522, 667, 886, 430, 676, 254, 393, 189, 530
Grand Final - Matt Deeble 530, 467, 522, 667, 254, 540, 685, 105, 890, 315
Grand Nat - Chris Bradbury 530, 467, 522, 667, 254, 540, 685, 105, 890, 315

Mini Rods:-
Heat 1 - Steve Sayer 60, 42, 19, 37, 62, 79, 18, 12
Heat 2 - Liam Lake 411, 112, 11, 7, 43, 119, 46, 31
Consolation - cancelled
Grand Final - Tony Munden 11, 411, 60, 19, 37, 43, 46, 62, 79, 42

Bangers:-
Heat 1 - Dave Durbin 360, 361, 444, 396, 301, 198, 404, 51, 58, 418
Heat 2 - Kenny Dalton 458, 396, 404, 301, 51, 58, 360, 198, 363, 581
Grand Final - Scott Mowlam 396, 458, 51, 198, 420, 363
Allcomers - Cancelled

Robins:-
Heat 1 -4 Ben Rendell,87,3,116,117,307,59,364,115,162.
Heat 2 -116 Sam Summerhayes,4,3,41,58,15,364,787,87,162
Grand Final -87 Barry Richards,3,58,116, 15,787,364,41,117,162

Drivers List for THUNDERBOLT VII Sunday May 6th 2007           TOP

6 Kevin HarrisWatchet
23 Tibbs Epney Ovlov
44 Steve Griffin Bristol Granada Mk 1
45 Lips Reading Jag
49 Rob Bevan Bristol Granada
51 John WorstencroftHolmes Chapel Granada
58 Martin Dalton Bristol Granada
66 Dave Spooner Redruth
67 Matt Harris Bournemouth Volvo
75 Steve Thacker Chester
83 Andy Beaven Trowbridge Granada
107 Dan Chiplen Wincanton Jaguar
114 Martin Lake Wareham Granada
122 Dave Waterman Frome Austin
127 Mark Gissing Bristol Daimler
133 Ben Wyatt Ringwood Granada limo
159 Mitchel Mills Southampton Granada
179 Stu Nightingale St Austell
190 Steve Bailey Exeter
198 Marcus GoldsmithPaulton Rover P5
199 Jamie Wyatt Ringwood Granada
241 Nick Thorne Weston
262 Buddy James Exeter
269 Rob Houghton Bournemouth Laurel
274 Reuben Symonds Shaftesbury Volvo
298 Sam Wyatt Ringwood Granada
300 Jon Ayles Weymouth Volvo
349 Will Guppy Ringwood Jag
363 Sam Trim Charterhouse Cadillac
364 Darren Feltham Thornbury Granada
381 Trevor Joyce Ringwood Granada
396 Scott Mowlam Weymouth Jaguar XJ 40
402 Filo Nailsea Cavalier
404 Rob Mills Trowbridge Lincoln
407 Nigel Gissing Bristol
418 Ben Edwards Weymouth Volvo
444 Mark Loader Weston Volvo
449 Will Guppy Reading Jaguar
470 Steve Nelson Reading Jag
482 Owen Spiers Evesham Granada
500 Lee May Yate Granada
502 Kai May Yate Jag
507 Paul Ashby Bournemouth Volvo
508 Steve Ashby Bournemouth Volvo
517 Scot Weldon Ringwood Jaguar
519 John Scorse Cheddar Granada
761 James Perry Ynysybwl Granada Limo
794 Simon Foreman(Shaggy
820 Martin Perkins Reading
905 Jason Ross Torquay

April 25th

37 drivers now booked for THUNDERBOLT VII, on May 6th, and 2006 Champion Dan Chiplen(107) is still undecided whether to race a Jag XJ6 or Granada Estate to defend his title. Last year's rule change to allow all drivers to take part in the Final, with qualified cars at the front of grid willalmost certainly apply in 2007, which improved the Final a great deal, although it was forced on the organisers after the amzing consolation crash that featured John Broad and Matty Harris. Rumours persist that there is to be a Posh Wash/Mentals showdown, although bookings have not yet been recieved from many of either team. One of the entertainers of 2006, Reuben Symonds(274) is aiming to race a trademark Volvo 740, and Rob Mills(404) is performing in the tracks' first Lincoln Town Car limo.

A full list will appear next week.

April 24th

Round One of the Formula two Stock Cars 2007 Rookies Reward series takes place on May 7th, and the sponsors are Stacey, Watts and Hawkins Accountants. This is open, as always to any white or yellow graded drivers, and there will be four rounsd, with the Final in September.

April 17th

THUNDERBOLT VII news is that bookings are now arriving daily, and we look forward to our traditional mix of tin and big hitting action. Although it would be unfair to reveal too much at this stage, it looks like there will be a couple of limos, some real vintage, and plenty of Jags. Mr Butts has come up with the goods again, we hear, and we have at least one Mk1 Granada, while visiting drivers include the Ashby brothers from Bournemouth, Dave Spooner, of course, Steve Thacker from Buxton, 190 Pikey, Jason Ross 905, and regular Thunderbolt attendee James Perry from Wales. More news will follow

April 16th

We are very sad to announce that Jackie Luscombe lost her fight with cancer today.

Results Sunday 8th April 2007

Formula Two Stock Cars World Championship Round-59 cars

Heat 1 - Rob Batten 467,103,401,509,606,603,53,119,762,223
Heat 2 - Bill Batten 167,7,270,613,530,522,628,105,616,761
Heat 3 - Richard Hart 791,393,315,14,676,101,886,254,430.888
Conso - Paul Ford 888,652,497,935,707,890,13,612,499,661
Grand Final - Bill Batten 167,467,315,7,603,401,676,103,886,522
Grand National - Rob Batten 467,401,676,167,886,270,509,254,393,103

Hot Rods-14 cars

Heat 1 - Colin White 718,18,753,54,35
Heat 2 - Mike Norton 205,718,18,54,35
Final - Mark Sear 54,205,35,718,775

Rookie Bangers 29 cars

Heat 1 - Dan Chiplen 107,58,360,458,186,581,387,700
Heat 2 - Kenny Dalton 458,58,186,53,360,741,107,19
Final - Martin Dalton 58,581,458,387,360,107,19,100
All Comers - Kenny Dalton 458,387,581,107,364,360,47

Results Monday 9th April 2007

Hot Rods

Heat 1 - Derek Palmer 758,18,54,205
Heat 2 - Ian Whittaker 14,205,18,54,758,775
Final - Mike Norton 205,758,54,18,14,775

Baby Grands

Heat 1 - Nathan Bath 28,24,16,22
Heat 2 - Robin Bath 25,28,22,24,75,11,45
Final - Nathan Bath 28,11,24,22,75,45

Bangers-30 cars

Heat 1 - Scott Mowlem 396,458,581,51,83,190,731,502,67,198
Heat 2 - Scott Mowlem 396,190,458,58,364,502,83,198,581,731
Fig 8 Final - Scott Mowlem 396,198,458,83,107,731,58
Allcomers - Marcus Goldsmith 198,58,83,107
DD - Ryan Wallis 581

The big head on that finished the Destruction Derby!

Special Rods

Heat 1 - Nigel Gissing 407,403,17,23,50,43,198,45
Heat 2 - Alan Cambridge 173,171,10,83,5,46,87,47
Cons - Luke Daniels 36,993,25,58,53,67,59,12
Final - Paul Andrews 171,10,17,23,47,87,58,407,83,198

April 7th

At a Hearing of the Mendips Raceway Board of Control held on Thursday April 5th, Sam Trim(363) was found guilty of a deliberate follow in on Barry Richards(87) in the Rookie Bangers on March 25th, and Rob Mills(404) was found guilty of a deliberate head on under yellow flag to the same driver. Both drivers were banned from the Rookie Bangers formula for the remainder of the 2007 season, and they were banned from racing in all formulae until June 23rd 2007.

Both drivers have appealed the length of the ban, and this will be heard shortly

Great news for Leon Fasey(186) fans when he returne to the track on Sunday with a BMW 316 Rookie Banger! Also racing in the german machinery will be Andy Howard(403), who rate sthem very highly and refuses to race front wheel drive! Scott Weldon(517) is also due to make his Rookie debut, and fans can read all about his career in the new Wasted magazine, on sale at the Track Shop both days.

April 4th                    TOP

Easter Preview

Mendips Raceway is back in action this coming Holiday weekend with the traditional double header on Easter Sunday and Monday. After the torrential rain we suffered on practice day at the beginning of last month, it was a great relief that the opening meeting a fortnight ago was in the dry conditions and a good day it was too, and with the weather forecast looking promising this time it bodes well where over the two meetings we feel we can produce something for everyone in the oval racing world.
For the BriSCA F2 Stock Cars, Easter Sunday here for many years has meant only one thing at that is the World Championship Qualifying round. Each venue that stages F2 Stock Cars has one round apiece and today it is our turn. Not only that, it is the staging of the fine annual Gerry Dommet Memorial trophy, remembering the man who built this track in 1969 and operated it until his death in 1998 as well as being a pioneer for the sport right from its early days in the mid-1950’s. For the past few years it has also been one of the best attended and it is looking the case again, because five days before the meeting the entry list is currently sitting just below the 60 car mark. The drivers will literally come from all over the country, with Scottish travellers 175 Iain McClean, 641 Dennis Middler, 652 Paul Begley hopefully going to be joined by World, European and National Points Champion 7 Gordon Moodie and 2003 World title holder 647 Chris Burgoyne. As ever, all will face stiff opposition though, with 667 Tim Farrell looking to make it three years in a row for this event on the track where he won the points championship last season and scored the biggest win of his career with the British victory back in June. 401 Barry Goldin always goes well here and enjoys his visits despite the long trip down from Lancashire whilst other long distance travellers include 13 Andy, 136 Chris and 138 Gary Ford, 270 Mark Gibbs, 452 Mark Armitage, 448 John Wright, 491 Dan Anderson and 606 Andrew Palmer – all these as well as a large host of drivers from throughout the west country region, including former World Champion 167 Bill Batten, 676 Neil Hooper and Final winner down at St Day last weekend 791 Richard Hart.
For many of the Hot Rod racers, this weekend will be their first on track outing of the year and they get a double dose as they are set to appear on both Sunday and Monday to get their season into full swing in style. On Sunday they will be racing for the CWS Mears Trophy, remembering former Banger racer Tony Mears. He was also a long serving mechanic to 718 Colin White who is once again concentrating his efforts on the National Hot Rod scene but I hear is planning on being with us on Sunday as part of a busy weekend for him and will thus no doubt be going all out to win. As ever it will be competitive though with former track champion 54 Mark Sear back for another year and last years overall winner 282 Steve Hunt back after the most brief of spells in F2 Stock Cars. On Monday it will be the annual Sealrite Trophy on offer, so, plenty to be raced for from the high speed non-contact class over the two afternoons.
Following on from their highly successful inaugural meeting two weeks ago, the Rookie Bangers are back and the signs are that there will be another good entry of cars which has required a heat and consolation format. If you are wondering what they are, its Banger racing basically as we know it but with a lesser preparation and stricter rules as to what drivers can and can’t do on the track. You might have noticed some drivers transgressed at the opening meeting, but they have been dealt with accordingly. The aim is to get prospective drivers on to the track, and whilst we wont claim it’s a new idea as ‘Bangerstox’, ‘Nudge and Spin’, ‘BangerRods’ are all the same concept elsewhere it does prove to work and is most likely what the future of Banger racing will be. It was experienced drivers who took the honours first time out, with south coast racer 387 Marc LeFaux winning the Final and with others booked for this including 40 Pete Stanley, 300 Jon Ayles, 404 Rob Mills and 446 Jason Burt it really will be a classic “pro-am” mix on track.
The all Sierra Special Rods got their season off to a good start at our opening meeting of the year last month with lots of nice new cars, new faces and of course we welcomed back plenty of old ones too. The star graders didn’t really get much of a look in two weeks ago with 10 Steve Hine and 173 Alan Cambridge winning the heats, 45 Martin Dredge the consolation before 83 Doug George held on to win the Final, all getting early points on the board that will probably consolidate them for the rest of the season. 87 Barry Richards, who is going for three points titles in a row this season looked quick though, as indeed did established stars such as 23 Ross Stuckey, 25 Robin Bath, 47 Richard Howard, 198 Marcus Goldsmith and 403 Andy Howard.
The National Bangers (so to not really confuse them with the Rookies this weekend) will be under 1800cc, so therefore as the saying goes smaller cars but certainly not smaller action. They have the added incentive of World Championship Qualifying points too, plus by way of a change the Final and Allcomers races will be run of the Figure of Eight course. Usually only used once a year these days for the Bangers on West of England Championship day, it has been put into use today by popular demand so if you haven’t seen this time of thing before – prepare to be amazed. Obviously throwing something like the Figure of Eight into the mix makes it more of a lottery but still expect to see the usual suspects come through in 58 Martin Dalton, 107 Dan Chiplen, 396 Scott Mowlem to name but three.
Finally the Baby Grands make what has become an annual visit for them on Monday. The scale replicas of Nascar Stock Cars in the USA are powered by a motorbike engine and are unique in this country, and therefore we are pleased to welcome them back for what should be three close races around the track for them. Amongst their entry is the full trio from the Bath family in 2 Robin Bath, 25 Lawrence Bath and 28 Nathan Bath and also sometime ‘Short Circuit’ magazine writer 16 Malcolm Foskett.
Both meetings start very promptly at 2.00pm with a full grand parade of cars and 14 races programmed on each day.

A chilly but sunny day for the 2007 opener, with plenty of cars in the pits. Over forty Rookie Bangers, 22 MiniRods and 30 Special Rods, with some swish new cars for 49 Rob Bevan, a nice repaint job for Marcus Goldsmith(198), and with one or two exceptions, all the Special Rods had been nicely prepared.

In the Rookies, a classic Allegro for Ben Tovey(15), and plenty of other very fast and odd cars, inclusing a fresh Cortina for Mavis (9). It was Marc LeFeaux taking the Final and Allcomers in a very rapid Volvo 440, with Pete Stanley(40) and Marcus Goldsmith the two heats. Everyone said it like the old times, with plenty of fun and not too much aggression, although the allcomers event did leave a lot trashed motors, and Barry Richards(87) had to be helped from his car. Rookies are back on April 8th

RESULTS -March 23rd 2007

Mini Rods

Heat 1 - Jack Chapman 42,60,273,19,79,46,5,22
Heat 2 - Sam Howard 43,11,14,411,119,112,12,40
Cons - Ben Trought 21,266,18,31
Final - Liam Lake 411,43,112,79,14,60,11,12,19,21

Rookie Bangers

Heat 1 - Pete Stanley 40,363,515,458,416,364,991,241
Heat 2 - Marcus Goldsmith 198,5,58,581,300,387,107,396
Cons - Barry Richards 87,114,59,446,700,941,23
Final - Marc LeFeaux 387,58,40,416,581,114,107,87,198,446
All Comers -Marc LeFeaux 387,198,107,300

Special Rods

Heat 1 - Steve Hine 10,376,46,56,33,59,67,36
Heat 2 - Alan Cambridge 173,17,87,23,198,25,47,58
Cons - Martin Dredge 45,403,83,273
Final - Doug George 83,36,10,173,25,47,403,23

March 22nd

A good entry of over forty Rookie Bangers , with bookings still arriving, for the opening meeting on Sunday. Drivers from all over the south west are heading for the hills to take part in a five race programme to inaugurate Roookie Banger racing at Mendips Raceway. Established stars such as Ian Frampton(244) and Jason Burt(446) from Poole, Dave Browne(908) from Bridgwater, will join Bournemouth's March Le Feaux(387) and Will Irvine(515) making their debuts, and as well as a large contingent of Weston Boyz headed up by Andy Butler(48), all the established Mednips National Banger stars will be taking part, journey's back from Mildenhall permitting!

MiniRods and Special Rods make up the programme, with several new drivers taking part, and the return opf Martin Dalton to the formula a point of interest. Former banger racer Nigel Gissing will also debut in the formula, under #407, his former number 107 now being carried by Dan Chiplen.

March 19th

The National Bangers BBA Supreme event takes place next Saturday night at Mildenhall Stadium. The three qualifiers seeded straight into the event are Dan Chiplen(107) winner of THUNDERBOLT 2006,Martin Dalton (58) Banger Points Champion 2006, Andy Beavan (83) for his placing in the Cowdenbeath World Cup 2006, and also straight in is Scott Mowlam(396) as our top ranking seeded driver. Going along for the support races are Mavis (9), Scott Mowlam (396) Marcus Goldsmith (198) Sam Trim (363), and Filo(402)

Despite the long journey home, and the late night, most of these drivers intend to be racing at the first ever Rookie Banger meeitng the following day, which is also first time out for Special Rods and MiniRods in 2007. The opening meeting starts at 2pm as always.

March 18th

Ex MiniRod racer Nathan Maidment(935) has had a cracking start to 2007, racing every weekend so far and racking up lots of National Points, with the expectation of a blue roof at the first grading period.

Former MiniRod driver Katie Jones is expected to make her debut as an adult next Sunday in Special Rods, following in the footsteps of Luke Daniels(36) and many others who mave moved up from MiniRods into Special Rods.

March 6th                   TOP

On a day when the rain never stopped, and the wind was cruel, and the fog descended more than once, over fifty drivers came to the Raceway for Practice Day 2007. There was a first-an F1 stock car, resident in Weston Super Mare, plus a Heritage car, Stock Rod, plenty of Rookies, Special Rods, MimiRods and an extraordinary number of Robins, including two lady drivers making their debuts. Dave Tossell brought his Hot Rod, but sadly had engine failure very early on. Track Shop supremo Captain Mc Leod was out mixing it with the F2's in his revamped Heritage car, and Darren Feltham racing the Special Rods with his 1600 M3 Cavalier Rookie. Ryan Wallace had a Rover P6, destined for Caravandalism, and Mike Jones(59) had a very quick 16v Toyota Rookie Banger. We had three F2 drivers who are complete novices-Jim Lewis(651) driving the former Jim Earl car, Mark Jeffrey (838) and Nick Stott (223) driving the ex Ross Rowe machine. Nick is a former Mendips banger driver from many years ago. Needless to say, drivers were still queuing up at 3.30pm, and some didn't even arrive until 2.30!

Very grateful thanks to our smaller than usual army of marshalls, who worked all day without complaint!

February 26th

We are pleased to report that Adam (Mavis) Elias(9) is making an excellent recovery from his broken leg, which is now out of plaster, and he is busy building a Cortina 1660 for the first Rookies Meeting on March 25th!

February 15th

Practice Day on March 4th is an all day practice session for anyone who wishes to bring a car and have a go! New cars can be pre scrutineered, which is very useful for new drivers to gain advice.Cars are grouped by formulae and get regular sessions all day-from 10am till 4pm. Unfortunately, due to rising costs of insurance and medical cover means that the charge for all day practice will rise to £15. Practice Day is also an opportunity to renew your 2007 Racing Licence, and if anyone needs parts or racewear, please phone IW Racing on 01726 823412/07770 821307, and these can be delivered to the Raceway on March 4th.

February 14th

Dinner Dance photos are on the pictures pages-embarrass yourself tonight!

On a more serious note, £300 was raised for Cancer Research UK in the raffle, and anyone who would like more information on where the money is spent , or to organise their own fundraising scheme, is invited to contact Jayne D Greenslade on 01392 822160 at Cancer Research UK, Exeter office.

February 4th

Martin Dalton was awarded the Driver of the Year Trophy at the Dinner and Dance by Guest of Honour Mike James., after the announcement that he had polled a massive 40% of the total votes. Runner up was F2 British Champion Tim Farrell, and third place Marcus Goldsmith.

On show at the Dinner were the brand new Battenbuilt 667 car, Sam Summerhayes new Reliant, and Mendips Raceway's first Rookie Banger, prepared by Rob Mills-a 1300cc Proton. Sponsorship of the 2007 Reliant Robin Points Championship was also announced, which will come from Lodway Service Station.

February 2nd

The Annual Dinner and Dance takes place on Saturday, and a record number of people have bought tickets this year-almost 250 in total. All the Presentations will be made, and Mendips Raceway is pleased to have Mike James (717) as Guest of Honour, in order to pay tribute to his long and illustrious career in Formula Two Stock Car Racing. Filo Phil Cleverly will be entertaining with his band

Mike will be presenting the brand new Driver of the Year Trophy, pictured here, now polling is complete.

February 1st             TOP

Mendips Raceway has recently linked up with the Active Mendip group, who are a group of businesses in the area who are involved in leisure pursuits. You can get more information from www.activemendip.co.uk.

January 29th

There has been considerable interest in the new for 2007 Rookie Banger formula at the Raceway. Aimed at introducing new drivers to National Banger racing, the Rookie bangers are only allowed a limited amount of contact, and the cars have to have their original radiators in place. No bonnet bolts are allowed, whcich are used as strengthening in National Bangers, just seat belt webbing, and cars may still run on their original wiring loom. Rookie bangers are from 1300cc-1800cc saloon cars and are built like a National Banger, with H frame and door plate, but with original radiator and no welding, apart from wedling the drivers door shut. For rules call 01963 220028

January 28th

All ORCI registered drivers in 2007 will benefit from a partnership deal that the council has struck with BOC, the UK's number one industrial gas supplier. Drivers who produce their Drivers Logbook at their local BOC centre will expect to get discount from a range of products including gas equipment, filler materials, safety supplies, abrasives, hand tools and power tools. The deal is not live yet, but final details are being worked out ready for the start of the 2007 season proper.

January 15th            TOP

A stunning Civil War victory was achieved by the Southern Team at Hednesford Raceway yesterday, helped in no small part by a posse of Mendips Raceway drivers. In the Light Brigade, there were 83 Andy Beavan, 363 Sam Trim, 396 Scott Mowlam, 404 Rob Mills, 418 Ben Edwards, while in the Infantry were 9 Mavis,58 Martin Dalton, and 402 Filo. Filo was the ONLY southern finisher in the second heat, in second place, but there was bad news for Martin when a couple of big shots at the end of the straight knocked him out, and he had to received medical attention, taking no further part in the meeting. Thankfully, he is well this morning, and off to work.

Archived News         TOP

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