Welcome one and all to Mendips Raceway for our Easter Extravaganza. Mother Nature called an abrupt end to proceedings and an early foggy finish was the order of the day at our opener. A busy weekend, with the F2s on the road to gold, the might of the Saloon Stock Cars on the Sunday, and sheer VANdalism with the Banger Vans, Robins, and Special and Junior Rods.
Easter Sunday traditions are well known and the true Easter tradition of the Mendips World Qualifier has in the past couple of years brought an excellent turnout of cars. Last year, visitors from far and wide, and it was one of the weary travellers from North of the border who took top honours as former World Champion, Glaswegian George Macmillan (100) reaffirmed his love for the track in a somewhat expletive manor! We expect Geo to be with us today to defend it – he’s currently off blue so could be one to watch!! Last season it was a tale of two Dans as Dan Roots (776) successfully defended the track championship after a spirited attempt to beat him from Dan Kent (976). Current World Champion Gordon Moodie (7) is also on the list, as he continues his defence of the Gold Roof, which he regained following an emotional win at his home track of Cowdenbeath. This year’s world final is at Northampton, some 60 years from their first world final.
Top prize on offer is the memorial trophy dedicated to man who spotted this lil acre in the late 60’s and built the track and was one of the pioneers of the sport, Gerry Dommett – who promoted here right up until his death in 1998.
THE MASTER OF THE MENDIPS
sponsored by UNCLE BOD’S TYRE SHACK and TEAM SAGE MOTORSPORT’
The tin top tearaways of the Saloon Stock Cars light up the Mendips once again with a heavy duty, hard core display of top notch racing. The Westcountry’s next generation lead the way with former world champ, Archie Brown (720) who took the track championship last year. Last Easter, Corey Hunt (382) took the Master of the Mendips, as the 3rd generation driver drove away from the pack. Come September, it was Harry Darby (577) who took top honours. Like the Formula 2’s, their world final takes place at Northampton on the same weekend – a truly magnificent weekend in prospect. It’s always good to see stalwart Phil Powell (199) make another Sinatra-esque retirement announcement, but he knows, you just can’t shake it off easily!
Legendary scrutineer, Bod, has put up the sponsorship for the meeting along with Buster Sage, whose skills to drum up a prize fund for the immortal 4th race are second to none
The non contact merchants hit the raceways for their traditional Easter double header to open proceedings for season 2026. The bookings are led by last season’s goto driver, Andrew Bressington (278) ended up with top honours and was the man to beat across the season. Jason Oliver (303) will be looking to take full advantage of being a little further up the grid. Veterans Les Brice (700) and Scott Weldon (517) will once again show the young’uns how its done.
There is a Special Rod debut for ex Junior Rodder Joshua Heathcote (429) and for Alex Bressington (270) who is definitely looking to follow in his dad’s footsteps.
Time for the revenge of the white van man, in moves befitting the trait, the backbone of Britain takes to the track for a bit of a smash and a bit of a laugh.
Last year saw a near Bugler Block out with Roona (262) taking 3 of the 4 races, with bro Boogie (252) happy to play bridesmaid, with the other race won by team- mate Big Mac (440). Young gun Liam Harvey (87) took the DD
The infamous Bedford Campervan, driven by the internet legends the Sidemen, and seen by over 10 million viewers on Youtube, when they did a video here. will finally meet its maker here. Will it be a target? I’m guessing so and those in the meeting will be making you fully aware that a millon youtubers will be potentially firing up their comments in rage at the potential sacrilege of their heroes holiday home meeting a dramatic end
The stars of the future had an aborted start to the season, being one of only 2 races run on our ill fated March meet. Carter Bowen (7) was victorious in the fog, obviously has been a good boy and eaten all his carrots to take the only win of the season so far.
Leading the entry is 2025 Points and West of England Champion Archie Bryant (511). Having seen his big bro Olly reach the top age limit, he stands to be the one to beat this year. Keeping him honest will be Austin Latimer (620) who truly came of age last year and has a new car built by grandad Andy and dad Dan. Henry Chiplen (107) continues his quick way round the raceways and the rapidly improving Ollie Melville (26) will add more points with added age.
Newbies include Beau Jeanes (133) and a more concerted effort from Freya May (748) who will have dad the legendary Bod egging her on.
A first outfit for the wibbly wobbly fan favourites the Robins. Proof that less is more when it comes to wheels as the fearless warrior negotiate the might of the Mendips with an aim to keep things stable if they are able.
Last year saw Tom Weeks (100) rod his way to the title – perhaps in preparation for a formula change (He’s got a stock rod). If you are looking for entertainment, then keep an eye out for the 87 and 267 cars of the McDades, who singlehandedly cause more yellow flags in one Robin race than an entire season of other formulae!
Make sure you give the guys and gals a cheer!
Next time – its May Day weekend with a hint of Thunderbolt action and all your usual favourites. Keep an eye on the socials and mendipsraceway.com for the latest information.
Til next time
Cheers n gone
Jonny
29 – Stuart Simpson
43 – Andy Howard
51-Andy King
60 – Tom Bristow
66 – Ben Bristow
68 – Pete Jennings
118 – Iain Truman
175 - Kevin Oliver
224 – Tom Lewington
254 – Nigel Manaton
270 – Alex Bressington
278 – Andy Bressington
303 – Jason Oliver
429 – Tristen Heathcote
445 – Nik Loader
517 – Scott Weldon
700 – Les Brice
3 -Liam Rennie
8 – Jimi Marshall
27 – Kieren Bradford
31 – Lewis Geach
53 – Philip Mann
95 – Joe Wilcock
155- Archie Grindey
183 – Charlie Guinchard (National Points Champion)
186 – Kasey Jones
194 – Luke Johnson
207 – Alfie Flecken
213 – Tom Bennett
235 – Alfie Brimble
239 – Michael Johnston
262 – Charlie Cocks
346 – Ashley England
359 – Gary Wrench
390 – Jessica Smith
405 – Josh Hamstead
509 – Jordan Butcher
542 – Steve Gilbert
543 – Connor Blake
560 – Luke Wrench
569 – Adam Langridge
605 – Richard Andrews
606 – Andrew Palmer
629 – Euan Millar
647 – Chris Burgoyne
674 – Steven Burgoyne
676 – Neil Hooper
710 – Louie Stuckey
736 – Josh Weare
770 – Austin Farrell
828 – Julian Coombes
844 – Jack Prosser
880 – Jack Witts
890 – Paul Rice
915 – Jamie Jones
931 – Rebecca Smith
979 – Paul Moss
980 – Charlie Lobb
992 – Harley Burns
28 Ian Govier Yellow
111 Thomas Ruby Yellow
112 Richard James White
178 Kieran Bowman Blue
199 Phil Powell Blue
202 Cody Bradford Blue
261 Dom Davies Blue
314 Bryn Finch Yellow
370 Rowan Venni Blue
444 Kieran Bellringer White
577 Harry Darby Red
677 Warren Darby Red
720 Archie Brown National & European Champion
759 Taylor Whitford Yellow
768 Joe Delahay White
799 Joe Powell Yellow
870 Bert Farrell White
902 Brad Compton Sage World Cup Champion
29 – Stuart Simpson
43 – Andy Howard
60 – Tom Bristow
66 – Ben Bristow
68 – Pete Jennings
118 – Iain Truman
175 - Kevin Oliver
224 – Tom Lewington
254 – Nigel Manaton
270 – Alex Bressington
278 – Andy Bressington
303 – Jason Oliver
429 – Tristen Heathcote
445 – Nik Loader
517 – Scott Weldon
700 – Les Brice
7 – Carter Bowen
16 – Daniel Gunfield
26 – Ollie Melville
49 – Jenson Bevan
99 – Jenson Harris
107 – Henry Chiplen
120 – Zach Stephens
133 – Lana Jeanes
149 – Liam Mitchell
184 – Bailey Hogan
187 – Lucas Knox
198 – Bobby Norman
227 – Leo Harding
334 – Poppy Norton
511 – Archie Bryant
619 – Emilie Waldron
620 – Austin Latimer
748 – Freya May
768 – Dominic Delahay
916 – Benji Higgins
919 – Flo Mintram
00 Mason Gidding
10 Harvey Coles
69 Raoul Loader
100 Thomas Weekes
220 Mike Stephens
509 Matt Dixon
728 Kian Thornton
915 Nathan Higgins
162 Mike Cocks
189 Jamie Knox
262 Rob Bugler
313 Brad Seymour
440 Macauley Mills
452 Will Teakel
549 Danny Levy
775 Joshua Collings
777 Ricky Daunton
894 Chris Stokes
975 David High
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