Building on the continual year on year growth, The Oval Racing Experience will once again be an integral part of Autosport International 2008 which is now recognised as the biggest motorsport show in the world.

The Oval Racing Experience goes interactive in Hall 18 of the NEC Birmingham on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th January 2008 featuring non-stop stage action, celebrity interviews together with new car and product launches.

Spedeworth Motorsport, Santa Pod, The National Autograss Sports Association, the British Radio Car Association, Randall Motorsport, Grimley Raceway, Haird Motorsport , G B Engineering, Vision Plus, George Polley Motorsport, S&D Leisure, Redline Racing and Maxsport Tyres.

Following the success of previous events and the overwhelming interest it subsequently generated, The Oval Racing Spectaculars will once again be coordinated by Spedeworth Motorsport and take place in the Live Action Arena at the NEC

Driver participation is by invitation only and will feature the very best competitors from Autograss, Oval and Short Circuit racing. Spectacular ultra close race action for serious oval racing enthusiasts is guaranteed.

For more details of the show with regular updates check out the Oval Racing Experience's own website on www.walthamservices.co.uk

Tickets for the show can be booked online at www.autosport-international.com or by calling the ticket hotline on 0870 040 0396. Please quote 'Oval' when calling if you would like to attend the Oval Racing Spectacular.

Prices:
Tickets to the show, including entry to the Live Action Arena at £28.00 for adults and £18.50 for children.
Paddock Pass tickets available at £34 Adult £24.50 Child (5-15). This includes entry to the show and Live Action Arena on priority padded seating, access to the new Paddock Area built backstage in the Live Action Arena where up to 5.30pm each day you will be able to see the cars up close, talk to the drivers and have the opportunity to see watch extra performances from the side lines.
Platinum Club tickets at £95 which includes champagne and canapés in VIP enclosure at top of Live Action Arena plus many extras. Check out the Autosport website ticket page for fully details.

The Oval Racing Experience 2008 and The Oval Racing Spectaculars 2008
are organised for Haymarket Exhibitions Limited by:
WALTHAM SERVICES EVENTS LIMITED Moulsham Mill, Parkway, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 7PX
Tel: 01245 491702 | Mobile: 07860 255312 | Fax: 01245 344172
Email: info@walthamservices.co.uk | Website: www.walthamservices.co.uk

Advance Tickets On Sale For:

Ipswich 3rd November - Gala Night

Wimbledon 11th November - National Banger World Final

Adrian Tillman

It is with great sadness and regret that we have to announce the passing of Adrian Tillman on Friday the 5th of October after a short illness. He was always around the raceways of Spedeworth as a Racing Manager and was there dealing with drivers queries on and off the track. He will be sadly missed by us all and he will be a great loss to the sport.

Ipswich Fireball - 13th October

Due to extra demand for Banger bookings at this meeting we are now going to take an extra 25 cars for it. This is the Darren Jones Benefit meeting to which all drivers pay a £10 entry fee and Spedeworth double it and donate this money to help Darren with his continuing recovery. Bookings are being taken at the Southern Office. 01252 322920. There is also a £500 prize fund on this meeting.

This has unfortunately meant that due to time constraints we have taken Stock Rods off this meeting to which we apologise to any inconvenience this has caused. All registered Spedeworth Stock Rod drivers will be informed of this change by post.

Wimbledon National Banger World Final

The biggest night in the National Banger calender is in the capital for perhaps it's very last time on Sunday 11th November and there will be an executive coach trip heading down to the event from Ipswich. Leaving Foxhall Stadium (where secure parking will be available) the trip will cost £30 Adults, £25 Concessions and this will also include your entrance admission and as a warm-up, the coach will be showing the 2006 Banger World Final on the journey down! You will need to be at Foxhall Stadium at 12.00 latest to check in as the coach will leave on time at 12.30pm (pick-ups may be available en route). A minimum £10 deposit is required by Saturday 22nd September with full payment required by Saturday 27th October. To book your place contact Christer leaving your full name, address and contact telephone number and confirmation details will be sent to you. All payments can be made at Foxhall Stadium or cheques (payable to Spedeworth International) can be sent to Christer Earrey, Spedeworth Motorsports, Foxhall Stadium, Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP4 5TL.

Rockingham 'Motorfest' Information

Please find below information for the forthcoming Rockingham Motorfest: This is the second time that this event has been staged albeit with a slightly different name as many of you will have attended last years Ovalfest. The name change was neccessary because we have introduced other motorsport categories which this year includes Grass Track Racing and Karting. There will also be several other changes which means that we need to make you aware of all our arrangements before you arrive.

The gates will open for competitors on Friday at 9am-please do not arrive before this time as there will be no advantage to getting a good pit position as there is plenty of room in the area designated as the pits. Please note that the only way into the complex will be via the main entrance from Mitchell Road (the Shelton Road entrance will be closed on Friday) This year we will again be having a short oval practice session between 12 Noon and 5pm on the Friday. This will cost £20 per driver and you will sign in for this when you arrive at the track. At the same time we will deal with your ticket allocation (all formulas, driver plus one except National Hot Rods, driver plus 3) and any extra admissions that you may require. You will be issued with wrist bands which must be worn on your right wrist for the whole weekend. This is vitally important as the pit area is outside the secure track area. You will also be issued with all your final instructions and other paperwork at this time. All short oval competitors will pit in the area allocated on the right hand side of the car park as you enter the complex, this is a slightly different spot from last year because of the high entry for the event, the infield pits are for pick ups and SCSA cars only for this year.

For health and safety reasons we will have a system of escorting competitors through the tunnel with our pace cars. Drivers can continue to arrive at the track up until 11pm on friday evening. Anyone arriving after this time will be held in a "holding area" until the gates reopen on Saturday morning at 7.30am. There will be full catering and bar facilities on Friday and there is a disco in the Welcome centre bar in the evening. On Saturday morning the gates will open to the public at 9am and there will be a practice for the SCSA cars and Pickups from 9.30am on the big oval starting at 12 Noon. The Grass Track racing will start at 10.30am on Saturday and the "arrive and drive" karting will be open so there will be plenty to see and do in the morning before your racing starts. At the end of racing on Saturday at about 6pm there will be live Rock music from 6 bands who have come through a series of heats to qualify for this "Battle of the Bands" competition. From 8pm there will be a "Open Air Movies" in the purpose built movie theatre and there will be a fun-fair all this (including the fair rides) is free to those with wrist bands.

There will be a live band in the main bar as last year and this will be a chance for the short and Long oval racers to get to know the Grass Trackers and Karters. This is party time! On Sunday morning the stadium will open to the public at 9am. We will be joined by a large number of members of the Cadillac Owners Club and the grass track racing will start at 10.30am with the Oval racing starting at 12 Noon. The finals should finish at 4pm when we will have a parade of the cadillacs before the King of the Rock event which will feature all the winners from the various oval formulas together with qualifiers from the Grass Track Racing. Prize Money for the Short Oval Formulas will be £1000 for the winner of each formula Final. The King of the Rock winner will take away a cool £10000! This means that there is a total of £16000 up for grabs. Should pay for the beer on Friday and Saturday nights! This years event will build on the success of last year and will be bigger and better. We want you all to have a great weekend and show the Motorsport world just how exciting our racing is. We look forward to welcoming you to Motorfest `07!!  

Historic Stock Cars

We holding a drivers meeting for your formula at the Ipswich Stadium on Saturday the 8th of September 2007 arrive at 2pm for a 2.15pm start. This meeting is to discuss the rules for the 2008 season, also meetings and how the formula is to be run. All drivers that are thinking of building a car to race in this formula are also welcome to attend. The drivers that attend this meeting are welcome to stay on and watch the meeting that evening.

Rod Tanswell

We have just been notified of the sad passing of a Spedeworth ex-Director Rod Tanswell. He spent many years with the company at the Tongham HQ of Aldershot Stadium as Company Secretary, until its closure on the 21st of November 1992. Rod was very much at the forefront of the tourist board side of things and really tried to get Stock Car & Banger Racing to the notice of the general public. He spent a lot of time pushing the Arlington Stadium Nr Eastbourne and was very keen to make it a very successful stadium over the years. He spent quite a few years racing his beloved Grand Prix Midget alongside Frank Boyles and others, he also had a spell in the Superstox Formula racing against the past star drivers such as Roy (Kinky) Wood, Tony May and the late Alan Freebody to name but a few. He was also editor of our in house magazine Wheelspin in the 80’s & 90’s. His funeral will take place at Guilford Crematorium on Tuesday the 4th of September at 12.30pm. Family Flowers only, any Donations to the British Heart Foundation. Condolences to his wife Doreen and Family. 

Aldershot Office

A message to all driver's and supporters, please be patient over the next week or so as we will have problems uploading results etc. due to staff holiday's and sickness. There will be a delay in uploading the My Laps results for at least a week. Especially over the busy Bank Holiday period.

Ipswich Banger Caravan Race - August Bank Holiday

FAO All Drivers - You must ensure that your caravans are stripped out before arriving at the Stadium. Pit Marshals will be checking your caravan before entering the pit area and if you are found to have anything other than ‘strengthening’ wood & windows (for transporting purposes) in the caravan you will be turned away to dispose your ‘cargo’ elsewhere. As always, any wheels or any other debris left in the pit area from your vehicles will result in a racing ban. If you fail to race in this event you will be sent a non-appearance fine as we do have a number of other Drivers on the reserve list who wish to race. All being well we hope to see you there and you can collect your £25 start money after the meeting.

Yarmouth Practice - Tuesday 21st August

Due to track work taking place during the daytime at Yarmouth Stadium there will be no practice available. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Ipswich 11th August Preview

TOMORROW evening's motor sport meeting at the Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich, is one of the speed specials that Foxhall does so well. There is a contact formula on the bill, but the meeting, in general, is mainly about speed rather than the traditional bash and crash that so many still associate with the stadium.

The National Hot Rods top the bill, setting out on their year-long chase to qualify for next July's World Championship. Only 18, rather than the usual 20 English drivers will make it onto the World Final grid (the two 'lost' places have been given to the Irish and the Northern Ireland qualifiers) so the 17 English rounds are going to be even more fiercely contested than usual.
All the top drivers should be here, including Ipswich's Carl Boardley who retained the World Title at last month's Speed Weekend, arch rival Malcolm Blackman from Langley, up and coming stars Steve Thompson from Scunthorpe and Matt Simpson (another Langley resident). The lineup at this early stage of the series traditionally also includes a number of relatively new drivers who join the formula too late to challenge for the 2007 final.
Ipswich's Jamie Austin is perhaps the best known of these, while everyone will be watching Phil Spinks from Middlesex. He's been around the scene for many years, and always qualifies for the World Race, but usually too far down the grid to give himself any sort of a chance. Many observers feel that he is good enough to win the World, but he's got to qualify well, which means a big haul of points from every round, starting on Saturday.

Like the National Hot Rods, the Lightning Rods are non-contact class, but while the Nationals are based on modern day hatchbacks such as the Vauxhall Tigra, Peugeot 206 and the Ford Fiesta, the Lightnings are limited to two litre Sierras only.
They have nothing like the speed and performance of a National Hot Rod, but it's an extremely competitive and well subscribed class. The leading local names are Diggy Smith from Dereham and team mate George Morphy from Saxmundham, but there's a lot of talented drivers in the class from down south, and up in the Midlands, so they'll have to be at their very best if they are to enjoy their customary Foxhall success.

The Superstox complete the line up; unlike the other two divisions, these are not based on road going vehicles, they are single seat specials. They are allowed to push and shove, which coupled with their speed, tends to make for some very fast and furious racing.
Almost all the big names come from the East Anglia area, but World Champion Steven Jackson from Harleston will be missing following an incident with Sussex racer David Pike at Bovingdon a fortnight ago. Felsham's Gary Sparkes won both heats at Yarmouth two weeks ago.

Barry Collins

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of National Banger driver 890 Barry Collins, who died on Thursday 2nd August after a tragic scrap yard accident. On behalf of all at Spedeworth we would like to express our sincere condolences to Barry's family and friends at this sad time.

Barry's National Banger from this past July's Ipswich Spedeweekend Team Event.

Spedeworth vs Trackstar

Sunday 23rd September see's a 30-a-side Banger Team Event at Yarmouth Stadium, 7.00 start. More details to follow.

Aldershot Raceway

Spedeworth can confirm that we will be racing at Aldershot Raceway in 2008. As soon as we have more details and information we will post on here.

Injury Update!

Christer would like to thank everyone who has asked of his well being after his accident at the Volcano meeting. He hasn't become bored of the hop-along jokes yet....really, he hasn't!!!!

2008 Ipswich Spedeweekend - 5th & 6th July

Next years event will take place on the weekend of the 5th & 6th July. The Hospitality Marquees have already been sold out and confirmation details will be sent out next week to those who have booked them.

V8 Stock Cars Cancelled from Motorfest (Rockingham)

Unfortunately we have to announce that the V8 Stock Cars have been dropped from Rockingham this year.  This was decided after a meeting last week with the other promoters running this meeting. They felt that the V8's would not be suitable for Rockingham with the lack of cars and they couldn’t take a chance with drivers not turning up to such a big meeting. We are sorry for those drivers that keep making the effort but it’s the other drivers that keep letting the formula down.

2007 National Hot Rod World Champion - 41 Carl Boardley

Suffolk Showground - SpedeWeekend Food Available!

We will be having a catering unit at this years Suffolk Showground camp site to save people having to worry about setting up a BBQ etc. on their arrival. The unit will be on site Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday night and Sunday morning. The menu is listed below.

BREAKFAST

Bacon Roll
Bacon and Egg Roll
Egg Roll
Sausage Roll
Sausage and Egg Roll
Set Breakfast
2x Sausages, 2x Rashers Bacon, 2x Eggs, 2x Hash Browns, Beans, Roll and Butter, Tea or Coffee.

REST OF DAY MENU

Homemade Steak Pie
Fresh Chips
Wraps Hot
Chicken Fajita,
Spicy Chicken Stirfry
Wraps Cold
Tuna mayo and salad.
Chicken Mayo and Sweetcorn
Grated Cheese, Carrot, Onion and mayo.
Burgers (100% Beef)

DRINKS

Tea
Coffee
Hot Chocolate
Cans
Water
Hangover cure.

ALSO AVAILABLE

Packed lunch, to be ordered the night before.

Statement from the ORCi

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.

Ipswich 23rd June

Please note that due to the amount of National Hot Rods and BriSCA Formula 1's we have had to cancel the Historic Saloon Stock Cars from Saturday nights programme at Ipswich.

Dopey Don Stevens

To all of you who knew my Father Don Stevens, I am very sad to say he passed away on Sunday 10th June 2007. He left behind 6 children from 4 marriages. I am the eldest, Lee at 38 and then there’s Brett, Richard, Abigail, Alison and little Luke is 5.
We all have great memories of our father who raced for many years for Team Spedeworth in the 60’s & 70’s and was a great favourite at Matchams Raceway in Ringwood, Hampshire. He also commentated at Matchams for several years before he moved to Cornwall where he raced down there.
I know he brought a lot of pleasure to many people because of his infectious character and he will be missed tremendously. If you have any tales of our dad we would love to hear of them, it will help us come to terms with his too early passing.
Take care Dad up in Banger heaven xx
Thank you,

Lee Stevens (e-mail)

Everyone at Spedeworth would like to pass on our condolences to all of Don's Family at this very sad time.

Trailer Found!

Good news from Banger Driver Jon Drake. "Just to let you know I've had my trailer returned to me. Thanks for letting people know about the theft. If people see the trailer at any meeting please dont report it, it is mine. I'll be at Ipswich on the 9th as planned."

Foxhall Report - 28th May

THE cold, wet and generally miserable conditions meant only a small crowd witnessed Monday's motor sport meeting at the Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich, but those who did venture out were treated to an exciting afternoon which was far better than expected in such poor weather.

The National Hot Rods topped the bill with round 16 of their World Championship Qualifying Series, and with only one more round to go after this, the chase both to qualify and get a good grid position was still very much on.
Local hero and reigning world champion Carl Boardley did his chances of topping the points the power of good when he won the opening heat, although the current points leader, Malcolm Blackman, also scored well with fifth place.
Steve Thompson and Matt Simpson, two more still in with a chance of pole position for the World Final, flashed across the line nose to tail in heat two, Thompson winning. Boardley was third, although Blackman hit back straight away when he won heat three.The final, with 29 cars on a very slippery track, was always going to be a fraught affair, although an early stoppage when West Country racer Ralf Sanders got rammed by Irish star Barry English was the only major incident.
Up at the head of the grid, Peterborough's Neil Stimson rounded off a successful day by holding off Simpson and Thompson to take the win, followed by Blackman and Boardley, which ensures that their own personal battle at the top of the points goes to the very last round, at Birmingham, next week.
It was inevitable on a day like this that all the attention would be on the superstars, but in among it all, local driver Jamie Austin made a very impressive debut, getting a seventh and an eighth from his two heats. On this evidence, he is definitely one to watch for the future.

The Two Litre Hot Rod English Championship was part of the support programme, and with 36 cars, this was another excellent entry. Defending champion Mark Paffey had a major crash in heat one, but rejoined again, albeit now in last place.
However, he fought his way back through the field and eventually made fourth, in a race won by 2000 world champion Lee Pepper, who inherited the win when Jason Kew's car went sick just before the end, Kew struggling on to get third. Local star Diggy Smith clipped the spinning car of Paul Wright, the damage being enough to put Smith - one of the favourites for the title - out of the race, and as it transpired, out of the rest of the meeting.
Kym Weaver was first across the line in heat two, but was penalised two places for some contact, which gave the win to European champion Jason Wilks.
Mark Cooper won heat three, and then led the championship for half the distance before Paffey passed him and went on to take the win. Cooper had to settle for second, with Pepper third, just ahead of Wilks, who had done well to come back after crashing out with Kew when leading the early stages.

A huge field of Bangers provided all their customary entertainment - the slippery conditions might have kept speeds down a bit but certainly added to the number of spins.
Heat one featured a spectacular overturn by Darren Frost, when he hit a spinning car very hard just as he took the lead, Trevor Airey going on to get a rare win.
Not only did Frost manage to get out for heat two, he also won it for good measure, while the final was ended in full flow as the council curfew signalled an end to racing, Chris Watling being awarded the win.

The Historic F1 and F2 Stock Cars completed the bill, with a couple of heats, Dave Barber and Marty Page making it a good day for the locals by winning one each.

Ipswich Spede-Weekend Bookings Are Now Being Taken

2.0 Hot Rods: We are taking 29 Spedeworth drivers and 9 Irish drivers making a total of 38 on the grid. The Spedeworth Drivers will come from the Points Chart released on the 10th June.

Stock Rods: We are taking 20 Spedeworth registered drivers. The Spedeworth Drivers will come from the Points Chart released on the 10th June.

Lightning Rods: We are taking 28 Spedeworth drivers. The Spedeworth Drivers will come from the Points Chart released on the 10th June.

National Bangers: We will be taking a maximum of 70 cars for the Sunday English Open Championship with priority going to Spedeworth Registered Drivers. We are taking 8 Teams for the Saturday 8-a-side Team Event.

There will be no limit on the number of bookings taken for all these formulas: Superstox, 1300 Stock Cars, V8 Stock Cars, Historic Stock Cars and 2.0 Stock Cars.

All bookings are being taking through the Southern Office: 01252 322920. admin@spedeworth.net

Another Trailer Stolen

Banger Driver Jonathan Drake has sadly informed us that he has had his trailer stolen that he uses to transport his cars to our race meetings.It's a twin axle black trailer, but the black paint is starting to flake and you can see the blue coming though, it's got a silver towing eye. It also has two jockey wheel clamps on the A frame one on each side. Each mud guard is very boxy and it has one guard covering both wheels on each side, They have big triangle reflectors on the backs of them. It was taken between 7:30pm and 8:00 am on Thursday 29th May, from the Stowmarket area. He still has the right ramps for it but they also stole some scaffolding boards for it. So if anyone sees this trailer please please call Jonathan on 07890 384399 or call the Suffolk Police.

Yarmouth Stadium - Open For Practice!

As from 12th June 2007, we will be having open practice days every Tuesday at Yarmouth Stadium. Practice will be from 10am to 5pm, any drivers who turn up after 4.30pm will not be admitted to practice.
It will cost £20 for Spedeworth Licenced drivers and £25 for any other ORC drivers and formulas.
Drivers wishing to practice must sign on and show Licence Log Book before they can practice. There's no need to book in, you can just turn up on the day.

V8 Stock Cars at Ipswich Spedeweekend

The Rules: The sponsors will be giving out £25 start money, however, to qualify for the start money the Driver must attend at least 1 of the 2 meetings before Spedeweekend. These being Yarmouth - Sunday 17th June & Bovingdon - Sunday 1st July.

The sponsors are also putting up prize money and unique trophies on the Final Race on the Saturday of Spedeweekend and the grid for this race will be drawn out of the hat!

Prize money is as follows: 1st = £175, 2nd = £75, 3rd = £50.

Yarmouth Banger Series

Please note that the Yarmouth Banger Series has now reverted back to the Yarmouth Summer League rather than the 4 a-side Team events that were originally planned. Cars for this event are still under 1800cc as originally specified. All other 'Rookie' Banger meetings are still the under 1600cc specification though.

Foxhall Report - 5th May

The biggest entry of 2.0 Hot Rods ever assembled for a domestic meeting put on a superb show at Foxhall Stadium on Saturday evening.
Even with only two thirds of the cars in each of the three heats, the track still looked very crowded and, while disaster never looked too far away, most of the drivers escaped with very little damage.
Ipswich driver Karl Jones - who was making his debut - led the opening lap of heat one, but that was the end of his hopes as he got relegated down the field very quickly.
Londoner Martin Codling took over the lead at around half distance, and went on to win in a close finish with Martin Freeman.
Dereham star Diggy Smith was the best of the drivers from the region, getting fourth from 28th on the grid.
Vic Hope, who has been racing for some years, got his first-ever win in heat two, while Freeman had heat three.
Thirty eight cars for the final was a bit fraught, the race featuring two compulsory pit stops along the way, which was a legacy from when the series was planned originally with a 75-lap final.
In the event, the distance was cut to 35 laps, but such was the excitement that no one would have minded 75 laps.
Codling took the win by inches from Andy Lane, while another stirring drive from Smith got him up to third until something broke on the car going into the last bend. He managed to limp it to the line and got fifth place as the only East Anglian to finish in the top ten.

Sadly for the locals, they didn't fair any better in the 1300 Stock Cars, where the East Anglian Championship was the feature race.
Woodbridge's Simon Berry won heat one, but was subsequently disqualified when his car failed the “ride height” rule (ie it was too low), Paul Aylward therefore inheriting the win.
Another southerner - Terry Norris - won heat two, but he was turned aside early in the Championship race, which saw Aylward make solid progress through the pack, going on to win from Gavin Richards and the highest placed Anglian in young Jason Scopes.

A 25-a-side Ipswich v Norwich banger team match provided a spectacular back up to the other two formulas, with honours even after two heats. Only five cars survived the decider and Ipswich won 165-147

Stock Rods - Yarmouth 23rd September

The Stock Rod meeting on the 23rd September for the White, Yellow and Blue tops only will be sponsored by Mr & Mrs Wenden.

They are sponsoring £100 to be divided as follows:
Top White top of the meeting = £25
Top Yellow = £25
Top Blue = £25
There will be an extra £25 on the Grand Final to the Winner.

We would like to thank Mr & Mrs Wenden for sponsoring the Stock Rods and supporting the formula through Spedeworth.

Foxhall Report - 21st April

An excellent entry produced an entertaining evening at Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich, on a dry but chilly Saturday evening.
The big, powerful V8 Stock Cars had the East Anglian Championship as their main event and, while this particular class has had many false dawns in the past, it was pleasing to see that last year's gradual increase in numbers continued, with this the best turnout at Foxhall for a very long time.
As a result, the racing was extremely competitive, although no one could have forecast the drama that happened during the last two laps of the opening heat.
Barry Amis had led virtually all the way but Dennis Harris was closing in all the time and finally caught up with just over a lap to go. He pushed him wide but, in so doing, ended up spinning himself and Amis escaped to what looked a certain victory. However, he got mixed up with the back marker on the final bend and, like Harris a few moments earlier, ended his race stranded on the inner speedway track. Alan Gray swept past the stricken duo to take a win that was as much of a surprise to him as it was to those watching.
Gray also won heat two, although it was a little more clear cut this time and, not unnaturally, suddenly found himself elevated to one of the favourites for the title. However, he was the first one to pull out of the race, followed shortly after by the defending champion Peter Ross. Meanwhile, up at the head of the grid, local lad Brad Moss was the surprise leader, with Cambridge's Dave Arnold a close second. Arnold passed Moss just before the end and, amazingly, the pair of them held on to take an unexpected 1-2 just ahead of world champion Peter Scott.

A big entry of Stock Rods - 1400cc hot-hatch type cars - meant that there had to be three heats, the first of them going to newcomer Terry Meenehan, while Sussex driver Jon Wood took the other two. The track looked very crowded for the final, so it was probably no surprise when a huge crash on the back straight caused an early stoppage. Once damaged cars were removed, Meenehan led them away but he slid off a few laps later and, even though he rejoined still in front, several cars went through while he was regaining full race-speed. Wood was one of them, and he went on to complete his hat-trick in a close finish with Scottish star Willie Hardy. Another Scot, newcomer Tony Latka, looked like he would get third but a blown engine on the last lap meant he could only coast to the line, being past by Dean O'Dell just as they got there.

Fifty-six Bangers for the opening heat always looked likely to produce fireworks, and did, with a couple of rollovers adding to the action. Dave Canham eventually won and then followed it up by winning the final as well, a race in which two more went over.
Another local driver, Chris Bailey, won the other heat and both are now serious contenders for the season-long track championship, this being round two. Both had scored reasonably well at round one, as did Yarmouth's Scott Taylor, whose best result was sixth in the final. JG

V8 Stock Car Drivers meeting at Foxhall - 21st April @ 3pm

There will be a drivers meeting for all V8 Stock Car drivers to be held at 3pm on Saturday 21st April 2007 at Foxhall Stadium in the Raceview Diner. We ask all available drivers to attend even if you are not racing at the evenings East Anglian Championship meeting. Transporters will need to be parked in the car park as the pit area does not open until 3pm for competitors vehicles.

Trailer Stolen

Simon Berry has had his trailer stolen from his workshop last weekend and is obviously very keen on its safe return. The trailer has polo hubs, continental rear lights, the brakes on all four wheels are hydraulic and has the postcode IP12 1JR welded on the drawbar.

Any help in its recovery would be greatly appreciated. E-mail Simon Berry for information.

Ipswich Preview - Easter Monday

Foxhall Stadium stages its traditional and always very popular motor sport special on Easter Monday afternoon which is headlined by the National Hot Rods.
This is Round 13 of their 2007 World Championship qualifying series, from which the top 20 points scorers after 17 rounds will go forward to July's World Championship race which will also beheld at Foxhall, as it has for every year since 1972. Drivers from other nations have to be accommodated on the World Final grid as well but in general, the higher the driver finishes in his qualifying series, the nearer to the front of the grid for the big race.
The top 20 is still far from settled, while there are five drivers still in with a chance of topping the points, amongst them Ipswich star and current World Champion Carl Boardley. He is just a few points behind the surprise package of the series, Scotsman James Jamieson, whose consistency has made his regular long journeys from Aberdeen very worthwhile.
The battle between these two, and other leading contenders like 2005 champion Malcolm Blackman and the up and coming Matthew Simpson will be the focus of attention for regular race goers, while the many first- timers who traditionally boost the crowd on Easter Monday will just enjoy the sight and spectacle of 20 or so of these super cars racing around the very fast Foxhall quarter-mile tarmac oval.
Outwardly, the cars resemble their road going origins, with Corsas, Tigras, 206s and the like all popular choices, but hand- built all-steel engines producing about 230bhp, and running gear to accommodate all this power, can easily push the price up to around £25,000.
The Superstox provide part of an excellent back up program; although very different from the Hot Rods, they are equally spectacular and just as popular.
These are single seat specials which look good, and are very fast, but to make a difficult driving job even harder, pushing and shoving is allowed.
'Suicide' tactics don't really work, but a well-timed nudge here and there can make all the difference at these sorts of speeds, particularly in a pack of around 30 cars.
The formula is very strong locally, with many of the world's best living in this area, including reigning World Champion Stephen Jackson from Harleston, Yarmouth's Mark Smith, who is the reigning British Champion and won both heats at the last meeting here, a meeting in which Ipswich's Mike Walmsley took a popular win in the final.

Eastbourne Roadworks

Road Works on A22 Over Easter…. Anybody going to Arlington on Bank Holiday Monday please note there are road works on the A22 when you turn off the M25, all over the Easter break. Our advice would be to go via the M23 and turn off at the A264 East Grinstead and join the A22 from there

For the Attention of Banger (Rookie) Drivers

The limit for how many Bangers we allow at the Foxhall Raceway, Ipswich has now been raised. If you have been refused a booking prior to now or have been placed on a reserve list then please contact the Booking Office on 01252 322920 to confirm your application to race.

For the Attention of 2.0 Hot Rod Drivers!

Please check the list below for misdemeanours on your car:
3 Vic Hope - Front splitter too far forward
22 Dan Payne - 90% of roof needs to be grade colour; Needs tidying up; Engine in wrong place by 1 ¼”
32 Tom Tebboth - Offset wheel arches; Bonnet not original; Secondary fitting needed on fuel pipe
38 Mark Constable - Engine position too far back; Overall car length too long; Too much overhang on arches
40 Kenny Coleman - Exterior door mirror needed; Too Much Ofset
43 Paul Wright - Offset wheel arches; Engine position wrong. 1” too far back
56 Mark Freeman - Ballast weight not welded in; Front splitter extends too far forward; 90% of roof needs to be grade colour
60 Mark Paffey - Too much right hand weight
68 Mark Fuller - Fuel pipe fastening needed; Roof wrong grade colour
70 Rob Dance - 90% of roof needs to be grade colour
72 Gary Goodswen - Door net not quick release
87 Jason Busby - Tidy up car
88 Philip Blackford - Roof wrong grade colour; Exterior door mirror required
95 Mick Parker - Front splitter too far forward
96 Kevin Randall - Exterior door mirror required; Front splitter too far forward; Car underweight
112 Charlie Schembri - Weight in rear needs to be welded in place; 90% of roof needs to be grade colour; Front splitter extends too far forward
128 Pete Winstone - Arches different widths; Exterior door mirror required
130 Andy Lane - Exterior door mirror required
152 Dave Hitchen - 90% of roof needs to be grade colour; Offset on arches
204 Carl Pye - Offset on arches
209 Kym Weaver - Ballast weight needs to be welded in
212 Neil Soule - Offset on arches; Track width too wide on front; Holes on dash in to engine compartment need to be blocked off; Fixing needed on fuel pipe; 90% of roof needs to be grade colour
308 Mark Cooper - Wheel arches – odd width & over hanging; Only one door bar on drivers side
566 Marc Grome - Rear roof pillar holes need to be plated; Front splitter extends too far forward
615 Chris Lehec - Secondary fitting required on carb; Bonnet grills to be filled in; Splitter extends too far forward; Roof wrong grade colour

Warneton Weekend - 12th/13th May

We have managed to strike a deal up to get drivers lorries, trailers and vans over to Warneton for the 12th & 13th May 2007.
Rates as detailed below:
Lorries/Motorhomes up to 8 metres long and up to 9 people - £95rtn
Lorries that are longer than 8 metres will be charged an extra £22 per metre.
Car & Trailer and upto 9 people - £139rtn
Van & Trailer and upto 9 people - £149rtn
We think this is a good deal if you share out the cost between 9 people. If you want to book call All Sports Logistics on 01873 859 500 and quote 'Spedeworth'.

Booking In Information - As of 1st April 2007

To All Drivers,
Just to put you all in the picture, from the 1st April 2007 Spedeworth Southern will be taking over Spedeworth EA. We will be looking to expand in the area. So can you please note that for all bookings and information the telephone number will be: 01252 322 920 and Fax: 01252 336 760. 
We hope you all will enjoy racing for us. We would like you to join us in wishing Roy, Sally and their boys all the very best for Australia.

Rumours & News!

There seems to be an awful lot of rumours and gossip floating around the Spedeworth tracks at the moment and it's time to put some of them (or the one's that we've heard!) to rest. First off, the Scrutineers and Yarmouth Breakdown Crews have not been sacked. This is quite an unpleasant rumour and one that is upsetting to all parties concerned. We are not dropping V8 Stock Cars & Rookie Rods and we won't be running Brisca F2's to replace Superstox. Big Van Bangers at Ipswich on the 9th April have also not been cancelled.

The 'Rookie' Banger bookings situation at Ipswich is being looked at as to how many we can take as at the moment we need to get a consistent pattern on how long 9 races take to run before we can up it to 10 races in a meeting to split the cars 2/3rds. We are also currently looking into the situation regarding Foxhall Scrutineering. We have asked the council as to whether we can bring the noise limit forward an hour which is one of the reasons we are being very tight with not over running on meetings (brownie points!). If this can be achieved then to some extent problem solved. If we aren't allowed to do this then we may have to revert back to scrutineering at trailers but one of the problems is when drivers park in all different areas of the pits it's difficult to keep a check on who's gone where which then means the driver then having to hunt a Scrutineer down. The scrutineering area is easier to monitor, floodlit and is also in close proximate to where the scales are so we would like this to continue.

Pit Access at Foxhall Heath, Ipswich

Due to ever increasing Council restrictions and drivers continuing to ignore notices at the Stadium regarding engine noise, it has now become necessary to prohibit race vehicles, inc. transporters, into the pit area until after 4.00pm on Saturday evening race days. This will also mean that your race cars cannot be unloaded and worked on before that time. The car park will be open for early arrivals but Race vehicles will not be allowed into the pit area until instructed to do so by the Pit Marshalls. There is to be No Engine Noise Until 5.45pm.

'Rookie' Bangers - Extra Meeting at Ipswich

For Banger drivers who booked in for the season before last week (17th Feb), you may need to check with the office as to whether you are booked in for the Ipswich Fireball meeting on 13th October. This was changed from National Banger spec to 'Rookie' spec in the latest fixture book.

Fixtures

The Fixture Booklets (Bible for short!) are now at the printers and should be available from the racetracks at this weekends meetings. Please note a change to the fixtures on this website, the September 6th meeting at Yarmouth featuring 1300 Stock Cars, Rookie Rods and Banger Team event is now cancelled.

National Hot Rod Rule Amendment

Rule 28: Exception: On the duratech 16 Valve engine it is permitted to modify the timing chain tensioner.

Visiting Ministox Drivers

All Ministox drivers visiting from other promotions will be limited to 2 bookings for 2007 at all Spedeworth tracks.

Eddie Carter - ex Stock Car 701

Sad news has reached us that 70's Superstar Eddie Carter passed away after losing his battle with cancer on Friday 2nd February, aged 62. He was a big Wisbech based star man in the 70's and will be remembered for his bald head, big smile and being a hard racer. His funeral is on Monday 12th February at Elm Church, Elm, Nr Wisbech at 11.00am. If anyone would like more details please contact Nobby King on 0773 606 3428.

Fixture Confusion - Ipswich 10th February

On the recent fixtures that have appeared in Wheelspin/Short Circuit/Spedeweek programme; Stock Rods have appeared as racing on that date. Unfortunately this is an error and Stock Rods are actually racing at the following Ipswich meeting on the 24th. Sorry for any confusion on this matter and the latest (and final draft) of the Fixtures should appear on this website by this coming weekend.

Thursday TV

Marie Haddleton, runs Short Circuit magazine and mother of Mark Haddleton - Editor of Short Circuit, will be in TV on Thursday night - 7.00pm - Street Doctors. She is a 78-year-old belly dancer and ballet dancer, suffering from osteoporosis.

R-Banger Wanted

Rookie Banger wanted for Bovingdon Raceway, prefer ready built and ready to race, contact 01727 874421/07783527037.
Cheers, Peter Stanley.

Downloadable Drivers Profile Form E-mail Them Back Here!

Special thanks to Steve Robey in his help in compiling the Drivers Profile forms. The forms will also be available from the Foxhall Stadium Race Office on race days and can also be returned there.

A Sad Goodbye To Old Friends!

It is with sadness that one of Foxhall Heath's longest residents succumbed to this weeks high winds (picture right). The tree situated in the centre of the pits has for many years been used by many drivers to sling a chain around it to aid the pulling out of wheels & boots, etc; it will be missed by many of the Banger Drivers who have used it in the past! Stadium Manager Christer Earrey said of the winds "We knew that the 'Hurricane' was being moved from Swaffham to Foxhall but we weren't expecting it this early in the Season as it is scheduled for May 19th".

Another casualty of the high winds was the 2nd bend Beer Kiosk (picture left). The Kiosk got quite tipsy and finished up on its back and it is believed that it had one to many (gusts that is!). It is hoped that the Kiosk will be back on its feet in time for the beginning of the new Season or it may be turned into a theme bar to go along with the current Fosters Twist adverts!

2007 Fixtures

With the release of the Fixtures, we have received a number of phone calls off drivers questioning them. What we must stress, is that these are only provisional Fixtures which have been made available for the NEC show. All Fixtures are subject to change and some alterations will be made in readiness for the Official Fixtures Booklet in March. The dates of the Fixtures as far as we know are 100% set so if you are planning holidays etc. these should give you a guide as to when you book up. Fixtures are also available on the Raceway's Page (to check on what's on at each track in 2007) and also on the Formula's Page (to check on what meetings that particular Formula are racing at). Provisional Booking Lists will also be available on the Race Dates Page, click on the date to find out who has booked in!

Swaffham Raceway

It is with huge disappointment that we have to announce that Spedeworth Motorsports will not be operating from Swaffham Raceway in 2007.

The decision to pull out will probably not come as a big surprise to those of you who have been regular visitors at Swaffham over the last few years, as despite our best efforts attracting a crowd to the stadium has proven much hard than ever anticipated.

It’s a huge shame to loose this track from the EA group, as it has become a firm favourite with many of our drivers, and in all honesty we don’t often struggle for cars.

It was a huge investment to bring the track up to an acceptable working standard, following many years of decay, and perhaps with further investment the stadium would attract more spectators, but unfortunately as we have sustained such heavy losses over the last few years, we are not in a position to make the further huge investments that would no doubt be needed to bring the track up to the kind of standards that might bring about a significant change, and sadly neither is the stadium owner at this time.

In addition to the frustrations we have endured with regard to the stock car racing, again as many Swaffham visitors will have noticed, the dog track has been put back in place, and the stadium owners are now insisting on carrying out plans with regard to the re-launch of the dog racing at Swaffham, which we anticipate will bring about operational difficulties if we were to stay.

On balance, all we can say is that we gave it our best shot, we have had some fantastic race meetings at Swaffham, a few big titles won and lost; and those who attended them will not easily forget some of our brilliant parties.  For now the curtain closes on Swaffham.  At this time we do not know if any other promoter will take up the challenge to turn Swaffham around, and we say good luck to them if they want to try.

For 2007, the closure of Swaffham will mean that our staff and drivers will have more opportunity to concentrate efforts on Foxhall and Yarmouth, two of the best tracks in the country without question.  Foxhall stands worlds apart from any other Oval Track, steeped in history and undoubtedly the home of Hot Rod Racing, but notably also a track where history is remade every season by every formula that we promote, from Superstox to Rookie Rods, this track never fails to deliver.  Also, with the wonderful refurbishments that have recently been completed at Yarmouth, we can see a bright future for this stadium, fantastic facilities and a fast tight track perfect for our kind of racing, and always so well managed it’s a pleasure to operate.

Finally, although we are saying a sad goodbye to Swaffham, we still feel we have plenty to look forward to in 2007, we are disappointed, but not beaten, and the Spedeworth Motorsport expansion plans for the future will soon be put back on track.  With property developers moving in on every spare green patch in the UK, Oval Racing and other similar sports are all getting squeezed harder and harder, but we are determined to keep Oval Racing alive and kicking in the UK, so keep the faith!

Roy Eaton & the Spedeworth EA Team.

For 2006 News & Results Click HERE