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BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars at Wimbledon - Every Year from their first in 1996, until 2007

On Easter Sunday 1996, BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars raced at Wimbledon Stadium, London, for the very first time. Strange, considering that the unlimited capacity "Formula One" cars first raced on British soil all the way back on Good Friday 1954. Strange, considering that the venue was down the road at New Cross Stadium in front of a 26,000 sell-out crowd. Strange, considering that Wimbledon Stadium has been one of the finest venues featuring Stock Car racing since its first meeting on 6th October 1962. Why is this? Well, as is often the case, politics and vested interest played their part, along with a gradual drift northwards of the Formula One Stock Car circus. In the south, promoters presented other forms of stock car racing, and events between them in 1961 and then Formula One drivers in 1975 widened the gap further. It's a fascinating story, and I've put more details onto another page. However in 1996 REJOICE !!! The big cars return to the capital city. What a fabulous day !!!

02May99 - Wimbledon (DC) From 1996 to 2007, the BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars appeared at Wimbledon Stadium seventeen times. Each meeting was staged on a Sunday evening, with practice normally taking place in the hour before published start time. Many drivers, from superstars to novices, raced in these meetings. Most travelled a long distance and the only driver who travelled north to Wimbledon was 301 Mark Allen from Petworth, all others coming from points north (the majority), east and west. The BriSCA F1 appearances at Wimbledon are thanks to the co-operation between the promoters: Spedeworth International and the British Stock Car Association for Formula One (BriSCA F1), and the drivers: British Stock Car Drivers' Association (BSCDA) and Veterans' Stock Car Association (VSCA). In 2006 and 2007 BriSCA promoter Startrax played the leading role bringing the big cars to London.

Wimbledon - Easter Sunday, 7th April 1996, World Championship Qualifying Round

"This is it. The one you've been waiting for. Spedeworth International in association with BriSCA F1 proudly present BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars at Wimbledon Stadium. For the first time ever!! Many long time supporters of stock car racing have dreamed of this night for over 30 years, a night when Britain's most spectacular formula appears at Britain's finest stock car stadium. Tonight that dream becomes reality."

This landmark event in the turbulent world of UK Stock Car Racing was launched amidst razzmatazz and celebration. Disco lights and groovy music welcomed the queuing fans. A great atmosphere swept around the stadium. The first time since Harringay 1979 that the BriSCA F1 circus had visited the capital city. The meeting started with a grand parade, the cars and drivers emerging from the pits tunnel in a cloud of multicoloured lights and dry ice. The weather was good, a fine spring evening and a fast dry track.

Two heats followed by a consolation heat then final and grand national for the 41 cars which raced. Commentary came from the 'voice of BriSCA', Bev Greenhalf. Also on the programme were the Spedeworth Hot Rods. A very nice special colour 'souvenir programme' gave lots of background information leading up to this historic event.

Gold Roof: 250 Keith Chambers (from Coalville)
Superstar: 2 Paul Harrison (Rotherham), 53 John Lund (Clitheroe), 391 Andrew Smith (Rochdale), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden)
Red Roof: 21 Mark Gilbank (Rotherham), 33 Peter Falding (Rotherham), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton), 77 Ian Platts (Doncaster), 128 John Wright (Aston on Trent), 213 Des Chandler (Hinckley), 217 Rob Perry (Diss), 343 Barry Heath (Walsall), 464 Jamie Davidson (Altrincham)
Blue Roof: 38 Jason Holden (Radley), 203 Dan Clarke (Rothwell), 212 Frankie Wainman (Silsden), 215 Geoff Nickolls (Melton Mowbray), 378 Wayne Handley (Leicester), 393 Michael Smith (Hartlepool), 413 Matt Bennet (North Killingholme)
Yellow Roof: 6 Phil Wheelton (Leicester), 16 Robin Newson (Norwich), 129 Steve Lewin (Norwich), 192 Dave McCrudden (Carterton), 255 Eric Brown (Angus, Scotland), 362 Lionel Shaw (Luton), 371 Shane Dorrell (Malvern), 507 Neil Smith (Bedford)
White Roof: 9 Keith Nevill (Stevenage), 14 Roger Bromiley (Oxford), 27 Tristan May (Nuneaton), 32 Stuart Bate (Chester), 83 Tony Williams (Buckley), 94 Sean Tilley (Haswell), 118 Fred Skinner (Bromsgrove), 244 Ian Venables (Coventry), 251 Alistair Forsyth (Midlothian, Scotland), 280 Colin Nairn (Leicester), 301 Mark Allen (Petworth), 307 Tim Warwick (Bedford)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 19 cars, first 10 to final: 307, 32, 9, 244, 118, 14, 280, 129, 192, 362, 251, 371, 38, 215, 212, 73, 213, 250, 515. 515 Frankie Wainman Junior enters the record books as the first ever winner at Wimbledon in a BriSCA Formula One Stock Car. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 250 Keith Chambers, 3rd 38 Jason Holden, 4th 371 Shane Dorrell, 5th 129 Steve Lewin, 6th 213 Des Chandler, 7th 73 Rob Cowley, 8th 212 Frankie Wainman, 9th 192 Dave McCrudden, 10th 307 Tim Warwick

Heat 2, 16 laps, 22 cars, first 10 to final: 27, 94, 83, 507, 255, 16, 6, 217, 203, 393, 378, 464, 2, 33, 77, 343, 21, 391, 128, 53, 413, 301. Result: 1st 391 Andrew Smith, 2nd 33 Peter Falding, 3rd 2 Paul Harrison, 4th 393 Michael Smith, 5th 464 Jamie Davidson, 6th 77 Ian Platts, 7th 343 Barry Heath, 8th 203 Dan Clarke, 9th 53 John Lund, 10th 128 John Wright

Consolation Heat, 16 laps, 22 cars, first 10 to final. Result: 1st 6 Phil Wheelton, 2nd 251 Alistair Forsyth, 3rd 507 Neil Smith, 4th 413 Matt Bennett, 5th 27 Tristan May, 6th 378 Wayne Handley, 7th 217 Rob Perry, 8th 215 Geoff Nickolls, 9th 301 Mark Allen, no other finishers

Final, 20 laps, 26 cars. A tremendous race in which everyone including star drivers 53 John Lund and 515 Frankie Wainman Junior put on a great show of real stock car racing. Frankie pushed John wide and then the complement was repaid with three laps to go. Frankie was stranded on the pits bend and John went on to take a popular victory. Prizes were presented by two of the top men in BriSCA and Spedeworth, Malc Aylott and Roy Eaton. Result: 1st 53 John Lund, 2nd 250 Keith Chambers, 3rd 38 Jason Holden, 4th 217 Rob Perry, 5th 343 Barry Heath, 6th 203 Dan Clarke, 7th 77 Ian Platts, 8th 213 Des Chandler, 9th 393 Michael Smith, 10th 371 Shane Dorrell

Grand National, 16 laps, 22 cars. Another scintillating display of stock car racing. The race was red-flagged after three laps when 251 Alistair Forsyth, from a lap down and in confusing circumstances, sent 391 Andrew Smith and 515 Frankie Wainman Junior hard into the pit bend fence, with Junior's car buried up to the cab. Andrew looked far from happy with Ali! The rerun was won by 371 Shane Dorrell despite a desperate last bend attack from 33 Peter Falding. The cars crossed the line with inches between them. What a finish to a fantastic evening! Result: 1st 371 Shane Dorrell, 2nd 33 Peter Falding, 3rd 250 Keith Chambers, 4th 2 Paul Harrison, 5th 393 Michael Smith, 6th 128 John Wright, 7th 217 Rob Perry, 8th 77 Ian Platts, 9th 343 Barry Heath, 10th 53 John Lund

The meeting was everything, and more, that most fans had hoped for. The quality of racing was first class and the whole show was pure entertainment. The extra £50 start money paid to attract the drivers was money well spent. An added bonus for the local fan was the sight of winning drivers actually acknowledging the crowd. Every one of them looked delighted to have won a race and to get a chance to ride on the control car. The lap of honour for the final lasted for two laps with John, Keith and Jason playing to the appreciative crowd!

Stock Car journalist Adrian Blackwell pronounced the meeting: "probably the best Formula One meeting for several years. The show put on by Spedeworth, in association with BriSCA and the drivers, was nothing short of sensational."

BriSCA promoter, magazine editor and F1 writer Keith Barber exclaimed: "The only downside to the occasion is that we have to wait until October for another trip to the 'smoke'".

A regular BriSCA fan was quoted: "This is great, just like the old Belle Vue at Hyde Road. There is atmosphere, the noise is deafening and those wooden stands shake even when the cars are on tick-over".

Veteran driver, and 1979 World Champion, 212 Frankie Wainman said: "Wimbledon is the second best stadium, after Wembley, that I have ever raced at. It is in a different league."

Final word to Keith Barber: "A lot was hoped for with the return of Formula One Stock Cars to the capital city on Easter Sunday. Those who feared an anticlimax need not have worried. In every respect the meeting was a roaring success from lap one of the first race through to the last lap of the last event. As for Spedeworth bosses Roy and Mark Eaton, their efforts to ensure that the evening was a great success did not go unnoticed. There is every indication of greater levels of co-operation between Spedeworth and BriSCA."

Wimbledon - Sunday, 6th October 1996, Grand Prix Round

"The return of the big league. Spedeworth International in association with BriSCA F1 proudly present the return of BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars to Wimbledon Stadium."

Following the hugely successful meeting on Easter Sunday, the cars, coaches and transporters pulled into Plough Lane (Wimbledon Stadum) for another evening of noise, colour, speed, power and spectacle. Everyone was looking forward to the racing, and again, a fantastic atmosphere could be felt around the stadium. Like before, good fast racing on a dry track.

Two all-in heats followed by a final and grand national for the 27 cars which raced. Unlike the first meeting, this being a non-bank holiday Sunday, and without the lure of world championship points, fewer drivers were able to make the long trek south and get back in time for work on Monday! Once again, Bev Greenhalf took control of the public address. Also on the programme were the Spedeworth Hot Rods and Spedeworth Stock Cars. Another special colour 'souvenir programme' with lots of photos and words about the great first meeting at Easter. Unfortunately, new world champion 53 John Lund wasn't present.

Superstars: 391 Andrew Smith (from Rochdale), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden)
Red Roof: 21 Mark Gilbank (Rotherham), 33 Peter Falding (Rotherham), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton), 97 Murray Harrison (Kettering), 180 Ray Witts (Chorley), 250 Keith Chambers (Coalville), 284 Chris Lloyd (Breaston), 371 Shane Dorrell (Malvern), 464 Jamie Davidson (Altrincham)
Blue Roof: 6 Phil Wheelton (Leicester), 38 Jason Holden (Radley), 393 Michael Smith (Hartlepool), 507 Neil Smith (Bedford)
Yellow Roof: 27 Tristan May (Nuneaton), 129 Steve Lewin (Norwich), 244 Ian Venables (Coventry), 307 Tim Warwick (Bedford), 327 Howard Davis (Cheltenham, Gloucs), 354 Gary Coyle (Northwich)
White Roof: 141 Paul Corker (Norwich), 182 Paul Hanley (Northampton), 280 Colin Nairn (Leicester), 301 Mark Allen (Petworth), 375 Pete Dorrell (Malvern), 407 Craig Smith (Bedford)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 25 cars: 182, 141, 375, 407, 27, 307, 244, 327, 345, 129, 38, 393, 284, 6, 180, 250, 371, 464, 515, 33, 391, 73, 21, 280, 507. A great drive from 33 Peter Falding in his shale car. Peter had already raced today, appearing in his Eurocar at Lydden Hill. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 33 Peter Falding, 3rd 371 Shane Dorrell, 4th 391 Andrew Smith, 5th 73 Rob Cowley, 6th 345 Gary Coyle, 7th 21 Mark Gilbank, 8th 180 Ray Witts, 9th 393 Michael Smith, 10th 129 Steve Lewin.

Heat 2, 16 laps, 23 cars: 301, 407, 280, 182, 345, 327, 27, 307, 129, 38, 393, 6, 284, 180, 250, 21, 464, 371, 515, 33, 391, 73, 507. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 33 Peter Falding, 3rd 129 Steve Lewin, 4th 464 Jamie Davidson, 5th 21 Mark Gilbank, 6th 73 Rob Cowley, 7th 6 Phil Wheelton, 8th 307 Tim Warwick, 9th 27 Tristan May, 10th 301 Mark Allen.

Final, 20 laps, 19 cars: 141, 280, 182, 345, 129, 27, 393, 97, 38, 6, 464, 371, 21, 180, 33, 515, 391, 250, 73. A good race with 391 Andrew Smith getting to the front of the field, after a battle with 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, only to be sidelined by a backmarker. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 393 Michael Smith, 3rd 33 Peter Falding, 4th 97 Murray Harrison, 5th 250 Keith Chambers, 6th 21 Mark Gilbank, 7th 371 Shane Dorrell, 8th 391 Andrew Smith, 9th 73 Rob Cowley, 10th 6 Phil Wheelton.

Grand National, 16 laps, 15 cars: 375, 301, 280, 327, 354, 6, 393, 97, 371, 250, 21, 391, 33, 73, 515. Result: 1st 391 Andrew Smith, 2nd 345 Gary Coyle, 3rd 250 Keith Chambers, 4th 393 Michael Smith, 5th 33 Peter Falding, 6th 371 Shane Dorrell, 7th 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 8th 73 Rob Cowley, 9th 6 Phil Wheelton, 10th 375 Pete Dorrell

Wimbledon - Sunday, 13th April 1997

"BriSCA F1 Stock Cars are back in town. A year and a week after the BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars took Wimbledon by storm for their first visit to a Spedeworth track in over 35 years. A galaxy of stars raced in that sensational first ever visit to Wimbledon. It was the stock car equivalent of the Berlin Wall coming down."

Like the previous meeting in October, two all-in heats then final and grand national. A total of 22 cars raced. The non-bank holiday Sunday evening being less than ideal for many drivers. Bev Greenhalf, as ever, supplied the excellent commentary. In support were the Spedeworth Hot Rods and Spedeworth Stock Rods. No special 'souvenir programme' tonight, just the standard all-in Spedeweek 9/97 for 6th to 13th April. However, the programme included a reprint of the very interesting Motoring News article "How the Split was Healed" by Graham Brown, which gave a summary of the events leading up to the first BriSCA meeting at Wimbledon in 1996. A nice dry track once again. 53 John Lund, world champion, failed to make the trip from his Lancashire home. However, the 240ci Stock Car World Champion was on the grid, 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, who won the title in New Zealand in January.

Superstars: 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (from Silsden)
Red Roof: 41 Gareth Bott (Loughborough), 97 Murray Harrison (Kettering), 250 Keith Chambers (Coalville), 338 Chris Brocksopp (Ratcliffe), 464 Jamie Davidson (Altrincham)
Blue Roof: 6 Phil Wheelton (Leicester), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton), 192 Dave McCrudden (Carterton), 203 Dan Clarke (Rothwell), 215 Geoff Nickolls (Melton Mowbray), 284 Chris Lloyd (Breaston), 371 Shane Dorrell (Malvern)
Yellow Roof: 129 Steve Lewin (Norwich), 275 Jason Purdey (Bedford), 307 Tim Warwick (Bedford), 327 Howard Davis (Cheltenham), 345 Gary Coyle (Northwich), 498 Simon Sargent (Atherstone)
White Roof: 30 Michael Storry (Wetherby), 110 Ray Scriven (Gloucestershire), 182 Paul Hanley (Northampton)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 19 cars: 30, 110, 307, 275, 327, 498, 345, 129, 73, 284, 203, 6, 192, 371, 338, 464, 250, 41, 515. Result: 1st 41 Gareth Bott, 2nd 73 Rob Cowley, 3rd 464 Jamie Davidson, 4th 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 5th 30 Michael Storry, 6th 275 Jason Purdey, 7th 327 Howard Davis, 8th 129 Steve Lewin, 9th 6 Phil Wheelton, 10th 192 Dave McCrudden

Heat 2, 16 laps, 18 cars: 30, 110, 182, 307, 275, 327, 345, 73, 284, 203, 6, 371, 215, 338, 464, 515, 41, 97. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 327 Howard Davis, 3rd 41 Gareth Bott, 4th 464 Jamie Davidson, 5th 203 Dan Clarke, 6th 371 Shane Dorrell, 7th 30 Michael Storry, 8th 73 Rob Cowley, 9th 284 Chris Lloyd, 10th 6 Phil Wheelton

Final, 16 laps (not 20), 18 cars: 30, 182, 307, 275, 345, 129, 73, 284, 203, 6, 215, 371, 97, 338, 41, 464, 250, 515. The drive of 250 Keith Chambers was particularly spectacular. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 250 Keith Chambers, 3rd 129 Steve Lewin, 4th 284 Chris Lloyd, 5th 203 Dan Clarke, 6th 371 Shane Dorrell, 7th 41 Gareth Bott, 8th 464 Jamie Davidson, 9th 275 Jason Purdey, 10th 73 Rob Cowley

Grand National, 16 laps, 16 cars: 30, 182, 129, 275, 345, 371, 203, 73, 215, 6, 284, 338, 250, 464, 41, 515. Result: 1st 41 Gareth Bott, 2nd 250 Keith Chambers, 3rd 464 Jamie Davidson, 4th 371 Shane Dorrell, 5th 203 Dan Clarke, 6th 284 Chris Lloyd, 7th 30 Michael Storry, 8th 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 9th 73 Rob Cowley, 10th 129 Steve Lewin

Wimbledon - Sunday, 31st August 1997

"The legendary BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars are back at Wimbledon for a night of noise and thunder. This will be another night when the old wooden terracing reverberates under your feet and this corner of SW17 wonders what's hit it."

As before, two all-in heats then final and grand national. A total of 16 cars raced. The non-bank holiday Sunday evening putting off many drivers. Bev Greenhalf supplied the first-rate commentary. An excellent support programme came from the Sprint Cars (no silencers - magic!), the Legends (Des Chandler getting good results, including a heat win) and Spedeworth V8 Hot Rods. In a four car match race, Junior Wainman took the win in his F1 followed home by Roy Eaton (V8 Hot Rod), Mick Wright (Sprint Car) and Des Chandler (Legend). Another spectacle was a match race between the legendary Mick "Duffy" Collard driving a Dodge Viper (!) against Junior in a V8 Hot Rod. Needless to say, Junior won, and thank goodness Duffy kept his fabulous car away from that nasty post and wire fencing! No special 'souvenir programme' tonight, just the all-in Spedeweek 27/97 for 31st August to 4th September. Another fine, sunny spring day for perfect evening track conditions. Once again, the world champion, 53 John Lund, didn't appear. Before the racing started everyone observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to Diana Princess of Wales who had died the previous night.

Superstars: 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (from Silsden)
Red Roof: 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton), 180 Ray Witts (Chorley), 250 Keith Chambers (Coalville), 464 Jamie Davidson (Altrincham)
Blue Roof: 6 Phil Wheelton (Leicester), 129 Steve Lewin (Norwich), 203 Dan Clarke (Rothwell), 284 Chris Lloyd (Breaston), 371 Shane Dorrell (Malvern), 380 Steve Cayzer (Saffron Walden), 393 Michael Smith (Hartlepool)
Yellow Roof: 30 Michael Storry (Wetherby), 38 Jason Holden (Radley)
White Roof: 110 Ray Scriven (Gloucestershire), 307 Tim Warwick (Bedford)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 13 cars: 307, 110, 6, 380, 129, 284, 203, 393, 73, 250, 180, 515, 371. Result: 1st 250 Keith Chambers, 2nd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 3rd 203 Dan Clarke, 4th 284 Chris Lloyd, 5th 393 Michael Smith, 6th 371 Shane Dorrell, 7th 180 Ray Witts, 8th 73 Rob Cowley, 9th 129 Steve Lewin, 10th 6 Phil Wheelton

Heat 2, 16 laps, 15 cars: 110, 307, 30, 38, 284, 393, 6, 380, 371, 250, 73, 203, 180, 464, 515. Result: 1st 250 Keith Chambers, 2nd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 3rd 464 Jamie Davidson, 4th 284 Chris Lloyd, 5th 393 Michael Smith, 6th 371 Shane Dorrell, 7th 180 Ray Witts, 8th 30 Michael Storry, 9th 6 Phil Wheelton, 10th 110 Ray Scriven

Final, 20 laps, 14 cars: 110, 38, 30, 284, 393, 6, 129, 380, 371, 250, 73, 180, 464, 515. Result: 1st 464 Jamie Davidson, 2nd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 3rd 38 Jason Holden, 4th 180 Ray Witts, 5th 284 Chris Lloyd, 6th 371 Shane Dorrell, 7th 129 Steve Lewin, 8th 30 Michael Storry, 9th 73 Rob Cowley, 10th 250 Keith Chambers

Grand National, 16 laps, 10 cars: 38, 30, 284, 393, 129, 371, 180, 73, 515, 464. Result: 1st 180 Ray Witts, 2nd 371 Shane Dorrell, 3rd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 4th 38 Jason Holden, 5th 284 Chris Lloyd, 6th 464 Jamie Davidson, 7th 30 Michael Storry, 8th 73 Rob Cowley, 9th 129 Steve Lewin, no other finishers

Wimbledon - Bank Holiday Sunday, 24th May 1998, World Championship Qualifying Round

"The BriSCA Formula One cars are legendary. The sheer power, noise and performance of these mighty machines is one of oval racing's most enduring spectacles."

As had become the norm at Wimbledon, two all-in heats then final and grand national. A total of 26 cars raced for the big crowd. The bank holiday Sunday evening attracting a few more drivers. As before, Bev Greenhalf supplied the excellent commentary. A very good support programme came from the Bangers "it's a knockout" team contest - most amusing! No special 'souvenir programme' tonight, just the standard all-in Spedeweek 10/98 for 23rd to 27th May. Proving that the weather really is better in the south, a superb warm and dry evening, again! Unfortunately, the world champion, 53 John Lund, who had regained the title last September, didn't make the journey down south. However, an 'international flavour' was added to the meeting with a visit from Dutch driver Louw Wobbes.

Superstars: 250 Keith Chambers (from Coalville), 464 Jamie Davidson (Altrincham), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden)
Red Roof: 2 Paul Harrison (Rotherham), 22 Will Yarrow (Desborough), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton), 78 Richard Johnson (Thrapston), 97 Murray Harrison (Kettering), 175 Rob Pearce (Leicester), 284 Chris Lloyd (Breaston), 371 Shane Dorrell (Malvern), 393 Michael Smith (Hartlepool), H22 Louw Wobbes (The Netherlands)
Blue Roof: 21 Mark Gilbank (Rotherham), 38 Jason Holden (Radley), 128 John Wright (Aston on Trent), 217 Rob Perry (Diss), 262 Clinton Dorrell (Malvern), 446 Steve Booth (Huddersfield)
Yellow Roof: 6 Phil Wheelton (Leicester), 345 Gary Coyle (Norwich), 481 Bill Morris (Kingham)
White Roof: 32 Stuart Bate (Chester), 94 Sean Tilley (Haswell), 110 Ray Scriven (Fairford), 407 Craig Smith (Bedford)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 24 cars: 407, 32, 94, 110, 345, 481, 128, 217, 38, 21, 446, 78, 2, 22, H22, 175, 393, 464, 371, 97, 250, 284, 73, 515. The race was delayed after a red flag for 446 Steve Booth, who was later taken to hospital for a check up. 2 Paul Harrison wasn't troubled in the restart. Result: 1st 2 Paul Harrison, 2nd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 3rd 250 Keith Chambers, 4th 128 John Wright, 5th 464 Jamie Davidson, 6th 97 Murray Harrison, 7th H22 Louw Wobbes, 8th 284 Chris Lloyd, 9th 21 Mark Gilbank, 10th 393 Michael Smith

Heat 2, 16 laps, 24 cars: 110, 32, 407, 345, 6, 481, 21, 128, 217, 38, 262, 73, 284, 393, 2, H22, 464, 175, 97, 250, 78, 371, 515, 22. Unfortunately, ex world champion 250 Keith Chambers retired, and wasn't seen again during the evening. 515 Frankie Wainman Junior made it through to win on the very last lap from 21 Mark Gilbank who managed to hang on despite a flat tyre. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 21 Mark Gilbank, 3rd 2 Paul Harrison, 4th 284 Chris Lloyd, 5th 22 Will Yarrow, 6th 128 John Wright, 7th 97 Murray Harrison, 8th 175 Rob Pearce, 9th 481 Bill Morris, 10th 345 Gary Coyle

Final, 20 laps, 20 cars: 32, 345, 6, 481, 128, 21, 262, 38, 217, 284, 2, 393, 22, 371, 97, 175, 464, H22, 515, 73. 515 Frankie Wainman Junior took the lead from 128 John Wright with five laps to go. 464 Jamie Davidson pushed John wide on the last bend to take second. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 464 Jamie Davidson, 3rd 128 John Wright, 4th 97 Murray Harrison, 5th 2 Paul Harrison, 6th 38 Jason Holden, 7th H22 Louw Wobbes, 8th 284 Chris Lloyd, 9th 175 Rob Pearce, 10th 393 Michael Smith

Grand National, 16 laps, 17 cars: 32, 345, 481, 6, 38, 128, 217, 262, 284, 22, 175, 464, 97, H22, 73, 393, 515. Possibly the best race of the night with 175 Rob Pearce, 284 Chris Lloyd, 38 Jason Holden and 464 Jamie Davidson in the thick of some good stock car action. A dramatic last bend lunge from 175 Rob Pearce just failed to make contact with the winner. Result: 1st 464 Jamie Davidson, 2nd 175 Rob Pearce, 3rd H22 Louw Wobbes, 4th 128 John Wright, 5th 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 6th 73 Rob Cowley, 7th 262 Clinton Dorrell, 8th 393 Michael Smith, 9th 97 Murray Harrison, 10th 38 Jason Holden

Wimbledon - Bank Holiday Sunday, 30th August 1998, Grand Prix Round

"The Mean Machines are back. The BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars are without doubt, the pinnacle of UK Stock Car racing. It is a pleasure to welcome them and their fanatical supporters back to Plough Lane."

Once again, two all-in heats then final and grand national. A total of 23 cars raced. Bev Greenhalf, as before, supplied the first-class commentary. The support programme came from the Rookie Bangers (including ramp jump race) and Stock Rods. No special 'souvenir programme' tonight, just the standard all-in Spedeweek 22/98 for 29th August to 3rd September. As expected by now, not a drop a rain to be seen, meaning more fast and furious racing on a fast, dry track. Still no sign of six-times and current world champion, 53 John Lund, but a bonus appearance of New Zealand star NZ11 Stan Hickey getting in some practice before next months world final at Coventry. And, for the first time at Wimbledon, 515 Frankie Wainman Junior appeared as the Long Track World Champion, a title won in the Netherlands a week before.

Superstars: 250 Keith Chambers (from Coalville), 464 Jamie Davidson (Altrincham), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden)
Red Roof: 41 Gareth Bott (Loughborough), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton), 203 Dan Clarke (Rothwell), 284 Chris Lloyd (Breaston), 393 Michael Smith (Hartlepool), 507 Neil Smith (Bedford), NZ11 Stan Hickey (New Zealand)
Blue Roof: 22 Will Yarrow (Desborough), 38 Jason Holden (Radley), 78 Richard Johnson (Thrapston), 362 Lionel Shaw (Luton)
Yellow Roof: 30 Michael Storry (Wetherby), 345 Gary Coyle (Norwich), 446 Steve Booth (Huddersfield)
White Roof: 43 Adrian Bamford (Brixworth), 72 Charlie Yarrow (Rothwell), 117 Rob Scriven (Cirencester), 207 Darren Smith (Bedford), 291 Dan Squire (Rugby), 307 Tim Warwick (Bedford)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 22 cars: 117, 307, 207, 291, 72, 345, 446, 30, 38, 22, 78, 362, 284, 393, 203, 73, 41, 464, 250, 515, NZ11, 507. Result: 1st 22 Will Yarrow, 2nd 117 Rob Scriven, 3rd 464 Jamie Davidson, 4th 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 5th 284 Chris Lloyd, 6th 250 Keith Chambers, 7th 38 Jason Holden, 8th 78 Richard Johnson, 9th 41 Gareth Bott, 10th 393 Michael Smith

Heat 2, 16 laps, 22 cars: 117, 307, 291, 72, 43, 345, 446, 30, 38, 22, 78, 362, 507, 284, 393, 203, 73, 41, 464, 250, 515, NZ11. Result: 1st 117 Rob Scriven, 2nd 41 Gareth Bott, 3rd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 4th 464 Jamie Davidson, 5th 284 Chris Lloyd, 6th 38 Jason Holden, 7th 250 Keith Chambers, 8th 393 Michael Smith, 9th 446 Steve Booth, 10th 203 Dan Clarke

Final, 20 laps, 21 cars: 117, 207, 291, 72, 43, 345, 446, 30, 38, 22, 78, 362, 284, 393, 203, 73, 41, 464, 250, 515, NZ11. The race was red flagged on lap 2 after a nine-car pile up and fifteen cars took part in the restart. 515 Frankie Wainman Junior took an action-packed last bend lunge to win the race. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 117 Rob Scriven, 3rd 38 Jason Holden, 4th 78 Richard Johnson, 5th 73 Rob Cowley, 6th 30 Michael Storry, 7th 362 Lionel Shaw, 8th NZ11 Stan Hickey, 9th 43 Adrian Bamford, no other finishers

Grand National, 16 laps, number of cars not known. 117 Rob Scriven had the most successful meeting of his career, after a heat and final 2nd, a heat 1st and now finishing first in the last race of the evening. Result: 1st 117 Rob Scriven, 2nd 22 Will Yarrow, 3rd 41 Gareth Bott, 4th 38 Jason Holden, 5th 464 Jamie Davidson, 6th 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 7th 78 Richard Johnson, 8th 393 Michael Smith, 9th 73 Rob Cowley, 10th 72 Charlie Yarrow.

Wimbledon - Bank Holiday Sunday, 2nd May 1999 , World Championship Qualifying Round

"The BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars have been thrilling the crowds ever since the early days almost fifty years ago. That they have stood the test of time is a testament to their unique appeal of speed, action, noise and rough, tough racing which sorts the men from the boys."

Sadly, the only appearance of the BriSCA F1 cars in 1999. Discussions between the promoters and drivers at the end of 1998 led to the agreement that the total number of meetings would be reduced by about half for 1999. The hope was that more cars would be attracted to each meeting. At Wimbledon, this paid off. Other tracks were less fortunate with, for example, Buxton managing only nine cars later in the season. Anyway, back to the 2nd May. A good turn out of cars were attracted by the bank holiday fixture and the lure of world championship qualifying points. The 32 cars which raced provided three two-thirds format heats followed by a final and Grand National. Once again, Bev Greenhalf supplied the informed commentary. In support were the Bangers "absolute mini / metro madness including ramp jump race" and Lightning Rods. No special 'souvenir programme' tonight, just the standard all-in Spedeweek 7/99 for 1st to 9th May. As the new world champion, Frankie Wainman Junior raced with number 1 instead of his usual 515. Perfect weather, once again, Wimbledon must be blessed!

Gold Roof: 1 Frankie Wainman Junior (from Silsden, West Yorks)
Superstar: 29 Ian Higgins (Shiptonthorpe, East Yorks), 33 Peter Falding (Rotherham, South Yorks), 180 Ray Witts (Chorley, Lancs), 247 Gary Castell (Daventry, Northants), 391 Andrew Smith (Milnrow, Lancs), 464 Jamie Davidson (Altringham, Gt Man)
Red Roof: 2 Paul Harrison (Rotherham, South Yorks), 38 Jason Holden (Radley, Oxen), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks), 97 Murray Harrison (Kettering, Northants), 152 Neil Scothern (Littleover, Derbys), 203 Dan Clarke (Rothwell, Northants), 221 Stephen Cooper (West Midlands), 250 Keith Chambers (Shepshed, Leics), 284 Chris Lloyd (Breaston, Derbys), H22 Louw Wobbes (The Netherlands)
Blue Roof: 6 Phil Wheelton (Blaby, Leics), 21 Mark Gilbank (Rotherham, South Yorks), 72 Charlie Yarrow (Market Harborough, Leics), 229 Paul Higgins (York), 327 Howard Davis (Cheltenham, Gloucs), 345 Gary Coyle (Northwich, Ches), 371 Shane Dorrell (Malvern, Worcs), 446 Steve Booth (Huddersfield, West Yorks)
Yellow Roof: 117 Rob Scriven (Cirencester, Gloucs), 51 Nick Smith (Aveley, Essex)
White Roof: 30 Michael Storry (Wetherby, West Yorks), 39 Warwick Ellis (Birmingham), 44 Ken Hopes (Huddersfield, West Yorks), 123 Richard Simmons (Wellingborough, Northants), 207 Darren Smith (Bedford, Beds)

02May99 - Frankie Wainman Junior (DC)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 15 cars: 44, 6, 354, 72, 284, 203, 97, 38, 29, 464, H22, 247, 1, 33, 391. The cars were held on the grid for about 15 minutes while a security check was carried out in complete PA silence. Spooky! Result: 1st 1 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 29 Ian Higgins, 3rd 391 Andrew Smith, 4th 97 Murray Harrison, 5th 247 Gary Castell, 6th H22 Louw Wobbes, 7th 203 Dan Clarke, 8th 38 Jason Holden, 9th 6 Phil Wheelton, 10th 72 Charlie Yarrow

Heat 2, 16 laps, 22 cars: 39, 207, 123, 117, 51, 446, 21, 371, 327, 345, 229, 221, 2, 250, 97, 73, 180, 152, 247, H22, 33, 29. The race was stopped a lap early when Richard Simmons crashed out. Result: 1st 21 Mark Gilbank, 2nd 2 Paul Harrison, 3rd 446 Steve Booth, 4th 250 Keith Chambers, 5th 117 Rob Scriven, 6th 33 Peter Falding, 7th 51 Nick Smith, 8th 247 Gary Castell, 9th 73 Rob Cowley, 10th 221 Stephen Cooper

Heat 3, 16 laps, 25 cars: 39, 207, 30, 44, 117, 51, 327, 21, 446, 371, 6, 72, 229, 250, 2, 203, 221, 38, 284, 73, 464, 391, 180, 152, 1. Result: 1st 117 Rob Scriven, 2nd 1 Frankie Wainman Junior, 3rd 221 Stephen Cooper, 4th 464 Jamie Davidson, 5th 391 Andrew Smith, 6th 203 Dan Clarke, 7th 284 Chris Lloyd, 8th 73 Rob Cowley, 9th 180 Ray Witts, 10th 2 Paul Harrison

02May99 - Wimbledon (DC)

Final, 20 laps, 20 cars: 117, 51, 446, 21, 6, 72, 203, 97, 221, 73, 284, 2, 391, H22, 250, 247, 464, 1, 33, 180. Result: 1st 21 Mark Gilbank, 2nd 1 Frankie Wainman Junior, 3rd 221 Stephen Cooper, 4th 391 Andrew Smith, 5th 51 Nick Smith, 6th 446 Steve Booth, 7th 33 Peter Falding, 8th 97 Murray Harrison, 9th 117 Rob Scriven, 10th 72 Charlie Yarrow

Grand National, 16 laps, 18 cars: 39, 117, 51, 284, 97, 446, 21, 229, H22, 221, 247, 250, 464, 152, 2, 73, 33, 1. Result: 1st 51 Nick Smith, 2nd 446 Steve Booth, 3rd 1 Frankie Wainman Junior, 4th 33 Peter Falding, 5th 250 Keith Chambers, 6th 464 Jamie Davidson, 7th 97 Murray Harrison, 8th 2 Paul Harrison, 9th 21 Mark Gilbank, 10th 73 Rob Cowley

Another great meeting on a dry and fast track. Mark Gilbank took his first ever final win on tarmac. He held off a last bend attack from Frankie to take the flag. It was Mark's most successful meeting in his career to-date, having won heat two. Wainman built cars were first, second and third in the Grand National, with ex-Superstox driver Nick Smith coming out on top. He looked spectacular, racing around the corners on three wheels as the car flexed under the strain!

Wimbledon - Sunday, 22nd October 2000, Wilf Blundell Memorial Awards and London Championship

"A Powerful Night of Speed and Action. Once again the BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars return to Wimbledon, a little late in the season but better late than never! The venue is well suited to the Formula One cars, maybe some time in the future there will be a chance to see them here more often. Watching the big name drivers powering their way through the pack is a rare privilege for those of us who only get to see this magnificent formula on its rare visit to our circuit."

For the second year running just one meeting for the BriSCA F1 cars at Wimbledon. The late season Sunday evening attracted 25 drivers who raced in an "all-cars-in" two heat, final and all-comers format meeting. The winner of the final would take home the impressive Wilf Blundell Bowl for a year and the London Championship. The all-comers winner would have the magnificent Wilf Blundell Trophy for a year. As ever the voice of BriSCA F1, Bev Greenhalf, gave the commentary. In support came the Superstox, Stock Rods and, best of all for the V8 fan, the unsilenced V8 Hot Rods racing alongside the fantastic looking new Sprint Cars. It was good to see long-serving Spedeworth Formula One / V8 Stock Car driver Peter Scott (98) putting on a fine show in his impressive Mercedes Cheverolet V8 Hot Rod. Spedeweek programme 27/00 for 21st to 29th October covered events. And, despite recent heavy rain and floods in many parts of the south of England, Wimbledon was dry, yet again, for the four fast F1 races. Newly crowned, and now record setting seven times World Champion 53 John Lund stayed at home which was unfortunate, and it was a shame that local hero, ex Spedeworth Formula One star 38 Jason Holden wasn't racing, although he was spotted helping out in the pits.

Superstar: 2 Paul Harrison (from Rotherham, South Yorks), 21 Mark Gilbank (Rotherham, South Yorks), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden, West Yorks)
Red Roof: 51 Nick Smith (Aveley, Essex), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks), 217 Rob Perry (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk), 250 Keith Chambers (Shepshed, Leics), 284 Chris Lloyd (Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leics), 464 Jamie Davidson (Altringham, Gt Man)
Blue Roof: 174 Dan Driscoll (Diss, Norfolk), 203 Dan Clarke (Rothwell, Northants), 212 Frankie Wainman (Silsden, West Yorks), 293 Nick Houghton (Spalding, Lincs), 434 Ivan Pritchard (Long Eaton, Derbys), 495 John Cayzer (Saffron Walden, Essex)
Yellow Roof: 10 James Potter (Coventry, West Mids), 59 David Barry (Worcester), 117 Rob Scriven (Cirencester, Gloucs), 165 Mark Henstock (Colne, Lancs), 327 Howard Davis (Cheltenham, Gloucs)
White Roof: 11 Neil Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 20 Nigel Wainwright (Rotherham, South Yorks), 24 Mark Gray (Thrapston, Northants), 92 Simon Brooke (Reading, Berks), 289 Alan Bedford (Mansfield, Notts)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 23 cars: 11, 20, 24, 289, 117, 165, 327, 59, 203, 495, 174, 212, 434, 293, 464, 51, 250, 217, 284, 73, 2, 21, 515. An explosive start to the evening. A full grid flat out on an ultra-fast track. Race suspension about half distance when oil on the track led to a big pile-up on turn one and lots of damaged cars. Danny Clarke (203) held on at the restart to take the flag. Result: 1st 203 Dan Clarke, 2nd 2 Paul Harrison, 3rd 217 Rob Perry, 4th 21 Mark Gilbank, 5th 464 Jamie Davidson, 6th 284 Chris Lloyd, 7th 117 Rob Scriven, 8th 73 Rob Cowley, 9th 51 Nick Smith, 10th 174 Dan Driscoll

Heat 2, 16 laps, 18 cars: 20, 92, 10, 117, 165, 174, 293, 212, 203, 464, 73, 217, 250, 284, 51, 2, 515, 21. Unfortunately, fewer cars in this race following the serious damage to quite a few cars in heat one. A clean and fast race with Frankie Wainman Junior (515) stealing the win from an on-form 203 Danny Clarke on the last bend. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 203 Dan Clarke, 3rd 217 Rob Perry, 4th 2 Paul Harrison, 5th 21 Mark Gilbank, 6th 464 Jamie Davidson, 7th 10 James Potter, 8th 284 Chris Lloyd, 9th 73 Rob Cowley, 10th 117 Rob Scriven

Final - Wilf Blundell Bowl and London Championship, 20 laps, 17 cars: 289, 20, 92, 10, 117, 203, 293, 212, 73, 464, 217, 51, 250, 284, 2, 21, 515. Another race in two parts. Simon Brooke (92) caught his offside front wheel in a back-straight fence post sending his car into a violent high speed spin, scattering bits of debris across the track. Frankie Wainman Junior (515) took the win once the mess had been cleared up. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 203 Dan Clarke, 3rd 464 Jamie Davidson, 4th 284 Chris Lloyd, 5th 21 Mark Gilbank, 6th 117 Rob Scriven, 7th 293 Nick Houghton, 8th 20 Nigel Wainwright, no other finishers

All-comers - Wilf Blundell Trophy, 16 laps, 10 cars: 20, 289, 10, 117, 212, 293, 464, 284, 21, 515 (from one lap down). With most drivers on their long journeys home, a smaller grid for the last race, but a good one! Alan Bedford (289) from the front of the grid did well to keep the ever approaching star men at bay. Result: 1st 289 Alan Bedford, 2nd 21 Mark Gilbank, 3rd 284 Chris Lloyd, 4th 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 5th 10 James Potter, 6th 464 Jamie Davidson, 7th 293 Nick Houghton, 8th 117 Rob Scriven, 9th 212 Frankie Wainman, 10th 20 Nigel Wainwright.

Another good meeting for the southern based fans of BriSCA Formula One. It has to be said that the sound of the big league cars around the South London track is second to none, worth the admission cost alone! No other current F1 track has quite the same impressive acoustics! And with the lack of chicken-fencing along the straights, the uninterrupted view gives a refreshing closeness to the action!

Wimbledon - Sunday, 21st October 2001, London Championship

"With the awesome BriSCA F1 Stock Cars paying their annual visit to London this could be one of the meetings of the year. The noise reverberates all around, the sheer power enhanced by everything rattling which isn't nailed down, the ground shaking beneath your feet."

Just one late season meeting for the BriSCA F1 cars at Wimbledon in 2001. A total of 18 cars took to the track in an "all-cars-in" two heat, final and all-comers format meeting. The winner of the final would be the 2001 London Champion. With Bev Greenhalf limiting his involvement to just programme notes this year, Spedeworth regular Lee Canderton did the F1 commentary. In support came the Superstox, racing for their European Championship and Howard Cole Memorial Trophy, and Ministox. Grids of over forty Superstox took to the track and, for Formual One fans, familar names of Perry (Rob, who raced his BriSCA F1 the previous year), Guinchard (Lee, son of SCOTA/BriSCA man Peter) and Ahern (Darren, son of SCOTA/BriSCA driver Richy, and racing the number 471 of Stepdad and former SCOTA/BriSCA legend Bobby Burns) added some interest. Spedeweek programme 22/01 for 14th to 21st October covered events. Like the last year, despite heavy rain during the day the track dried out nicely for the F1 races. Recently crowned World Champion 318 Rob Speak made his dedut appearance at Wimbledon. Ex-Spedeworth Formula One star and local hero 38 Jason Holden was seen watching from the luxury of the glass-fronted stand, still recovering from a nasty crash at the World Final meeting. Forty minutes of BriSCA F1 practice, over four sessions, preceeded the meeting with 15 drivers taking the chance to aquant themselves with the drying track.

Gold Roof: 318 Rob Speak (from Manchester)
Superstar: 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden, West Yorks)
Red Roof: 21 Mark Gilbank (Rotherham, South Yorks), 51 Nick Smith (Aveley, Essex), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks), 247 Gary Castell (Daventry, Northants), H525 Bert Shaap (The Netherlands)
Blue Roof: 10 James Potter (Coventry, West Mids), 121 Kevin Shinn (Stains, Surrey), 250 Keith Chambers (Shepshed, Leics), 293 Nick Houghton (Spalding, Lincs), 434 Ivan Pritchard (Long Eaton, Derbys)
Yellow Roof: 11 Neil Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 146 Alan England Junior (Brentwood, Essex)
White Roof: 12 Michael Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 30 Michael Storry (Wetherby), 91 Tony Smith (Loughborough, Leics), 92 Simon Brooke (Reading, Berks)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 18 cars: 91, 92, 30, 12, 146, 11, 293, 10, 121, 250, 434, 73, 247, 21, 51, 515, 318, H525. An uneventful first race, apart from 73 Rob Cowley spinning on the parade lap! Early leader Alan England Junior (146), ex-Spedeworth V8 star and the son of former SCOTA/BriSCA top driver Alan "Senior", was soon caught and passed by the two top men. Rob Speak (318) won his very first race at Wimbledon in convincing style. Result: 1st 318 Rob Speak, 2nd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 3rd 146 Alan England Junior, 4th 434 Ivan Pritchard, 5th 21 Mark Gilbank, 6th 247 Gary Castell, 7th 73 Rob Cowley, 8th 51 Nick Smith, 9th H525 Bert Shaap, 10th 91 Tony Smith

Heat 2, 16 laps, 16 cars: 30, 91, 12, 146, 250, 10, 293, 121, 434, 21, 247, 73, 51, 515, 318, H525. Another tidy race. Alan England Junior (146) leads for a long time before 318 Rob Speak powers passed for his second heat win. Result: 1st 318 Rob Speak, 2nd 146 Alan England Junior, 3rd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 4th 434 Ivan Pritchard, 5th 250 Keith Chambers, 6th 247 Gary Castell, 7th H525 Bert Shaap, 8th 21 Mark Gilbank, 9th 293 Nick Houghton, 10th 73 Rob Cowley

Final - London Championship, 16 laps, 16 cars: 30, 91, 12, 146, 293, 10, 121, 434, 250, H525, 247, 21, 51, 73, 515, 318. A race in three parts. Once again, 146 Alan England Junior took an early lead which vanished to nothing after a stoppage on lap 7 which saw cars including 515 and 247 hit a stationary H525 on the second corner. At the restart, second placed Rob Speak (318) wasted no time in hammering Alan England into the pit gate at great speed, the result of which was a wheel off the 146 car and another stoppage. With just nine cars left running, 318 Rob Speak went on to win once again making three wins in three starts... ever! Result: 1st 318 Rob Speak, 2nd 434 Ivan Pritchard, 3rd 293 Nick Houghton, 4th 250 Keith Chambers, 5th 51 Nick Smith, 6th 73 Rob Cowley, 7th 30 Michael Storry, 8th 121 Kevin Shinn, 9th 12 Michael Scriven, no other finishers.

All-comers "Helter-Skelter", 16 laps, 14 cars: 30, 91, 92, 12, 293, 434, 250, 121, H525, 73, 21, 51, 515, 318 (from one lap down). Why do people go to the stockcars? To see races like this! Although not a Grand National heat, Rob Speak started a lap down to, in the words of the scoreboard man, "give everyone else a chance"! The race got off to an eventful start when, after a couple of laps, 92 Simon Brooke whacked a start-line fence post. In an almost identical manoeuvre to one he perfomed in the previous year's final, he sent his car into a spectacular mid-air spin which sent sparks flying. He came to rest on the in-field. The race proceeded. Ivan Pritchard (434) was building a big lead before, once more, the sound of crashing metal and sight of flashing sparks signalled another huge incident which caused a stoppage on lap nine. An unfortunate Tony Smith got caught up in a high speed pits bend pile-up which saw his complete rear axle assembly come adrift and find its way some way away under the turn two ropes! At the restart 434 Ivan Pritchard maintained his lead but now with 515 Frankie Wainman Junior and 21 Mark Gilbank close behind. Things got interesting! These three swapped the lead a few times and entered the last lap together, three abreast! By now 318 Rob Speak was up with them and wanted to join the party. As the four men traded places and blows for the whole lap, the action got too much and they took each other into the fence on the very last bend. A delighted Rob Cowley (73) calmly drove under the squabling pack to take a very popular victory. With the exception of an unlucky Ivan Pritchard, the former lead group limped over the line for some minor places. What a race! Result: 1st 73 Rob Cowley, 2nd 51 Nick Smith, 3rd 250 Keith Chambers, 4th 30 Michael Story, 5th 21 Mark Gilbank, 6th 318 Rob Speak, 7th 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 8th 121 Kevin Shinn, 9th 12 Michael Scriven, no other finishers.

What a fantastic finish to a great nights racing. Once more the track was dry(ish), fast, loud and colourful. Okay, not a brilliant turn out of cars but, boy, with drivers prepared to present action as awesome as this, why worry!

Wimbledon - Sunday, 20th October 2002, National Series round 32 and London Championship

"The Big League are back with the mighty BriSCA F1 Stock Cars making their annual visit to Wimbledon for the London Championship"

Like last year, only one late season meeting for the BriSCA F1 cars at Wimbledon in 2002. A respectable 21 cars rolled into London Town for an "all-cars-in" two heat, final and all-comers format meeting. New for 2002, selected events around the tracks were for the National Series championship. Each driver could play one shale and one tarmac "joker" for double points. For Wimbledon 2002, 16 Matt Newson, 21 Mark Gilbank and 73 Rob Cowley took their tarmac jokers along. Also at stake was the 2002 London Championship going to the winner of the final. The voice of BriSCA, Bev Greenhalf, limited his involvement to just programme notes once again. Spedeworth regular Lee Canderton did the F1 commentary. As was the case in 2001 support came the Superstox, racing for the Howard Cole Memorial Trophy, and Ministox. Spedeweek programme 28/02 for 19th to 27th October covered events. With the return of motorcycle speedway to Wimbledon in 2002, the tarmac stockcar track had been narrowed to accomodate an inner shale track. With heavy rain leading up to the meeting, the tarmac was covered in a layer of the wet red stuff making for some good opposite lock racing in heat one before the track dried for the remaining races. No sign of recently crowned world champion John Lund. It would have been nice to have seen the driver of car 53, who only a month earlier had won the World Final at Coventry for a record setting eighth time.

Two short practice sessions took place before the meeting proper. Session one saw cars 5, 11, 12, 21, 301 and 318 out on the slippery track. Session two comprised cars 11 (again), 20, 30, 55, 91, 141, 218, 231, 391, 515. Unfortunatly this was the only time we saw car 20, it took no further part in the meeting. For the second year running, 38 Jason Holden limited his involvement to walking around the pits. Come on Jason, your fans want to see you race! It was good to see veteran driver Bert Finnikin returning to F1 in 2002 and making his Wimbledon debut.

Superstar: 318 Rob Speak (from Manchester), 391 Andrew Smith (Milnrow, Lancs), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden, West Yorks)
Red Roof: 5 Bert Finnikin (Leek, Staffs), 21 Mark Gilbank (Rotherham, South Yorks), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks)
Blue Roof: 22 Will Yarrow (Desborough, Northants), 55 Craig Finnikin (Leek, Staffs), 91 Tony Smith (Loughborough, Leics), 218 Derek Fairhurst (Bolton, Lancs), 434 Ivan Pritchard (Long Eaton, Derbys)
Yellow Roof: 11 Neil Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 16 Matt Newson (Aylsham, Norfolk), 30 Michael Storry (Wetherby, North Yorks), 121 Kevin Shinn (Stains, Surrey), 141 Carl Pickering (Dewsbury, South Yorks), 146 Alan England Junior (Brentwood, Essex)
White Roof: 12 Michael Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 20 Nigel Wainwright (Rotherham, South Yorks), 231 Mark Peters (Welwyn Garden City, Herts), 301 Mark Allen (Petworth, West Sussex)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 20 cars: 231, 301, 12, 146, 11, 141, 30, 16, 121, 218, 55, 22, 434, 91, 21, 5, 73, 318, 391, 515. Watching the cars power round the slippery track on opposite lock made for spectacular action with 391 Andrew Smith especially impressive. Mark Allen (301) illustrated just how slippery thinks were by spinning elegantly onto the centre green, demolishing the dog traps. Ouch... expensive! A good drive for winner Alan England Junior (146) who showed a good turn of speed. Result: 1st 146 Alan England Junior, 2nd 391 Andrew Smith, 3rd 318 Rob Speak, 4th 434 Ivan Pritchard, 5th 5 Bert Finnikin, 6th 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 7th 21 Mark Gilbank, 8th 218 Derek Fairhurst, 9th 30 Michael Storry, 10th 73 Rob Cowley

Heat 2, 16 laps, 18 cars: 12, 30, 11, 146, 16, 121, 141, 434, 91, 22, 55, 218, 5, 21, 73, 515, 391, 318. From a damp heat 1 to a dusty heat 2. Plenty of fast action with, again, Andrew Smith (391) showing his class. Is was not to be for Andy though, as he pulled off with what looked like a puncture, not before causing a huge queue of cars as he slowed up to the pits bend. Rob Speak (318) and Frankie Wainman Junior (515) spent a few laps trading blows, a taste of bigger things to come. The red flag was shown with the chequer to bring the race to a swift halt for 30 Michael Storry who found himself stuck in the pits bend fence. Another great drive from 146 Alan England Junior (146). Is there no stopping him? ... Read on! Result: 1st 146 Alan England Junior, 2nd 22 Will Yarrow, 3rd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 4th 318 Rob Speak, 5th 21 Mark Gilbank, 6th 73 Rob Cowley, 7th 5 Bert Finnikin, 8th 121 Kevin Shinn, 9th 12 Michael Scriven, 10th 219 Derek Fairhurst.

Final - London Championship, 16 laps, 17 cars: 231, 12, 301, 146, 11, 121, 16, 22, 218, 434, 91, 73, 5, 21, 318, 391, 515. Alan England Junior (146) once more made the early running. But all eyes were on 515 Frankie Wainman Junior as he drove 318 Rob Speak, and himself, out of the race in a big way on the pits bend. The officials flew the yellow flag... then the course car came out... then the red flags! Did anyone know what was going on? Once the cars were cleared, the race restarted with Alan once again showing the way. With about four laps to go another stoppage was called when 121 Kevin Shinn found himself in the pits bend fence (this was the place to be!) and collected another couple of cars, including 11 Neil Scriven. With so few laps to go, the race was declared! "Alan England Junior... the new London Champion" boomed over the public address. Oh dear, this isn't BriSCA rules which insists that all races run full distance. Andrew Smith (391), now second, took little time to jump out of his car and explain this rule to Mister Starter. At the restart, Andrew soon got into the lead and took the win. He was visibly pleased, taking maximum National Series points when close rival Frankie Wainman Junior failing to get any. After some fine driving it was a shame that Alan England Junior just failed to get into the top three. But good news for the second and third men who earned double points. Result: 1st 391 Andrew Smith, 2nd 21 Mark Gilbank, 3rd 73 Rob Cowley, 4th 146 Alan England Junior, 5th 434 Ivan Pritchard, 6th 22 Will Yarrow, 7th 16 Matt Newson, 8th 91 Tony Smith, 9th 12 Michael Scriven, 10th 301 Mark Allen.

All-comers "Helter-Skelter", 16 laps, 14 cars: 231, 12, 301, 146, 16, 22, 434, 91, 21, 5, 73, 515, 318, 391 (from one lap down). Eventful! Before the race, we watched as the fire-tender raced out to the pits to extinguish a fire involving the 515 and 434 cars. Amazingly, both Frankie and Rob made it onto track dispite this and their earlier skirmish. But wait, Rob is ordered off the track because there is something wrong with his bumper! Rob took exception to this, he wasn't about to be denied the chance to payback Frankie. Eventually the race got underway with Rob at the back, pending a decision on his inclusion. But Rob didn't want to race... oh no! For the first half lap Rob stuck to Frankie's bumper and Frankie tested his brakes, to no effect as both cars ploughed into the third bend. Revenge for Rob! After that, the race developed into a fast, fitting finale to a great evening with 22 Will Yarrow taking the flag from a flying Andrew Smith. A handshake between Frankie and Rob illustrates just what great sports these drivers are. Result: 1st 22 Will Yarrow, 2nd 391 Andrew Smith, 3rd 73 Rob Cowley, 4th 16 Matt Newson, 5th 146 Alan England Junior, 6th 21 Mark Gilbank, 7th 91 Tony Smith, 8th 12 Michael Scriven, 9th 301 Mark Allen, no other finishers.

Once again, Wimbledon delivered to goods, providing another great evening of racing with a dash of controversy. Fast cars, fascinating tactics and plenty of bumper. What better way to spend a Sunday night?

Wimbledon - Sunday, 13th April 2003, World Championship Qualifying Round

"The stadium's design, with its glass fronted grandstands and overhanging roof, amplifies the noise to a thunderous level and adds to the spectacle of these brutishly powerful racing machines..."

The first of two meetings planned in 2003 for the BriSCA F1 cars at Wimbledon. Twenty-four cars joined in the "two-thirds" three heat, final and Grand National format meeting. The track was dry and fast. Spedeworth man Graham Woodward did the commentary. Support came in the form of no less than the 2003 Banger Figure of 8 World Championship! Spedeweek programme 6/03 covered events. It was good to see the return of world champion John Lund to Wimbledon after so many years absent.

Gold Roof: 53 John Lund (from Clitheroe, Lancs)
Superstar: 247 Gary Castell (Daventry, Northants), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden, West Yorks)
Red Roof: 21 Mark Gilbank (Rotherham, South Yorks), 22 Will Yarrow (Desborough, Northants), 33 Peter Falding (Rotherham, South Yorks), 51 Nick Smith (Aveley, Essex), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks)
Blue Roof: 91 Tony Smith (Loughborough, Leics), 293 Nick Houghton (Spalding, Lincs), 434 Ivan Pritchard (Long Eaton, Derbys), H21 Hennie Cuppens (The Netherlands)
Yellow Roof: 11 Neil Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 12 Michael Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 16 Matt Newson (Aylsham, Norfolk), 117 Rob Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 121 Kevin Shinn (Stains, Surrey), 152 Neil Scothern (Littleover, Derbys), 225 Mark Clayton (Chesterfield, Derbys), 311 David Squire (Rugby, Warwks)
White Roof: 20 Nigel Wainwright (Rotherham, South Yorks), 92 Simon Brook (Reading, Berks), 107 Lee Robinson (Barrow upon Soar, Leics), 301 Mark Allen (Petworth, West Sussex)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 16 cars: 301, 92, 107, 12, 117, 11, 152, 121, H21, 91, 33, 73, 51, 53, 247, 515. A good fast start to the meeting on a dry track. Mark Allen (301) is once again at the centre of a slight distraction when his car catches fire and he's forced to retire on lap 5. Lee Robinson (107) takes a start to finish victory, a debut win for the 16 year-old ex ministox driver. Result: 1st 107 Lee Robinson, 2nd 152 Neil Scothern, 3rd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 4th 51 Nick Smith, 5th 117 Rob Scriven, 6th 53 John Lund , 7th 247 Gary Castell, 8th 121 Kevin Shinn, 9th 33 Peter Falding, 10th 73 Rob Cowley

Heat 2, 16 laps, 14 cars: 20, 16, 311, 11, 117, 225, 91, 293, 434, 33, 22, 21, 73, 515. Slight delay as car 22 (Will Yarrow) gets stuck on the ramps over the greyhound track! Once underway a fast, clean race with little incident. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 33 Peter Falding, 3rd 311 David Squire, 4th 16 Matt Newson, 5th 11 Neil Scriven, 6th 434 Ivan Pritchard, 7th 21 Mark Gilbank, 8th 20 Nigel Wainwright, 9th 91 Tony Smith, 10th 293 Nick Houghton

Heat 3, 16 laps, 14 cars: 92, 107, 16, 152, 121, 311, 12, 434, 293, H21, 51, 21, 53, 247. Another impressive perfomance from 107 Lee Robinson who leads for most of the race. In the end, 434 Ivan Pritchard just fails to dislodge 152 Neil Scothern with a last bend tap. Result: 1st 152 Neil Scothern, 2nd 434 Ivan Pritchard, 3rd 107 Lee Robinson, 4th 247 Gary Castell, 5th 51 Nick Smith, 6th 293 Nick Houghton, 7th 53 John Lund, 8th 121 Kevin Shinn, 9th 311 David Squire, 10th H21 Hennie Cuppens

Final, 20 laps, 18 cars: 107, 20, 11, 311, 121, 117, 12, 152, 16, 434, 293, H21, 33, 51, 21, 247, 53, 515. All eyes were on 515 Frankie Wainman Junior's wheel as it wobbled round for 20 laps! Would it fly off? The final stages of the race saw leader 434 Ivan Pritchard bundled into the fence on the last bend by 51 Nick Smith and 33 Peter Falding. Ivan was none too impressed! Result: 1st 51 Nick Smith, 2nd 33 Peter Falding, 3rd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 4th 53 John Lund, 5th 152 Neil Scothern, 6th 121 Kevin Shinn, 7th 293 Nick Houghton, 8th 107 Lee Robinson, 9th 311 David Squire, 10th 21 Mark Gilbank

Grand National, 16 laps, 16 cars: 107, 152, 311, 121, 11, 117, 12, 16, 293, H21, 91, 21, 53, 247, 525, 51 (from one lap down). Another fast race with 152 Neil Scothern taking his second win of the night. Result: 1st 152 Neil Scothern, 2nd 311 David Squire, 3rd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 4th 247 Gary Castell, 5th 21 Mark Gilbank, 6th 53 John Lund, 7th 121 Kevin Shinn, 8th 293 Nick Houghton, 9th 51 Nick Smith, 10th 117 Rob Scriven

On reflection an all-in format may have produced more incident but, none-the-less, great to see the big cars at Wimbledon in early season.

Wimbledon - Sunday, 19th October 2003, National Series Round 34

"If you haven't yet seen these mighty machines here at Plough Lane, don't miss the chance to see something that, only five years ago [sic], was an impossible dream... The sheer power and brute force of these heavyweight monsters never fails to impress..."

The second meeting in 2003 for Wimbledon saw one less race than the April session with the decision to stage a two all-in heat format. Twenty-two cars rolled into London Town including three from The Netherlands. Hans Ubelgonne (H288), however, took no part in the meeting apart from a blast around the track in the practice session. A sheared oilpump was the problem. Once again, good fast racing on the dry track kept dust-free with plenty of mechanical sweeping. Enthusiastic, if not wholly accurate, commentary came from Lee Canderton. With support from Superstox and Hot Rods, proceedings were detailed in Spedeweek programme 27/03. Fresh from his World Final victory, Peter Falding (33) took the opportunity to race with the champion's number 1, and was a very welcome addition to the programmed drivers.

Gold Roof: 1 (33) Peter Falding (from Rotherham, South Yorks)
Superstar: 21 Mark Gilbank (Rotherham, South Yorks), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden, West Yorks)
Red Roof: H21 Hennie Cuppens (The Netherlands), 22 Will Yarrow (Desborough, Northants), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks), 203 Dan Clarke (Rothwell, Northants)
Blue Roof: 16 Matt Newson (Aylsham, Norfolk), H71 Henk Alberts (The Netherlands), 91 Tony Smith (Loughborough, Leics), 231 Mark Peters (Welwyn Garden City, Herts), H288 Hans Ubelgonne (The Netherlands), 293 Nick Houghton (Spalding, Lincs), 305 Carlos Perez (Leek, Staffs), 322 James Neachell (Sutton Coldfield, West Mids), 434 Ivan Pritchard (Long Eaton, Derbys)
Yellow Roof: 11 Neil Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 12 Michael Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 121 Kevin Shinn (Stains, Surrey), 146 Alan England Junior (Brentwood, Essex), 238 Darren Clark (Marchington, Staffs)
White Roof: 301 Mark Allen (Petworth, West Sussex)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 18 cars: 11, 238, 12, 121, 16, 305, 231, 293, 434, H71, 91, H21, 203, 22, 73, 21, 1, 515. Despite taking part in practice, 146 Alan England Junior (gearbox) and H288 Hans Ubelgonne failed to make the grid. Frankie Wainman Junior (515) was spun out of the race on lap 3 by new World Champion, Peter Falding (1). All eyes were on 238 Darren Clark where a roaring fire was burning under the back of his car! Fortunatly the fire did not get out of control but a disregard for the black flag earned Darren a visit to the course clerk. Crossing the finish line behind the winner scored nil points for Darren! Neil Scriven drove to a well controlled victory. Result: 1st 11 Neil Scriven, 2nd 121 Kevin Shinn, 3rd 203 Dan Clarke, 4th 434 Ivan Pritchard, 5th 293 Nick Houghton, 6th 1 Peter Falding, 7th 21 Mark Gilbank, 8th 22 Will Yarrow, 9th 231 Mark Peters, 10th 73 Rob Cowley

Heat 2, 16 laps, 20 cars: 301, 11, 12, 121, 146, 16, 305, 322, 231, 293, 434, H71, 91, H21, 203, 22, 73, 21, 1, 515. Good to see local ex-V8 hero Alan England Junior (146) back on track after some quick repair work. Fire damage to the 238 car saw Darren Clark out of heat two, but with late arrivals 301 Mark Allen and 322 James Neachell on track, heat two saw the largest grid of the night. With only a few laps of the race run, a big pile-up on the pits bend saw the red flags flying. The original plan to continue the race with the H21, 16 and 91 cars still on track saw Matt Newson (16) and Tony Smith (91) stage a protest on the track to get their cars out of the fence. With the vision of blood on the track, the officials had no choice but to comply with their wishes! Following the clear-up, lengthy fence post repair and an abortive restart, the race finally ran to a tidy conclusion with Frankie Wainman Junior (515) taking Alan England Junior (146) easily with a few laps to go. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 146 Alan England Junior, 3rd 434 Ivan Pritchard, 4th 11 Neil Scriven, 5th 21 Mark Gilbank, 6th 121 Kevin Shinn, 7th 1 Peter Falding, 8th 73 Rob Cowley, 9th 322 James Neachell, 10th 305 Carlos Perez

Final, 20 laps, 19 cars: 301, 11, 238, 12, 121, 146, 305, 322, 231, 293, 434, H71, 91, H21, 22, 73, 21, 1, 515. It looked good for long-time leader 146 Alan England Junior until the 515 car of Frankie Wainman Junior powered past to take the flag for the win. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 146 Alan England Junior, 3rd 21 Mark Gilbank, 4th 1 Peter Falding, 5th 73 Rob Cowley, 6th 22 Will Yarrow, 7th 305 Carlos Perez, 8th 11 Neil Scriven, 9th 238 Darren Clark, 10th 121 Kevin Shinn

Grand National, 16 laps, 16 cars: 301, 11, 238, 121, 146, 16, 305, 322, 293, 91, H21, 22, 73, 21, 1, 515 (from one lap down). The ultra-fast track and a good start saw Alan England Junior (146) finally get victory after his earlier two near-misses. Darren Clark (238) came closest to catching Alan but a spin into the fence on the last bend of the last lap when in 2nd place finalised an eventful evening for the yellow top. Result: 1st 146 Alan England Junior, 2nd 322 James Neachell, 3rd 293 Nick Houghton, 4th 305 Carlos Perez, 5th 73 Rob Cowley, 6th 21 Mark Gilbank, 7th 1 Peter Falding, 8th 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 9th 11 Neil Scriven, 10th 22 Will Yarrow

A well run meeting with the BriSCA F1 cars providing the customary awesome spectacle. And with plenty of vocal Dutch (and British!) fans in the crowd, a great atmosphere.

Wimbledon - Sunday, 16th May 2004, World Championship Qualifying Round

No quote from Spedeweek for this meeting as programmes were not on sale due to problems with delivery.

With 25 cars present, an all-in two heat format was the order of the day. This was the first meeting under the direction of new Spedeworth South boss, Deane Wood. Another first was the pre-meeting Dog Racing. Early entrants were treated to the last few races of a thirteen race programme for the hounds. A short practice session after the last dog race saw 23 F1 cars out on track. Events in this warm-up session set the scene for a cracking meeting. Alan England Junior (146) blasted around looking like the Santa Pod Jet Car, a trail of flame left by what looked like a fuel leak! And Nick Smith in car 51 whacked the startline barriers bringing terminal damage to his car and the end to the session. The BriSCA F1 cars shared billing with pre-1970 Bangers. A hot, dry day resulted in fast, eventful racing on a dusty track. A good, upbeat PA job was shared by Lee Canderton and Graham Woodward.

Superstar: 21 Mark Gilbank (Rotherham, South Yorks), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden, West Yorks)
Red Roof: 55 Craig Finnikin (Leek, Staffs), 247 Gary Castell (Daventry, Northants), 305 Carlos Perez (Leek, Staffs), 434 Ivan Pritchard (Long Eaton, Derbys)
Blue Roof: 16 Matt Newson (Aylsham, Norfolk), 22 Will Yarrow (Desborough, Northants), 51 Nick Smith (Aveley, Essex), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks), 121 Kevin Shinn (Stains, Surrey), 259 Paul Hines (Burbage, Leics), 322 James Neachell (Sutton Coldfield, West Mids)
Yellow Roof: 11 Neil Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 12 Michael Scriven (Lechlade, Gloucs), 91 Tony Smith (Loughborough, Leics), 59 David Barry (Worcester), 146 Alan England Junior (Brentwood, Essex), 231 Mark Peters (Welwyn Garden City, Herts), 321 Ed Neachell (Sutton Coldfield, West Mids), 327 Howard Davis (Cheltenham, Gloucs)
White Roof: 20 Nigel Wainwright (Rotherham, South Yorks), 24 Mark Gray (Thrapston, Northants), 81 Mark Smith (???), 195 Dean Whitwell (Cambridge)

Heat 1, 16 laps, 23 cars: 81 (from back), 20, 195, 24, 11, 231, 59, 146, 321, 91, 12, 327, 322, 22, 73, 16, 121, 259, 247, 434, 515, 21, 305. Plenty of clashing metal in this fast opening heat. Paul Hines' (259) first visit to Wimbledon saw him spend most of the race stuck in the fence with Rob Cowley (73). Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 20 Nigel Wainwright, 3rd 21 Mark Gilbank, 4th 305, 5th 434, 6th 22, 7th 247, 8th 16, 9th 121, 10th 322

Heat 2, 16 laps, 22 cars: 81 (from back), 20, 11, 231, 59, 146, 321, 91, 12, 327, 322, 22, 73, 16, 121, 259, 247, 434, 55, 515, 21, 305. Another super-fast race on a track now rather dusty following the Banger antics. Lap 5 saw the red flags flying when 434 Ivan Pritchard hit a back-straight fence post which ripped a wheel off. A long wait followed as the far-bend fence received the attention of an army of track staff who had some fixing to do! At the restart 20 Nigel Wainwright was in front. But by lap 10 another stoppage, for 91 Tony Smith in the fence, saw 321 Ed Neachell in the lead with 515 Frankie Wainman Junior a close second. The race ran to conclusion with Tony's car still on track, and the flag was taken by the super-fast 21 Mark Gilbank who had earlier powered past Frankie as if he was standing still! Result: 1st 21 Mark Gilbank, 2nd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 3rd 22 Will Yarrow, 4th 321, 5th 121, 6th 231, 7th 146, 8th 73, 9th 12, 10th 11

Final, 20 laps, 19 cars: 81 (from back), 20, 24, 11, 231, 146, 321, 12, 22, 73, 16, 121, 259, 247, 434, 55, 515, 21, 305. Long-term leader Ed Neachell (321) had the field close up on him after a stoppage on lap 16 when 11 Neil Scriven crashed out. There followed some good hard racing between the top men. Once more 21 Mark Gilbank was on a charge but he wasn't able to get quite close enough to Will Yarrow (22) who took a deserved and popular win. Result: 1st 22 Will Yarrow, 2nd 21 Mark Gilbank, 3rd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 4th 259, 5th 321, 6th 247, 7th 305, 8th 55, 9th 434, 10th 121

Grand National, 16 laps, 13 cars: 22 (one lap down), 20, 146, 321, 16, 121, 259, 247, 434, 55, 515, 21, 305. With many drivers now making their long way home, just thirteen cars on grid for the last race on the card. This was reduced to 12 when Kevin Shinn (121) buried himself in the big tractor tyres on the first lap. Fast racing once more with Frankie Wainman Junior (515) able to hold off 21 Mark Gilbank at the end. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 21 Mark Gilbank, 3rd 146 Alan England Junior, 4th 55, 5th 305, 6th 321, 7th 259, no other finishers

A well presented meeting with Rinky Dink played in all the right places! The sensible use of yellow flags kept the action flowing. Once again the F1 drivers showed real enthusiasm in their racing and on their victory laps, a stark contrast to the surley indifference of the Banger racers. Great racing entertainment from the BriSCA F1s once more.

Wimbledon - Sunday, 17th October 2004, National Series round 32 and Golden Jubilee Tour round 12

"Big weekends come around reasonably regularly at Spedeworth but very big weekends only once or twice a season... in the case of this Very Big Weekend only once every 50 years."

To celebrate fifty years of UK Stock Car racing, the BriSCA Formula One cars visited each UK track once for a round of the Golden Jubilee Tour in 2004. Where possible, meetings were staged at tracks which featured Stock Cars in the formative year of the sport. And so it was that Saturday 16th October saw the big cars racing at Ipswich for the first time since the 1950's. The following day it was the turn of Wimbledon. A nice touch at all the Jubilee events was the inclusion of old-time drivers presenting winners and taking part in the lap of honour. At Ipswich it was Alan England Senior and Roy Wilson, and Wimbledon saw Pat Driscoll, drivers returning to tracks they raced successfully at under the SCOTA banner.

Another all-in two heat format for the 25 cars on show. Three practice sessions on a fast dry track gave early arrivals chance to see 22, 51, 73, 81, 91, 105, 146, 152, 185, 195, 271, 293, 301, 305, 321, 322, 390, 391, 434 and 515 at speed. Sadly, the rain came just before heat one making for a wet, then slippy, then damp meeting. This was the first time that the BriSCA cars had raced in such conditions. Once again the knowledgeable and enthusiastic Graham Woodward was on the mike. A very good programme, number 37/04, included lots of information on the history of UK Stock Car racing with, as you would expect from Spedeworth, due regard given to the SCOTA era. Racing in support were Hot Rods and Lightning Rods.

Superstar: 305 Carlos Perez (from Leek, Staffs), 390 Stuart Smith Junior (Rochdale, Lancs), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden, West Yorks)
Red Roof: 22 Will Yarrow (Desborough, Northants), 271 Mark Keeling (???), 391 Andrew Smith (Milnrow, Lancs), 434 Ivan Pritchard (Long Eaton, Derbys)
Blue Roof: 51 Nick Smith (Aveley, Essex), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks), 81 Mark Smith (???), 91 Tony Smith (Loughborough, Leics), 152 Neil Scothern (Littleover, Derbys), 185 Lenny Smith (???), 218 Derek Fairhurst (Bolton, Lancs), 293 Nick Houghton (Spalding, Lincs), 321 Ed Neachell (Sutton Coldfield, West Mids), 322 James Neachell (Sutton Coldfield, West Mids), 441 John Lawn (Norwich, Norfolk)
Yellow Roof: 105 Chris Bonner (Macclesfield, Cheshire), 146 Alan England Junior (Brentwood, Essex), 195 Dean Whitwell (Cambridge), 231 Mark Peters (Welwyn Garden City, Herts)
White Roof: 92 Simon Brooke (Reading, Berks), 301 Mark Allen (Petworth, West Sussex)
Unidentified: looked like 397 (John Smith?) in a shale car with peeling Duck tape used in place of real numbers!

Heat 1, 16 laps, 22 cars: 301, 195, 146, 105, 231, 91, 152, 81, 321, 73, 322, 185, 51, 293, 218, 22, 391, 271, 434, 305, 515, 390. A difficult race in pouring rain saw 515 Frankie Wainman Junior once again showing his mastery of the South London track. Joining him on the victory lap was none other than ex-SCOTA World Champion, Pat Driscoll who would present all todays trophies. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 152 Neil Scothern, 3rd 391 Andrew Smith, 4th 271, 5th 390, 6th 434, 7th 22, 8th 73, 9th 322, 10th 105.

Heat 2, 16 laps, 24 cars: 301, 195, 146, 105, 231, 441, 397, 81, 321, 73, 322, 185, 51, 293, 218, 91, 152, 22, 391, 271, 434, 305, 515, 390. The greasy track led to a six car pile-up on lap one and a red flag. The restart was stopped around lap five when John Lawn (441) hit the same bit of pit-bend fence and lost a bumber. Ivan Pritchard (434) drove a good, confident and fast race to come home first. Result: 1st 434 Ivan Pritchard, 2nd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 3rd 391 Andrew Smith, 4th 146, 5th 73, 6th 51, 7th 390, 8th 152, 9th 105, 10th 305.

Final, 20 laps, 22 cars: 301, 92, 195, 146, 105, 231, 81, 321, 73, 322, 185, 51, 91, 152, 218, 22, 391, 271, 434, 515, 390, 305. The final on, by now, a drying track had the red flags flying on lap seven for fence repair work after big hits on both pit and score-board bends. Chris Bonner (105) looked a likely winner, but Wimbledon master 515 Frankie Wainman Junior was going like a rocket and drove past Chris on the last lap. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 105 Chris Bonner, 3rd 73 Rob Cowley, 4th 146, 5th 218, 6th 185, 7th 305, 8th 321, 9th 271, 10th 51.

Grand National, 16 laps, 15 cars: 515 (one lap down), 92, 105, 146, 397, 321, 91, 185, 73, 152, 434, 22, 271, 390, 305. Ex Spedeworth V8 driver Alan England Junior (146) looked fast all evening and in the last race of the day he took a well deserved win. Great to see Alan England Senior join his son on the victory lap. Result: 1st 146 Alan England Junior, 2nd 434 Ivan Pritchard, 3rd 321 Ed Neachell, 4th 390, 5th 305, 6th 73, 7th 515, 8th 152, 9th 185, 10th 105.

Another fine meeting for the mighty BriSCA F1 cars made all the more special with the links back to the roots of the sport.

Wimbledon - Sunday, 28th August 2005, World Semi Final Consolation

"These 1,500 kilogram motorised leviathans have the mandate to forceably remove slower cars from the racing line whilst engaging in a multiple lap challenge that goes beyond conventional motor sport."

On paper this had the hallmarks of a classic evening. The only meeting for the BriSCA F1's south of Northampton in 2005, a bank holiday Sunday with no meetings for the BriSCA F1's the previous day (and a drivers boycott planned for the following days meeting), an earlier start time of 5 o'clock and the prestigious World Semi Final Consolation race should have attracted plenty of cars. Unfortunately, of the reported thirty or so that were booked to race, just sixteen cars showed up to race on a perfect Wimbledon track on a beautiful, hot summer evening. This number equalled the previous single poorest showing of cars to visit the London track and surprised even the most cynical critics of the sport. Among those missing were current World Champion, Peter Falding. Although the sound of these marvelous monster cars was as good as ever, and the racing super fast and eventful, fans must surely be wondering what the future holds for BriSCA F1 in the south.

A couple of practice sessions before the main event saw cars 21, 321, 223, 390, 185 and 35 out first followed by 16, 231, 271, 73, 195, 434, 390 (again), 305 and NZ37. Commentary came from Lee Canderton and events were summarised in Spedeweek programme 30/05. Also racing on the night were National Bangers (4-a-side team racing) and Ministox.

Before racing started fans and drivers were invited to take part in a minutes silence to remember Dutch driver Piet Keijzer who sadly lost his life in a racing incident on 21st August during the World Cup meeting in Holland.

Superstar: 305 Carlos Perez (from Leek, Staffs), 390 Stuart Smith Junior (Rochdale, Lancs), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden, West Yorks)
Red Roof: 21 Mark Gilbank (Rotherham, South Yorks), 185 Lenny Smith (???), 271 Mark Keeling (???), 434 Ivan Pritchard (Long Eaton, Derbys)
Blue Roof: 16 Matt Newson (Aylsham, Norfolk), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks), 195 Dean Whitwell (Cambridge), 321 Ed Neachell (Sutton Coldfield, West Mids)
Yellow Roof: 35 Neil Shenton (Middlewich, Cheshire), 223 Gary Townsend (???), 231 Mark Peters (Welwyn Garden City, Herts), 280 Colin Nairn (Leicester), NZ37 Brendon Rowlands (New Zealand, driving Tim Warwick's car)

Race 1. The World Semi Final Consolation. 16 laps, 12 cars: 35, 231, 280, 16, 195, 73, 321, 21, 271, 185, 305, 390. This was a last chance for those drivers who had qualified for a World Semi, but failed to advance to the Final, to have an attempt at getting on to the big grid at Northampton in September. Of the top men not to qualify so far, multi-World Champion John Lund (53) was one. Unfortunately for the fans, John decided not to join the Wimbledon grid. There was a hectic start to the race with plenty of contact before the cars sorted themselves out. Pre-race favourite Stuart Smith Junior (390) pulled out of the race early. Neil Shenton (35) won the race from the start of the grid, but the real action was for second place. Carlos Perez (305) chased down 21 Mark Gilbank and made a desperate lunge on the 21 car at the final turn. He missed, slamming the Wimbledon fence and putting an end to his nights racing. Neil and Mark advance to fill the last two places at the World Final in September. Result: 1st 35 Neil Shenton, 2nd 21 Mark Gilbank, 3rd 73 Rob Cowley, 4th 185, 5th 16, 6th 305, 7th 271, 8th 280.

Race 2. 16 laps, 14 cars: 35, 280, 321, 73, 16, 195, 434, 185, 271, 21, 515, 390, NZ37, 223. The largest grid of the night with forteen cars on track. After a brief stoppage soon into the race start for 37 Neil Shenton who was stuck in the fence, the cars were on their way with Stuart Smith Junior (390) in command. Frankie Wainman Junior (515) was on Stuart's tail and his move on Stuart on the last bend worked, sending Stuart off line and Frankie over the line to take the win. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 390 Stuart Smith Junior, 3rd 21 Mark Gilbank, 4th 73, 5th 321, 6th 434, 7th 185, 8th NZ37.

Final. 16 laps, 11 cars: 16, 434, 73, 321, 390, 185, 271, 21, 515, NZ37, 223. Hot favourite Frankie Wainman Junior (515) slowed and pulled onto the centre green on lap four. Rob Cowley (73) led for most of the race before Stuart Smith Junior (390) took the lead and went on to take victory in a fast race. Result: 1st 390 Stuart Smith Junior, 2nd 21 Mark Gilbank, 3rd 434 Ivan Pritchard, 4th 73, 5th 271, 6th 321, 7th 16, 8th 185.

Grand National. 16 laps, 9 cars: 390 (one lap down), 16, 434, 321, 271, 185, 21, 515, NZ37, 223. Just nine cars took to the track for the last race of the evening. Frankie Wainman Junior (515) was back on form taking a popular win in the BriSCA's F1's only Wimbledon appearance in 2005. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 321 Ed Neachell, 3rd 16 Matt Newson, 4th 21, 5th 434, 6th 185, 7th 390, 8th NZ37.

The Wimbledon sound is unique and even with just sixteen cars still a major draw for the dedicated fan. The regular Wimbledon crowd and promotion, however, may not have been so suitably impressed with the poor turnout of cars, especially given the perfect date, conditions and presentation.

Wimbledon - Sunday, 27th August 2006, The Motorsport News London Championship

"Lock the dogs up and let's get ready to rumble as the awesome BriSCA Formula One's return to the capital and the Wimbledon mecca..."

In the eyes of many, the anticlimactic 2005 event should have seen the big cars on the Wimbledon tarmac for the last time. But thanks to the efforts of the Startrax promotion working closely with Spedeworth South, 2006 saw probably the best package since the 1996 event. With a pre-meeting local radio advertisment, a press day and commitment from many drivers and others from the three formula presented on the day, it proved to be a bank holiday Sunday to remember.

20aug06 - Wimbledon Presenting the meeting on a lovely sunny evening was Graham Woodward and the Sky TV presenter Dave Richardson. Joining them was the legendary 62 year old ex-short oval racer, Barry Lee. These three worked hard, and succeeded, in generating a great atmosphere. Joining the 20 F1's in the pits were 19 BriSCA Ministox and 20 Heritage Formula Two (Junior) Stock Cars. The two-heat and final format for these two were arguably worth the admission price alone, both putting on spectacular racing on the dry and fast track. A good old-fashioned Grand Parade and match race between current F1 World Champion Frankie Wainman Junior and National Hot Rod World Champion Carl Boardly, won incidently by Frankie, rounded off a very well run meeting. A super "race card" with plenty of good reading and photos set the scene.

Pre-meeting practice gave the fans chance to see F1 cars 321, 195, 347, 307 and 92 then 311, 121, 24, 490 and 227 and finally 257, 301, 347, 195 and 92 trying out their setup. It was the only time that Sussex driver 301 Mark Allen made an appearance on track. A quick practice by Frankie Wainman Junior and Carl Boardly, in each others cars, preceeded the main events.

Superstar: 1 Frankie Wainman Junior (from Silsden, West Yorks), 259 Paul Hines (Hinckley)
Red Roof: 37 Chris Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks), 97 Murray Harrison (Kettering, Northants), 490 Mark Taylor (Lancs)
Blue Roof: 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks), 212 Frankie Wainman (Silsden, West Yorks), 321 Ed Neachell (Sutton Coldfield, West Mids)
Yellow Roof: 24 Mark Gray (Thrapston, Northants), 91 Tony Smith (Loughborough, Leics), 92 Simon Brooke (Reading, Berks), 121 Kevin Shinn (Stains, Surrey), 195 Dean Whitwell (Cambridge), 257 Timmy Aldridge (Gloucs), 311 David Squire (Rugby, Warks), 347 Stephen Hopkins (Uttoxeter, Staffs)
White Roof: 142 Rob Whittaker (Wakefield, West Yorks), 227 Paul Rankin (Burntwood, Staffs), 301 Mark Allen (Petworth, West Sussex), 307 Tim Warwick (Bedford), 397 Stuart Smith (Loughborough, Leics)

Race 1. Stars of Tomorrow. Whites and Yellows only. 16 laps, 12 cars: 307, 142, 195, 257, 92, 24, 311, 121, 347, 91, 397, 227. A good fast start to the evening. Sixteen year old ex-BriSCA Ministox driver Timmy Aldridge (257) took the trophy in impressive style. Result: 1st 257 Timmy Aldridge, 2nd 91 Tony Smith, 3rd 311 David Squire, 4th 121 Kevin Shinn, 5th 347 Stephen Hopkins, 6th 142 Rob Whittaker, 7th 307 Tim Warwick, no other finishers.

Race 2 - Heat 1. 16 laps, 17 cars: 142, 257, 92, 24, 311, 121, 347, 91, 397, 321, 73, 212, 97, 490, 37, 259, 1. Frankie Wainman Junior (1) started the evening in blistering form taking a fine win. Result: 1st 1 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 257 Timmy Aldridge, 3rd 91 Tony Smith, 4th 97 Murray Harrison, 5th 321 Ed Neachell, 6th 259 Paul Hines, 7th 73 Rob Cowley, 8th 490 Mark Taylor, 9th 212 Frankie Wainman, 10th 24 Mark Gray.

Race 3 - Heat 2. 16 laps, 15 cars: 227, 142, 257, 24, 311, 121, 91, 397, 321, 73, 212, 490, 37, 259, 1. Once again car 1, Frankie Wainman Junior crosses the line first. Result: 1st 1 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 257 Timmy Aldridge, 3rd 490 Mark Taylor, 4th 259 Paul Hines, 5th 212 Frankie Wainman, 6th 97 Murray Harrison, 7th 73 Rob Cowley, 8th 121 Kevin Shinn, 9th 37 Chris Cowley, 10th 321 Ed Neachell.

Race 4 - London Championship Final. 20 laps, 15 cars: 227, 142, 257, 24, 311, 91, 397, 321, 73, 212, 97, 490, 37, 259, 1. A lap one red flag saw all cars around for a restart. Early evening star Timmy Aldridge (257) pulled off with mechanical problems when the green flag fell for the second time. At mid-distance 91 Tony Smith was leading 73 Rob Cowley and 24 Mark Gray when the yellows came out for 311 David Squire to be removed from the third turn fence. With the field bunched up, Frankie Wainman Junior (1) came through to take the win ahead of a fast finishing Paul Hines (259). Result: 1st 1 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 259 Paul Hines, 3rd 321 Ed Neachell, 4th 24 Mark Gray, 5th 212 Frankie Wainman, 6th 37 Chris Cowley, 7th 73 Rob Cowley, 8th 397 Stuart Smith, 9th 142 Rob Whittaker, no other finishers.

Race 5 - Grand National. 16 laps, 11 cars: 1 (one lap down), 142, 397, 91, 24, 311, 73, 212, 321, 37, 259. Long time leader 91 Tony Smith couldn't quite keep the star men at bay. Winner was 259 Paul Hines with Tony spinning out on the last lap, loosing third place trying to contact 321 Ed Nechell. Result: 1st 259 Paul Hines, 2nd 321 Ed Neachell, 3rd 73 Rob Cowley, 4th 1 Frankie Wainman Junior, 5th 91 Tony Smith, 6th 397 Stuart Smith, 7th 24 Mark Gray, 8th 212 Frankie Wainman, 9th 142 Rob Whittaker, 10th 311 David Squire.

Less cars than the 30ish expected changed the plan from two-thirds heat to the all-in format. This was a wise move with action packed racing the result. As ever the sound of these monster cars around the great Wimbledon track kept the fans happy. But the real strengh of the 2006 Wimbledon show was the complete package. Fast and hard-hitting racing from the F1s, Minis and Heritage cars, plus the head-to-head match races, presented in an exciting, professional and, above all, entertaining way.

Wimbledon - Sunday, 15th April 2007, World Championship Qualifying and National Series Round

"The 2007 Capital Gold Rush ... at Stock Car Racing's ultimate Theatre of Dreams..."

Earlier in the season than in recent years, the big cars rolled into Wimbledon on a superb sunny, dry and hot spring day. Following the success of the 2006 event, expectations were high for another action-packed evening. Joining the BriSCA F1 cars on the programme were BriSCA F2 Stock Cars and Spedeworth 2 Litre Stock Saloons.

For the second year running the meeting presenters were Graham Woodward, Dave Richardson and Barry Lee. Spedeworth regular Jim Gregory took a turn commentating too. There was no pre-meeting practice. A Grand Parade for Frankie Wainman (212), on his "farewell tour" after 37 years of racing, got the meeting started. Joining Frankie on the parade was Gordon Moodie, the current F2 World Champion who had traveled down from his home in Scotland.

A lot of attention was given to the fact that the visit of the F2 cars was a first for Wimbledon and the first in London since 1974 when they raced at Wembley Stadium. The 34-car all-in first heat was won by 497 Piers Cockerill. Heat two had 32 cars and was won by 886, ex-Spedeworth driver, Chris Bradbury. The 31-car final went the way of 677 Chris Roots, again an ex-Spedeworth competitor. Nineteen cars entered the Grand National which was won by two-times World Champion 732 Daz Kitson. Current World Champion 7 Gordon Moodie started both heats before mechanical problems put an end to his day's racing.

The largest ever field of "new" Spedeworth 2 Litre Stock Saloons, since their launch at the end of the 2006 season, supported the BriSCA cars. Twenty-eight cars took part with the two heats going to Spedeworth promoter 302 Dean Wood and the final to 116 Diggy Smith.

Twenty F1 cars made the trip to London. Unfortunately, Ed and James Neachell did not race. Their transporter developed a fault on arrival at the stadium and so their cars could not be unloaded.

Superstar: 259 Paul Hines (from Hinckley, Leics), 515 Frankie Wainman Junior (Silsden, West Yorks)
Red Roof: 16 Matt Newson (Aylsham, Norfolk), 97 Murray Harrison (Rothwell, Northants), 107 Lee Robinson (Barrow-upon-Soar, Leics), 218 Derek Fairhurst (Bolton, Lancs)
Blue Roof: 37 Chris Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks), 51 Nick Smith (Aveley, Essex), 73 Rob Cowley (Nuneaton, Warks), 152 Neil Scothern (Derby), 212 Frankie Wainman (Silsden, West Yorks), 257 Timmy Aldridge (Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucs)
Yellow Roof: 91 Tony Smith (Loughborough, Leics), 441 John Lawn (Norwich, Norfolk)
White Roof: 211 Mark Kiff (Luton, Beds), 307 Tim Warwick (Bedford), 318 Billy-Tom O'Connor (Raunds, Northants), 462 Scott Davids (Manchester)

Race 1 - Heat 1. 16 laps, 18 cars: 318, 307, 211, 462, 91, 441, 152, 257, 212, 37, 51, 73, 107, 218, 97, 16, 515, 259. An impressive first ever win for ex-ministox star 318 Billy-Tom O'Connor who lead from the start. Billy kept his nerve despite Junior Wainman Junior (515) closing in. Result: 1st 318 Billy-Tom O'Connor, 2nd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 3rd 97 Murray Harrison, 4th 152, 5th 259, 6th 51, 7th 107, 8th 212, 9th 16, 10th 218.

Race 2 - Heat 2. 16 laps, 17 cars: 318, 307, 211, 462, 91, 152, 257, 212, 37, 51, 73, 107, 218, 97, 16, 515, 259. Billy-Tom O'Connor, once more, made off to a blistering start but by lap 3 his car pulled off with mechanical problems. Scott Davids (462) and Tim Warwick (307) gave spectacular demonstrations of driving in shale style, burning lots of rubber as they power-slid through the bends! In the end, after close racing right through the field, Essex driver 51 Nick Smith took a slim victory. Result: 1st 51 Nick Smith, 2nd 152 Neil Scothern, 3rd 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 4th 257, 5th 212, 6th 259, 7th 107, 8th 218, 9th 73, 10th 37.

Race 3 - Final. 20 laps, 17 cars: 307, 211, 462, 91, 441, 152, 257, 212, 37, 51, 73, 107, 218, 97, 16, 515, 259. Mark Kiff (211) pulled onto the centre green before the off. The field bunched up after waved yellow flags for 463 Scott Davids and 37 Chris Cowley who found themselves buried in the pit-bend fence. The top men were soon battling for the lead, with Frankie Wainman Junior (515) getting over the line first. Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 97 Murray Harrison, 3rd 259 Paul Hines, 4th 441, 5th 51, 6th 107, 7th 257, 8th 212, 9th 16, 10th 218.

Race 4 - Grand National. 16 laps, 11 cars: 515 (one lap down), 152, 257, 212, 37, 51, 73, 107, 97, 16, 259. A cracking race! Frankie Wainman (212) took a big hit on the exit to the scoreboard bend, bringing out the red flag and a compete restart. With about six laps to go, the reds were waving again when the result of a tremendous battle put 107 Lee Robinson into the fence and 97 Murray Harrison out of the race. With the field closed right up, it was not long before Frankie Wainman Junior (515), from a lap down at the start, was up with the leaders. He chased down 51 Nick Smith, landing a big hit on the final turn to take victory by a whisker. Phew... what a finish! It's been a long time since I heard the Wimbledon crowd cheer so much! Result: 1st 515 Frankie Wainman Junior, 2nd 51 Nick Smith, 3rd 152 Neil Scothern, 4th 257, 5th 259, 6th 16, 7th 37, 8th 73, no other finishers.

Despite the lure of World and National Championship points, fewer than expected F1 cars took to the track. Including those who did not turn up was current World Champion 391 Andrew Smith. Overall, however, the complete package of F1's, F2's and Saloon was good on the night with fine, fast racing in perfect conditions. And the F1 Grand National was an absolute cracker!

BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars at Wimbledon and in the South - What's Next ?

Nothing "big" was being talked about the Wimbledon future until 2006 when rumours started about a 2008 World Final at the London track. Plans had advanced by 2007 with dates for the biggest meeting in the year being set. However, soon after the 15th April meeting the promotors decided to switch the meeting to Ipswich. A shame. Wimbledon stadium has unrivaled facilities for the spectator to have a good night out including easy parking, large indoor and outdoor grandstands and terracing, lots of good food outlets, bars, unique unobstructed views of the action and a sound like no other. The pits are tarmaced and make for ideal pre-meeting photo-taking and autograph gathering. After the first great meeting at Easter 1996, veteran ex-world champion 212 Frankie Wainman suggested that a 2000 world final at Wimbledon should be considered. This view was echoed by many including Bev Greenhalf who was writing, in 1998, about such an event. However, by the end of 2000 he was recommending patience! It is true that the combination of a Sunday night so far from home, the unforgiving post-and-wire fence and sometimes unsympathetic fixture planning make it popular only with the dedicated or very local driver. It's hard to see Wimbledon returning to the BriSCA F1 fixture list. Other southern tracks have done no better. Arena Essex joined Wimbledon on the southern BriSCA F1 scene on Sunday 21st May 2000 but was dropped after the 2004 event. Sadly the proposed visits to Ringwood and Lydden in 2004, in celebration of the golden jubilee of UK stockcar racing, came to nothing. In 2008, things can get no worse!

Wimbledon Results Summary

Date Total Cars Winner
07/04/96 41 John Lund 53
06/10/96 27 Frankie Wainman Junior 515
13/04/97 22 Frankie Wainman Junior 515
31/08/97 16 Jamie Davidson 464
24/05/98 26 Frankie Wainman Junior 515
30/08/98 23 Frankie Wainman Junior 515
02/05/99 32 Mark Gilbank 21
22/10/00 25 Frankie Wainman Junior 515
21/10/01 18 Rob Speak 318
20/10/02 21 Andrew Smith 391
13/04/03 24 Nick Smith 51
19/10/03 22 Frankie Wainman Junior 515
16/05/04 25 Will Yarrow 22
17/10/04 25 Frankie Wainman Junior 515
28/08/05 16 Stuart Smith Junior 390
27/08/06 20 Frankie Wainman Junior 515
15/04/07 20 Frankie Wainman Junior 515


This page last updated: 4th April 2008. Peter Marsh. Mail me autumnView@yahoo.com.

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