NEWS

I’m sure everyone was delighted to hear that Nigel Trench ‘Big Nige’ came out of hospital last week so we contacted the man himself to meet up with him to see how well he is recovering.

From that fateful day at the Foxhall Raceway on 19^th April at 6.49pm, it should be said that the whole of the Stock Car Racing fraternity crossed their fingers as the extent of the injuries that Big Nige had suffered filtered through from his family. Of course we heard the rumours first that he had a heart attack, to which were unfounded after tests at the hospital.

12 breaks to his ribs in itself is an awful injury and also a broken sternum and damaged lung was the full extent of the crash although a bruised muscle in his right eye is causing double vision at the moment which is stopping him from going out for a drive. "Pippa (Nige’s daughter) has hidden the keys up just in case!" says Nigel. Pippa is looking after him at the bungalow at the moment and as she is a qualified carer he couldn’t be in safer hands. It is also quite fortunate that the bungalow’s former owner had it converted for wheelchair use which is a bonus for Nige’s limited mobility. He is still waiting for some numbers to be sign written unto the wheelchair though which his daughter Sam has been asked to do! Nigel can walk with the aid of a walking stick which is quite an achievement when you think of the seriousness of the injuries and the initial prognosis was that Nigel could have been in hospital until Christmas.

In the front room there are cards of well wishes from many people but Nigel picked out one card which was signed in the race office at Yarmouth Stadium. "I don’t know the majority of the people who have signed it but there are a lot of Banger drivers on there and I never actually raced Bangers so it shows how in what ever formula you race in it is one big family and I appreciate everyone who has got in touch. I haven’t read the websites yet as the damage to my eyesight makes it difficult to look at high definition monitors but once I can get a laptop I will starting reading them."

With Nigel being a very experienced driver, racing Saloon Stock Cars, Lightning Rods and 1300 Stock Cars before the move into the V8’s the question on many people’s lips will be what actually happened. "I have no recollection of the crash but I’ve seen the footage of it and it show’s the wheels locking up going into the corner. From what I’ve been told from the investigation of the car, it hasn’t found any faults with the engine so I would like to quash the rumours in regards to the engine that was in the car. Motorsport is dangerous and I knew the risks when I went out on track and these things do happen from time to time and there is nobody to blame for the crash. If that Promoter in the sky wants me he’s gonna have to come for me as I’m not going voluntarily!"

Nigel would like to thank the medical teams who have looked after him throughout the last few weeks, starting with the track paramedics who were first on the scene through to the doctors and nurses at the Hospital and I think that can be echoed by everyone.

So when can we expect to see Nige back around the raceways? "I won’t be rushing straight back as I need to get myself settled in and comfortable with crowds of people but as Arnie says ‘I’ll be back!’"

I would like to thank Nigel for allowing me the time to speak to him and it was a pleasure and a delight to see him in such good spirits and wish him all the best in his recovery and will keep everyone up to date with his progress.

This was the third meeting for the V8’s this season and the 2^nd round of Mr Excavator Challenge. The weather forecast was for intermittent showers, so yet again the possibility of another damp meeting, this was not to be and the sun shone for the entire day.

16 cars were ready to race including Jimmy Rispin who raced under the number 155, Jimmy raced with the v8’s a few years ago under the number 25.

The cars rolled out onto the track for the first race, which was not to be without incident. The racing was fast on the dry Bovingdon track as cars took up their places.

Toward the latter part of the race the cab of the 125 car of Peter Gray suddenly started to fill with smoke/steam, as he entered the pit gate bend his core plug blew and water was strewn across the track. Most cars were lucky to avoid the water but Peter Ross 547 and Peter Blomfield 42 were caught out and slid toward the stranded car. The waved yellows were deployed and Peter’s car was removed from the track. The race restarted and after a few laps spectators saw Malcolm Burton 27 heading toward the pit gate after making a move on Alan Gray 521 and at the other end of the track Dave Bessent 298 sitting in the fence after his is hub had broken, at this point the reds came out and the race was over with Mark Guinchard taking the win.

Action in he second race also fetched out the waived yellows. This time it was for Simon Turner 324 Colin Moss 85, Dennis Harris 34 and Jimmy Rispin 155. Dennis and Jimmy came down toward the pit gate bend followed closely by Simon, Colin and David Burton 7, some contact was made, Simon and Colin were heading toward the Armco as Dennis and Jimmy slid toward the rumble strip. The 324 car sustained damage to its axle steering arm and minor damage to the bumper. The track was again cleared and the racing continued. The last incident of this race was when Malcolm Burton 27 sending Terry Harris 33 toward the pit gate. The race winner was Colin Goodswen 72

The Final race was fast and furious; drivers and crew had worked hard in the pits and enabled most of the casualties from the afternoon to return to the track. Bumpers were being used to effect and the small but enthusiastic crowd were enjoying the racing. As the Dave Bessent 298 car came round his cab was gradually filling with smoke and a screen was left in his wake. 547 car attempted to pass 298 but to no avail, both cars carried on. Suddenly, as the pack came round the top bend the 324 car of Simon Turner spectacularly reared up, went over the bonnet of Brad Moss 815, it rolled and landed on the top bond of the fence with a flattened aerofoil, Peter Ross 547 immediately pulled his car over and blocked Simon’s car from the oncoming traffic. This brought out the reds, Simon was unhurt and quickly climbed from his car. After some discussion the car was removed from the fence and the racing was able to continue. Another casualty of the race was Alan Gray 521 who had engine problems. Malcolm Burton had a couple of journeys into the Armco during the afternoon which has left him very bruised. We have since heard that Peter Ross has a bad sprain to his wrist and hand, which he sustained during the afternoon.

The season for the V8 stock cars started in a similar way to the culmination of the 2007 season with a wet meeting at Wimbledon for the first round of the Mr Excavator Challenge series, kindly sponsored by Mr Excavator himself, Colin Moss, who was also participating in his first V8 stock car race, number 85.
Bryan Scott, 89, was a non starter due to developing mechanical problems just prior to the start.
A new grading list which was issued at the beginning of February saw a few changes to the grading order with, amongst others, Simon Turner, 324 starting in the red grade, Alan Gray, 521 downgraded to Blue and Dennis Harris taking the coveted silver roof.

Race 1 – Colin ‘Mr Excavator’ Moss, 85 took the early lead followed by Peter Gray, 125; Rob Beale, 2 who was making a welcome return to racing following a season’s lay off, Alan Gray, 521; Peter Ross, 547 who was playing his ‘joker’ for this meeting. Brad Moss, 815; Peter Scott jnr., 99 and Simon Turner, 324 who was making a good start from the red grade. The race had to be stopped early on to allow Peter Blomfield’s car to be removed from its precarious position on the pit bend where it had come to a stop.

The restart saw 125 lead the pack from 85, 2, 521, 547 and 99 who worked his way through the field to take the lead and hold his position until the chequered flag dropped. The race ended and the meeting also ended for newly crowned World Champion Colin Goodswen, 72 when his engine let go.

Race 2 – 85 was the early leader from 125, 815, 547, 521 and 99 who passed the 521 car followed by David Burton, 7. A good race was developing between 547 and 521 while 7 was on a charge and took up the lead and held that position to take the chequered flag.

Final – The lead pack was 85, 125, 521, 547, 815, 324 and 99. Again 547 and 521 were having a good race until 815 spun 521. Meanwhile David Burton had been making his way from the back to the front of the pack and took up the lead from 547, 815, silver roof Dennis Harris, 34, Simon Turner, 324 who had a very good meeting from the red grade and 521. The number 7 car was unstoppable and took the chequered flag for a well deserved final win.

Peter Gray, 125, was awarded the white/yellow trophy, plus a cash award.

So the V8s are up and running in 2008. Despite the track conditions they put on a fair show.
What we need now is for the other V8 drivers to attend the next meeting and blow the cobwebs off their cars as well.

2008 Season -

It all starts on the 24th February at Wimbledon Stadium which is followed up with their London Championship on the 23rd March.

Great news for the formula -

We are glad to announce that Colin Goodswen has decided not to sell his car as he is the new World Champion and he has said that he will be racing throughout the whole of next year!! Good luck Colin.

World Final -

I would like to say a big Thank You to all of the drivers that turned up and put on a great show at the World Final, and everyone that helped get Peter Ross' car going after his unfortunate crash in practice. Another big Thank You goes to Mr. Excavator for sponsoring tyres to the meeting as an added extra. And Well Done to Colin Goodswen with adding the World Championship to his recent European Championship victory. We would also like to Thank Deane & Janet Wood for letting 2 Australians race, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves and would like to come back and try again!!

Foreign Entrants to the World Final -

There will be 2 foreign entrants to the World final this weekend. The rumours that have been escalating about an Australian and an Irish Entrant are not completely true. There will be 2 Australian entrants, 1 of which raced at the Brisca F1 World Final last weekend.

You heard and saw it here first!! -

The Australians that will be racing This weekend will be Steve Bateman the Australion Champion! (who also raced the Brisca F1's last week) using the race number AUS111 and his son Bradley Bateman racing with the number AUS112. We have exclusive pictures of one of the cars to be used for the World Final, these pictures can be found on the Photos Page.

THANK YOU!! -

www.v8stockcars.org.uk would like to say a HUGE thank you to Peter and Sarah Ross, Peter Blomfield, Colin Moss, Steve Ward and everyone else involved in helping us secure 2 cars so that Steve Bateman and his son Bradley Bateman could enter into the World Final at Wimbledon this weekend.

World Final Grid -

Click HERE to view the expected grid for the World final taken from the Official Points Chart confirmed to us on Thursday by Spedeworth.

Wimbledon 30th -

I have been informed that not many drivers have booked in for the World Final this weekend so far. If you intend on racing this weekend you MUST book in!! Please remember -

"Your Formula Needs You!!"

World Final -

We are pleased to announce that www.v8stockcars.org.uk has managed to find a sponsor for the World Final meeting at Wimbledon on 30th September. They will be donating 5 tyres to the meeting, 1 tyre for 1st, 2nd & 3rd in the Championship of the World Race, and 1 tyre to each of the heat winners.

Note to all drivers, please do not forget -

European Championship -

After a fast and furious race 72 Colin Goodswen has been crowned the V8 Stockcar European Champion 2007.

V8 Stockcar Christmas Social Evening

You are invited to attend an evening of Cabaret and Dancing with a Buffet at Roydon Mill Leisure Park on Saturday 1^st December 2007.

Tickets will cost £39.50 per person.

There is accommodation on site but it is limited and therefore will be on a first come first served basis.

To make a reservation at Roydon Mill - Telephone 01279- 792777 and quote V8 Stockcars as a reference.

Other accommodation is available locally.

If you would like to attend please let us know by return.

We need confirmation of numbers and at least £10per person non returnable deposit by 9^th September. (Yarmouth)

Any outstanding monies must be paid by 30^th September. (Wimbledon – World Final)

n.b Sorry but the club rules state that this evening is for over 18’s only

We apologise for the short notice on this event but were unsure as to the venue availability

Hope you can join us

Rosemary & John

e-mail – theboss_52@hotmail.com

On the Saturday the Spedeworth V8 Stockcars of Peter Ross (547), Peter Blomfield (42) and Ian Moss (875) had a few practice sessions where sadly Peter Ross developed an engine problem putting him out of the weekends entertainment. Just before the meeting started, when the crowds were gathering there was an almighty ROAR as Pete Blomfield and Ian Moss fired up their engines and went out on to the track with everyone flocking to see what was happening, they had some racing laps with contact at most corners showing how just a couple of cars can entertain!! It was definitely a moment that got the spectators and racers talking as no one had seen a V8 Stockcar of any type racing round Smeatharpe Raceway.

On the Sunday at the start of the meeting we had gathered up a few drivers from other formulas (please scroll down) which included the newly crowned Saloon Stockcar World Champion Steve Webster. They were offered a go in the V8 Stockcars with timed laps, with the quickest to be given £100 to a charity of their choice and a crate of beer. The fastest driver was Ross Rowe (Brisca F2 Stockcar racer) in a time of 14.175 seconds (1 second off the lap record of Bill Batten (Brisca F2 Stockcar).

From the left, Pete Blomfield (Spedeworth V8 Stockcar 42, Neil Hooper (Brisca F2 676), Steve Webster (Saloon Stockcar 401), Ross Rowe (Brisca F2 105), Steve Bailey (Banger 190), Ian Moss (Spedeworth V8 Stockcar 875)

We would all like to say a big thank you to Deane Wood for letting us take a few of the cars down to Taunton last weekend to show them what we are all about. Everyone enjoyed themselves and thought they put on a good show, and were very interested in the formula.

Due to a gearbox problem, 815 - Brad Moss will not be at Taunton, in his place will be 547 - Peter Ross.

Because of an incident in the pits after one of the races at Bovingdon (12/08/2007), Lee Barnard has been given a year ban from racing.

This coming weekend (Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th August 2007) 4 of Spedeworth's V8 Stockcars will be racing at the Autospeed track of Taunton. On the Saturday just before the meeting starts there will be a demonstration race to show what they are like. Then the racing will start for the meeting, which includes the Saloon Stockcar World Final. On the Sunday the Spedeworth V8 Stockcars will be out again but this time they will have timed laps where the winner will choose which charity the sponsor will donate the money to. Not only the Spedeworth Drivers have ago but also some of the top men from the other formulas racing at the weekend, which also include Brisca F2's, 1 of the driver's racing will be the NEW Saloon Stockcar World Champion!! I hope some of you can come to watch!! The Spedeworth V8 Stockcar drivers taking part (with their cars) will be: 42 - Pete Blomfield, 117 - Bill Chance, 815 - Brad Moss & 875 - Iain Moss. SO, LET THE ENTERTAINMENT COMMENCE!! For more details about the racing weekend please click HERE

We would like to wish Maurice Sullivan a speedy recovery from the leg injury he sustained on Thursday evening in the practice session crash at Yarmouth Raceway.

Sorry for the delay, but due to some technical problems we have been having, we have not been able to update the website until now.

Lee Barnard powered his way to a superb victory to become the 2007 English Champion taking the title away from Peter Ross.

I would like to welcome the newest driver to race a Spedeworth V8 Stockcar, Ian Moss (875), father of Brad Moss, in the old Barry Amas car (633) which has recently had many wins.

The Drivers that have qualified for the Spedeweekend start money so far are as follows -

REMEMBER: Only 1 meeting left to qualify for the Spedeweekend start money, Bovingdon 1st July.

After last nights meeting at Arlington Deane Wood spoke to me. He has asked me through the websites to pass on his thanks and appreciation to all V8's who raced as yet again we had another good nights racing.

Deane said - 16 was a good turnout of cars here especially midweek and considering the distance a majjority of people have had to travel. The racing once again was excellent. Some very good action packed racing. Keep it up and thanks. Deane

We are happy to announce the new Spedeworth V8 Stockcar Sponsor. The new sponsor is www.v8stockcars.org.uk in association with Mr. Excavator. We will be sponsoring the racing over the Spedeweekend at Ipswich in July by having a big money race. If you want a copy of the flier please contact us by email and we will pleased to send a copy to you!! We look forward to seeing you at the Spedeweekend!! If you have an questions about the way in which the race will be run please do not hesitate to contact us.

PLEASE NOTE: There is still room for more sponsors!! If you are interested in sponsoring our site please contact us at info@v8stockcars.org.uk

I am pleased to announce that as well as the race car stickers of our website we are having some website stickers printed in reverse for car windows!! If you would like any please contact us at info@v8stockcars.org.uk and we will arrange for you to get some.

Keep checking this page!! Soon we will be announcing a new sponsor for the Spedeworth V8 Stock Cars. DRIVERS PLEASE NOTE: IT WILL BE IN YOUR INTEREST TO ATTEND ALL OF THE MEETINGS BEFORE THE IPSWICH SPEDEWEEKEND!! - more details to follow soon!!

Deane Wood has agreed to have a best White / Yellow grade trophy for each meeting.

We would like to thank 'CMB GROUP' for the website stickers they have made for all of the Spedeworth V8 Stock Cars (if you are a driver and have not got any stickers please contact us and we will arrange for you to get some for your car).

An excellent entry produced an entertaining evening at Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich, on a dry but chilly Saturday evening.

The big, powerful V8 stockcars 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