A DRY and spring-like day greeted drivers, teams and fans as they gathered at HRP Lochgelly Raceway this past Sunday for the first practice session of 2017, writes our Raceway reporter Les Waller.

Outside of the Autosports International Show at the Birmingham NEC in January, the first practice session represents the first chance for many fans to get up close with some of the new and refurbished race cars that have been tirelessly worked on during the cold winter months.

It also represents the first chance for drivers and teams to test their cars ahead of the HRP Stock Car Season which gets underway on Saturday March 4.

The pits more closely resembled a proper in-season event as they were virtually full with an incredible fifty-plus cars taking to the track. Most formulas were represented at what was possibly the busiest practice session this writer has ever seen.

With the ASD Welding Services 1300 Stock Car World Final scheduled for HRP Lochgelly Raceway on September 23 and 24; it was no surprise to see Lochgelly duo Andrew and Euan Mathieson appear in two stunning cars resplendent in the now traditional orange and blue colours and both cars look like they will be right in the mix throughout the season.

The David Philp Commercials 2.0 Hot Rod British Championship takes place at HRP Lochgelly Raceway on June 10 and 11 and it was great to see a number of cars at the track including the new Tigra of Dunfermline’s Gordon Hendry, the return of Kevin Stewart to the short ovals, Jock Campbell, the ex-Burgoyne car now in the hands of Andrew Denholm, Kelty’s Kinzie Law, Scottish Champion Gordon Alexander plus the return of promoter William Hardie to the formula in the ex-Bonnar Citroen Saxo.

The 2.0 Hot Rods look very promising for the season ahead and they will make their competitive return on March 4.

The Ministox also have their British Championship at HRP’s June Speed Weekend and it was great to see the brand new Ministox of Ciaran Adams at HRP Lochgelly Raceway – it truly is a stunning piece of engineering. James Mooney, Mitchell Gold, Danny Whyte and debutant Jamie Stewart also took the opportunity to get some laps under their belts and all acquitted themselves well and the future of short oval motorsport looks bright in the hands of these youngsters and their peers.

The Superstox are the third formula to have their British Championship at HRP Lochgelly Raceway in June (sponsored by Dechmont Forklift Trucks) and there was some truly astonishing cars on display this past Sunday.

Steven Ballantine and Dino Bruce both debuted gorgeous new cars while the likes of Barry Stephen, Lewis Willacy and Chris Hay are sticking, for the moment, with their 2016 steeds.

Former World Champion Stuart Gilchrist hadn’t been seen since breaking his wrist at the 2016 World Final but he arrived with a stunning new car and will be among those with their eyes on the top prizes in the formula in 2017.

The Ninja Karts also saw debuts for Abbie Carruthers who joins big brother Jay on track in 2017 plus Lewis Duffy also made his first appearance and Candice Smart who will join big sister Caitlyn on track. Add in the likes of Charlie Hardie, Robbie Armit and Lennon Grant and the Ninja Karts, who have their LJN Designs European Championship here in April, will once again provide great entertainment in 2017.

The Stock Rods also look healthy as the season comes closer with Ross Finlay and Daniel Davidson making their debuts in the formula while it was great to see Stuart Wedderburn return to HRP Lochgelly Raceway.

Add in the likes of Siobhan Martin, Chris and Jonathan Lattka, Darren McAlpine, the returning David Philp plus numerous others and the formula looks in rude health as the Shotts Mot Centre/Soapy Bubbles Car Wash British Championship season at HRP gets underway. Stewart Paterson was unfortunate as engine troubles sidelined him but he will hope to be ready for the first meeting on March 11th while Alan Cuthbert enjoyed a long-hoped for trouble free run.

The CC Rods had an excellent year in 2016 and the formula looks to be picking up where it left off. David McFarlane brought a stunning Corsa C to practice while the refurbished car of Brandon Gourlay looked fantastic in its new colours. However, one of the main talking points was the absolutely incredible Corsa D of National Points and Scottish Champion Ian Donaldson Jr which was among the most eye-catching cars in the pits. Donaldson will face stiff competition this year from the likes of McFarlane and Gourlay plus the return of former multi-champion Johnny Bell who has been missed during his 12 month absence.

The ProStocks also look to be in improved health and both John Jackson and Paul Barron brought their Astras to the first practice session with Barron posting some very impressive times. One to watch for this October’s World Cup at HRP Lochgelly Raceway.

The second open practice session takes place this Saturday February 25 from 1pm until 4pm and is free for spectators.

Sunday sees the out-of-season Joan Purdie Memorial Event with around fifty Micro Bangers headlining the event which will raise money for St Andrews Hospice. The racing begins at 1pm this Sunday at HRP Lochgelly Raceway.