IT was a misty evening that greeted drivers, teams and fans who congregated at HRP Lochgelly Raceway last Friday for their weekly fix of stock car action, writes Les Waller.

The lack of breeze was certainly welcomed by the spectators in attendance but it also meant that there was no wind to help dry out the track which remained greasy and difficult for all four formulas on display throughout the evening, but the drivers made the best of the situation and put on a fine display for the crowd in attendance.

The CC Rods were back in action and another double figure turnout, which included at least one new driver, shows that this formula is continuing to develop a strong base from which to push on.

Former 1300 Stock Car pilot, Stewart Aitken, made the best of his advantageous starting position to take a fine brace of heat wins with 2014 form man, Lochgelly’s own Johnny Bell, having to settle for second on both occasions.

Bell redeemed himself in the feature final as he took another win to add to his 2014 CV from Alan King and Ian Donaldson – Aitken was docked from second to fourth for an infringement.

A number of people have criticised the CC Rods as a formula but it is important to remember that the formula allows people the chance to race with minimal investment and that several drivers have already moved on to more senior formulas having got their start in HRP’s budget class. The CC Rods are an important part of the foundations at HRP Lochgelly Raceway and serve a vital purpose.

The youngsters were back in action in their Ministox for the second time in just five days and another good field arrived to do battle which is a credit to all teams involved.

One of the form men of 2014, Euan Millar, took the first win of the night before having to settle for third in heat two behind Colin Thomson and Peebleshire’s Lewis Willacy. Willacy went one better in the feature race of the evening as he took his second final win of 2014 with Millar in second and 2013 track championship runner-up Steven Burgoyne getting back up to speed with a fine third place.

The 2.0 Hot Rods were also back on track and the grid was supplemented by three visiting drivers in the shape of regular visitor Chris Crane, his brother Alex and the English Champion Charlie Jowers.

The greasy track conditions meant that the hot rods would struggle to utilise their full power but Falkirk’s Alex Wilson will certainly not be complaining as he took his first win in the formula since returning to the short ovals in 2013. Wilson looked certain to double up in heat two but Kenny Purdie caught and passed Wilson in the closing stages with Wilson spinning out as a result of contact when he tried to shut the door on Purdie’s 17 machine.

However, the story had one final twist as Purdie was found to have an undeclared tyre on his vehicle which is an automatic disqualification for the evening – an unfortunate mistake but one that can’t go without punishment; Purdie will be back and even more determined than ever!

The fourth and final formula on show was the open-wheeled Superstox who arrived in reasonable numbers. It was good to see the on-track 2014 debuts for Alan Cuthbert, Iain Bruce and James Smith bolstering the numbers.

For those of you who have been to HRP Lochgelly Raceway; you will know that former World Champion Stuart Gilchrist, from Carnwath, is hugely dominant at his home track but those who attended on Friday may have just witnessed the dawning of a serious challenge to Gilchrist’s dominance in the shape of Elgin’s Barry Stephen.

The two drivers scythed their way through the field in heat one and constantly swapped places as the bumpers flew in with Gilchrist JUST getting the upper hand. This set out the pattern for the rest of the evening as, despite a concerted effort from Stephen, Gilchrist went on to record a tremendous hat-trick. This was no doubt the hardest hat-trick of victories that Gilchrist has had to earn at HRP Lochgelly Raceway and clearly both drivers were revelling in the battle as they share smiles and a handshake in victory lane. Lee Clark had led the final for some time and came home in third but certainly the story on most people’s minds as they travelled home would be the battle between Gilchrist and Stephen – definitely something worth keeping an eye on in the coming months!

The next slice of Stock car action at HRP Lochgelly Raceway takes place this Sunday and features the big bad Unlimited National Bangers who will be competing for a place in the world championship, the 1300 Stock Cars are back in action after a period of rest, recuperation and repair; the ProStocks and Ninja Karts are also part of a five formula spectacular which is rounded off by the final 2.0 Hot Rod meeting prior to their European Championship at HRP Lochgelly Raceway on Saturday April 26th. The first Ninja Kart heat gets proceedings underway at 13:45 this Sunday; for up to date information check out the website: www.hardieracepromotions.co.uk.