CHANGEABLE weather greeted drivers, teams and fans who gathered at HRP Lochgelly Raceway this past Sunday to witness another epic five formula 15-race programme at Scotland’s most-modern short oval motorsports facility, writes Les Waller.

Some of Hardie Race Promotions regular formulas; the Ninja Karts, 1300 Stock Cars, ProStocks and 2.0 Hot Rods were joined by the Unlimited National Bangers who were making a rare appearance at the circuit.

It was good to see a number of visiting drivers make their debuts along with returnees such as Mark ‘Sparky’ Whittaker as word spreads of the track’s growing reputation in the Banger world. 19 of these warriors made it on track for the ‘Wildcard’ race which would see the first driver across the line take home that coveted World Final spot!

As expected, it didn’t take long for the action to get underway with cars spinning out and some heavy contact thrilling those on the terraces but, after the dust settled, it was one of the southern visitors Stan Wood who took the win and the spot in the World Championship in Ipswich! In fact, it was starting to look like an English whitewash as Englishmen Joe Barrett and Jonny Atkin took victory in the two all-comers races before Scottish honour was restored by Scot Brian Youngson in the Demolition Derby that rounded off a good day of Banger racing that was clearly enjoyed by many on the terraces.

From the ultimate in full-contact racing to the opposite end of the spectrum.

The 2.0 Hot Rods were back on track for their final appearance prior to their European Championship which will be here at HRP Lochgelly Raceway on Saturday April 26th. This represented the last chance for drivers to test their cars under racing conditions; it was also great to see Cowdenbeath driver Scott Gilfillan make his debut in the formula. Kenny Purdie returned to victory lane after controversially racing on an undeclared tyre last week which saw him loaded up for the day with a win in heat one with National Points Leader Gordon Alexander in second. Alex Wilson took his second win in as many meetings with the win in heat two before Kerr Paterson stormed to victory in the feature final with Alexander and Purdie having to settle for the minor podium places. With 32 2.0 Hot Rods due to be on track for the David Philp Commercials 2.0 Hot Rod European Championship, the action is bound to fast and furious on the 26th!

The ProStocks were also part of the five-formula spectacular this past Sunday and provided great entertainment as always.

Lochgelly resident, Grady Ross, maintained his excellent start to 2014 with a win in heat one with Richard Cairns coming home in second. It would seem that finishing second did not sit well with Cairns as he proceeded to romp home to a heat and final winning double in the remaining two races with a resurgent Keith Annandale taking the runners-up trophies home to Lochore. Scottish Champion Ian Taylor showed his consistency all day long as he racked up three third place finishes.

The 1300 Stock Cars were also on track and have arguably been the formula of the year so far with some great racing and some big incidents.

This past Sunday represented the first time out for the ironed-up chariots since the new roof grades came into effect and it would be interesting to see how drivers such as Lochgelly’s Euan Mathieson and Anstruther’s Paul Beaton would cope with their respective upgradings.

It was recent returnee Jim Pitcaithly who took the race one winner’s trophy home to Glenrothes as he carved his way through the traffic with Lochgelly’s Billy Wilson coming home in second place. Pitcaithly had to settle for second in heat two as fellow Glenrothes resident Lee Buchan profited from his downgrading to take the win. Pitcaithly was not to be outdone in a feature final which saw him, 2014 sensation Zak Gilmour and Buchan battle fiercely for the top spot with Pitcaithly using all of his experience to beat Gilmour to the line with Pete McVay sneaking into third ahead of Buchan on a great day of racing.

The tiny terrors were back in their Ninja Karts and, as always, a large grid of cars descended on HRO Lochgelly Raceway for more great action.

One of the finds of the second half of last season, Alex Roberston, had clearly benefitted from a few days down at Alton Towers as he stormed to victory in the first race with Charlie Henry also getting back to good form with a second place finish. Charlie was not to be denied in the second heat as she stormed to a fine win with Keir Millar coming home in second place.

You may recall Taylor Borthwick’s hard luck story several weeks ago when she was romping home in the final only to be caught up in an incident on the last lap; today young Taylor got her redemption as she carved her way to the front to take an excellent feature race win – good things come to those who wait!

The racing was once again of the highest order in all formulas and more of the same is expected this coming Sunday at 1:45pm at HRP Lochgelly Raceway.