58 Cars
Saloon Stock Cars
8 | Willie Miller | 74 | Ian Stewart | 137 | Jock Baird | |||
10 | Des Murphy | 83 | Keith Miller ? | 138 | Nat Hill | |||
11 | Alex Sharp | 95 | John Munro | 144 | Melville Henry | |||
12 | Barry Jeffrey | 97 | Kenzie Law | 151 | Bob Jones | |||
19 | Dennis Watson | 101 | Ray Marsh | 152 | Dave Ramsay | |||
20 | George Gavin | 105 | Tommy Anderson | 154 | Bill Calley | |||
26 | David Gunn | 111 | Jimmy Gellan | 160 | Fred Newman | |||
41 | Kenneth McLay | 114 | Bob MacKay | 163 | Bill Auld | |||
46 | Keith Jarman | 116 | Eddie Reily | 165 | Douglas McLean | |||
47 | Ernie Burgoyne | 118 | Raymond MacKay | 197 | George Chirray | |||
50 | Billy Little | 120 | Jimmy Forrest | 202 | Neil Petrie | |||
53 | James Carnie | 121 | John Burns | 205 | Barry Gardiner | |||
55 | Douglas Anderson | 122 | Rowland Thomson | 225 | Vic Radzyuski | |||
58 | James Eglinton | 123 | Alasdair Smith | 244 | Mark Horsburgh | |||
61 | Stephen Henderson | 124 | Robin Dowie | 245 | John MacKenzie | |||
67 | Donald Laird | 125 | Dave Forrest | 248 | Allan Ross | |||
68 | Harry Burgoyne | 131 | Gordon Brown | 267 | Stephen McRitchie | |||
69 | Kenneth Robertson | 132 | John Maxwell | 330 | Robert Bruce | |||
72 | James Bromley | 135 | Andrew Carnegie | 336 | Colin McKinlay | |||
73 | Ralph Carson |
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24 Cars
Superstox
15 | George Ballantyne | 75 | David Moir | 115 | Ally Devine | |||
17 | Mike Jack | 79 | Thomas Heany | 117 | James Lumsden | |||
22 | Stan Ross | 81 | Bill Pullar | 135 | Andrew Carnegie | |||
24 | John Adam | 84 | Les Brown | 148 | Hamish McNab | |||
25 | James Main | 87 | Robin Brown | 172 | David Wardlaw | |||
39 | Les Clark | 89 | James Wrapson | 175 | Eric Brown Jnr | |||
54 | Brian Campbell | 94 | Vic Russell | 179 | Derek Kilday | |||
56 | Tommy Carruthers | 108 | Willie Cameron | 241 | N/A |
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18 Cars
Hot Rods
9 | Brian Leckie | 64 | Les Kay | 171 | Jack Hubbard | |||
16 | Christopher Rae | 134 | David Dugan | 174 | George Barrie | |||
44 | Billy Bonnar | 140 | Graham Wait | 181 | Dave McLaren | |||
48 | Steven Shepherd | 150 | Jimmy Blair | 195 | Andy Johnstone | |||
52 | Sandy Elliot | 158 | N/A | 204 | Alastair Craigs | |||
57 | Arthur Edmond | 162 | Malcolm Chesher | 246 | John Ramsay |
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72 Cars
Stock Rods
7 | Nigel Calvin | 77 | John Allardyce | 182 | Fraser Greenwood | |||
13 | Andrew Wylie | 82 | Douglas Smith | 183 | Alex McLaren | |||
14 | John Macaulay | 85 | Keith Fraser | 184 | Joanne Devlin | |||
18 | Willie Armour | 90 | Andy Graham | 185 | Billy Young | |||
21 | Alan McLachlan | 92 | Lawrence Ross | 190 | George Logan | |||
27 | David Lindsay | 96 | Jeffrey Adams | 192 | Caroline Jamieson | |||
30 | John Walker | 98 | Jim Baptie | 198 | Mike Mlotkiewiez | |||
31 | Ronald Fraser | 102 | David Hastings | 199 | Ronnie Brunton | |||
32 | James Paterson | 104 | Kenny Steele | 201 | Ricky Whitehead | |||
34 | Gary Mercer | 106 | N/A | 208 | Ian Bell | |||
35 | N/A | 107 | N/A | 215 | David Law | |||
36 | James Laing | 109 | Gordon Baillie | 218 | Gordon Watson | |||
37 | Stuart Devlin | 126 | Robert Gold | 222 | Iain Burnside | |||
38 | Ronald Luff | 128 | Brian Tindell | 227 | William Logie | |||
43 | Ian Elder | 130 | Keith England | 232 | Stewart Sneddon | |||
45 | Gordon Campbell | 136 | David McInnes | 233 | Chris Upsall | |||
49 | George Inglis | 139 | N/A | 234 | Alex Wilson | |||
51 | William Bauld | 143 | David Carstairs | 235 | Alan Barr | |||
52 | Trevor Taylor | 155 | Derek Taylor | 237 | Edward Devlin | |||
59 | Jock Rice | 157 | David Cronin | 240 | Robert Thomson | |||
65 | Steven Alexander | 161 | Bill Shortreed | 250 | Alan Williamson | |||
66 | Allan Allison | 165 | Douglas McLean | 264 | John Wilson | |||
71 | Harry Adams | 166 | N/A | 300 | Davie Duncan | |||
76 | Thomas McMorland | 173 | Robert Clark | 303 | Ian Kerr | |||
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Just as I was just finishing the summary for 1982 came the deeply saddening news of the death of Malcolm Chesher. A true gentleman of our Oval Racing, Malky probably the cleanest Hot Rod driver I have ever seen, he took the "no contact rule" literally and he kept that disicipline in all of the 4 decades he raced. There is no doubt that if he had adopted the style of racing encompassed by some of his compatriots he would have won even more races and championships than the impressive tally he accumulated.
A mainstay of Scottish Hot Rod racing through the bad times and the good times, Malky was a champion person as well as a champion driver and was simply too young to leave us.
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In a surprise move Spedeworth Scotland announced at the end of the 1981 season that they would be restricting the issue of licences to new drivers for 1982. The loss of Armadale was the given reason.
**********
It was also stated that certain Stadium face lifts were to be completed - Renewal of some terracing, plus new Toilets & New Canteen on back straight.
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Negotiations had commenced for the use of the Speedway track at Berwick for Stock Car Racing.
**********
In February 1982 Roy Cecil died. Track commentator John Kelly compiled a succinct tribute to Roy in the first programme of the 1982 season, 07.03.82.
I have re-produced that tribute in full hereunder. I hope the members of Roy's family or indeed John have no objection to this.
My Tribute To Roy Cecil. - The Man We Will All Miss. - John Kelly
My association with Roy Cecil began with a phone call one Friday early in 1975 inviting me to be his commentator here at Cowdenbeath and ended with another phone call a few short weeks ago.
Since then there have been many tributes to the man who was so much larger than life that - even although we knew he had health trouble - he seemed indestructible. I'd like, if I may, not to talk about his many achievements, but to tell you what he was like to work for. I use the "for" in preference to "with" because that's how it was with Roy. He was The Boss.
I quickly found out that Roy hated pop music, especially if it was loud! He also hated any sort of gap in proceedings. He would stride into the control box when there was some sort of hold up on the track and ask "What's happening? Do something! Tell them to hurry up! Oh - give me that microphone!" Then he would proceed to snap orders over the tannoy system until things were done to his satisfaction.
Between being ticked off for not playing the right kind of music, not dealing with hold ups quickly enough over the speakers, or getting an even bigger row for shooting off my mouth about something or other he'd rather have kept quiet. I wondered sometimes in the early days whether it was all worth it. But it always was. A row would end with him grinning and making some sort of cheeky comment, and that was it over. Funny thing is, looking back afterwards I'd realise more often than not that he'd been right, anyway. I think it's an indication of his stature that although all of us who worked for him were on the receiving end at one time or another, over the years there have been very few changes in staff. It was HIS raceway. HIS promotion. And he wanted things done HIS way. It was an attitude which achieved so much over the years that you couldn't help respect him for it.
But there was another side to Roy which you, the public rarely saw. The side which had him almost in tears when he heard that one of my children was seriously ill; the side which did have him in tears when old friends Bunty & Walter Brown and Tiger Thomson died; the side which caused Gwen and he to travel miles once simply to pop in on a charity function I was involved in. There was an open offer to use his caravan for holidays, his keen interest and words of wisdom when I set up in business on my own.
And, perhaps most of all, his unstinting praise when things had gone well. Yes, always quick to criticise, but even faster to congratulate. That was his style. A complex character who drove us all to distraction yet our affection for him was tremendous.
Now he's gone. But not only will we , his staff, never forget him - we'll make sure his beloved raceway is never forgotten either.
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It was announced in May that Spedeworth Scotland would be starting their own Magazine "Stockcar News", the intentions were to have two magazines for the rest of the season & then on a monthly basis in 1983 if successful, - I'm not sure it was ever produced.
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Spedeworth invited the top 5 Superstox & Saloon Stock drivers for the Ipswich Spede Weekend for which they were prepared to pay £50.00 start money. The Hot Rods would be restricted to the 3 qualifiers for the World Championship.
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Points allocation for all formulae would remain unchanged for 1982.
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Superstox
1982 Points Championship
Pos | No | Name | Pts | |||
1st | 39 | Les Clark | 601 | |||
2nd | 81 | Bill Pullar | 519 | |||
3rd | 94 | Vic Russell | 477 | |||
4th | 22 | Stan Ross | 264 | |||
5th | 84 | Les Brown | 254 | |||
6th | 24 | John Adam | 246 | |||
7th | 87 | Robin Brown | 229 | |||
8th | 56 | Tommy Carruthers | 226 | |||
9th | 175 | Eric Brown Jnr | 204 | |||
10th | 179 | Derek Kilday | 130 | |||
11th | 75 | David Moir | 129 | |||
12th | 15 | George Ballantyne | 94 | |||
13th | 172 | David Wardlaw | 83 | |||
14th | 148 | Hamish McNabb | 57 | |||
15th | 117 | James Lumsden | 25 | |||
16th | 25 | James Main | 21 | |||
17th | 135 | Andrew Carnegie | 14 | |||
18th | 17 | Mike Jack | 6 |
Scottish Championship 23rd May The Roy Cecil Special 27th June
1st | 94 | Vic Russell | 1st | 56 | Tommy Carruthers | |||||||
2nd | 39 | Les Clark | 2nd | 75 | Dave Moir | |||||||
3rd | 22 | Stan Ross | 3rd | 39 | Les Clark | |||||||
4th | 84 | Les Brown | 4th | 179 | Derek Kilday | |||||||
5th | 87 | Robin Brown | 5th | 22 | Stan Ross | |||||||
6th | 56 | Tommy Carruthers | 6th | 87 | Robin Brown | |||||||
7th | 24 | John Adam | 7th | 148 | Hamish McNabb | |||||||
8th | 75 | Dave Moir | 8th | 94 | Vic Russell | |||||||
East of Scotland Championship 1st August Willie Hunter Memorial 22nd August
1st | 39 | Vic Russell | 1st | 81 | Bill Pullar | |||||||
2nd | 56 | Les Clark | 2nd | 94 | Vic Russell | |||||||
3rd | 87 | Stan Ross | 3rd | 39 | Les Clark | |||||||
4th | 22 | Les Brown | 4th | 24 | John Adam | |||||||
5th | 81 | Robin Brown | 5th | 22 | Stan Ross | |||||||
6th | NOF | 6th | 179 | Derek Kilday | ||||||||
7th | NOF | 7th | 148 | Hamish McNabb | ||||||||
8th | NOF | 8th | NOF | |||||||||
European Championship 4th September UK Challenge Cup 5th September
1st | E320 | Dave Pierce | 1st | E320 | Dave Pierce | |||||||
2nd | E482 | Neil Bee | 2nd | 39 | Les Clark | |||||||
3rd | 39 | Les Clark | 3rd | E482 | Neil Bee | |||||||
4th | 94 | Vic Russell | 4th | E546 | John Gray | |||||||
5th | H41 | Jo Van Rengz | 5th | E206 | Robin Randall | |||||||
6th | E206 | Robin Randall | 6th | 81 | Bill Pullar | |||||||
7th | E211 | Howard Cole | 7th | 84 | Les Brown | |||||||
8th | E323 | Dave Turner | 8th | H10 | Wiel Hennikens | |||||||
Cock O The North 31st October
1st | 81 | Bill Pullar | |||
2nd | 39 | Les Clark | |||
3rd | 84 | Les Brown | |||
4th | 94 | Vic Russell | |||
5th | 24 | John Adam | |||
6th | 22 | Stan Ross | |||
7th | 56 | Tommy Carruthers | |||
8th | NOF | ||||
**********
Pos | No | Name | Finals | Heats | ||
1st | 94 | Vic Russell | 10 | 23 | ||
2nd | 81 | Bill Pullar | 8 | 28 | ||
3rd | 39 | Les Clark | 4 | 9 | ||
4th | 84 | Les Brown | 4 | 2 | ||
5th | E320 | Dave Pierce | 3 | 1 | ||
6th= | 56 | Tommy Carruthers | 2 | 2 | ||
6th= | 87 | Robin Brown | 2 | 2 | ||
8th | 175 | Eric Brown Jnr | 2 | 0 | ||
9th | 22 | Stan Ross | 1 | 1 | ||
10th | 24 | John Adam | 1 | 1 | ||
11th | H41 | Jo van Rengz | 0 | 1 |
Pos | No | Name | Meetings | |||
1st= | 81 | Bill Pullar | 10 | |||
1st= | 94 | Vic Russell | 10 | |||
3rd | 39 | Les Clark | 8 | |||
4th= | 56 | Tommy Carruthers | 2 | |||
4th= | 175 | Eric Bown Jnr | 2 | |||
4th= | E320 | Dave Pierce | 2 | |||
7th= | 22 | Stan Ross | 1 | |||
7th= | 24 | John Adam | 1 | |||
7th= | 84 | Les Brown | 1 | |||
7th= | 87 | Robin Brown | 1 |
The 1982 British Superstox Championship took place on the 1st January at Wimbledon during the Scottish closed season, only 4 drivers were invited from Scotland. Dave Willis was the race winner.
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March
The 1st meeting of the season commenced with the drivers, officials & spectators joined together in a solemn 2 minute tribute to promoter Roy Cecil. It was an action packed meeting, though only 12 Superstox of which bizarrely 7 were red tops!
Vic Russell got off to a great start to the season winning the 1st Final of the year not having won a final at all in 1981, he would have garnered himself a clean sweep had he not tangled with a back marker when a mile in the lead in the 1st race, he still managed to recover in that one for 4th. His season continued well when he picked up another couple of heat wins at the 2nd meeting however tangling with Les Clark in the Final and it was Bill Pullar who picked up this win.
Bill celebrated this success at the next meeting by executing the first Superstox clean sweep of the season, and it wasn't a cakewalk, every race hard fought for with competitors right on his back bumper.
Bill had started the season in great form collecting the 1st two heats at meeting no 4, to make it 6 races in a row. His engine however let go in the Final & then Vic Russell's transmission packed up leaving Les Clark to slip through for his 1st Final win of the season.
The chart after the first points period was as follows:-
1st | 81 | Bill Pullar | 81 | points | |||
2nd | 39 | Les Clark | 77 | points | |||
3rd | 94 | Vic Russell | 54 | points | |||
4th | 22 | Stan Ross | 44 | points |
Spedeworth International had been employing a standing start for the Superstox Finals for the past 3 years, & a number of the Scottish drivers had suggested giving it a go. So it was decided to trial the procedure for a month. Spedeworth Scotland Superstox abandoned the standing start for the finals after the end of the trial period.
**********
Stewards Cup first trophy of the season held at the beginning of April, engine repaired for Bill Pullar & transmission repaired for Vic Russell, they went on to share the qualifying heats, but it was Vic who did the job in the Trophy race.
2nd clean sweep of the season on the 11th April this time for Vic Russell and amazingly then repeated the feat at the following week's meeting.
In the Final meeting of April Robin Brown celebrated his 2nd week back from injury by driving a stormer to take the Final honours.
**********
Terrible race conditions for Scottish Hot Rod Championship day at the first meeting in May, this did suit some drivers in the other formulae though, one was Robin Brown cementing his successful comeback, by winning all 3 races.
Another three in a row, for Vic Russell at the 2nd meeting in May. These clean sweeps were coming thick and fast this season and we were just into May!
Mid May and the Cowdenbeath Cup for Superstox was up for grabs, strangely forgotten about last season. Vic Russell started odds on in the Final after two dominating heat wins. In the Final however Vic gave Eric Brown the big heave ho into a fence post which brought about a stoppage to free Eric from his car. Bill Pullar took up the lead with Vic close behind. Bill then went in a bit hot and clipped the fence so Vic punted him in for a second helping and he bounced along the fence destroying the car and temporarily losing consciousness. The race was stopped to free Bill. Amazingly Vic was not allowed to re-start the race as it was decided that he had stopped before a red flag was raised. If he did it was marginal, and the order should have been taken back to the lap before the stoppage anyway. Robin Brown was now in the lead which he handed to Les Clark when his car failed with two laps to go. While a disappointing 10 cars started the race a dismal 4 finished it!
Vic was desperate to bounce back from the disqualification during the previous weeks Final. It was the "Lada" Scottish Championship this week. He won the 1st qualifying heat & netted a reasonable 3rd row slot on the grid, better still adversaries Bill Pullar & Les Clark were in the back two rows of the grid after the public draw. Vic was generously heavily sponsoring this event through his Lada dealership with cash & prizes for the top finishers. There was even added prizes for "Lucky Programme" holders & a quiz for all the kids to compete in with a bike as the prize. It was a bit disappointing that an entry of only 13 cars could be mustered for the event, after all there were 21 drivers registered.
In the championship race it was a well deserved win for Vic Russell collecting his 3rd Scottish Championship, he was half a lap ahead of Les Clark at the finish. It was just reward for the perseverence and determination to get this superbly engineered self built car performing well, it was based on a "Higman" design but carried many of Vic's own suspension trickery, lots of blind alleys had been encountered during the long gestation period, but it was now performing beautifully.
On the days menu at the end of May was the first qualifying round of two for the Superstox World Championship at Cleethorpes on 7th & 8th August. 6 places had been allocated to Scottish drivers.
Scotland had been allocated 4 places initially. The guaranteed start money for the participants was a very generous £120.00 each. Nigel Cecil managed to secure an agreement that 6 drivers could start the event with the total payout of £480.00 being divided among the 6, making a still substantial £80.00 each.
The first heat was standard fair, with new Scottish Champion Vic Russell winning from Les Clark & Bill Pullar - however heat 2 produced mayhem when an oil coated track resulted in a huge car damaging pile up, this reduced the field to only six runners, Stan Ross took the flag first from Derek Kilday.
Stan also collected the Final in a depleted field of cars this time from Dave Moir.
After the first qualifying round the Scottish representatives in the World Championship was surprising:-
Stan Ross | 13 points | |||
Dave Moir | 9 points | |||
Derek Kilday | 9 points | |||
Vic Russell | 6 points | |||
David Wardlaw | 6 points | |||
Les Clark | 5 points |
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Eric Brown Jnr made a happy return in the Superstox following his big accident courtesy of Vic Russell a few weeks previous. Picking up a well deserved win in the Final in the first June get together.
The Finals at the two day meeting in mid June went to Les Clark & Eric BrownJnr.
A welcome rare win for Tommy Carruthers in one of the heats, this resulted in the customary resounding cheer for the underdog from the Cowdie faithful. The other heat went to Bill Pullar & the Final to Vic Russell when Eric Brown pulled out while in the lead with only a couple of laps to go.
For the last meeting in June if the fans were happy with Tommy Carruthers heat win the previous week, they were ecstatic this week, in an emotionally charged "Roy Cecil Special" Final. The trophy and additional prize money, donated by Gwen Cecil in memory of husband Roy who had died prior to the season getting underway.
Tommy won this race by being very "canny" . The race had been stopped when Eric Brown smashed into the fence , a downpour during the stoppage ensured that the slick tyres on the cars contributed to some very entertaining antics. Tommy however left the "Sprintcar" style driving to the other drivers and concentrated on keeping the car straight & staying on the track. This he did and it was David Moir who also dove brilliantly who followed him home. It should be noted that it wasn't a decimated field that finished the race. Vic Russell for example struggled in for 8th place.
Gwen presented the Trophy to Tommy who was visibly "over the moon" together with the crowd and Gwen - a great result.
*********
First meeting in July was on the 18th due to the annual holiday break, the highlight of the meeting was undoubtedly Tommy Carruthers picking up yet another Final win.
Tommy had actually provided great cheer to the Scottish fans on their annual pilgrimage to the Speed Weekend, picking up some great results at Ipswich including a heat win and other good placings. So with this Final win on his return it looked as though Tommy had truly arrived!
Another triple winner at the last meeting in July, this time to Bill Pullar again.
**********
East of Scotland Championship day on the 1st August. Coming in to this meeting it was Tommy Carruthers who had the recent form in the Superstox. He looked a good bet particularly since the track was very very wet & he went on to win the first heat. Bill Pullar won the second qualifying heat, but sure enough it was Tommy who got into the lead in the championship, he did though succumb to the pressure from Les Clark with only a couple of laps to go. The most disappointing aspect of this meeting was the low turnout of Superstox.
6 cars completed the first heat, 3 cars the second heat! & 5 cars the Final. It was interesting that the qualifying places for the championship went down to the first 10 places in the heats! - We should be so lucky!
The World Championship at Cleethorpes on the 7th & 8th August turned out to be a bit of a controversial affair.
Billy Allison & Ian McKnight with their F2 / Superstox complete with 1300cc engines were the NI representatives for the World Championship. Leslie Dallas after being drawn last on the grid and finished 7th. Did not take part in the rest of the meeting due to "in his view" the state of the track.
The NI drivers were forced to change their limited slip diffs for welded items prior to the race, - the engine power deficiency obviously not enough!
Leslie Dallas then had problems in getting his start money.
The grid was determined by lap trials, This saw Ian McKnight take pole position in his 1300cc Superstox / F2, followed by Dave Pierce, John Gray & Neil Bee.
Quickest Scot was Vic Russell in 12th position just ahead Les Clark. Tommy Carruthers was in 16th, Stan Ross in 24th, and the last two spots on the grid with Derek Kilday & David Moir. Eric Brown had pulled out of the Championship following the extensive damage his car had suffered the week before at Cowdenbeath.
Sadly for Ian McKnight he had to pull off on the 1st lap. Neil Bee took up the lead until John Gray pushed past on the 13th lap, then he spun out on German Karl Jentges oil. Neil Bee now leading by some margin from Roy Eaton (who had started from 14th slot). John Gray recovered from his spin to administer a heavy hit to the Roy Eaton car, however it took 3 laps until John was able to move through on the last bend.
The first ever triple World Superstox Champion the magnificent Neil Bee.
At the two day meeting for Hot rods in mid August the Finals were shared between Vic Russell & Bill Pullar.
22nd August, Wilma Hunter donated the "Willie Hunter Trophy" for the Superstox Final in memory of Willie who was tragically fatally injured at Newtongrange earlier in the season. A large collection had been made at Cowdenbeath and presented to Wilma, and Wilma was moved to ask if she could donate this Trophy.
This then was a meeting more than tinged with sadness. Fittingly it was close friend Bill Pullar who rose to the occasion, Willie having been a mechanic to Bill at one time. Bill made it a clean sweep with both heats and the Final.
Last meeting in August the heats were taken out by Bill Pullar & Vic Russell but it was John Adam who I think probably had his best meeting to date when he picked up heat 3rd & 2nd and then went on to a well earned Final.
The English Superstox Championship / Burton Champion of Champions Hot Rod & Super Rod event was held at Wimbledon on August 28th, unfortunately few fans turned up. The "Maggie Thatcher" radical economic solution seemed to be taking most of the blame round the traps, and - in truth this probably was the reason.
**********
Opening weekend in September, and Spedeworth Scotland's showcase meeting of the year, Superstox European Championship & UK Challenge Cup were the highlights of this weekend - however the weather certainly wasn't - it was horrendous. The weekend belonged to Dave Pierce, although he was fortunate to get favourable grid positions in the public draws, these were occasions when I don't believe it would have made any difference where Dave started. Dave & his car were just supremely tuned in to the atrocious conditions of that weekend. Dave retained his European Championship a full 3/4 lap ahead of 2nd man Neil Bee & even lapping Les Clark in 3rd place. Robin Brown had been running a good race getting up to 3rd place from a rear of the grid draw and in fact seemed to be closing on Neil Bee until his car broke with only 1/4 of the race still to go.
In the UK Challenge Cup on the Sunday Dave's winning lead was cut to 1/2 lap, this time with Les Clark collecting the runner up position & Neil Bee 3rd.
Dave also had a heat win on the Saturday and the Final win on Sunday. A fantastic display then from one of the Superstox greats of all time - possibly even the greatest of all time. Other Superstox heats over the weekend were picked up by Les Clark, Bill Pullar & Dutch Champion Jo van Rengz. Saturday's Final saw Les Brown collect a welcome win, something which had become rare of late.
In summary, despite substantial prize monies being on offer disappointingly only 20 cars contested the European Superstox Championship.
1st £250.00, 2nd £125.00, 3rd £60.00, 4th £30.00, 5th £15.00, 6th £8.00.
The UK Challenge Cup prize money on the Sunday:-
1st £125.00, 2nd £60.00, 3rd £30.00, 4th £15.00, 5th £10.00, 6th £5.00.
Visiting drivers also received substantial appearance money. It was also a great shame the weather was so appalling,cutting down the number of spectators venturing out.
Certainly the promoters couldn't have done any more. It was worth coming along just to watch that amazing display from Dave Pierce.
Mid September the Superstox heats went the way of Bill Pullar, and again Vic Russell did the job in the Final.
19th September and it was Les Brown picking up another Final win, his new car was definitely helping to bring about an improvement in form.
Bill Pullar executed another of his clean sweeps at the last meeting in September - this was becoming a welcome habit for Bill this season.
**********
Les Brown also collected another Final win at the beginning of October.
Heat & Final to Bill Pullar at the following meeting and in the penultimate points scoring meeting of the season Bill compiled yet another of his 1982 clean sweeps. It was amazing with all these race wins during the season that Bill didn't win the points title. In fact he shared the Finals / Championship wins total with Vic Russell, a total of 10, & unfortunately for Bill the "Cock O The North" title does not attract any National points. Les Clark, Scottish points champion only managed 4 Final wins, however it proves that consistency can pay off.
Anyway Les Brown continued his great late season form picking up the last points scoring Final bringing a total equalling that of Les with 4.
Final meeting of the season and 9 qualifiers for the Superstox "Cock O The North" event, as stated above won by Bill Pullar, amazingly his first triumph in this event in 16 years of trying.
Finally for the first time Spedeworth Scotland held a poll for all the spectators & fans to enter, they had to vote for their favourite personality in each formula & an overall "Personality of the Year". In the Superstox that award was taken out by Bill Pullar
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Saloon Stock Cars
1982 Points Championship
Pos | No | Name | Pts | |||
1st | 151 | Bob Jones | 499 | |||
2nd | 46 | Keith Jarman | 496 | |||
3rd | 330 | Robert Bruce | 477 | |||
4th | 8 | Willie Miller | 350 | |||
5th | 202 | Neil Petrie | 308 | |||
6th | 248 | Alan Ross | 257 | |||
7th | 67 | Donald Laird | 217 | |||
8th | 114 | Bob McKay | 233 | |||
9th | 121 | John burns | 200 | |||
10th | 131 | Gordon Brown | 158 | |||
11th | 120 | Jimmy Forrest | 188 | |||
12th | 197 | George Chirray | 135 | |||
13th | 111 | Jimmy Gellan | 131 | |||
14th | 68 | Harry Burgoyne | 115 | |||
15th | 125 | Dave Forrest | 107 | |||
16th | 47 | Ernie Burgoyne | 98 | |||
17th | 163 | Bill Auld | 57 | |||
18th | 19 | Dennis Watson | 44 | |||
19th | 83 | Keith Miller ? | 43 | |||
20th | 132 | Jock Maxwell | 25 | |||
21st | 53 | James Carnie | 22 | |||
22nd | 314 | Robert Gilmour | 20 | |||
23rd= | 124 | Robin Dowie | 15 | |||
23rd= | 58 | James Eglinton | 15 | |||
25th | 73 | Ralph Carson | 11 | |||
26th | 61 | Stephen Henderson | 8 | |||
27th= | 138 | Nat Hill | 7 |
Stewards Cup 4th April Elmslie Engravers Roy Cecil Tribute 30th May
1st | 248 | Alan Ross | 1st | 8 | Willie Miller | |||||||
2nd | 330 | Robert Bruce | 2nd | 46 | Keith Jarman | |||||||
3rd | 151 | Bob Jones | 3rd | 330 | Robert Bruce | |||||||
4th | 202 | Neil Petrie | 4th | 131 | Gordon Brown | |||||||
5th | 131 | Gordon Brown | 5th | 248 | Alan ross | |||||||
6th | 125 | Dave Forrest | 6th | 114 | Bob McKay | |||||||
7th | 46 | Keith Jarman | 7th | 124 | Robin Dowie | |||||||
8th | 111 | Jimmy Gellan | 8th | 58 | James Eglinton |
British Championship 6th June UK Challenge Sheild 7th June
1st | 121 | John Burns | 1st | 121 | John Burns | |||||||
2nd | 151 | Bob Jones | 2nd | 46 | Keith Jarman | |||||||
3rd | E238 | Eddie Aldous | 3rd | 151 | Bob Jones | |||||||
4th | 330 | Robert Bruce | 4th | 131 | Gordon Brown | |||||||
5th | 163 | Bill Auld | 5th | 67 | Donald Laird | |||||||
6th | NOF | 6th | 125 | Davey forrest | ||||||||
7th | NOF | 7th | 202 | Neil Petrie | ||||||||
8th | NOF | 8th | E238 | Eddie Aldous |
East of Scotland Championship 1st August World Championship Kaldenkirchen 19th September
1st | 8 | Willie Miller | 1st | G254 | Datlev Katstein | |||||||
2nd | 151 | Bob Jones | 2nd | 46 | Keith Jarman | |||||||
3rd | 111 | Jimmy Gellan | 3rd | Hans Frey | ||||||||
4th | 121 | John Burns | 4th | N/A | ||||||||
5th | 114 | Bob McKay | 5th | N/A | ||||||||
6th | 125 | Davey Forrest | 6th | N/A | ||||||||
7th | 46 | Keith Jarman | 7th | N/A | ||||||||
8th | 197 | George Chirray | 8th | N/A |
Roy Cecil Special 29th August Scottish Championship 26th September
1st | 330 | Robert Bruce | 1st | 8 | Willie Miller | |||||||
2nd | 202 | Neil Petrie | 2nd | 46 | Keith Jarman | |||||||
3rd | 114 | Bob McKay | 3rd | 248 | Alan Ross | |||||||
4th | 67 | Donald Laird | 4th | 131 | Gordon Brown | |||||||
5th | 151 | Bob Jones | 5th | NOF | ||||||||
6th | 8 | Willie Miller | 6th | NOF | ||||||||
7th | 197 | George Chirray | 7th | NOF | ||||||||
8th | 19 | Dennis Watson | 8th | NOF |
Cock O The North 31st October
1st | 8 | Willie Miller | |||
2nd | 125 | Dave Forrest | |||
3rd | 68 | Harry Burgoyne | |||
4th | 330 | Robert Bruce | |||
5th | 132 | Jock Maxwell | |||
6th | 46 | Keith Jarman | |||
7th | 131 | Gordon Brown | |||
8th | 121 | John Burns |
**********
Pos | No | Name | Finals | Heats | |
1st | 8 | Willie Miller | 9 | 9 | |
2nd | 46 | Keith Jarman | 4 | 14 | |
3rd | 330 | Robert Bruce | 4 | 9 | |
4th | 151 | Bob Jones | 4 | 8 | |
5th | 121 | John Burns | 4 | 7 | |
6th | 120 | Jimmy Forrest | 3 | 4 | |
7th | 114 | Bob McKay | 3 | 2 | |
8th | 131 | Gordon Brown | 3 | 1 | |
9th | 202 | Neil Petrie | 2 | 5 | |
10th | 248 | Alan Ross | 1 | 4 | |
11th= | 111 | Jimmy Gellan | 0 | 2 | |
11th= | 197 | George Chirray | 0 | 2 | |
13th= | 19 | Dennis Watson | 0 | 1 | |
13th= | 68 | Harry Burgoyne | 0 | 1 | |
13th= | 132 | Jock Maxwell | 0 | 1 |
Pos | No | Name | Meetings | |||
1st = | 46 | Keith Jarman | 7 | |||
1st = | 330 | Robert Bruce | 7 | |||
3rd | 151 | Bob Jones | 6 | |||
4th = | 8 | Willie Miller | 4 | |||
4th = | 121 | John Burns | 4 | |||
6th = | 131 | Gordon Brown | 3 | |||
6th= | 202 | Neil Petrie | 3 | |||
8th= | 67 | Donald Laird | 2 | |||
8th= | 114 | Bob McKay | 2 | |||
8th= | 120 | Jimmy Forrest | 2 | |||
11th | 248 | Alan Ross | 1 |
The season started with Bob Jones collecting the 1st heat in a very promising field of 27 cars in his ancient Mk 1 Cortina while Neil Petrie in his brand new Mk 11 Escort took the other heat and Final.
25 Saloon Stocks started the second meeting, Donald Laird appeared in a new Mk 11 Escort having ditched his Capri. Robert Bruce however was persisting with the Capri debuting a new model.
The fans were given a taster of just how good the Saloon Stock racing was going to be when the level of damage resulted in only 5 finishers & it was white top George Chirray who won, notable newcomer Harry Burgoyne was finding out the hard way just how brutal Saloon Stock car racing can be getting involved in a spectacular crash.
George Chirray did very well at this meeting, as well as his heat win he collected a 2nd in the next heat & 5th in the Final. Robert Bruce was starting the season well by picking up the 2nd heat & in fact was leading the final having battled to get past Jimmy Forrest. However Jimmy was having none of this and repassed Bob for the win.
In the 3rd meeting it was a clash of old adversaries in the first heat when Keith Jarman just held off Robert Bruce. Then it was Willie Miller just triumphing over Bob Jones in the 2nd heat. Willie was to establish his presence as one of Scotland's top Saloon Stock drivers in 1982.
It was Keith Jarman though who won his 1st Final of the year heading home Bob Jones.
Last meeting in March and Neil Petrie won the opening heat, 23 cars in the 2nd heat and it was collected by Robert Bruce. Robert looked to have picked up his 1st Final of the season when he shot into the lead after only 6 laps. However Alan Ross & Willie Miller caught up and got passed him, Robert managed to fight back past Alan before the chequered flag but Willie held on for the win to make it his 1st Final of the season.
**********
Despite only managing 1 heat win up to the end of the 1st Points Period Bob Jones had a comfortable cushion:-
1st | 151 | Bob Jones | 67 | |
2nd= | 46 | Keith Jarman | 55 | |
2nd= | 330 | Robert Bruce | 55 | |
4th | 197 | George Cherry | 44 |
Willie Miller looked to continue his winning ways from the previous weeks Final success when he romped away with both heats only for his suspension to collapse as he drove out of the pits for the "Stewards Cup". Alan Ross who had also been going great guns of late picking up the trophy.
At the 11th April meeting Willie Miller looked as though he had made up for the disappointment of missing out on competing in last weeks Stewards Cup when he went into the lead in the Final, he was thwarted by the persistence and skill of Bob Jones though, who snatched the win by a few metres at the line.
At last it came good for Willie Miller the following week taking heat and Final, he was really demonstrating some scintillating form in the early part of the season, Alan Ross won the other heat.
For the final meeting of April it was Jimmy Gellan & Alan Ross who won the heats while Robert Bruce just hung on to win the Final after tangling up with Alan Ross on the last lap.
**********
First meeting in May and Keith Jarman completed the first clean sweep in the Saloon Stocks for 1982.
So of course come the following week the excercise was repeated this time it was Willie Miller who completed the feat.
Mid May & another 3 in a row looked to be on, for John Burns this time until he was collected by an errant backmarker in the Final. Keith Jarman went on to win this one.
No errors from John Burns the following week though he drove brilliantly to pick up another Final win in his Celica, it did look in jeopardy for a spell as Keith Jarman closed up on his tail, however it was Keith that came a cropper, spun out by his old adversary Robert Bruce.
For the last meeting in May additional incentive was provided when "Elmslie Engravers" donated a rather special trophy in memory of Roy Cecil. This company had provided all the trophies to Spedeworth Scotland since racing commenced at Cowdenbeath. The intention was for the trophy race to be an annual event, but for a differing formula each year. For its inaugural year the Saloon Stocks were chosen.
John Burns looked to be a cert in the "Elmslie Engravers" trophy Final, having won both heats, until the race was brought under caution for a stray wheel. John diligently slowed down, however the pack behind did not. John's car suffered a little damage so on the re-start he was a bit incapacitated & John got catapulted into the fence whereupon his car disintegrated & burst into flames. John coolly exited the vehicle escaping any injury. It was Willie Miller who swept into the lead followed home by Keith Jarman & Robert Bruce.
However post race scrutineering highlighted some concerns over the legality of Willie's car, this was referred to the Board of Control on the 6th June to debate whether the car was legal. It is believed that the car was declared ok.
**********
John Burns who had all but destroyed his Celica at the previous meeting, burned the midnight oil all week to re build his car, it was not in vain either collecting a 5th in the first heat and wins in the other heat & the Final. Things were shaping up well for John for the following weeks big weekend of racing for the British Championship & UK Challenge Shield.
The Scottish compliment of drivers racing on the Saturday was restricted to Red & Blue roof drivers. Principally this was to ensure there would still be a reasonable number of Saloons still available to race on the Sunday. Nigel Cecil added a white & yellow trophy race for these competitors on Sunday as part compensation for missing out on the Saturday.
So could John Burns continue his recent spell of good form for the British Championship? - you bet he could - despite drawn 19th in the 26 car field, John produced one of the best Saloon Stock Car displays you are ever likely to see with a series of "smash em up" or "spin em out" combined with some slick Hot Rod style over taking moves to surge into the lead with 7 laps to go after the two cars in front Donald Laird & Willie Miller tangled.
It was Bob Jones & Eddie Aldous in 2nd & 3rd who tried hard to close the gap - but couldn't. Only 5 cars were mobile at the finish.
John unfortunately went on to destroy his car yet again on a fence post in the Final, Robert Bruce collecting the win.
John had worked miracles a couple of weeks ago rebuilding his wreck, however there was no chance in John being able to effect the necessary repairs in time for the following days meeting so he was forced to withdraw from the event. Then along came an offer from close mate Jimmy Gellan to utilise his old Capri to race on the Sunday. John gratefully accepted and proceeded to illustrate just how potent a force he had become of late by winning the UK Challenge Shield, albeit after a pole position draw this time, but hey this is Saloon Stock racing - does it make that much easier? John scooted off into the lead in a car he had never driven before, slowly Keith Jarman caught up and slipped past, John in true stock car fashion didn't just let the faster car go though and lunged into the back of Keith's car, Keith recovered from the attack so John went again and this time Keith lost control and John went on to a well deserved victory. John couldn't believe his achievement particularly since he managed to deal with Keith Jarman on the way! A man who he had praised publically only a few weeks before as a "real" stock car driver.
A fantastic display by John who had experienced a few ups and downs in his Stock Car career since it's commencement in 1977 in a Mk1 Cortina. On one early occasion John had taken part in a bruising Championship meeting at Wimbledon where his car was so badly damaged - he left it there! He had also had some international success though, coming 2nd in the UK Challenge Cup in 1979 behind Jimmy Blair, he reputedly described his car as looking like "a pound of mince" at the end. Bob Jones picked up the 3rd spot. Bob then went on to victory in the Final on Sunday, another exemplary display of Saloon Stock Car racing by Bob over the weekend. His record of events was as follows:-
British 2nd
Saturday Final 2nd
UK Challenge. 3rd
Sunday Final 1st
**********
Well there is no doubt Keith was the star Saloon Stock driver over the weekend at Ipswich, showing all and sundry how it should be done, I don't think Keith won a race, (unfortunately I do not have the full results from this meeting), but this was more due to "low grade heroes" and "Jobsworths" trying to make a name for themselves "Hey I took out Keith Jarman at Ipswich .......... while he was lapping me for the 4th time".
After the holiday break it was Bob MacKay making a welcome return to the winning circle, picking up the Final still pedalling his trusty Mk1 Cortina.
I mean, even Bob Jones had forsaken the Cortina for a Mk 11 Escort and he had been using the same car for the last 150 years!. This meeting witnessed a "head on" between Gordon Brown & Robert Bruce which severely damaged both cars and injured both drivers. Gordon, the more serious which resulted in a trip to hospital, whereupon he was released after a check up. Robin Dowie went head on into the fence at the end of the straight when his steering wheel came away in his hands!
End of July and it was Bob MacKay who again looked likey to claim another Final win, he had won the earlier heats, until Willie Miller caught him up right at the end and skilfully spun him out.
**********
East of Scotland Championship day at the first meeting in August, another "smashing" affair in the Saloon Stocks with multiple roll over's & large pile ups.
Jock Maxwell had a lucky escape when in the first heat he rolled his car and the following pack crashed into his roof all but flattening it. Jock was "shaken but not stirred"! George Chirray picked up a welcome win in this heat.
Bob Jones collected the 2nd. Robert Bruce looked to have the championship sewn up until the protagonists fighting for 2nd place behind him crashed into the fence & then Robert contrived to crash into them on his next lap!, Willie Miller stormed through for the win followed by Bob Jones & Jimmy Gellan.
On to the 8th August & British Champ John Burns returned to the winners circle in heat 1, Neil Petrie in heat 2, while Robert Bruce added yet another Final win to his very impressive tally. Oh and the Bangers were also on the bill at this meeting and - well "the ramp" was back so no more need be said.
The Final winners over the big Hot Rod weekend in the middle of August were Neil Petrie & Willie Miller.
22nd August and Keith Jarman made a supreme effort to run through the card after taking the two heats, he couldn't quite catch the flying Bob McKay though in the Final though.
Final meeting in August and the 3rd of the Roy Cecil Specials was for the Saloon Stock formula. British Champ John Burns won the 1st heat, Keith Jarman the 2nd. Keith was going great guns in the Trophy race until he ran over an loose wheel eliminating himself from the contest. Dave Forrest found himself in the lead (another driver having a good season) but Robert Bruce closed in towards the end and got past. Neil Petrie came through for 2nd & Bob McKay took 3rd.
A fitting result as Robert though not Scotland's longest serving Saloon Stock driver, (that honour belonging to Hamish Buchanan still racing at Newtongrange), he was Spedeworth Scotland's longest serving driver.
**********
Over the big Superstox weekend at the start of September Saloon Stock heat wins went the way of Keith Jarman, Neil Petrie & Jimmy Forrest - 2 wins.
Jimmy an ex star driver had been a rare visitor to the winning circle in recent times. This weekend was a dream for Jimmy, not content with the 2 heat wins he also picked up both Finals!
12th September was a demonstration by 3 of the UK's greatest ever Saloon Stock drivers, Robert Bruce taking the 1st heat from Bob Jones, in the 2nd heat it was Bob Jones taking the win from Keith Jarman. It was Keith then who was victorious in the all important Final, Bob Jones the runner up spot & Robert Bruce in 3rd.
On the 19th September Robert Bruce took advantage of his traditional foes Keith Jarman & Bob Jones being off representing Scotland in the World Saloon Stock Championship at Kaldenkirchen in Germany (only two Scottish drivers had been admitted) picking up a heat win, heat 2nd & Final win pushing Willie Miller wide for the win on the last lap. Dennis Watson was the novice grader who collected the other heat win. The win was not enough for Dennis to get his name entered in the programme though.
In fact Dennis went on to collect a number of 2nds, 3rds & 4ths to the end of the season & it still wasn't enough to get his name in the programme list of Saloon Stock drivers!
In Kaldenkirchen Keith Jarman won the World Championship! though "officially" he was classified 2nd, the win being awarded to Datlev Katstein - mysteriously! To many it seemed the positions should have been reversed.
Notwithstanding this what a performance from Keith Jarman, driving the "wrong" way round, to collect an "official" 2nd certainly one of his greatest performances.
End of September, the "J. Pennington & Co" sponsored Scottish Saloon Stock Championship & reigning champion Keith Jarman started the day favourite after his stunning display in Germany. A large field of 27 contenders for the honours & it was Keith Jarman who won a violent first heat. If the first heat was bruising the 2nd heat was bone breaking, roll over's, cars crashing through the fence and into each other - Keith Jarman again was the winner - interestingly Harry Burgoyne was in the runner up spot. So on to the Scottish Championship Final and Harry's brother Ernie figured in this one as well, as he and British Champion John Burns managed again to breach the fence, this time demolishing the inner brick wall. Robert Bruce found himself in a double spin courtesy of Keith Jarman & then Bob Jones also found himself smashed out of the race. This left very few cars still mobile and it was Willie Miller who was too far in front for 2nd man Keith Jarman to make any impression, however Willie did encounter a bit of trouble while lapping a back marker, sensibly he made the right decision in spinning the car out. The only other finishers in the race after Willie & Keith were Allan Ross in 3rd & Gordon Brown who after a long lay off due to injury earlier in the season, in 4th.
Scottish Championship prize money was as follows:-
1st £120.00, 2nd £60.00, 3rd £30.00, 4th £15.00, 5th £8.00, 6th £5.00 .
**********
Into the last month of the season and Gordon Brown continued his successful return by picking up a Final win at a meeting where Nat Hill attempted a trip into orbit, his sojourn along the top of the fence ended with his car on it's side on the track. Much concern for Nat's health - thankfully he climbed out unscathed.
Gordon Brown really was on a roll now (not literally) collecting yet another Final at the October 10th meeting after a stoppage caused by heat winner Neil Petrie's car bursting into flames.
It should be noted that many of Spedeworth Scotland's top drivers were off down to Buxton for a "team" Saloon Stock event - and what a team Scotland put forward Keith Jarman, Robert Bruce, Bob Jones, Willie Miller, Alan Ross & Harry Burgoyne (the latter standing in for John Burns who was forced to withdraw with engine problems).
What a team - Cop That! Don't have the full results of the Final, though Harry did come 2nd with Bob Jones 3rd.
Next meeting and it was a case of de-ja-vu Gordon Brown again won the Final after a stoppage when another competitors car burst into flames - it was Ernie Burgoyne's this time.
The last points scoring meeting of the season was a cracker, a huge crowd turned up for the nail biting finish in the Saloon Stocks between Keith Jarman & Bob Jones. There was also a large field of 32 cars. Keith was a slender 3 points ahead of Bob coming into the meeting. in the first heat Keith lost a wheel & Bob finished 6th, Scottish Champion Willie Miller was the winner. In the 2nd heat it was Jock Maxwell picking up his first win?, with Keith collecting 6th & Bob 7th. So onto the Final & Bob managed to get the jump on Keith, however Keith started to close the gap, then it was noted that masses of smoke was emanating from one of Keith tyres, he was still catching Bob but would the tyre last? 6 laps to go and the answer was in the negative as Keith's tyre let go. A huge roar went up from the crowd, however Keith was still circulating slowly & Bob was coming up to lap him. Sure enough Keith had a go at slowing Bob up as he tried to get past, Bob pushed Keith wide and went on to finish 5th & win the Points Championship by 3 points. A great performance by Scotland's friendliest Stock Car driver. Even the most ardent Keith Jarman fans would be happy the title went to Bob if their man didn't win it.
So not only did the bizarre decision in Germany do Keith out of the World Championship the extra points for the winning spot would have seen Keith as the Scottish Points Champion as well - just.
While all the excitement was going on Bob McKay came through for a welcome win.
So for the season's finale, the Saloon Stocks "Cock O The North" was the most anticipated contest out of what I have said before I personally found a very dreary meeting format.
Out of the 10 qualifiers it was Willie Miller who got the job done - 1982 was truly a great season for Willie. Remember he was up against three of the greatest Saloon Stock drivers of all time in Keith Jarman, Robert Bruce & Bob Jones. While Willie finished a substantial 127 points behind Robert Bruce who had finished 3rd, he won more than double the number of Finals - 9 than his compatriots who all achieved 4 each. A great effort.
There were 4 proper heats for all comers, they were collected by Fraser Greenwood in the Stock Rods (another driver still not able to get his name in the programme though, despite his continued success), Bill Pullar in the Superstox, Graham Wait in the Hot Rods & Willie Miller in the Saloon Stocks.
********************
Hot Rods
1982 Points Championship
Pos | No | Name | Pts | ||
1st | 140 | Graham Wait | 657 | ||
2nd | 162 | Malcolm Chesher | 587 | ||
3rd | 171 | Jack Hubbard | 423 | ||
4th | 9 | Brian Leckie | 269 | ||
5th | 134 | Davey Dougan | 201 | ||
6th | 181 | Dave Mclaren | 196 | ||
7th | 174 | George Barrie | 182 | ||
8th | 64 | Les Kay | 133 | ||
9th | 16 | Chris Rae | 111 | ||
10th | 44 | Billy Bonnar | 93 | ||
11th | 204 | Alistair Craigs | 81 | ||
12th | 57 | Arthur Edmond | 73 | ||
13th | 246 | John Ramsay | 32 | ||
14th | 158 | N/A | 28 | ||
15th | 48 | Steven Shepherd | 9 |
Stewards Cup 4th April Scottish Championship 2nd May
1st | 140 | Graham Wait | 1st | 140 | Graham Wait | |||||
2nd | 162 | Malcolm Chesher | 2nd | 162 | Malcolm Chesher | |||||
3rd | 181 | Dave McLaren | 3rd | 171 | Jack Hubbard | |||||
4th | 16 | Chris Rae | 4th | 134 | Davie Dougan | |||||
5th | 246 | John Ramsay | 5th | NOF | ||||||
6th | 57 | Arthur Edmond | 6th | NOF | ||||||
7th | 134 | Davie Dougan | 7th | NOF | ||||||
8th | 9 | Brian Leckie | 8th | NOF |
East of Scotland Championship 1st August UK Challenge Cup 14th August
1st | 162 | Malcolm Chesher | 1st | 140 | Graham Wait | |||||
2nd | 181 | Dave McLaren | 2nd | IR932 | Davey Evans | |||||
3rd | 171 | Jack Hubbard | 3rd | E156 | Stuart Jackson | |||||
4th | 134 | Davey Dougan | 4th | E351 | Barry Lee | |||||
5th | 174 | George Barrie | 5th | E306 | George Polley | |||||
6th | NOF | 6th | 171 | Jack Hubbard | ||||||
7th | NOF | 7th | E242 | Pete Stevens | ||||||
8th | NOF | 8th | 162 | Malcolm Chesher |
Open Scottish 15th August Cock O The North 31st October
1st | E156 | Stuart Jackson | 1st | 140 | Graham Wait | |||||
2nd | E351 | Dave McLaren | 2nd | 9 | Brian Leckie | |||||
3rd | IR932 | Davey Evans | 3rd | 162 | Malcolm Chesher | |||||
4th | IR962 | Ormond Christie | 4th | 134 | Davie Dougan | |||||
5th | 140 | Graham Wait | 5th | 64 | Les Kay | |||||
6th | E112 | John Edwards | 6th | 171 | Jack Hubbard | |||||
7th | E7 | John Carding | 7th | 174 | George Barrie | |||||
8th | 171 | Jack Hubbard | 8th | NOF |
*********
Pos | No | Name | Finals | Heats | ||
1st | 140 | Graham Wait | 23 | 39 | ||
2nd | 162 | Malcolm Chesher | 5 | 13 | ||
3rd | 171 | Jack Hubbard | 2 | 1 | ||
4th= | 181 | Dave McLaren | 1 | 5 | ||
4th= | 64 | Les Kay | 1 | 2 | ||
6th | E351 | Barry Lee | 1 | 1 | ||
7th= | Ir932 | Davey Evans | 1 | 0 | ||
7th= | E156 | Stuart Jackson | 1 | 0 | ||
7th= | 16 | Chris Rae | 1 | 0 | ||
10th | 174 | George Barrie | 0 | 3 | ||
11th= | Ir962 | Ormond Christie | 0 | 1 | ||
11th= | 246 | John Ramsay | 0 | 1 |
Pos | No | Name | |||
1st | 140 | Graham Wait | 20 | ||
2nd | 162 | Malcolm Chesher | 8 | ||
3rd | 171 | Jack Hubbard | 3 | ||
4th | 204 | Alistair Craigs | 1 | ||
5th | 158 | N/A | 1 | ||
6th | Ir932 | Davey Evans | 1 | ||
7th | Ir962 | Ormond Christie | 1 |
**********
It's not warranted to summarise the Hot Rod season in a similar manner to the Superstox & Saloon Stocks due to most of the season unfortunately being a bit ordinary. 61% of all races were won by Graham Wait, Malky Chesher 18% & Dave Mclaren in 3rd with 6%, the other 15% of races were won by the remaing 9 winners.
**********
Dave McLaren succumbed to the NHRPA "bribe" and in pursuit of International meetings had moved back to Spedeworth Scotland, having competed with the GMP promotion the previous season. However he was the only one out of the 20 drivers who raced at Newtongrange in 1981 who did so. So that must have been a big disappointment to the NHRPA and Spedeworth Scotland.
**********
The season opened badly for the Hot Rods and set the scene for the rest of the year when only two cars finished the first heat won by Malky Chesher, Graham Wait headed home a field of 6 cars in the 2nd & Dave McLaren picked up the first Final.
To the 2nd meeting and another pattern was set, at least as far as Graham Wait was concerned he won the 3 Hot Rod races with ease finishing ahead of 4 others in the heats & 3 in the final. The "racing" was not good (in fact track commentator John Kelly commented that he thought the racing boring and John can find a Stock Rod race with 3 cars in it exciting!) Sadly Billy Bonnar wrote his car off "again" at this meeting. He really did have some of the worst luck when things went wrong.
Graham won all the other races in March apart from the last meeting in the month when he collected a puncture in the Final. Malky Chesher won this Final after he got past ex Saloon Stock star Alastair Craigs winning by the shortest of margins at the line.
***
First meeting in April Stewards Cup and Graham Wait & John Ramsay shared the heats, John picking up his win through a one place penalty on Graham for contact in the first heat, I'll bet he was happy he didn't receive Lawrence Ross's penalty in the Stock Rods for contact at the same meeting which was disqualification and a later one week ban!
Graham of course won the trophy, though again Malcolm Chesher was right on his back bumper.
11th April produced three wins to Graham Wait.
Mid April, two weeks before the Hot Rod Scottish Championship, Graham Wait was knocked out in one of the Hot Rod heats, he was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with severe concussion and told to stay in hospital for observation overnight. However Graham disregarded this, discharged himself and headed back to the track where, disgracefully the promoters allowed him to start the Final. Indeed the spectators were informed of the events as they were unfolding in the pits actively encouraging Graham to have his car repaired in time for the Final.
Scant regard was given to the damage he could have caused to himself or to others.
Graham's car suffered a fuel line breakage in the Final thankfully, forcing retirement, Malcolm Chesher taking the Final, after having won one of the heats. Les Kay was the other heat winner in his new Vauxhall Chevette.
All the Hot Rod Racing in 1982 wasn't bad, the last meeting in April before the Scottish Championship day was top class. Dave McLaren won the 1st heat, Graham Wait the 2nd & Malcolm Chesher the Final by a whisker in a last ditch effort around the outside.
***
Opening meeting in May was the Scottish Hot Rod Championship. Les Kay was meant to be defending his title, he had been racing his new Vauxhall Chevette the previous week albeit with a few handling issues. Surprisingly it was announced that he would be withdrawing from all future racing commitments for business reasons.
Only 9 Hot Rods then turned up to contest the event, they were treated to some appalling weather conditions. This did not bode well for the racing and so it came to pass. Dave McLaren & Graham Wait won the qualifying heats. Then Graham had the fortune of being drawn in pole position for the race itself.
It must be said that Malcolm Chesher looked to have the pace of Graham's car in front, but at the same time due to the weather conditions there appeared no possibility that he would be able to execute any sort of passing manoeuvre. He did collect 2nd. & Jack Hubbard came home 3rd. Only 4 cars finished the race.
Almost a clean sweep for Malcolm Chesher at May's 2nd meeting, but had to make do with 2nd in the first heat behind Dave McLaren. This good form wasn't due to Graham Wait being away on his travels either, Graham relegated to two 3rds and a 2nd.
Mid May and it was Graham Wait with another Hot Rod Final. This was a World Qualifying round and Malcolm Chesher found himself leading after the meeting with 16 points, Graham Wait was 2nd with 15 points & Dave McLaren 3rd with 13 points.
Double figure fields of Hot rods on the 23rd May, and the bigger fields resulted in different winners, Dave McLaren picked up the first heat while Malcolm Chesher was the man in front in the 2nd, In the Final it was Chris Rae collecting his first major win.
Last meeting in May and the Hot Rod numbers were back down again. Heats were shared between Malcolm Chesher & Graham Wait. Graham went on to win the Final with only 3 finishers.
***
On to June and first up the Hot Rod World Qualifying points 2nd and final round. As stated previously the first 3 spots going into this round were held down by Malcolm Chesher, Graham Wait & Dave McLaren with 16, 15 & 13 points respectively. At the end of the days racing the 3 qualifiers were Graham Wait 33 points, Malcolm Chesher 31 points & Dave McLaren on 13 points.
Dave qualifying despite not scoring any points in the 2nd round, fulfilling his ambition to compete in the World Championship at Ipswich and justifying his move from Newtongrange for 1982. Jack Hubbard was unlucky to miss out on a qualifying spot on 12 points, having driven consistently over the two meetings.
For the big Saloon Stock weekend double meeting in June I would like to say "a remarkable" 6 wins to Graham Wait over the two days - only it wasn't, for one reason or another there just wasn't any opposition.
The question for June's 3rd meeting was could Graham Wait make it 9 wins in a row, well he did & he didn't, suffering a penalty drop (a very unusual occurrence) in the 2nd heat. The Clerk of the Course must have removed his dark glasses for this one!
Last meeting in June Graham Wait again won all 3 Hot Rod "races". There were 4 finishers in each "event".
**********
At Ipswich Davey Evans won the 1982 World Hot Rod Championship in his Vauxhall Chevette. Distressingly Davy was advised pre-race his 5 week old baby boy was severely ill and had been admitted to hospital. Notwithstanding this Davy drove a brilliant race, mechanical maladies had forced a diff change before the race, fitting a fixed in lieu of limited slip unit. Chris Griggs & Ormond Christie occupied the front row with the fastest lap times. Ormond's poll time was negated by the pace car holding up all of the inside cars and allowing the outside row to jump the start - amazing - check it out on the video.
Ormond had to withdraw with engine problems, he already had to change from his qualifying engine for the race. Barry Lee had to retire from the lead after he lost all his water after damaging his car when punting back marker Vaughan Scott out of the way.
This left Davey well out in front, nobody could get close, he won by half a lap, Stuart Jackson came through for 2nd, Peter Grimer 3rd.
As far as Scottish participants were concerned Graham Wait & Malcolm Chesher got involved in the same accident with Pete Winstone & Luc Carrier.
**********
First meeting for the 2nd half of the season & there were high hopes for better things from the Hot Rods however again only 4 Hot Rods finished each of the days races.
The numbers up to 6 on the 25th July despite Dave McLaren off on away duty, both heats to Malky Chesher & Final to Graham Wait.
***
NHRPA British Grand Prix at Newton Abbot on 25th July, John Edwards won from George Polley after leader Davey Evans had to retire with engine trouble. I don't know how Dave McLaren got on.
***
Into August the Hot Rods had a far better turn out of cars and produced some excellent racing. We even had a race with all 8 points positions filled.
Malcolm Chesher made it a clean sweep winning all three races and thus retaining the East of Scotland Trophy for the second year running.
No Hot Rods on the bill for the 8th August meeting (The Grand Prix Midgets were the headliners at this one). So it was on to the Big Weekend for the Hot Rods on the 14th & 15th August, with the UK Challenge on the Saturday evening & the Open Scottish Championship on the Sunday afternoon. Nigel Cecil had worked studiously to bring a top class field of Hot Rods to contest the events.
Reigning World Champ - Davey Evans & 1981 World Champ - Ormond Christie from Northern Ireland.
Defending UK Champion & British Champion - Barry Lee.
Multiple Champion of everything - George Polley.
European Champion - Pete Stevens.
British Grand Prix Champion - John Edwards.
World Championship runner up - Stu Jackson.
Star drivers - John Carding & Colin Higman.
Sadly only 7 drivers were judged to be of a sufficient standard to represent Scotland, although a couple of reserves were nominated in case any of "the chosen few" couldn't make it.
The public draw brought some Scottish cheer when Scotland's Cowdenbeath track specialist Graham Wait drew a front row position. Surely Graham couldn't lose from here, he opened up a huge lead, but this was whittled down when a race stoppage occurred due to a fire in Chris Rae's car. Chris was uninjured & Graham opened up another big lead on the re-start. Davey Evans had got through to 2nd and was rapidly reducing the gap to Graham, it is reported that he had forsaken his World Championship winning Vauxhall Chevette for a Toyota (Starlet or 1000), though I have not seen any photographic evidence to substantiate this. Davey could not find a way past Graham though and the Scottish fans again rose to the winner. Stu Jackson came through for 3rd.
The heats on the night were picked up by Barry Lee & Davey Evans. The order in the night's Final was Ormond Christie, Barry Lee & Pete Stevens. The meeting didn't finish until 11.30pm, partly due to the fact that the meeting could not commence until 7.45 due to Cowdenbeath FC playing at home.
Also making it's debut at this meeting was the new Control Car a Rover 2600 SD1 (certainly an improvement over the old Austin Maxi!), the car was resplendent in a beautiful paint job courtesy of Dave McLaren's Coachworks.
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Driver of the race in Saturday's Open Scottish was undoubtedly Barry Lee. He had been drawn last out of the hat & he didn't allow the small matter of having to overtake everyone out there deter him. Barry was won of the few Hot Rod drivers who professed to liking racing on the Cowdenbeath track (Kenny Ireland being another). Obviously not with 40 car fields, but with up to 20 cars, the idiosyncrasies were manageable and more importantly an extra challenge.
Barry picked off his adversaries one by one, but despite the race being over 35 laps, he still ran out of time. It was still mighty close at the line with Stu Jackson holding on for the win. Davey Evans was 3rd. Barry took some consolation by winning the Final on Sunday heading home Ormond Christie & John Edwards.
There was also plenty of loot available at this Hot Rod spectacular.
Spedeworth Scotland shelled out considerable sums to attract a very high quality field of visiting drivers:-
Substantial appearance money was paid to the visitors & in addition substantial prize monies were on offer.
The prize money on offer was for the UK Challenge on the Saturday night was as follows:-
1st £125.00, 2nd £60.00, 3rd £30.00, 4th £15.00, 5th £10.00, 6th £5.00
On the Sunday The Open Scottish Championship attracted the following remuneration:-
1st £200.00, 2nd £100.00, 3rd £50.00, 4th £25.00, 5th £12.00, 6th £8.00
The Final on the Sunday The "Granbuild" Trophy
1st £100.00, 2nd £50.00, 3rd £25.00, 4th £15.00, 5th £8.00, 6th £5.00
Last two weekends in August saw Graham Wait win another couple of 3 car Finals.
***
Davey Evans collected the Irish Open Championship 27.08.82 though the field was somewhat depleted due to some of the visiting English drivers not taking part due to some financial issues! The race by all accounts was a bit disappointing, Pete Stevens managed to get through to 2nd.
***
On the other hand Davey's win in the British Championship at Buxton the following week was altogether a more impressive effort. From drawn grid position 4. Davey while trying to pass George Polley for the lead half spun and found himself behind George, Ormond Christie up to 2nd, ahead of Nigel Murphy & Barry Lee. Undaunted Davey locked on to the back of the leaders and in a display of ultimate Hot Rodding skill the World Champ picked them off one by one then went on to win by quarter of a lap, followed by George Polley, Barry Lee & Ormond Christie.
***
Pete Stevens won a very hard fought National Championship at Hednesford the battle for the win with Barry Lee. Davey Evans collected 3rd after Stu Jackson was dropped a couple of spots for contact.
In the 27 car field first Scot home was Malcolm Chesher in 7th and he did manage a 2nd in an earlier heat on the day. Graham Wait suffered engine maladies.
***
Irish championship was won of course by Davey Evans, Mervyn McReynolds was 2nd in a borrowed car & Ormond Christie 3rd.
***
Weekend meeting 4th & 5th a dire turn out of Hot Rods, the promoters tried to liven things up a bit by having a combined Hot Rod / Stock Rod race, with the Hot Rods having a two lap handicap. Graham Wait gave an absolutely incredible demonstration of Hot Rod driving, overtaking car after car, time and time again, however there was one car he was unable to pass twice, but he only failed in this enterprise by a few metres, Lawrence Ross holding on for the win. Although this exercise was of immense interest to watch it was really just a huge accident waiting to happen, the differential in the car speeds was just too great.
***
12th September the field of cars were even further depleted than normal with Graham Wait & Malcolm Chesher away competing in the National Championship at Hednesford.
So this was a chance for some others to take the limelight, it was George Barrie who picked up a couple of heat wins while Jack Hubbard picked up his 1st Final win.
Mid September and the last of the Roy Special Specials was held. Surely a cert for Graham Wait, certainly after two heat wins you wouldn't have bet against him, fittingly though again after longest serving Spedeworth Scotland Saloon Stock driver Robert Bruce won the Saloon Stock version of this event, it was Les Kay Scotland's longest serving Hot Rod driver who picked up the win, his new Vauxhall Chevette now handling beautifully.
26th September, two Hot Rods completed the 1st heat - a win for Jack Hubbard, Malky Chesher collected the second & Jack came through for another Final win.
***
George Barrie put up the sponsorship for the Gees Confectionary Trophy / or BJ Disco (it was reported as both) for the 2nd year, holder Jimmy Blair had not raced in 1982 despite being listed in the programme all year. Graham Wait completed another clean sweep.
10th October and another 3 Graham Wait "processions".
For the 17th October show, Graham Wait again won all races, though he managed to win the Final by the "James Bond" method ie spread a liberal quantity of oil all over the track so that all of your opposition destroy their cars into the safety fence. The race was immediately stopped to clear the carnage, & of course Graham was in the lead when his engine let go - so he was the designated winner. Better than going to the movies this!
Last point scoring for the season Graham Wait had sown up the Points Championship many months before. He hadn't actually, it just seemed that way, in fact Malky Chesher had been in close attention all year, Graham's total winning margin in the end was 70 points. He didn't win all the races at this meeting though with Les Kay picking up the 1st heat & we even had six cars finishing each race!
So on to the "Cock O The North" meeting at the end of the season, and you know Graham Wait did win it, but it looked as though Malcolm Chesher might just take it even after Graham got to the front, it was not to be though.
So endeth a pretty awful season of Hot Rod racing, there were exceptions, the Hot Rod weekend in particular - outstanding even. The blame for this I put squarely at the feet of Spedeworth Scotland & the NHRPA. Fuller fields of more competitive Hot Rods were there for the taking. This they chose for the time being to reject. The ramifications of this have affected Scottish Hot Rod Racing to this day. Strenuous efforts by individuals in later years to retrieve this lost trust (particularly through Graham Brown) met with little success. This brought us to the watershed of 2011 when it was announced that Scotland would again have an entitlement to 4 competitors in the World Championship, again through superlative efforts of Graham Brown.
There is no doubt this is a move for the future of Hot Rod Racing as a whole, as well as in Scotland. Healthy Hot Rod Racing in Scotland will benefit the formula. This will not happen overnight - let's hope all are patient.
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Stock Rods
1982 Points Championship
Pos | No | Name | Pts | |||
1st | 208 | Ian Bell | 382 | |||
2nd | 201 | Ricky Whitehead | 254 | |||
3rd | 92 | Lawrence Ross | 253 | |||
4th | 51 | Willie Bauld | 198 | |||
5th | 198 | Mike Mlotkiewiez | 173 | |||
6th | 136 | David McInnes | 171 | |||
7th | 32 | James Paterson | 157 | |||
8th | 143 | David Carstairs | 127 | |||
9th | 45 | Gordon Campbell | 112 | |||
10th | 7 | Nigel Calvin | 96 | |||
11th | 215 | David Law | 93 | |||
12th | 130 | Keith England | 86 | |||
13th | 59 | Jock Rice | 80 | |||
14th | 34 | Gary Mercer | 79 | |||
15th | 128 | Brian Tindell | 78 | |||
16th | 66 | Allan Allison | 76 | |||
17th | 190 | George Logan | 73 | |||
18th= | 300 | Davie Duncan | 71 | |||
19th= | 222 | Iain Burnside | 71 | |||
20th | 182 | Fraser Greenwood | 67 | |||
21st | 31 | Ronald Fraser | 60 | |||
22nd | 126 | Robert Gold | 56 | |||
23rd | 173 | Robert Clark | 53 | |||
24th | 165 | Douglas McLean | 49 | |||
25th | 43 | Ian Elder | 47 | |||
26th | 303 | Ian Kerr | 46 | |||
27th | 161 | Bill Shortreed | 43 |
4th April Stewards Cup 9th May Scottish Championship
1st | 7 | Nigel Calvin | 1st | 66 | Allan Allison | |||||||
2nd | 208 | Ian Bell | 2nd | 201 | Ricky Whitehead | |||||||
3rd | 201 | Ricky Whitehead | 3rd | 208 | Ian Bell | |||||||
4th | 126 | Robert Gold | 4th | 136 | David McInnes | |||||||
5th | 185 | Billy Young | 5th | 45 | Gordon Campbell | |||||||
6th | 136 | David McInnes | 6th | 237 | Edward Devlin | |||||||
7th | 303 | Ian Kerr | 7th | 143 | David Carstairs | |||||||
8th | 22 | Alan McLachlan | 8th | 215 | David Law |
25th July Roy Cecil Special 1st August East of Scotland Championship
1st | 51 | Willie Bauld | 1st | 201 | Ricky Whitehead | |||||||
2nd | 7 | Nigel Calvin | 2nd | 51 | William Bauld | |||||||
3rd | 143 | David Carstairs | 3rd | 130 | Keith England | |||||||
4th | N/A | 4th | 208 | Ian Bell | ||||||||
5th | N/A | 5th | 198 | Mike Mlotkiewiez | ||||||||
6th | N/A | 6th | 303 | Ian Kerr | ||||||||
7th | N/A | 7th | 7 | Nigel Calvin | ||||||||
8th | N/A | 8th | NOF |
British Championship Cleethorpes 1st October Cock O The North
1st | 208 | Ian Bell | 1st | 215 | William Logie | |||||||
2nd | E201 | Malcolm Boorman | 2nd | 92 | David Lindsay | |||||||
3rd | E303 | Jeff Simpson | 3rd | 112 | David Carstairs | |||||||
4th | E694 | Garry Williams | 4th | 165 | Lawrence Ross | |||||||
5th | E109 | Miles Askew | 5th | 130 | George Logan | |||||||
6th | E101 | Martin Robertson | 6th | N/A | ||||||||
7th | E75 | David Townsend | 7th | 100 | David Law | |||||||
8th | E223 | Steve Hanson | 8th | 34 | George Inglis |
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Pos | No | Name | Finals | Heats | ||
1st | 92 | Lawrence Ross | 4 | 8 | ||
2nd | 208 | Ian Bell | 3 | 8 | ||
3rd | 51 | Willie Bauld | 3 | 5 | ||
4th | 215 | David Law | 2 | 1 | ||
5th= | 34 | Gary Mercer | 1 | 3 | ||
5th= | 300 | Davie Duncan | 1 | 3 | ||
7th | 66 | Allan Allison | 1 | 2 | ||
8th= | 7 | Nigel Calvin | 1 | 1 | ||
8th= | 45 | Gordon Cambell | 1 | 1 | ||
8th= | 126 | Robert Gold | 1 | 1 | ||
8th= | 165 | Douglas McLean | 1 | 1 | ||
8th= | 182 | Fraser Greenwood | 1 | 1 | ||
8th= | 190 | George Logan | 1 | 1 | ||
8th= | 198 | Mike Mlotkiewiez | 1 | 1 | ||
8th= | 201 | Ricky Whitehead | 1 | 1 | ||
16th | 136 | David McInnes | 1 | 0 | ||
17th | 143 | David Carstairs | 0 | 5 | ||
18th | 43 | Ian Elder | 0 | 3 | ||
19th | 32 | James Paterson | 0 | 2 | ||
20th= | 98 | Jim Baptie | 0 | 1 | ||
20th= | 303 | Ian Kerr | 0 | 1 | ||
20th= | 173 | Robert Clark | 0 | 1 | ||
20th= | 90 | Andy Graham | 0 | 1 | ||
20th= | 130 | Keith England | 0 | 1 | ||
20th= | 59 | Jock Rice | 0 | 1 |
No | Name | Meetings | ||||
92 | Lawrence Ross | 5 | ||||
201 | Ricky Whitehead | 4 | ||||
208 | Ian Bell | 3 | ||||
45 | Gordon Campbell | 2 | ||||
51 | Willie Bauld | 2 | ||||
198 | Mike Mlotkiewiez | 2 | ||||
34 | Gary Mercer | 2 | ||||
215 | David Law | 2 | ||||
7 | Nigel Calvin | 1 | ||||
32 | James Paterson | 1 | ||||
126 | Robert Gold | 1 | ||||
136 | David McInnes | 1 | ||||
165 | Douglas McLean | 1 | ||||
190 | George logan | 1 |
Though it had been decided pre 1982 season that numbers of Stock Rod licences to be issued would be restricted, this was slightly modified come April, when more drivers were allowed to take out licences but start money was to be restricted to 25 drivers per meeting. Red & blue roof drivers would automatically get start money, the rest would be divided up on a week by week basis to make sure it was spread around.
In May the arrangements changed again, all drivers would receive start money up to the booked numbers.
£4.00 for reds, £3.00 for blue, £2.00 yellow & £1.00 white.
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March
Dave McInnes won the first Final of the season.
In the rest of the races in March Lawrence Ross put on a display of exemplary Stock Rod racing, sweeping around the outside in each race in his Fiat 128 on a very wet track on the 21st March and then completing another hat trick at the following dry meeting.
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April
Stewards Cup day at the beginning of April, Lawrence Ross looked to be the red hot favourite in the Stock Rods having won the last 6 races and had collected a 2nd & a 4th in the others. Lawrence made it 7 in a row by taking the first heat, in the 2nd race his run of wins came to a halt when another car spun out blocking his path, future star Robert Gold picked up the 2nd, amazingly in the final however Lawrence was penalised heavily for contact during the race - suffering a disqualification. Amazing because this type of driving was de rigueur in every Hot Rod race, which almost never resulted in penalty.
Unfortunately Lawrence carried on after the race arguing with various race officials which ended up only gaining him a weeks ban from the Board of Control, Nigel Calvin picked up the trophy.
Some familiar names were successful in the Stock Rods at the 18th April event. Lawrence Ross winning the first heat. Keith England in a Ford Fiesta the 2nd & Ian Bell the final.
Much undisciplined Stock Rod Racing reached a surprising conclusion in the 25th April, when the first 5 finishers in the Stock rod Final were penalised for contact making 6th place finisher Robert Gold the winner!
**********
Star performer in the first meeting in May was George Logan garnering 3rd in one heat plus wins in the other and the Final.
Scottish Stock Rod Championship day on the 9th May.
Despite most of the races going the way of star drivers in 1982, the Scottish Championship resulted in a win for Allan Allison. It wasn't a flash in the pan either as Allan collected a creditable 2nd in one heat. He held off star drivers Ian Bell & Ricky Whitehead for numerous laps after a race stoppage when Billy Young crashed heavily. As is the case when an underdog gets to the front in any race but particularly in Championship races the Cowdenbeath faithful gave Allan plenty.
He was greeted to a huge cheer as he crossed the line.
23rd May produced a Final win for Gordon Cambell. Willie Bauld won the Final the following week.
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June
The Stock Rod Finals over the 12th & 13th weekend went to Lawrence Ross & Mike Mlotkiewiez.
20th June Ian Bell won the Final
27th June Dave McInnes won the final
**********
First week after the holiday break in July, Ian Bell won the Final.
The following week the "Roy Cecil Tribute" for the Stock Rods was the main race of the day, Willie Bauld was the winner though he was chased hard by David Carstairs who in truth had the display of the day when he had spun out while 2nd half way through the race - rejoined dead set last and then proceeded to make his way all the way back up to 2nd, just running out of laps in the end.
Ian Bell put up a superb display at Cleethorpes to win the British Championship from a huge field of cars. Grateful thanks to Graham Brown for providing me with the full results of the race from his comprehensive archive.
**********
East of Scotland Championship day on the 1st August. In the Stock Rods this was the first time this championship had been competed for. The qualifying heats were won by Ian Bell & David Carstairs both driving Toyota Corollas but it was Fords that came to the fore in the championship, Ricky Whitehead collecting the trophy in his Ford Escort, Willie Bald in another Escort 2nd & the Fiesta of Keith England in 3rd.
2nd meeting in August (Grand Prix Midget Day) and Garry Mercer won all three races in his Ford Escort.
Stock Rods only appeared on the Sunday over the big two day Hot Rod event, the meeting Final was won by Davey Low.
Possibly more contact in the Stock Rods than the Saloon Stocks at the 22nd August meeting and penalties were dished out liberally. David Carstairs was adjudged the winner of the Final.
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September
For the Superstox weekender at the beginning of September, Lawrence Ross won the combined Hot Rod / Stock Rod event while Davie Duncan won the Sunday Final.
12th September high numbers of Stock Rods resulted in a 2 from 3 format in the heats. Dave McInnes was the Final winner.
26th September ex Saloon Stock driver Fraser Greenwood picked up the Stock Rod Final.
October
3rd October another 2 from 3 format and a Final win to Dougie McLean.
At the next meeting in October Dougie McLean & Fraser Greenwood battled out together all day in the Stock Rod class, it has to be said that the Stock Rods evidenced more body damage than the Saloon Stocks! This was the way it was done in Scotland! Dougie took one heat Fraser the other & it was Dougie who just pipped Fraser in the final.
Last points scoring meeting on the 25th October and the new British Champion Ian Bell was the new Scottish National Points Champion a great result in a competitive formula. Willie Bauld picked up this Final.
At the last meeting of the year the "Cock O The North" race produced 17 qualifiers for the Stock Rod event & produced a win for stalwart Lawrence Ross ahead of British Champion Ian Bell.
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Other Events
8th August and Midgets made a re-appearance in Scotland. There had been a few meetings in the mid 50's, apparently racing on the shale motorcycle speedway tracks at Motherwell, Steppes & the Ashfield Stadium in Glasgow.
Personally I'm not a fan of open wheel non contact short circuit racing on asphalt, and I guess that is the opinion of most Stock Car / Hot Rod fans or they would have been more successful. "Spedeworth International" tried very hard to get them established in the 1970's to no avail.
Scottish Stock Car fans were very curious however, so despite an increase in admission prices to the stadium a good crowd turned up to witness the spectacle.
So at least the enterprise probably made some cash for the promoters. 12 contenders made an appearance from far and wide in England. The heats were taken out by No 24 Mick Bonner from Ipswich & Malcolm Goodman from Kings Lynn. Mick won the Final from Malcolm with Garry Pollard from Lincoln coming home 3rd.
Stock Rods, Saloon Stocks & Bangers shared the bill.
The Banger "Ramp" racing made its first re-appearance at the 11th April meeting - unfortunately. £75 was put up for the final winner though, which helped attract over 50 cars.
The meeting resulted in three fires, expertly dealt with by starter Mike Grainger, the worst of which when Bill Auld's Cortina burst into flames, Bill scrambled clear ok but the strong winds made fighting the flames a risky operation, starter Mike managed to remove his eyebrows fighting this one!
The 17th October meeting was the big Banger meeting of the year. A £100 prize & trophy plus the removal of the dreaded "ramp" attracted a huge field of 82 Bangers for the "Banger King" Championship. To prove that even in Banger Racing certain skills come to the fore (possibly the absence of being able to think clearly) Dennis Watson came through all the carnage to Retain the Trophy he won the previous year - amazing. There was a number of meetings incorporating the Bangers during the year, unfortunately a fair number of them were spoiled by the dreaded ramp, at the first Banger meeting on 14th March "Mad Max" Keith Miller put up another fantastic display of banger racing, actively seeking out & destroying all his opponents to clinch the Demo Derby. There were around 20 different winners during the year Keith Miller 2, & Colin Robertson were multiple winners.
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So we reach the end of the season, a difficult season that started off in the worst possible way. Gwen & Nigel Cecil however worked tirelessly to try and make this a season to remember & for a number of "good" reasons it was.
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