1980's » 1982 Newtongrange / Armadale

1982

Saloon Stocks  73 cars

2 Alan Simpson   106 Hamish Buchanan
3 Hugh Drummond   107 James Skirving
5 John Morland   108 Lawrence Johnston
9 Jock Threadgall   109 John Bell
10 Jim Nightingale   110 Andy Nelson
11 Jim Honeyman   111 Alan Bryce
12 John Hamilton   113 George Kerr
13 Andy Johnston   114 Frank Wilson
17 William Walker   117 N/A
18 Nigel Atkinson   122 George Robertson
20 Keith Miller   123 Hugh Brown
21 Billy McNeill   125 Ivor Thomson
24 Billy Gillie   126 Dick Cummings
25 Pat Goulding   128 Joe Moir
26 N/A   133 Ian Hutton
28 Andy Young   140 Andy Stevens
29 Sid Threadgall   152 Angel Dillon
31 N/A   153 Graham Collins
35 Colin Easton   160 Martin Johnson
40 Jimmy Sinclair   161 Colin Birtley
55 N/A   168 Alan McHattie
56 Bill McKnight   171 Tommy Davidson
57 Rab McLintock   176 Alex Jones
58 Andy Graham   188 Ronnie Ford
63 Hugh Miller   206 Mike Richardson
68 Tommy Gilchrest   214 Jimmy McAlpine
69 Russell Scott   217 Harry Denholm
72 N/A   218 Jimmy Duncan
75 Johnny Walker   219 George Forrest
80 Junior Jackson   222 Fraser Dunlop
88 Jimmy Ritchie   240 Jimmy Smith
89 Brian Henderson   241 Charlie Milne
90 Gordon Leithhead   244 Jimmy Low
91 Garry Nimmo   246 Ronnie Angus
92 Bruce Wilson   285 Rab Stewart
93 Gordon Anderson   391 William Murray

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F2 Stock Cars  137 cars

5 William Ewart   502 N/A   716 Paul Young
6 Bob Creamer   514 Chalky White   722 Paul Broatch
7 Jimmy Moodie   517 Mel Million   723 Alan Warriner
8 Mick Whittle   521 Allan Rowlands   725 Brian Robson
10 Alex Craig   527 Tony Hooper   728 Brian Middlemiss
13 George McGivern   542 Ernie Reay   733 Gary Mitchell
16 N/A   544 John Edington   736 George Fulton
19 Brian O'Reilly   546 Terry Parker   744 Russell Taylor
24 Les Palmer   555 Dave Walton   747 Brian Pinkey
28 Graham Bunter   556 Frank Horner   748 Phil Den Herder
29 John Rigg   559 N/A   751 Les Smart
33 Keith Stanford   571 Paul Parker   752 N/A
34 N/A   581 Tom Rowlinson   753 Andy Morris
36 Ed Pannett   584 Phil Hayhurst   756 Taffy Thomas
38 Ian Edmiston   595 Dave Bunt   760 N/A
41 Gordon McDougall   600 Rod Avon   762 Phill Hiles
43 Billy Johnston   601 Ian Smart   763 Ed Hiles
44 Alistair Forsyth   602 Mike Longstaff   766 Pete Hobson
46 Peter Forsyth   606 Steve Horton   780 Gary Kent
49 Eric Moore   612 Jeff Fowkes   781 Gray Thornton
51 Tim Lish   617 Mike James   782 Alan Pryde
57 Paul Perkins   621 George Beckham   789 N/A
62 Derek Donaldson   628 Brian Middlemiss   790 Mike Taylor
64 N/A   634 Clive Hawkins   801 Stuart Wilkinson
66 N/A   635 Steve Widdowson   804 Ian King
70 John Lothian   647 Steve Frankland   810 Ed Pannett
77 Steve Riley   665 William Ewart   820 Mel Hutchinson
99 Noel Colgan   667 Bill Batten   828 Jim Cunliffe
100 George MacMillan Jnr   671 Ernie Swinburn   829 N/A
107 Malcolm Paterson   673 Errol Johnston   830 Trevor Whitney
109 N/A   676 Steve Gateley   833 Bob Kaye
141 Adam Manson   678 Joe Parrington   842 Tony Butterfield
166 Gary Henderson   686 Garry Hooper   924 Paul Carter
167 Eugene Carney   689 Paul Butcher   925 Graham Wilson
177 John Gilchrist   693 N/A   934 Mick McArdle
214 Jimmy McAlpine   698 Malcolm Locke   939 Denis Whitfield
245 Bernie McConnachie   700 N/A   943 Les Brown
344 Warren Taylor   706 John Longstaff   944 Terry Weighell
501 Bill Trout   712 Bill Paxton   958 N/A

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Hot Rods  24 cars

1 N/A   27 Brian Murdoch   127 Alex Grant
4 Ronnie McLaren   31 John Boyd   154 Ian Headley
8 Charlie Brown   37 Ian Simpson   191 John Buchanan
14 N/A   50 Richard Denholm   207 John McWilliam
19 Alan Sibbald   66 Ian Dickie   208 Graham Cotterrell
21 N/A   87 Bob Bunting   299 Davey Philip
22 Colin McCabe   102 Ronnie McKenzie   423 Brian Middlemiss
23 Doug Farrer   112 Greg Cocker    62 Terry Priddis 

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Ministox  42 cars

2 Andy Young   38 Gordon Ritchie
3 Colin Glasgow   39 Mike Robertson
6 Jim Dow   41 Gordon McDougall Jnr
7 Peter Alexander   46 Stephen Henderson
8 Neil Weatherley   52 Daryn Smith
9 Scott Haig   57 Liam Murray
11 Andrew Redpath   61 Kevin McQuigan
12 Billy McLeod   63 Peter Henderson
13 N/A   64 John Fortune
14 Scott Greig   65 Ronald Grant
15 Alastair Robertson   66 Steven Grant
16 James Docherty   74 Alistair King
17 Gordon Alexander   77 Steven Charles
19 John Kilpatrick   88 Alex McLaren
20 Andrew Young   100 Kevin Hawker
21 Graeme McAlpine   235 Duncan Robertson
23 Colin Todd   236 Ian Robertson
27 Archie Murray   237 Mike Robertson
28 David Allan   244 N/A
29 N/A   299 Gillian Philip
37 N/A   371 Ross Turner

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It had been mooted in some quarters, that driver support for the new Stock Car venture at Newtongrange would fizzle out as time went on. English drivers would tire of the long trip north every week. Hot Rod drivers would re-sign with "Spedeworth Scotland" in pursuit of the NHRPA benefits.
The Saloon Stocks would miss being the “star” attraction which had been attributed to them at Spedeworth. What was the reality?
"GMP’s" 2nd year of operation witnessed increases in all formulae. The Saloon Stock average increased by 30% to 22 cars and peaked at 29 cars on the 11th July.
The F2 Stock Cars average increased by 20% to 24 cars and peaked at a very spectacular 53 cars on Scottish Championship day.

Even the Hot Rod average went up to 9 cars - despite the best efforts of the NHRPA. Note this average was composed entirely of Scottish drivers & not boosted by NHRPA events. 75% of the meetings had 8 or more cars in attendance.  The peak was 14 cars at the Scottish Championship (the one event which did include two English visitors).
The Ministox had enjoyed spectacular growth in their first full year of competition averaging 14 cars and peaking at 23 cars on the 2nd May & 24th October.

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1982 commenced with the sad news of the death of Roy Cecil at the age of 74. Roy had suffered a few health issues in latter years but it still came as a shock. Stock car drivers, officials and fans from all over Scotland travelled to pay their respects. Les & Mavis Eaton, Dave Pierce & Barry Lee were among those who made the trip up from England.
 
Roy became involved in Stock Car Racing in Scotland in 1964 when "Spedeworth International" awarded White City Stadium in Glasgow affiliation following a dispute between the Scottish F2 Stock Car Drivers & the BSCDA.
Johnny Hoskins son Ian continued as the Promoter at this stage. Eventually "Spedeworth International" took over & then "Spedeworth Scotland" was formed. White City was abandoned and efforts at a new track at Coatbridge failed. Johnny Hoskins however had laid a shale track for Speedway at Cowdenbeath which had also failed after just a few meetings. Roy decided to gamble even more cash and give Cowdenbeath a go in August 1965.
The meetings were initially every 2 weeks, but success came quite quickly and this became every week after a short period of time.

Scottish Stock Car Racing owes much to the determination of Roy Cecil, wife Gwen & son Nigel.
The Cowdenbeath commentator John Kelly compiled a succinct & moving tribute to Roy in the first Cowdenbeath programme of 1982 which I will reproduce in full in the "Spedeworth Scotland" summary for 1982.

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"GMP" had managed to secure promoting rights at the Armadale Track, the first meeting was scheduled to take place on May 1st and would incorporate the West of Scotland Championships for F2, Saloon Stocks & Hot Rods.

                                                                         


First Issue of "Scots Stock"

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One of the major promoting costs in Stock Car Racing is the production of the weekly race programme. It is nearly always a loss making part of the enterprise.
"Spedeworth International" had for some time been producing a "Spede Week" multiple programme where several meetings were incorporated into the one publication.
Gordon decided that he would adopt a similar format with the exception that this would be a genuine A4 sized Magazine and incorporate the race cards for completion by fans.
The Magazine / Programme would be a monthly issue and would thus be a cost saving for fans over purchasing programmes for every meeting, and a cost saving for the Promoter in that sufficient numbers could be printed to cater for a whole month’s racing, and provided they were all sold, they would not make a loss. Thus "Scots Stock" was born, and an excellent publication it was, well worth the  75p purchase price.
In addition to superbly informative articles it included succinct reports of all the meetings as well as the results. Unfortunately the drivers’ lists were still quite poor, I guess we had just been spoilt by the excellent lists produced by Gwen Cecil in the Cowdenbeath programmes of the 70's. It should be noted that as the 80's progressed the "Spedeworth Scotland" programmes also became very poor in this respect.

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Gordon McDougall announced in the May edition of the Magazine / Programme the rather adventurous proposal to raffle a brand new Escort XR3 at the World Semi-Final / Scottish Championship weekend.
The trick was to guess the distance the XR3 would travel around the track on a gallon of petrol when driven by Billy Batten.
Tickets were only 50p each, so a lot of tickets were going to have to be sold to make any dough out of this plan. There is also the possibility that all those who did buy tickets would be persuaded to turn up on the race day to see if they had won, thus increasing the gate. Notwithstanding this I don't believe a similar venture was tried again.

The XR3 competition took place on Scottish Championship day. Gordon McDougall had placed an added incentive for ticket sellers to sell more tickets in that if they sold the winning ticket they would receive a £100 prize. Flag Marshal Eddie Spence was the lucky individual to collect the 100 pounds, but what was even better was that he had sold the ticket to himself! Having himself bought 50 quids worth.

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Newtongrange Track Points Championship

F2 Stock Cars

Pos No Name Pts   Pos No Name Pts
1st 722 Paul Broatch *** 425   37th= 723 Alan Warriner 23
2nd 33 Keith Stanford 396   40th 141 Adam Manson 21
3rd 49 Eric Moore 390   41st= 725 Brian Robson 19
4th 744 Russell Taylor 311   41st= 606 Steve Horton 19
5th 542 Ernie Reay 300   43rd= 167 Eugene Carney 18
6th 944 Terry Weighell 253   43rd= 736 George Fulton 18
7th 177 John Gilchrist 244   45th 28 Graham Bunter 17
8th 517 Mel Million 240   46th= 617 Mike James*** 16
9th 100 George MacMillan Jnr 229   46th= 595 Dave Bunt 16
10th 766 Pete Hobson*** 194   46th= 753 Andy Morris 16
11th 671 Ernie Swinburn 179   46th= 44 Alistair Forsyth 16
12th 107 Malcolm Paterson 165   50th= 51 Tim Lish 14
13th 7 Jimmy Moodie 155   50th= 514 Chalky White*** 14
14th 556 Frank Horner 152   50th= 830 Trevor Whitney 14
15th 801 Stuart Wilkinson 133   53rd 712 Bill Paxton 13
16th 62 Derek Donaldson 110   54th= 781 Gray Thornton 11
17th 600 Rod Avon 108   54th= 8 Mick Whittle 11
18th 678 Joe Parrington 106   56th= 166 Gary Henderson 8
19th 41 Gordon McDougall 94   56th= 790 Mike Taylor 8
20th 939 Denis Whitfield 91   58th= 782 Alan Pryde 7
21st 686 Garry Hooper 77   58th= 344 Warren Taylor 7
22nd 706 John Longstaff 76   58th= 667 Bill Batten 7
23rd 676 Steve Gateley 73   58th= 602 Mike Longstaff 7
24th 43 Billy Johnston 65   62nd= 635 Steve Widdowson 6
25th 77 Steve Riley 44   62nd= 943 Les Brown 6
26th 546 Terry Parker 39   62nd= 29 John Rigg 6
27th 46 Peter Forsyth 37   62nd= 716 Paul Young 6
28th 828 Jim Cunliffe 32   66th= 733 Gary Mitchell 5
29th 804 Ian King*** 31   66th= 689 Paul Butcher 5
30th 6 Bob Creamer 30   68th= 728 Brian Middlemiss 4
31st 698 Malcolm Locke 28   68th= 934 Mick McArdle 4
32nd 925 Graham Wilson 27   68th= 621 George Beckham 4
33rd 762 Phill Hiles 26   71st= 665 William Ewart 3
34th= 555 Dave Walton 25   71st= 751 Les Smart 3
34th= 833 Bob Kaye 25   73rd= 924 Paul Carter 2
36th 673 Errol Johnston 24   73rd= 780 Gary Kent 2
37th= 70 John Lothian 23   73rd= 747 Brian Pinkey 2
37th= 601 Ian Smart 23          

Note Font in black denotes white roofs.         Red*** denotes Superstars

Armadale Track Points Championship

F2 Stock Cars

1st 722 Paul Broatch*** 146   20th 100 George MacMillan Jnr 13
2nd 33 Keith Stanford 73   21st= 141 Adam Manson 12
3rd 744 Russell Taylor 64   21st= 751 Les Smart 12
4th 7 Jimmy Moodie 60   23rd 601 Ian Smart 11
5th= 542 Ernie Reay 51   24th 41 Gordon McDougall 8
5th= 600 Rod Avon 51   25th 8 Mick Whittle 6
7th 556 Frank Horner 50   26th= 43 Billy Johnston 5
8th 766 Pete Hobson*** 48   26th= 671 Ernie Swinburn 5
9th 676 Steve Gateley 44   26th= 820 Mel Hutchinson 5
10th 517 Mel Million 43   26th= 781 Gray Thornton 5
11th 107 Malcolm Paterson 40   30th= 723 Alan Warriner 4
12th 49 Eric Moore 39   30th= 546 Terry Parker 4
13th 678 Joe Parrington 35   32nd 801 Stuart Wilkinson 3
14th 177 John Gilchrist 28   33rd= 736 George Fulton 2
15th 944 Terry Weighell 27   33rd= 19 Brian O'Reilly 2
16th 939 Denis Whitfield 25   33rd= 521 Allan Rowlands 2
17th 706 John Longstaff 24   36th= 62 Derek Donaldson 1
18th 686 Garry Hooper 22   36th= 70 John Lothian 1
19th 725 Brian Robson 18   36th= 762 Phill Hiles 1

 

Note Font in black denotes white roofs.         Red*** denotes Superstars

 Scottish Championship  8th August                    Radio Forth Grand National  7th November

1st 100 George MacMillan Jnr   1st 33 Keith Stanford
2nd 686 Garry Hooper        2nd 686 Garry Hooper     
3rd 676 Steve Gateley   3rd 177 John Gilchrist
4th 28 Graham Bunter   4th 600 Rod Avon
5th 698 Malcolm Locke   5th 100 George MacMillan Jnr
6th 753 Andy Morris   6th 542 Ernie Reay
7th 804 Ian King   7th 41 Gordon McDougall
8th 617 Mike James   8th 939 Dennis Whitfield

World Championship Semi-Final  7th August           West of Scotland Championship  1st May

1st 766 Pete Hobson   1st 722 Paul Broatch
2nd 804 Ian King   2nd 678 Joe Parrington
3rd 698 Malcolm Locke   3rd 33  Keith Stanford
4th 595 Dave Bunt   4th 542 Ernie Reay
5th 514 Chalky White   5th 141 Adam Manson
6th 722 Paul Broatch   6th 601 Ian Smart
7th 600 Rod Avon   7th 517 Mel Million
8th 753 Andy Morris   8th 19 Brian O'Reilly

 British Championship  25th August - Bristol             World Championship  12th September - Taunton

1st 667 Billy Batten   1st 667 Billy Batten
2nd 686 Garry Hooper   2nd 804 Ian King
3rd 514 Chalky White   3rd 595 Dave Bunt
4th 779 Steve King   4th 698 Malc Locke
5th 907 John Dawe   5th 686 Garry Hooper
6th 27 Ken Purkess   6th 561 Nick Lawrence
7th 694 Barry Ploughman   7th 830 Trevor Whitney
8th 532 Roy Dyke   8th 766 Pete Hobson
        9th 606 Steve Horton
        10th 516 Norman Butcher
        11th 49 Eric Moore
        12th 600 Rod Avon

There was a European Championship in 1982. What I can say is that it took place at Ringwood and was won by Chalky White. This must have been the most "under" promoted major event in the history of Stock Car Racing. I do not have any further details on the event, not even the date! If anyone can help please let me know.

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 Most wins in 1982:-

Pos No Driver Finals Heats   Pos No Driver Finals Heats
1st 722 Paul Broatch 5 10   15th= 41 Gordon McDougall 1 1
2nd 107 Malcolm Paterson 4 8   15th= 828 Jim Cunliffe 1 1
3rd= 100 George MacMillan Jnr 4 7   17th 686 Garry Hooper 1 0
3rd= 177 John Gilchrist 4 7   18th 706 John Longstaff 0 4
5th 49 Eric Moore 3 12   19th= 542 Ernie Reay 0 3
6th 7 Jimmy Moodie 3 0   19th= 939 Dennis Whitfield 0 3
7th 33 Keith Stanford 2 8   21st= 556 Frank Horner 0 2
8th 766 Pete Hobson 2 7   21st= 671 Ernie Swinburn 0 2
9th 600 Rod Avon 2 3   21st= 678 Joe Parrington 0 2
10th= 744 Russell Taylor 1 6   24th= 667 Bill Batten 0 1
10th= 517 Mel Million 1 6   24th= 698 Malcolm Locke 0 1
12th 676 Steve Gateley 1 4   24th= 804 Ian King 0 1
13th= 801 Stu Wilkinson 1 3   24th= 830 Trevor Whitney 0 1
13th= 944 Terry Weighell 1 3            

Most Highest Points Scores:-

Pos No Driver Total
1st= 107 Malcolm Paterson 5
1st= 722 Paul Broatch 5
2nd= 100 George MacMillan Jnr 4
2nd= 766 Pete Hobson 4
5th= 33 Keith Stanford 3
5th= 49 Eric Moore 3
7th= 600 Rod Avon 2
7th= 676 Steve Gateley 2
7th= 706 John Longstaff 2
10th= 41 Gordon McDougall 1
10th= 62 Derek Donaldson 1
10th= 517 Mel Million 1
10th= 542 Ernie Reay 1
10th= 686 Garry Hooper 1
10th= 744 Russell Taylor 1
10th= 801 Stu Wilkinson 1

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Gordon McDougall’s season got off to a great start from a driving point of view when he won the first F2 race of the year on the 14th March & then followed it up with a heat 2nd, a win in the Final and 3rd in the Grand National from the lap handicap. Little did he know then, but that would be it as far as winning was concerned for 1982.

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There was some disquiet in the Stock Car press over the numbering which had been adopted for the Formula 2's for 1982. F1's & F2's had been split in numbering for the previous 15 years.  F1's 1 - 500 "approx" & F2 500 and above.
In 1981 the Scottish F2 drivers had been allowed to keep their previous Superstox numbers, all of which were below 500. This seems to have been tolerated, however for 1982 the lower numbers had become open slather and this was thought by some to be confusing, ie the same numbers could be utilised in F1 as F2.
Personally I have never had a problem with this as long as there are not cars in the same formula or even race with the same number, as is often the occurrence in say the USA or Australia.

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A bit of number confusion, however I believe this is No 6 Bob Creamer in the ex European Championship winning Bill Pullar Superstox (photo D Seaton)

There were many developments over the close season as far as new recruits into the F2 ranks and the manufacturing of new cars. Regular supplier of music to Scottish Stock Car tracks Bob Creamer of "One Step Beyond" discos had purchased an ex Bill Pullar Superstox converted to an F2 to make his Stock Car Racing debut in 1982. Eric Moore & Alex Craig had new cars. Two top Ministox drivers purchased F2's Phil Hiles & Willie Ewart.      

Saloon Stocker Hamish Buchanan was helping George MacMillan with the construction of his new F2. Warren Taylor had built a new car & then sold it to Ernie Reay, whilst Frank Horner had built "5" new cars over the close season.
One of Frank’s cars was destined for Dunfermiline youngster Alan Harwood. Frank had been building cars for many years, in fact Frank’s first race was at Brough Park, Newcastle in the early 60’s. When that closed he took up Superstox in car No. 407, and even raced on a number of occasions at Cowdenbeath as well as "Spedeworth International" tracks in the East & South of England.
However whether he raced in Scotland or England Frank had a long trip from his home in West Aukland.
              
Frank won his first ever race at Newtongrange at 1982's opening meeting, amazing when you consider that he made 22 appearances at Nitten in 1981, was highest points scorer at two meetings and finished 8th in the track points table for that year.

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Ex Hot Rodder, No 141 Adam Manson (photo D Seaton)

Adam Manson sold his Hot Rod & purchased a new Phill Hayhurst F2, to which he had executed some vey tidy coachwork & paint job.
Billy Johnston who had raced an ex Ian King F2 in 1981 acquired a new car. Ex Saloon Stock man Brian Middlemass purchased George MacMillan's old F2.
Scottish F2 debutants Phil Hiles, Bob Creamer & Allan Pryde all scored points at their first meeting.

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No 13 George McGivern (photo D Seaton)

George McGivern made the long journey from the Isle of Man for Nitten's opening meeting, however he had the wrong gearing for the track, coupled with a mysterious misfire from his engine so did not figure in the results. Lucky I still managed to take a photo of George's visit!

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It only took until the 2nd meeting of the season for the first F2 driver to grab two heats & Final, Russell Taylor accomplishing the feat, unfortunately we didn’t see how he would fair in the Grand National as Russell & brother Warren were "offski" back to County Durum. A pattern they often followed after the Final.

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 An amazing occurrence on the 4th April when the Stock Car meeting scheduled was cancelled, apparently due to insufficient cars being booked in to race. I do not believe this has ever happened again for this reason. So that left 3 meetings in April to run and produced Final wins for Stu Wilkinson, Paul Broatch & George MacMillan. Russell Taylor also managed to win a Grand National on the 11th April, so he didn’t leave after EVERY Final then!
Unfortunately Russell’s early season form came to a halt when he broke his leg at an end of April meeting at Hartlepool.

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No 33 Keith Stanford, not a yellow roof for to much longer (photo D Seaton)

24th April marked a special date in Keith Stanford’s Stock Car Racing career when he collected his first race win the Radio Forth Grand National. He then went one better by collecting his first Final win on the 2nd May. What was of particular note though was that Keith came through for 2nd position in the Grand National from his lap handicap.

I’m sure Keith had taken inspiration from that visionary Stock Car journalist Dave Seaton! who had predicted in "Short Circuit" magazine that Keith and contemporary Jimmy Moddie (then both yellow tops) were destined for greater things. (Jimmy took a few more weeks to demonstrate his true prowess).

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722 Paul Broatch zips past 77 Steve Riley (photo D Seaton)

A very large crowd and a goodly turnout of cars for the opening of Armadale on the 1st May.
Paul Broatch demonstrated his liking for the track by taking both heats and the West of Scotland Championship Final. Joe Parrington had the distinction of winning the other F2 race at that 1st meeting. In fact Paul (he reputedly hates being called “Broatchie”) continued the winning form the next day at Newtongrange taking the first two heats. Broatchie could only manage 2nd in the Final though, the aforementioned Keith Stanford being the winner.

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517 Mel Million winning the "Aussie Trophy" (photo D Seaton)

Another 3 meetings took us up to the F2 World Qualifying Rounds at Armadale & Newtongrange at the end of the month. Two Final wins being collected by “Paul” and one to novice Mel Million. Mel (a white top) had started to really impress. Utilising a Frank Horner car. He had won his first points at the opening Armadale meeting with a Final 7th. However on the 8th May he won a heat at Nitten and netted a Final 3rd. On the 15th May he came through to win the “Highly Prestigious” “Aussie Trophy”! (the first heat of the day, to allow as many drivers as possible a chance of winning). He also won the other heat of the day and finished 2nd in the Grand National. Another heat win came the following day at Hartlepool.

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600 Rod Avon WQR top points scorer, seen here at Armadale (photo D Seaton)

The F2 World Qualifying rounds came round at the end of May. 35 cars were in competition at Armadale on the 29th & 31 cars the following day at Newtongrange. 
Top Scottish points scorers were Keith Stanford with 33 points & Jimmy Moodie with 16 points. Whilst the best performance overall came from long distance traveller from Jersey, Rod Avon who collected heat and Final at Armadale & heat 4th and Final at Newtongrange for a total of 45 points. Pete Hobson was the other big point’s gatherer with heat win and Final 2nd at Armadale & heat 2nd & Final 2nd at Newtongrange for 43 points.

The top ten The World Qualifying Points gained at both tracks were as follows:- 

Armadale                                                                  Newtongrange 

1st 600 Rod Avon 24   1st= 600 Rod Avon 21
2nd 766 Pete Hobson 22   1st= 766 Pete Hobson 21
3rd= 7 Jimmy Moodie 16   3rd 33 Keith Stanford 20
3rd= 686 Garry Hooper 16   4th= 944 Terry Weighell 16
5th= 33 Keith Stanford 13   4th= 723 Alan Warriner 16
5th= 706 John Longstaff 13   6th 830 Trevor Whitney 14
7th= 517 Mel Million 8   7th 706 John Longstaff 11
7th= 944 Terry Weighell 8   8th 542 Ernie Reay 7
9th 49 Eric Moore 7   9th= 686 Garry Hooper 6
9th= 751 Les Smart 7   9th= 177 John Gilchrist 6
9th= 722 Paul Broach 7   9th= 29 John Rigg 6
9th= 8 Mick Whittle 7          

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Sunday however was a day of tragedy in the History of Scottish Stock Car Racing, the worst of events occurred when track flag marshal Willie Hunter was hit during a pre-meeting Ministox race. He was rushed to hospital but died as a result of his injuries.
Willie had been involved in Stock Car racing for many years and was one of Stock Car Racing’s most experienced & respected officials. 
The resident track doctor Dr Carlo Biagi and the track ambulance crew were on the scene within seconds and Willie was rushed to hospital. When news of his death was relayed back to the track a spontaneous silent tribute took place by all drivers, mechanics, officials & fans. The meeting was abandoned.

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John Gilchrist made his F2 debut on the 22nd May and amassed a grand total of 15 points, including 2nd in the Grand National. He then went on to win a number of races including two finals in a row, which earned him a promotion straight up to blue in the July national gradings.

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Garry Hooper made the World Qualifying rounds on the 29th & 30th May, he managed to pick up a valuable 22 points at Armadale though only 6 points at the following day at Newtongrnge.                   
Garry had broken 3 ribs after crashing at the opening meeting at Newton Abbot and severely damaged his car, this curtailed his planned racing somewhat.
Despite this he declared that it was his intention to try and retain his British National Points title. 

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Another good year for Eric (photo D Seaton)

Eric Moore gained a 20 point haul at the Hartlepool World Qualifier, having won the Grand National at Newtongrange the previous evening. He then went on to win the "Frutin Travel" Final to round off a very successful month with his new car and an upgrade to red. 

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In June's "Short Circuit Magazine" reigning World Champion Bill Batten gave Gordon McDougall a big rap as a promoter. He had stated his F2 Stock Car Racing would be wound down a bit in 1982 partly due to his attentions being shared with Hot Rods where he had already qualified for that years World Final. When asked if he would be travelling to Scotland again in 1982 he stated "Oh yes, I've got something a bit special lined up to do with Gordon McDougall up there. Let me tell you, he's just mustard as a promoter. Anything he gets in the way of sponsorship goes straight back to the drivers. Every week they have a 100 pound finals for one of the formulas up there, in a kind of rotation system. If every promoter was like Gordon McDougall you'd have damn sight more cars racing and a helluvalot more people watching them".

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Paul's strange machine attacked by Stu Wilkinson (photo Ian Hardie)

Paul Broatch also debuted a quite strange looking car at the end of May. Maybe this is where BMW got their more recent design inspiration from! 

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Paul Broatch found out how to win friends and influence people when managed to put Warren Taylor & Russell Taylor into the fence in one skilful move in June.

               
End of June and Jimmy Moodie won his first Final, and it was at Armadale the "Dougie Farrer Trophy". Driver personalities had decided to put up trophies for other formulae at this meeting. It was Davie Philp who won his first Final under the auspices of the "GMP" Promotion that being the "Jimmy Low Trophy".
Hamish Buchanan won the Saloon Stock equivalent the "Eric Moore Trophy".

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107 Malcolm Paterson, earliest shot I have from 1967, (photo GM Photos / J Fyffe)

Rumours had persisted that Malcolm Paterson was planning a come back, he had completed a large number of practice laps at Armadale & was apparently the last man to leave the stadium! Malcolm returned to racing on 11th July, 7 years after his retirement he managed a 2nd in his 1st race, 5th in his 2nd race.

 

If there are any other early pics of Malcolm out there I would love to see them.

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George Macmillan travelled down to Blackburn in his pursuit of world qualifying points. He was struggling to earn enough to gain a World Semi-Final place.
George did very well at the meeting in fact he was runner up in the final. The total points gained though were unfortunately not enough to gain him a Semi place.

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25th July Saloon Stock Scottish Championship Day. This meeting was chosen to hold the "East Lancs Towel Company  Golden Jubilee Challenge Trophy" for F2 Stock Cars. This was the 2nd time this Championship had been run. The first being at White City Manchester and won by Jim Cunliffe. As well as the Trophy, substantial additional prize money was added to the normal Final returns. £100 added for the winner  £60 to 2nd,  £40 to 3rd and an extra  £10 for the next 5 drivers.                  
Jim Cunliffe amazingly retained the title with a heat and final double and it was his first visit to Newtongrange in 1982. Jim always drove brilliantly at Nitten it was a surprise, despite the long journey, that he did not compete there more. Malcolm Paterson was 2nd, Russell Taylor 3rd & Pete Hobson 4th.

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World Semi-Final day on August 7th and a huge crowd turned up to watch the proceedings. 
                                   
Scottish representation took the form of:-                 
49 Eric Moore was in 20th on the grid.                  
7 Jimmy Moodie was 22nd on the grid                  
                                    
                  
Pete Hobson & Ian King held down the front row grid positions and at the drop of the flag opened up a bit of a gap to the rest of the field. It was feared for a spell, that Pete was not going to make the start with apparent engine maladies. Last second adjustments on the grid solved the issues. Although Pete took up the lead position, Ian was always there on his tail and indeed managed to execute a substantial hit on the back of Pete's car at around the ten lap mark.
Pete recovered brilliantly and squeezed Ian back going up the next straight. This did allow Malcolm Locke to close up in 3rd though.                   
Dave Bunt & Chalky White were fighting hard for 4th. Dave making fine and forceful progress from his 11th grid spot. The other big mover being Paul Broatch from 15th grid up to 5th also making forceful progress. Given previous Bunt / Broatch history there was much anticipation to see if Paul could catch Dave.
Well he did but Dave withstood the assault and indeed it seemed to give him an added resolve, he swept past Chalky White with 3 to go and closed right up on Malcolm Locke.
The result did not alter though and it was Pete Hobson from Ian King, Malcolm Locke (the latter two on their first visit to Nitten) then Dave Bunt, & Paul Broatch.

Eric Moore improved on his 20th grid slot to finish 10th and thus qualified for the World Final.

The Scottish Fans also got some cheer in the 27 car first heat when Malcolm Paterson stormed to win from Billy Batten. The perennial late comer George MacMillan won the consolation by the proverbial mile.                   
                   
The 36 car Final saw a resumption of the Dave Bunt / Paul Broatch head to head, Dave dealt expertly with Paul spinning him out into the infield, at which point Paul had some brain fade, resumed and promptly stuck Dave in the fence. A physical tete-a-tete then unfortunately occurred for which both protagonists got away with a stern warning, Paul in particular was very lucky not to incur stiffer penalties.                   
The race was declared when the uproar broke out with two laps to go. Malcolm Paterson had driven fabulously to be in the number one spot at the flag fall.
                   
Scottish Championship the following day and Bill Batten's head gasket issues continued from the previous day, so he was going to be unable to defend his championship title. Great heat wins from Malcolm Paterson & George MacMillan. Malcolm Locke picked up the consolation. In the Scottish Championship itself Malcolm suffered engine failure which left George MacMillan to build up a large lead, Garry Hooper made it through to 2nd with Steve Gately 3rd. Ian King picked up the Grand National.
                   
So George Mac Jnr emulated his dad's feat of a Scottish F2 Championship in 1967.                     
Ian King punted Mike James out on the last bend of the last lap to take the Grand National, which rounded off a superb weekend of Stock Car Racing.


100 George MacMillan 1982 F2 Scottish Champion (photo D Seaton)

**********

The engine failure on the 107 car in the Scottish Championship (although we didn't know it then) finally brought an end to the Malcolm Paterson Stock Car career. In a glorious period of only just under 4 weeks, Malcolm took part in 7 meetings, out of a total of a possible 25 races he won 12, was 2nd in 5, 3rd in 1, 2 5ths & 5 unplaced or DNF. 4 of these races were finals which of course meant 3 of these races were also from a 1 lap handicap in the
Grand National. Official records note that Malcolm amassed an amazing 205 points in this short period of time. His second meeting in competition after a 7 year layoff netted two heat wins a final and 2nd in the Grand National from the lap handicap. It was reported that Malcolm intended to return the following year with a new car and a serious campaign for the full season. Sadly it never occurred.
 
The Stock Car fans that had the opportunity of witnessing any of this Stock Car display were truly fortunate. You probably had the privilege of seeing Scotland's greatest ever Stock Car driver at work.

 


107 Malcolm Paterson, the last image I have (photo Ian Hardie)

If there are any other 1982 images of Malcolm's fabulous 4 weeks - let's see them!

********

Keith Stanford received a generous £50 contribution from the supporters club towards his travelling expenses down to the World Semi Final Championship at Newton Abbott.
Keith still recounts his appreciation of that generosity to this day.      He made full use of the trip, raced at Hartlepool on the Sunday, St Austell on the Tuesday, Wednesday at Newton Abbott, he even took in a bit of spectating on the following Saturday F1 World Semi Final at Leicester. The effort was well worthwhile as he qualified for the World Final on the Sunday. 

**********

Some strange moves occurred between Paul Broatch, Denis Whitfield, Terry Weighell & Frank Horner and their cars. Terry decided to use Paul Broatche's "strange" car in the World semi-final. Why? when he had been using his Frank Horner built car to great effect, catapulting him to the star grade. This proved a bad move & Terry was forced to pull out of the World semi. Back in his own machine a fortnight later he won the Final and took 2nd in the grand national from his lap handicap. Then Paul & Frank exchanged cars, though not permanently, In fact Paul ended up with both. So Frank obtained Dennis Whitfield’s' car. The end result of this seemed to be that everbody took a downturn in form!

**********


Perfection from Stock Car Builder 676 Steve Gateley (photo D Seaton)

Steve Gateley made a brilliant return to Armadale / Newtongrange at the end of August scoring a massive 81 points over the two days.                        
Two heats, Final & Grand Nat 3rd on the Saturday at Armadale & heat win, heat 2nd, Final 2nd & Grand Nat win at Nitten on the Sunday.

**********

The "Motorway Tyres" sponsored event on the 4th September, was remarkable in that for the first meeting where every F2 event was won by a Scottish driver.
Eric Moore the two heats & Grand National & Jimmy Moodie the Final (his 2nd final win). Quite fitting as well as Jimmy was largely responsible for securing the sponsorship from his good friend John Graham, manager of the Kirkaldy Depot.

 


7 Jimmy Moodie, Final winner (photo D Seaton)

29 cars lined up for the F2 World Championship at Taunton, a fairly uneventful race saw Bill Batten retain his crown from pole position, Ian King 2nd from 3rd on the grid, & Dave Bunt 3rd from 9th. Eric Moore was the only Scot to finish in 11th place from 27th on the grid.  

**********                

The 2nd annual "Snap On Grand Prix" meeting on the 26th September saw wins for Pete Hobson in the F2's, who invariably got good results at major meetings at Nitten.
Ian Headley captured the Hot Rods version, Hamish Buchanan (after dealing with perceived greatest threat Tommy Davidson first) in the Saloon Stocks and Stephen Henderson in the Ministox.

**********

Newtongrange Star Football Club trophies were up for grabs on the 10th October, Keith Stanford had a stormer of a meeting, heat win, heat 5th, "Star Trophy" Grand Final, then 2nd in the Grand Nat from his lap handicap.

**********

The 2nd running of the Radio Forth Grand National Carnival Finale meeting was held on the 7th November.                 
Gordon had tried to model this meeting on the traditional "Carnival Meeting" held at the end of the Spedeworth Season at Wimbledon, a meeting he had loved taking part in over the years. This involved drivers decorating their cars in a theme for the pre-meeting Grand Parade. I have to confess to being one the "stick in the muds" who only wanted to see proper Stock Car Racing at meetings and not the paraphernalia that was sometimes put on to "entertain the fans. Whether it was bands, football matches, wheel barrow races, monster trucks, wheely dragsters, ladies races, mechanics races, I'm afraid they all leave me a bit uninterested. Fireworks displays were OK - albeit a bit expensive.
However I do understand that they can add to some people's (particularly the kids) appreciation of a "Main Event" Stock Car Meeting.
Anyway back to Radio Forth Grand National Finale, the top points scorers leading up to the event & actual attendees are listed hereunder:-

1982 RADIO FORTH GRAND NATIONAL QUALIFIERS

1st 33 Keith Stanford 113   2nd 744 Russell Taylor 72
3rd 542 Ernie Reay 71   4th= 722 Paul Broatch 63
4th= 49 Eric Moore 63   6th 944 Terry Weighell 56
7th 177 John Gilchrist 54   8th 517 Mel Million 43
9th 671 Ernie Swinburn 42   10th 766 Pete Hobson 40
11th 62 Derek Donaldson 37   12th 100 George MacMillan 34
13th= 107 Malcolm Paterson 33   13th= 7 Jimmy Moodie 33
15th 801 Stu Wilkinson 31   16th 556 Frank Horner 27
17th 678 Joe Parrington 21   18th= 600 Rod Avon 16
18th= 706 John Longstaff 16   20th= 43 Billy Johnston 12
20th= 939 Denis Whitfield 12   20th= 41 Gordon McDougall 12
23rd 77 Steve Riley 11   24th= 141 Adam Manson 10
24th= 46 Peter Forsythe 10   24th= 686 Garry Hooper 10
27th= 601 Ian Smart 9   27th= 6 Bob Creamer 9
27th= 546 Terry Parker 9   30th= 804 Ian King 8
30th= 828 Jim Cunliffe 8   30th= 676 Steve Gately 8
33rd= 725 Brian Robson 7   33rd= 44 Alistair Forsythe 7
33rd= 555 Dave Walton 7   36th 925 Graham Wilson 6
37th= 167 Eugene Carney 5   37th= 833 Bob Kaye 5
37th= 790 Mark Taylor 5   40th= 781 Gray Thornton 4
40th= 712 Bill Paxton 4   40th= 166 Garry Henderson 4
43rd= 665 Willie Ewart 3   43rd= 70 John Lothian 3
45th 602 Mike Longstaff 2   46th= 782 Alan Pryde 1
46th= 728 Brian Middlemiss 1   46th= 747 David Pinkey 1
46th= 736 George Fulton 1          

A very disappointing 22 out of the 49 possible candidates turned up for the big race. 40 cars had started the 1981 event.                      
6 out of the top 20 in 1981 were Scottish, 9 out of the top 20 in 1982 were Scottish.                      
Missing from the top 10 points scorers was Aramdale & Newtongrange Track Champion Paul Broatch. Missing from the next 10 qualifiers were in points order Malcolm Paterson, Frank Horner, Joe Parrington, & John Longstaff.

 1982 RADIO FORTH GRAND NATIONAL ACTUAL ATTENDEES

1st 33 Keith Stanford Scotland   2nd 744 Russell Taylor England
3rd 542 Ernie Reay England    4th 49 Eric Moore         Scotland
5th 944 Terry Weighell England    6th 177 John Gilchrist       Scotland
7th 517 Mel Million England    8th 671 Ernie  Swinburn       England
9th 766 Pete Hobson England    10th 62 Derek Donaldson   Scotland
11th 100 George MacMillan    Scotland   12th 7 Jimmy Moodie       Scotland
13th 801 Stu Wilkinson England    14th 600 Rod Avon          Jersey
15th 939 Denis Whitfield England    16th 43 Billy Johnston      Scotland
17th 41 Gordon McDougall Scotland   18th 686 Garry Hooper      England
19th 546 Terry Parker England    20th  44 Alistair Forsythe   Scotland
21st 70 John Lothian Scotland   22nd 736 George Fulton Scotland


Scotland's biggest mover in 1982, No 33 Keith Stanford (photo Ian Hardie)

Keith Stanford had just been getting better and better all season, Keith didn't disappoint. Under considerable pressure particularly from firstly John Gilchrist, then Pete Hobson and finally 1981 & 82 National Points Champion Garry Hooper (who had made the gargantuan trip from Cornwall the previous week
just to accumulate more Radio Forth Grand National qualifying points, and did after taking a Gran Nat 4th having won the final). What an ovation Keith received as he crossed the line and during his lap of honour. John Gilchrist won a high class Grand final, & Keith starred again to win the Helter Skelter (can't really use Grand Nat twice in the same meeting, so the old name for the all comers race was resurrected ) from Scottish Champ George MacMillan in
2nd & World Champ Billy Batten in 3rd.                      
                      
The "Champion of Champions" events (I do prefer that terminology rather than "Cock of the North"!) were in the Hot Rods Davey Philip rounding off a great season after a long layoff & Hamish Buchannan in the Saloon Stocks.

**************************************

1982 NATIONAL F2 POINTS CHAMPIONSHIP

Superstars & Red Grade Drivers

1st 686 Garry Hooper  **   1271
2nd 667 Bill Batten *  989
3rd 804 Ian King *** 942
4th 628 Kevin Stack *** 831
5th 722 Paul Broatch *** 720
6th 514 Chalky White *** 588
7th 766 Pete Hobson *** 519
8th 517 Mike James *** 514
9th 33 Keith Stanford 491
10th 830 Trevor Whitney 442
11th 744 Russell Taylor 424
12th 621 George Beckham 384
13th 542 Ernie Reay 381
14th 49 Eric Moore 379
15th 678 Joe Parrington 366
16th 676 Steve Gateley 358
17th 698 Malcolm Locke 340
18th 753 Andy Morris 336
19th 517 Mel Million 335
20th 561 Nick Lawrence 323
21st 944 Terry Weighell 319
22nd 556 Frank Horner 316
23rd 907 John Dawe 311

*** denotes Superstars ** denotes silver roof Points Champion * gold roof World Champion

595 Dave Bunt & 41 Gordon McDougall retain red grade due to insufficient meetings

Scottish Drivers in the top 100

9th 33 Keith Stanford 491
14th 49 Eric Moore 379
33rd 177 John Gilchrist 251
34th 100 George MacMillan Jnr 239
49th= 7 Jimmy Moodie 179
51st 107 Malcolm Paterson 174
60th 41 Gordon McDougall 151
69th 62 Derek Donaldson 104
95th 43 Billy Johnson 55
99th= 762 Phill Hiles 42

 For some reason Jimmy Moodie was missing off the official points chart at the end of the season. I have added his points accrued from Newtongrange to come up with the total above. He may have picked up more points from other tracks.

**********************

Newtongrange Track Points Championship

Saloon Stock Cars

1st 168 Alan McHattie 525   24th 29 Sid Threadgall 30
2nd 106 Hamish Buchanan 515   25th= 152 Angel Dillon 29
3rd 241 Charlie Milne 357   25th= 122 George Robertson 29
4th 171 Tommy Davidson 351   27th 214 Jimmy McAlpine 23
5th 68 Tommy Gilchrest 271   28th 11 Jim Honeyman 21
6th 17 William Walker 197   29th 217 Harry Denholm 20
7th 285 Robert Stewart 188   30th 57 Rab McLintock 17
8th 109 John Bell 182   31st 75 Johnny Walker 14
9th 244 Jimmy Low 176   32nd 80 Junior Jackson 9
10th 9 Jock Threadgall 148   33rd= 160 Martin Johnson 8
11th 123 Hugh Brown 144   33rd= 90 Gordon Leithhead 8
12th 69 Russell Scott 138   33rd= 188 Ronnie Ford 8
13th 56 Bill McKnight 124   33rd= 219 George Forrest 8
14th 128 Joe Moir 115   37th 125 Ivor Thomson 6
15th 91 Garry Nimmo 94   38th= 107 James Skirving 4
16th 110 Andy Nelson 89   38th= 161 Colin Birtley 4
17th 10 Jim Nightingale 61   40th 126 Dick Cummings 3
18th 2 Alan Simpson 54   41st= 35 Colin Easton 2
19th 58 Andrew Graham 53   41st= 206 Mike Richardson 2
20th 222 Fraser Dunlop 49   41st= 40 Jimmy Sinclair 2
21st 113 George Kerr 41   44th= 246 Ronnie Angus 1
22nd 218 Jimmy Duncan 38   44th= 28 Andy Young 1
23rd 12 John Hamilton 34          

Armadale Track Points Championship

Saloon Stock Cars

1st 106 Hamish Buchanan 113   16th 218 Jimmy Duncan 8
2nd 168 Alan McHattie 106   17th 110 Andy Nelson 8
3rd 9 Jock Threadgall 98   18th 217 Harry Denholm 7
4th 171 Tommy Davidson 75   19th 214 Jimmy McAlpine 7
5th 69 Russell Scott 48   20th 219 George Forrest 6
6th 68 Tommy Gilchrest 40   21st 58 Andrew Graham 6
7th 17 William Walker 32   22nd 122 George Robertson 3
8th 109 John Bell 27   23rd 40 Jimmy Sinclair 3
9th 241 Charlie Milne 26   24th 26 N/A 3
10th 56 Bill McKnight 22   25th 29 Sid Threadgall 2
11th 222 Fraser Dunlop 18   26th 123 Hugh Brown 2
12th 11 Jim Honeyman 17   27th 244 Jimmy Low 1
13th 285 Robert Stewart 12   28th 128 Joe Moir 1
14th 90 Gordon Leithhead 12   29th 113 George Kerr 1
15th 10 Jim Nightingale 10          

1982 GMP Scottish Saloon Stock Points Championship

Pos No Driver Points
1st 106 Hamish Buchanan 630
2nd 168 Alan McHattie 628
3rd 171 Tommy Davidson 413
4th 241 Charlie Milne 393
5th 68 Tommy Gilchrest 321
6th 9 Jock Threadgall 248
7th 17 William Walker 239
8th 109 John Bell 209
9th 285 Robert Stewart 200
10th 69 Russell Scott 187
11th 244 Jimmy Low 177
12th 123 Hugh Brown 156
13th 56 Bill McKnight 146
14th 128 Joe Moir 116
15th 110 Andy Nelson 97
16th 91 Garry Nimmo 94
17th 10 Jim Nightingale 71
18th 222 Fraser Dunlop 67
19th 58 Andrew Graham 59
20th 2 Alan Simpson 54
21st 218 Jimmy Duncan 46
22nd 113 George Kerr 42
23rd 11 Jim Honeyman 38
24th 12 John Hamilton 34
25th= 122 George Robertson 32
25th= 29 Sid Threadgall 32
27th 214 Jimmy McAlpine 30
28th 152 Angel Dillon 29
29th 217 Harry Denholm 27
30th 219 George Forrest 22
31st 90 Gordon Leithhead 20
32nd 57 Rab McLintock 17
33rd 75 Johnny Walker 14
34th 80 Junior Jackson 9
35th= 160 Martin Johnson 8
35th= 188 Ronnie Ford 8
37th 125 Ivor Thomson 6
38th 40 Jimmy Sinclair 5
39th= 107 James Skirving 4
39th= 161 Colin Birtley 4
41st= 26 N/A 3
41st= 126 Dick Cummings 3
43rd= 35 Colin Easton 2
43rd= 206 Mike Richardson 2
45th= 246 Ronnie Angus 1
45th= 28 Andy Young 1

*** Note - These are the official published totals from "Scots Stock" - the totals for both tracks do not in a number of cases = the total for the Scottish Table - I know not why!

*** Note - The drivers listed in black font in the above table are white tops.

********************


Following TD's success with a Fiat in 1981, Hamish gives it a go in 1982 (photo D Seaton)

Hamish Buchanan having won the National Points title in 1981 and collecting another 15 Final wins to an already impressive 58, he went on to win the first 3 Finals of the 1982 season and indeed collected another 12 in total over the year. There is every possibility that Hamish is currently the most successful Scottish Stock Car / Hot Rod driver (in terms of race wins), of all time. Of course I have not collated all results at this point and there is the distinct possibility that Gordon Moodie could surpass everybody in terms of race wins and more importantly "quality" of race wins. My feeling at this time though is that it is a close run thing between Hamish & Malcolm Paterson. The amazing thing is he didn't win the 1982 Points title! - in fact I don't believe it!

 West of Scotland Championship  1st May              Scottish Championship  26th July

1st 9 Jock Threadgall   1st 171 Tommy Davidson
2nd 106 Hamish Buchanan   2nd 106 Hamish Buchanan
3rd 222 Fraser Dunlop   3rd 241 Charlie Milne
4th 11 Jim Honeyman   4th 17 Willie Walker
5th 168 Alan McHattie   5th 58 Andrew Graham
6th 68 Tommy Gilchrist   6th 10 Jim Nightingale
7th 241 Charlie Milne   7th   NOF
8th 218

Jimmy Duncan

  8th   NOF

 Champion of Champions  7th November                Open British Championship  30th August  -  Hartlepool 

1st 106 Hamish Buchanan   1st 9 Jock Threadgall
2nd 241 Charlie Milne   2nd 106 Hamish Buchanan
3rd 128 Joe Moir   3rd 171 Tommy Davidson
4th   NOF   4th   NOI
5th   NOF   5th   NOI
6th   NOF   6th   NOI
7th   NOF   7th   NOI
8th   NOF   8th   NOI

 **********

Most Wins in 1982:-

Pos No Driver Finals Heats
1st 106 Hamish Buchanan 12 22
2nd 171 Tommy Davidson 6 13
3rd 168 Alan McHattie 3 13
4th 9 Jock Threadgall 3 7
5th 241 Charlie Milne 3 3
6th 56 Billy McNight 2 4
7th 109 John Bell 2 2
8th 68 Tommy Gilchrist 2 1
9th= 123 Hugh Brown 1 1
9th= 128 Joe Moir 1 1
11th 91 Garry Nimmo 1 0
12th 69 Russell Scott 0 2
13th 285 Rab Stewart 0 1
14th 75 Johnny Walker 0 1

**********

Most Highest Points Scores:-

Pos No Driver Total
1st 106 Hamish Buchanan 13
2nd 168 Alan McHattie 10
3rd 171 Tommy Davidson 4
4th 241 Charlie Milne 3
5th 9 Jock Threadgall 2
6th 17 Willie Walker 1
7th 56 Billy McNight 1
8th 68 Tommy Gilchrist 1
9th 91 Garry Nimmo 1
10th 123 Hugh Brown 1
11th 222 Fraser Dunlop 1
12th 285 Rab Stewart 1

**********


109 John "Slammer" Bell, Final Winner (photo D Seaton)

Despite this impressive start by the end of May there had been no less than Six Saloon Stock Final winners Jock Threadgall, Hamish Buchanan, Charlie Milne, John Bell, Tommy Davidson & Billy McKnight.

**********

Hartlepool promoter Warren Taylor announced that he would be holding an Open British Championship for Saloon Stocks at his August bank holiday meeting, he also hoped there would be sufficient cars left over for a Scotland v England team race later in the programme.

**********


This is how to take part in a fued! (photo Ian Hardie)

A Hamish Buchanan / Charlie Milne feud opened up at the meeting on 14th August after Hamish dealt Charlie a "cropper" in the first heat, so Charlie tried to fix up Hamish into the fence on the rolling lap of the 2nd heat, he failed & he also failed to catch him for the rest of the race. Let the battle commence in the Final then, only they never got near each other as Charlie sped away to win, and did the crowd love it or what - great stuff!
He also won heat & final on September 4th, so a return to form was evident, he just had to avoid too many feuds. Not too many though!

**********


68 Tommy Gilchrist trying hard to get past 285 Rab Stewart (photo D Seaton)

The Saloon Stock racing at the first meeting in May  was of particular interest. Russell Scott was in the lead until the last few laps when Tommy Davidson spifflicated Russell and delayed himself in the process, the race was stopped to attend to Russell and Rab Stewart was declared the winner. Tommy managed to win the 2nd heat, followed by Rab Stewart, however Rab found himself in the home straight fence after crossing the line courtesy of Alan McHattie.
Tommy was also flying in the final, only this time "Cheerfull" Charlie got on to his tail sending him fencewards, he then got past John Bell to take his first win of the season.

***********


No 9 Jock Threadgall demonstrating wet driving skill (photo D Seaton)

Jock Threadgall dominated first two Armadale meetings. Winning the West of Scotland Championship at the first. He made red for the first time in the July gradings. Two drivers submitted a protest as the promoters had decided there would be no engine checks, despite this being a Championship. Jock's engine was found to be entirely legal.                           
The then current "GMP" policy was for the first 3 in any of the Scottish Championships to have the car legality checked. 

Another driver to score an early season win Billy McKnight, who had only been racing for a few months, had won heat & final on 15th May which instigated a protest by Hamish Buchanan & Charlie Milne. The car was not made available for checking & indeed a Billy also failed to present at a later deadline. As a result Billy acquired a £25  fine & forfeit of all prize money & trophies for that day, & was penalised by having to start at the back of the grid for one month. Billy's car was allowed to race the following week with a different driver. Billy returned the compliment by protesting Hamish & Charlie's cars both which were pronounced legal. 

**********
        

Tommy Davidson produced a storming drive in the Scottish Saloon Championship on the 25th July. The 26 car field was decimated in the first few laps.
Tommy was actually one of the casualties, having been spun out by Tommy Gilchrist. Undaunted Tommy gathered up his car and resumed the chase. He was a man possessed and by halfway was in the lead and pulling away. Hamish Buchanan resumed his "friendly" rivalry with Charlie Milne by spinning him out on the last lap to snatch 2nd, which in fact meant that every driver who finished the race had been spun out during the event, Charlie recovered to collect the 3rd spot. Tommy very efficiently had his roof painted with the St Andrews Cross prior to coming out for the 2nd heat.

**********


Willie Walker pictured here with a yellow roof (photo D Seaton)

Saloon Stock Car driver Willie Walker made it to star grade in the September gradings. Willie had been gaining some consistent placings, including a 4th in the Scottish Saloon Championship.                           
Willie a true Stock Car enthusiast very generously also managed to find time (and cash) to sponsor Hot Rod & Ministox Championships.                           
                           
In the same grading change John "Slammer" Bell also made red top. Jim Nightingale & Garry Nimmo moved up to blue.

**********


A new Saloon Stock Star emerges 1982 Open British Champ (photo D Seaton)

I don't have too many details on the "Open British" Saloon Stock Championship which was held at Hartlepool on the 30th August. Other than the field was largely made up of "GMP" Scottish drivers.                   
A large contingent of Scottish fans also made the journey to support them. It was up and comer Jock Threadgall that collected the title, his 2nd Championship of the season after his West of Scotland win.                   
Hamish Buchanan was 2nd & Tommy Davidson 3rd. It is notable that Jock won both these titles on his first visits to Hartlepool & Armadale.                   
Apparently Jock executed a neat disposal of Tommy Davidson in the race (Tommy had done the same to him in the Scottish Championship race.). Hamish Buchanan won the other heat from Englishman David Chance. David then went one better to win the meeting final from another up and coming star Willie Walker, Tommy Davidson again slotted into 3rd.                   
                    
The Saloon Stocks saw a welcome victory for John "Slammer" Bell. While the Ministox was a victory for Scott Haig.                   
                   
Saloon Stock Car stalwart since the opening of Newtongrange - Joe Moir also netted his first ever final win at this meeting, having also picked up one of the heats!

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Newtongrange Track Points Championship

Hot Rods

1st 23 Doug Farrer 640   10th 66 Ian Dickie 125
2nd 127 Alex Grant 566   11th 22 Colin McCabe 78
3rd 299 Davey Philip 448   12th 31 John Boyd 76
4th 207 John McWilliam 328   13th 8 Charlie Brown 72
5th 4 Ronnie McLaren 310   14th 102 Ronnie McKenzie 62
6th 19 Alan Sibbald 283   15th 37 Ian Simpson 12
7th 154 Ian Headley 262   16th 50 Richard Denholm 11
8th 112 Greg Cocker 188   17th 423 Brian Middlemiss 10
9th 208 Graham Cotterrell 176          

**********

Armadale Track Points Championship

Hot Rods

1st 23 Doug Farrer 129   6th 154 Ian Headley 64
2nd 299 Davey Philip 102   7th 4 Ronnie McLaren 61
3rd 127 Alex Grant 102   8th 112 Greg Cocker 26
4th 207 John McWilliam 72   9th 8 Charlie Brown 24
5th 19 Alan Sibbald 64   10th 208 Graham Cotterrell 23

1982 Scottish Hot Rod Points Championship

No Driver Points
23 Doug Farrer 779
127 Alex Grant 668
299 Davey Philp 552
207 John McWilliam 400
19 Alan Sibbald 347
4 Ronnie McLaren 336
154 Ian Headley 325
112 Greg Cocker 214
208 Graham Cotterrell 199
66 Ian Dickie 125
8 Charlie Brown 96
22 Colin McCabe 78
31 John Boyd 76
102 Ronnie McKenzie 61
37 Ian Simpson 12
50 Richard Denholm 11
423 Brian Middlemiss 10

 

*** Note - These are the official published totals from "Scots Stock"  the totals for both tracks do not in a number of cases = the total for the Scottish Table - I know not why!

*** Note - The drivers listed in black font in the above table are white tops.

********************

 West of Scotland Championship  1st May           Scottish Championship  29th August

1st 127 Alex Grant   1st 23 Dougie Farrer
2nd 23 Dougie Farrer   2nd 299 Davey Philp
3rd 19 Allan Sibbald   3rd 19 Allan Sibbald
4th 207 John McWilliam   4th 112 Greg Cocker
5th 154 Ian Headley   5th 4 Ronnie McLaren
6th   NOF   6th 207 John McWilliam
7th   NOF   7th   NOF
8th   NOF   8th   NOF

Champion of Champions  7th November

1st 299 Davey Philp
2nd 112 Greg Cocker
3rd 66 Ian Dickie
4th 19 Allan Sibbald
5th 208 Graham Cotterrell
6th 4 Ronnie McLaren
7th 37 Ian Simpson
8th   NOF

********************

Most Wins in 1982:-

Pos No Driver Finals Heats
1st 23 Dougie Farrer 11 23
2nd 299 Davey Philp 9 14
3rd 127 Alex Grant 5 10
4th 19 Allan sibbald 3 10
5th 31 John Boyd  1 3
6th= 112 Greg Cocker  1 2
6th= 66 Ian Dickie 1 2
6th= 207  John Mcwilliam 1 2
6th= 4  Ronnie McLaren 1 2
10th 154 Ian Headley 1 1
11th= 22 Colin MaCabe  1 0
11th= 208 Graham Cotterell  1 0
11th= 102 Ronnie McKenzie  1 0

**********

Most Highest Points in 1982:-

Pos No Driver Total
1st 23 Dougie Farrer 12
2nd 299 Davey Philp 11
3rd 127 Alex Grant 6
4th= 19 Allan Sibbald 2
4th= 22 Colin McCabe 2
4th= 4 Ronnie McLaren 2
7th= 66 Ian Dickie 1
7th= 112 Greg Cocker 1
7th= 207 John McWilliam 1

********************

Another 1st time event happened at the first meeting in 1982, a Mini won the Hot Rod final at the hands of newcomer Colin McCabe. Mind you it was a close run thing Dougie Farrer had won both heats, and Colin only just held off Dougie & Alex Grant at the finish. Better still was the fact that first place carried a 130 pounds first prize in the "Henniker & Kerr" sponsored event.

**********


1981 Scottish Champ Allan Sibbald at Armadale (photo D Seaton)

Hot Rod wins being spread around in the early part of the season, Colin McCabe, Ronnie McLaren, Dougie Farrer, Alex Grant, Graham Cotterall & John McWilliam.
Scottish Champion Alan Sibbald had made a return to the tracks winning 5 heats but did not capture a final until 22nd May.

 

 

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299 Davey Philp, very successful return to racing (photo Ian Hardie)

Davey Philp made a return to the track with a new RS bodied Escort. The car was on display at the Armadale opener. Davey was a star of the 70's having won Finals in Saloon Stocks & Hot Rods, in fact making it into the top 25 over the whole decade. It didn't take long before he went on a Final winning spree again, taking three in a row from 19th June. After only competing in a few months of racing made it up to red in the Hot Rods, while Ally King made it up to red in the Ministox.

 

 

 

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The NHRPA again rejected the "GMP" application to join the organisation.

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The very smart Mini of Bob Bunting (photo courtesy Stevie Aldridge)

15 Cars lined up for the Scottish Championship on the 29th August including long distance English travellers Bob Bunting & Terry Priddis. I have attached a photo of Bob's pretty neat looking Mini, kindly forwarded to me by Stock Car enthusiast Stevie Aldridge. Unfortunately Bob's engine developed some
maladies before the race got underway and that was him out for the rest of the meeting. But you don't get many opportunities to feature great looking Mini Hot Rods.
Dougie Farrer drove a faultless race to regain his crown lapping every other car save Davie Philp in 2nd and Alan Sibbald in 3rd. I shouldn't really say "crown" as it was Davie Philip that was "crowned" when he went one better to win the "King of Newtongrange" Final later in the day in quite a close fight from Alex Grant & Dougie Farrer.                    
Alex Grant had badly damaged his car 2 weeks prior to the Scottish, rebuilt it for the following meeting, his car burst into flames in the pits.
This dealt with and the car repaired he ended up in the fence in the 2nd heat. Alex Grant had put up a bit of a challenge until forced out with mechanical trouble towards the end of the Final. It just was not meant to be for Alex this year.
Dougie won the race at a canter mainly due to Dougie expertly avoiding some mayhem at the start which held up a lot of the other fancied runners, almost a full lap ahead of Davey Philp at the end.

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Neat Ian Headley Escort (photo D Seaton)

Richard Denholm debuted a new Escort, F2 racer Brian Middlemass made his Hot Rod debut.                    
                     
Ian Headley joined Nitten with a Pinto powered car (he had previously raced at Spedeworth Scotland).                    
Colin McCabe was another newcomer to the sport.                    
                     
Ian Dickie returned to the tracks in 1982 with sponsorship from a major National company in Sunblest Bakeries.

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1982 Scottish Ministox Points Championship

    OFFICIAL         UNOFFICIAL  
Pos No Driver Points   Pos No Driver Points
1st 236 Ian Robertson 281   1st 236 Ian Robertson 281
2nd 235 Duncan Robertson 275   2nd 235 Duncan Robertson 275
3rd 46 Stephen Henderson 268   3rd 46 Stephen Henderson 268
4th 57 Liam Murray 249   4th 57 Liam Murray 249
5th 12 Billy McLeod 233   5th 12 Billy McLeod 233
6th 21 Graeme McAlpine 211   6th 21 Graeme McAlpine 211
7th 65 Ronald Grant 169   7th 65 Ronald Grant 169
8th 64 John Fortune 157   8th= 64 John Fortune 157
9th 74 Alistair King 140   8th= 16 James Docherty 157
10th 17 Gordon Alexander 124   10th 74 Alistair King 140
11th 9 Scott Haig 120   11th 17 Gordon Alexander 124
12th 2 Andy Young 91   12th 9 Scott Haig 120
13th 38 Gordon Ritchie 90   13th 2 Andy Young 91
14th= 39 Mike Robertson 85   14th 38 Gordon Ritchie 90
14th= 28 David Allan 85   15th= 39 Mike Robertson 85
16th 8 Neil Weatherley 51   15th= 28 David Allan 85
17th 371 Ross Turner 24   17th 8 Neil Weatherley 51
18th= 52 Daryn Smith 12   18th 299 Gillian Philp 41
18th= 23 Colin Todd 12   19th 371 Ross Turner 24
20th 20 Andrew Young 5   20th 237 Mike Robertson 19
21st 299 Gillian Philp 2   21st 6 Jim Dow 13
          22nd= 7 Peter Alexander 12
          22nd= 52 Daryn Smith 12
          22nd= 23 Colin Todd 12
          25th= 20 Andrew Young 5
          25th= 61 Kevin McGuigan 5
          27th 217 Kevin Hawker 4
          28th 3 Colin Glasgow 2
          29th 14 Scott Greg 1

****I have compiled an unofficial table for the Ministocks due to a number of drivers being omitted from the official one. I have also amended the total points allocated to Gillian Philp due to the results she accrued at the last 3 meetings of the season. There may be a good reason why her total points were amended, I am not aware of one.

Scottish Championship  10th October          UK Championship  11th September  -  Long Eaton 

1st 235 Duncan Robertson   1st   Phill Woodhull
2nd 39 Mike Robertson   2nd   Jon Milkivic
3rd 299 Gillian Philp   3rd 46 Stephen Henderson
4th 46 Stephen Henderson   4th   NOI
5th 23 Colin Todd   5th   NOI
6th 236 Ian Robertson   6th   NOI
7th   NOF   7th   NOI
8th   NOF   8th   NOI

There was also a British Open Championship which was held at Northampton at which, Stephen Henderson & Liam Murray represented Scotland. I don't have any details relating to the race including the date. The winner was Richard Peel

Most Wins in 1982:-

Pos No Driver Finals Heats
1st 16 James Docherty 1 12
2nd 235 Duncan Robertson 1 9
3rd 12 Billy McLeod 1 5
4th= 74 Alistair King 1 4
4th= 21 Graeme McAlpine 1 4
6th 46 Stephen Henderson 0 7
7th 57 Liam Murray 0 3
8th 236 Ian Robertson 0 3
9th 64 John Fortune 0 3
10th 28 David Allan 0 2
11th 17 Gordon Alexander 0 2
12th 38 Gordon Ritchie 0 2
13th 2 Andy Young 0 2
14th 39 Mike Robertson 0 1
15th 299 Gillian Philp 0 1
16th 9 Scott Haig 0 1
17th 65 Ronald Grant 0 1

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Most Highest Points Scores:-

Pos No Driver Total
1st 46 Stephen Henderson 6
2nd 235 Duncan Robertson 6
3rd 12 Billy McLeod 4
4th 16 James Docherty 3
5th 17 Gordon Alexander 3
6th 39 Mike Robertson 2
7th 74 Alistair King 2
8th 236 Ian Robertson 2
9th 21 Graeme McAlpine 2
10th 9 Scott Haig 1
11th 28 David Allan 1
12th 38 Gordon Ritchie 1
13th 57 Liam Murray 1
14th 64 John Fortune 1
15th 65 Ronald Grant 1
16th 2 Andy Young 1

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Gordon Alexander made the star grade in the Ministox in the July gradings.                   
                  
Minstox driver Alistair King won 3 straight races at Armadale after never having won a race before!                  
                  
The Scottish Championship for Ministox was postponed twice, first time due to a date mix up, 2nd time due to the invitation of Scottish Drivers to the UK Championship at Northampton on October 10th. One upshot of this was that Hot Rod driver Ian Headley put up 100 pounds plus trophy in sponsorship on behalf of his company "Clyde Fertilisers". In the UK Championship No 46 Stephen Henderson put up a brilliant display to come through for a 3rd place behind future F2 stock car drivers, winner Phil Woodhull & 2nd placeman Jon Milkevic. No 64 John Fortune finished 9th.                
                  
Saturday 18th was a meeting of note in that young Gillian Philp made her debut in the Ministox, taking a 7th in only her 2nd race.                  
                  
"GMP's" last ever meeting at Armadale on the 24th October and Gillian Philp managed to win her first ministox race only a month after starting racing.                  
                  
The Scottish Ministox Championship on the 31st October was a victory for Duncan Robertson with unrelated Mike Robertson in 2nd & Stephen Henderson 3rd. 

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BANGERS

Paul Wightman was the winner of the 1982 Scottish Banger Championship which was held at Armadale on 28th August. A large crowd was in attendance to witness Paul also winning one of the heats and Saloon Stock man Jock Threadgall the other. Paul of course went on to become one of the big names in Scottish Oval motor racing. The race was sponsored by "William Spence" (Insurance Brokers).                   
                   
26 cars took part in the "Figure of 8" final. Amazingly Paul was the only driver to finish and it wasn't a demolition derby!

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So "GMP's" 2nd season concluded, a difficult year, the fans and the drivers and the staff showed tremendous support for the promotion. Some spectacular racing was put on display & it is fair to say all were looking forward to what 1983 might bring.

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