Arena Essex Raceway - Meeting 04/02 Sunday, March 21, 2004 Crashnet > Reports Index > PRI 2004 Index > Meeting 04/02

National Bangers Group A Hot Rods 1300 Stock Cars

The weather continued to cause problems for the competitors at Arena Essex as they took to the circuit for the second meeting of the season on March 21.

The Group A Hot Rods saw a white hot battle between Gary Rouse and Terry Bearman in each of the races they squared off in, while Ricky McCatty scored the first win of the season and newcomer Ben Eastmead beat out Chris Smith, Gary Brown also picking up a heat win. The final went to Steve Gooch, a race that was heavily slowed by the rain with surface water causing many to aquaplane out of control including Nick Hill, something unusual for the wet weather specialist. Gooch managed to get the final win on the finish line, just ahead of Dave Hutchins who had controlled the race, Eastmead keeping his head in front of Smith while Simon Simmons also put in a good race in his new car, Simmons finally forsaking his customary Mini.

The 1300 Stock Cars were certainly a family affair, with "Paddy Jnr." taking the circuit. We also had the return of Derry Monk who, at one time, dominated racing in this formula at Arena Essex. However the family link certainly worked for father and son Paul and Gavin Griffiths. Gavin managed to get a heat and final double on his debut meeting, making the most of a mistake by Darren Pratt in the warm up race, then again getting the better of a mistake, this time beating out James Avison for the final win, Avison just making it home in time for third spot as his car died after a few too many visits to the outside line, Pratt again taking second. Paul then went on to win the helter-skelter as the track started to get its hosing from above.

It was the first time out for the National Bangers this season at Arena Essex, and Jason Jackson consolidated his standing at the top of the points with a final win in what proved to be a day of heavy wrecking, the best of these coming in the Rawlins 2000 Qualifier when sponsor Roy Rawlins demonstrated that age had not dimmed the talent for wrecking whatever got in his way! Jackson's final win came at the expense of Waz Barber who was sliced out by Boxer on the pit bend on the last lap. Jackson would also pick up points in the Rawlins, which was won by Malcolm Fuller, though Simon Smith proved one car too many for Rawlins to take the last points of the day. Heat wins also went to Joe Warner and Paul Whiteman, who also scored in the last race of the day.

Last car running: 589 Simon Smith

Penalties
B138 Elliot Dobson - Disqualified (illegal contact) from event 5 pending further penalties
B336 Ian Smith - Disqualified (conduct) from event 8 pending further penalties
A67 Gary Brown - Penalised 2 places in event 7 for contact

Points after meeting 04/02

Please note that the points shown are unofficial and are given as a guideline only. For the official standings, you should consult the monthly newsletter or contact the PRI Office during office hours on (01708) 867728.

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Also see Matthew Bull's website for more pictures from this meeting!

© 2004 Chris Johnson (Crashnet) / Promotasport Raceways