Next up it was a trip to the micro climate that is Buxton for another weekend double header, but this time on tarmac, and two more world championship qualifying rounds, with us moving over to Hednesford tomorrow. We had 4 cars at Buxton, Frankie, Frankie JJ, Karl and Al Plant in a hire car.
Heat 1 (Whites & Yellows)
Just Al went out for heat 1 and he lined up on pole at the front of the grid. There was just one stoppage to recover the Mick Haworth and Dean Whitwell cars and after that the race was won by George Elwell. George failed post race scrutineering so the win went to Lewis Evans.
Heat 2
Frankie, Frankie JJ, Karl and Al all made their way out for heat 2. Al lead the race for the first few laps as Frankie dispatched Craig Finnikin to make his way through the field. By half way Micky Randall was at the front with the rapid Chris Cowley closing him down, and with 2 to go Chris passed the 172 to take the lead and the win, despite a late lunge from Randall on the last bend. Frankie finished 2nd, with Frankie JJ 12th.
Heat 3
Frankie, Frankie JJ and Karl were all out again in heat 3, and after a complete restart following Dean Whitwell’s roll on the start finish line, it was a de ja vu moment as Chris Cowley won his 2nd race of the day (i the rain this time) with Frankie finishing 4th. Frankie JJ and Karl didn’t finish.
Final
The final was ‘all in’ so all bar Al made it to the grid, and the early lead went to Chris Worrall in his impressive looking car. James Hall-Morton took over at the front after about 6 laps with the two race winners from earlier on his tail (Chris Cowley and Lewis Evans).
Frankie JJ moves Karl aside on turn 3 but loses time himself while near the front Franke pulls the same move on Bobby Griffin.
Tom Harris is making progress and the crowd anticipate another final win for the reigning silver roof driver, but Lewis Evans, who by now is leading has other ideas and hold on for the win. Tom passed Chris for 2nd as did Paul Harrison who was 3rd and Frankie 4th. Chris finished 5th.
Grand National
Our same 3 cars made it on track for the final F1 race with Lewis Evans starting the race behind Frankie and Tom at the back of the grid.
James Hall-Morton led them away and at the back Tom dispatches both Mat Newson and Craig Finnikin in the same move. By lap 3 Chris Cowley is leading with Tom up to 3rd on a very wet and greasy track.
With 5 to go the 73 car slides wide under pressure from Tom Harris who takes the lead, with Frankie and Paul Hines coming good towards the end too.
Chris hadn’t given up the ghost on the race and was on Tom’s bumper as he crossed the line sideways to take the win, with Cowley 2nd, Paul Hines 3rd and Frankie 4th. Frankie JJ and Karl finished 8th & 9th respectively.
Off to Hendesford tomorrow for some bank holiday action, see you there.
#wainmanracing #briscaf1
Photo’s ©Paul Greenwood
