Cunningham takes a hat-trick

Race Results: Saturday 4th March

CC Rods
Heat 1: 207, 63, 91, 419, 700, 170, 289, 337, 542, 304
Heat 2: 207, 700, 111, 542, 63, 170, 6, 171, 289, 337
Final: 207, 170, 289, 63, 37, 111, 542, 6, 419, 195
H2 - 111,542 Docked 2 places for contact
Final - 542 Docked 2 places for not holding line

Ministox
Heat 1: 42, 145, 84, 6, 165, 7, 699, 680, 629, 858
Heat 2: 6, 167, 699, 145, 45, 42, 480, 172, 68, 14
Final: 167, 84, 42, 165, 6, 145, 14, 629, 172, 628

Superstox
Heat 1: 171, 611, 119, 217, 128, 453, 446, 309, 028
Heat 2: 128, 171, 217, 119, 309, 446, 453, 028
Final: 119, 446, 309, 453, 128, 028

2.0 Hot Rods
Heat 1: 144, 21, 196, 23, 178, 107, 82, 26, 755, 13
Heat 2: 26, 178, 144, 23, 21, 82, 107, 196, 755, 13
Final: 23, 144, 178, 21, 82, 107, 26, 755, 13, 703
H2 - 23 docked 2 places for contact on 144

Cunningham takes a hat-trick

Saturday night seen some fast and furious action at Lochgelly Raceway, with the Ministox taking the majority of the plaudits – as 27 cars took to the track to provide brilliant racing throughout the evening.

The CC Rods kicked off the evening with the first race of the night in what was the beginning of a great night for newcomer, Alex Cunningham as he took the first of his three victories. With a number of drivers moving on into different formula, there was a little concern about the CC Rod formula dipping in numbers, but those fears never materialized, as 17 cars took to the track on the opening night of the season – more than had been expected. A number of newcomers in the formula is a welcome boost, with the majority of them finding their feet fairly quickly. Alec Cunningham, Richard Cairns, Regan Watson, Gregor Whyte, Garry Roberts, and Steven Adair were all new to the formula, whilst Ian Donaldson made an outing in the new Graeme Hardie car. The aforementioned Cunningham faired best of the newbies with a superb hat-trick of victories that will see him move up the grades for the next meeting. On the opposite end of the scale, Steven Adair took a little bit of getting used to the car, with a coming together with the wall in practice, but looked to show good pace in the races. A big blow up in the meeting final for Ian Donaldson seen a haze of smoke on the final lap, with drivers blindsided and a few coming togethers as a result – with Gregor Whyte re-emerging from the smoke with only three wheels!! Points Champion Kyle Hutchison scored well from the back of the grid, whilst Scottish Champion Kevin Hutchison appeared to struggle with his car throughout the evening.

The Ministox started their 2023 season in the best possible manner – numerous newcomers in the formula, and lots of talented drivers determined to succeed and put on an excellent showing to the onwatching spectators. If it hadn’t been for race stoppages, we may well have seen several white graded drivers take victory on the night! Jake Wilson drove superbly in heat 1, to race to victory in what was a very stop-start race, leading home Rachel Kidd and Robbie Armit. Heat 2 seen the race go from flag to flag without any cautions – Hamish Plenderleith taking victory from the blue grade, closely followed by fellow blue graded driver, Sam Cavanagh. Jay Carruthers put in a good showing on the night, as he took away a good haul of points for his efforts – with an admirable third place finish coming his way in heat 2. A frantic end to the race in heat 2 would see Rachel Kidd clash with younger brother Dougie as they took the checkered flag, with Rachel spinning around under the starters box as a result of the coming together. The meeting final seen a superb performance from Ollie Sime and Kerr Paterson – With Ollie leading the way for much of the race, before a race stoppage seen his commanding lead reeled right back in with a chain of drivers on his bumper at the race restart. The restart would see Ollie drop down the order as a result. Kerr Paterson battled throughout the race, contending with the restarts well from a front running position, and managed to hold on for an 8th place finish. Sam Cavanagh took a well deserved race win, with Robbie Armit and Jake Wilson finishing second and third respectively.

The Superstox found themselves a little short on car numbers, though, more are due to take to the track in the coming meetings. Despite the lower numbers, the racing was still good, with a fair amount of bumperwork throughout the evening. The opening race of the night seen a Dean Johnston and Bryan Forrest come to blows on the opening lap, with both drivers dropping back from the rest of the pack as a result. Mark Brady drove to a commanding victory in heat 1 from his blue grade position, with Aaron Riddell being the first of the red graded drivers to cross the line in third place. Heat 2 would see Ciaran Adams take victory – something he has started to get the feel for given his form at the end of the 2022 season. The meeting final would see Riddell take victory, with Dean Johnston finishing second ahead of Bryan Forrest. Jack Turbitt took a bit of damage following a big hit from Dean Johnston midway through the race. Hopefully, Jack will have it sorted and be back out with us this weekend.

The 2.0 Hot Rods took to the track for the first time this year. James Morris showed of his new livery for the 2023 season - painted and signed as per the winning entrant in a competition that he ran at the end of the season. The car was designed by a local 9 year old, and the car turned out excellent. The racing was close throughout the night, with lots of great overtaking maneuvers and good close racing. Three different winners on the night bodes well for the season ahead, with Cameron Willacy taking victory in heat 1, Jock Campbell in heat 2, before James Morris claimed the meeting final.

We are back in action this Saturday, with the Service Central Ninja Karts making their season debut. The Stock Rods, Superstox and National Hot Rods are all also in action. The main event gets underway at 6pm.

View event laptimes on Speedhive