TEEN sensation, Bradley Lee, won three races at the opening round of the, new for 2017, Micro National Banger World Series at Arena Essex on Sunday. It was a stunning debut in the National Banger class for Lee, who is a former World Champion in the Junior Bangers.
16 year old, Lee was nigh on unstoppable during a very lively afternoons Banger racing, winning a heat, final and allcomers race, whilst much of the rest of the field set about each other in no uncertain terms.
Dan Newman and Micky Turner were rollover victims, Turner owing his inversion to an attack from the ever lively Ricky Hutton. Hutton was also on hand to land a big shot on Jason Hutchins. Incredibly the Hutchins car was resurrected in time for the Destruction Derby where he was dealt an even bigger blow from Alfie Lee, folding the car up alarmingly, although Hutchins was able to scramble clear unhurt.
The oldest competitor in the meeting, 75 year old Ken Hollamby caused a stoppage when his throttle stuck open and he slammed the pit bend wall at unabated pace. Thankfully Ken was fine once he regained his senses, even expressing a wish to continue in the meeting – although officialdom prevented him from doing so. Ken has been racing since 1966 and shows no signs of slowing down. Kens grandson Aaron also raced at the same meeting and is justifiably proud of his legendary Gramps. There is even a facebook group ‘Ken Hollamby for an MBE”!
A good entry of Stock Cars provided some great racing with the wins shared out during the afternoon. Dean Bateman won the first heat whilst Paul Ring clashed with David Donovan and crashed heavily at the end of the home straight. Phil Wise had a wild spin and nearly rolled up the kerbs in heat two – Don West winning the race in style. The final saw novice graded, Steven Donovan, lead from the front and he was never headed with Alfie Jones in second place. Jones had a busy afternoon as he was also racing in the Bangers too – managing a win in the Banger consolation as well as his good Stock Car results.
The Stock Rods provided the (mostly!) non-contact action with a number of new cars on show, including a Toyota Starlet for Ross Hocking . Making it a great afternoon for teenagers, Tony Elbourn won all three races. The former Junior Mini Stox star was never headed whilst the main battling happened behind him. Andy Taylor and Carl Shackleford tangled in the first heat with a number of other cars getting involved at the end of the home straight. Points champion, David Crouch had some good results from the back of the grid, finishing in third place in the final, just behind former champion, Wayne Shackleford.
The next action at Arena Essex sees the PRI Bangers getting their first outing of 2017 on 2nd April. Big grids are expected as usual with the Stock Cars, Lightning Rods and Mini Stox also on the programme. Start time 1pm.
