by Paul Charlton.

What a way to start the 2008 series, a great turn out of 50 drivers, 3 juniors and 47 seniors to tackle the new 105 foot Gloss track at Pinewood. It was good to see so many new faces as well as some well know ones!

First, I’d like to thank everybody on behalf of Dave Cummings and Mark Sanderson, who between them did a top job on race control, keeping the event moving to have a sensible finish time, much helped by you all being ready to start your races on time and coming back to Marshal quickly, thank you.

Although the numbers where low, the juniors put up some great races in their heats, Toby Pawson took top spot with his Jaguar XJR9, from the similar version of Wolves driver, Matt Pritchards. Chris Bell finished 3rd with his Porsche 956 High tail. With 47 seniors racing, it’s hard to remember all the great races there where. It was good to see a great number of new entries, who all signed up for points, so I hope we see them at other events this year.

After the qualifying heats where finished, Pinewood drivers accounted for 7 of the top 10 spots, with Don Stanley (5th), Nick Hirst (6th) and Lee Andrews (10th) the visitors able to mix it up a little.

Now all the abilities had being matched after qualifying, the finals had some great close racing, with everybody trying to claim that extra spot and with it an extra point on the table.

A great drive in the B final, saw Nick Hirst (Pendle), beat a couple of Pinewood home drivers to move up to the A final. The A final proved to be a well hard fought affair, but after a great, controlled drive, Mark Sanderson (Pinewood), took a well earned win with his Jaguar XJR9. In second place was another Pinewood driver in the form of young Simon Scott, putting in a great drive on the outside red lane with his Nissan R390, he just managed to hold off a hard charging Paul Charlton (Pinewood), over the last couple of laps. Last years event winner James Hunt (Pinewood), took 4th spot, with Nick Hirst picking up 5th and Don Stanley (independent), finishing a great 6th place.

Driver of the day went to Luke Brandwood from the Preston club, after a great event since moving up from the juniors last year.
I’d like to thank the event organizers, Sean Fothersgill and Nick Hirst from Pendle Slot Racing and to Slot.It for providing the excellent medals and prizes for the event winners.

Look forward to seeing you all on the 19th and 20th April at North Staffs, should be another great event.