Saturday 30th July marks the 34th running of the Trackstar World Final, the 16th staging since its change to the 2Litre class back in 2006.
We currently have over 100 drivers booked in for what is set to be a great battle for the gold roof. 830 Lee White is back to defend his title and he really has been the man to beat at the Adrian Flux Arena this year. He sits at the top of the Trackstar points by a sizeable margin having taken four race wins from the back of the field so far this season in what has been another impressive season from the ToM man.
Among the top contenders is 570 Jordan Cumming. ‘Dino Jnr’ has already taken a gold roof this year when he piloted his Mondeo to victory at Northampton Shaleway back in May, and he has been a race winner here this year too. Jordan is a previous winner of the event, so we know his capabilities around Kings Lynn – he’ll certainly be one to watch. Another previous winner booked in tonight is veteran racer 119 Davey ‘Cruncher’ Cox. He is the most coveted driver in the event’s history with three World title victories, but he’ll have to go through the last chance races to get on the main grid.
The main race features the crème de la creme in terms of front wheel drive specialists. Trackstar Points Champion 337 Ashley Garrod is no stranger to title races, being an ex-PRI World Champion, and should certainly not be overlooked. The last meeting here at the Adrian Flux Arena did see Ashley and his Dover Boys comrades cross paths with 57 Max Stott, another of tonight’s qualifiers. ‘Stotty’ is a very quick driver and secured the National Saloon Stock Cars World Championship here on the Norfolk shaleway back in 2018, and he has a long list of accolades to boot in both bangers and saloons, another not to overlook. 743 Jake Bond was victorious in the PRI World Championship back in September last year and has been a welcomed visitor here already this year. Being West-Country based, Bondy isn’t the most familiar with shale but was one of the most improved drivers of last year and could mount a challenge tonight. 178 Kieran Bowman is more renowned for his crashing capabilities, and don’t get me wrong, if he is not among the positions then fully expect him to start throwing the bumper in, however, he has proved on several occasions that he can mix it among the front runners as he proved when he took a strong Bandit Memorial win last year. 69 Brad Bartram booked his spot on the grid by winning the final last time out in what was his first 2L appearance. Brad is having the time of his life in bangers at the moment seeing him rise through the grades. A sure bet for one to watch and a contender for most improved, and could make this season even better by sweeping the gold roof. 549 Phil Smith stands a very strong chance to take his first gold roof. The Gladiator man is joined by another four members of the team, and he has the ability to win on his own accord, we’ve seen previously how effective the team can be when it comes to helping one of their own take a title home.
Looking along the qualifiers there are many more drivers that could certainly win the gold, but there are also plenty that are still to qualify and also those in the main race that will be mixing it up fairly. We mentioned several Gladiators are on the grid, and that includes Entertainers League leader 107 Taylor Pratchett who will likely be looking to gain more points tonight. Another team with strong numbers on the grid are The Outsiders, with 50 Simon West, 73 Dean Cruickshanks and 99 Shaydy Gough, all of whom are hard hitters and would be happy to upset the apple cart. 51 James Licquorice is usually keen for a crash, and with a new found rivalry with the Bartrams, may be looking to ensure 69 Brado is nowhere in contention. 279 Brad Bowman is sometimes overshadowed by his brother, but he always delivers a top display on track and could provide valuable should Kieran find his way near the front.
552 Karl Douglas is very much overdue a big title in the 2 Litres. The ex-Cream Team man is one of the fastest and most consistent performers in the class and is always there abouts, but is yet to add a significant title win to his CV, and he’ll be going for it in the last chance to get his spot on the grid. 309 Michael Lane is another experienced driver among the last chance hopefuls. He was the first ever 1600 World Champion at Ipswich, and will be looking to take a big National Banger win too. Several Scrapyard Screamers are booked in for the last chance races. 299 Dale Locker came so close to take the 2L World at Northampton earlier in the year and will be gunning to get on the grid. 595 Drew Burdett was a race winner the last time the 2L Bangers appeared here; he’ll be hoping to replicate that with a last chance win tonight.
Don’t panic, there’ll be plenty of drivers competing that won’t be worried about booking their spot on the grid. 100 Callum White, 23 Sonny Parsons, 828 Jordan Sharpe, 707 Jack Lilley, 160 Jamie Warr are just some of the drivers to look out for when it comes to putting a show on.
The 2 Litre Bangers are supported by the Unlimited Lady Bangers in an additional fixture for them. 100 Emma Mullins took a heat and final win last time out and sees her leading the Gold Roof qualifying points. 477 Amy Steele is showing her experience, currently heading the National Points after a couple of top meetings in her Mk1 Granada Coupe. 469 Emily Taylor and 12 Kelly Skinner are set to appear, both are also race winners here and will be looking to replicate that success. You can never rule out 313 Shannon Woods and 57 Sophie Tillow either, they more or less come as a pair and are both in the running for what is a close points table.
We are sure their will be plenty of thrills and spills, and with a bumper field of 2L Bangers, it’s almost impossible to try and predict who will be crowned World Champion.
