Another ex driver is to return to V8's. He's been away racing Lightning Rods (nope, it's not Paul Fantom) but he's been and bought the Tom Conwell car that Neil Fry used to good effect at Birmingham a few weeks ago. He would've been at Skeggy but on his way back from picking up his new toy, he was involved in a road accident which did a whole load of no good to his tow motor. So, welcome back Bryan Andrew, hope to see you on track soon.

With the news of a returning driver comes the probable departure of another. It seems Neil Stuchbury has almost sold his car. Neil had a very bad fall at work a few months back which left him with some painful ribs. Couple that together with a distinct lack of enthusiasm for racing (and lets face it, we've all been there) means Neil will be missing for a while. He started Hotstox in 1991 and became one of the stalwarts of the formula. He had his fair share of racing disasters, engines going bang rather than vrooom but he always gave it 110%. I really dont know if itll be the last we see of him, but he will continue to support his brother Kevin. He seems more content to take a back seat these days, spannering for Mick Rogers at F1 events and often making a considerable journey up to Micks Kidderminster base to help repair the battle scars.

I heard that Nigel Parker was getting a little bit disillusioned with his performances. I think he was going ok at Skeggy but I know he is used to a bit more success. I hope he doesnt retire, the job definately needs him especially as he was one of the pioneers of the sport. I'm also quite keen to do a feature on him, so dont pack it in yet Nipper !

No news of Chris Mellor so far this year. Does anyone know what his plans are ? I had heard that he was going to buy a half built chassis from Andy Hunter (ex 208) but no confirmation as to whether that happened. So if anyone knows......

 

My bro Lee Summers came away a very happy bunny from Skegness. Not only did the car go rather well, he did enough to win himself a brand new helmet up for grabs from the V8 BoC to the top point scoring lower grader (I think that meant non Red top ?) So, he now has two helmets to polish (can I have my one back now please). Mark Allen was also a winner (a crate of beer) for the top point scoring star man....well done Mark.

It's pretty well known that Steve Rees is having problems getting work started at Brampton for whatever reason. The proposed weekender for June 10th and 11th has now been cancelled and Standlake have stepped in with a date on the 11th. Hopefully the weather will be knider this year than it was last which saw a monsoon decend but it did not dampen the reception the Hotstox got from promoter Keith Hook and the local fans. I hope the drivers will do their best to support the meeting.

Next comes news of an old car soon to be cast onto the scrap heap....well it's going to be cut up actually. The ex Lisa Harter / Stuart Smith Jnr / Colin Redshaw, John Cayzer built Hotstox currently owned by Pete Redford has now been stripped of essential parts and is due for the gas torch. Pete's brother Les has apparantly acquired a car (I'm not privvy to that info) and will debut soon.

Ex Hotstocker and current F1 Star man Paul Hines is looking for a ride for the upcoming Friday night Hotstox show at Coventry. Hope he can get a car, it'd be good to see him back if only for a one off.

Lastly, if a man calls wanting to buy / hire / borrow your V8 / F1 / F2 / Saloon Stock, make sure you ask his name........and be quick to hang up if he replies Mark Wilkinson. It appears that Mr Wilkinson has let quite a few folks down after promises of handsome rewards for the purchase or a hire of many cars, but I think he's about run out of people to mess around.

Soon !