Stuchbury takes final - just

24 cars were present for the first and only Birmingham fixture this season. Wheels Adventure Park was the mecca for Hotstox with plenty of cars and plenty of meetings. Perhaps the turnout might help to encourage Incarace to offer more?. The weather looked like rain but somehow the heavens refrained from opening and the raceway remained dry all night. The evening got off on a sour note as 314 Steve Bowman was the unlucky victim of a thief who managed to get into his truck and steal his mobile phone which contained valuable work information.

Heat 1

22 for the first race as 439 Jay Kellett had encountered a problem and was trying to fix it and 286 Dan Bradley was doing laps around Birmingham's Bull Ring. 315 Rob Shackleton was back after what must be a season away and rather harshly was told to start at the back of the grid because his aerofoil had white sides with a yellow centre. Marc Radforth finally debuted his new 149 machine which is a stunner. An encouraging 8 white tops set off with 42 Rob Barber and 112 Jamie Marson scrapping for the lead. Barber forged ahead and established the gap whilst 473 Chris Bracher was making the right moves from blue. 131 Kev Stuchbury was once again looking very fast. 314 Steve Bowman spun across traffic on the homestraight but managed to avoid being hit and rejoined. Stuchbury overhauled Bracher and set off after Barber who he managed to pass and take the win. Barber finished a good second with Bracher third.

Heat 2

21 for the 2nd race as 72 Kev Thornton had engine problems, Dan Bradley had arrived but couldnt get scrutineered in time. Barber opened up a decent lead with Marson running 2nd. Bracher again was the leading blue whilst 355 Bryan Andrew was leading the red brigade although he was overhauled by 575 Darren Cottrill and 161 Mark Allen. Stuchbury punctured but carried on and 160 Nick Blach ground to a halt on the pit bend and Marson spun and reversed clear of the racing line to join Blach. Bracher caught and passed Barber to take the win with Barber 2nd and 575 Cottrill 3rd. 149 Marc Radforth bought his new car home 4th

Final

21 for the final with 286 Dan Bradley finally making it on track. Barber and Marson spent the first few laps swapping places before Barber established a gap. Bracher once again looked likely from blue and 355 Andrew was going well from red as was 149 Radforth with Cottrill and Stuchbury closing in. Cottrill and Stuchbury swapped places lap upon lap whilst Bracher passed Barber who gamely tried to dislodge Bracher but Bracher held on. Cottrill and Stuchbury passed Radforth then Barber and set off in pursuit of Bryan Andrew and Bracher Stuchbury caught Andrew at the same time as Andrew closed on Bracher with Cottrill not far behind. The bumpers flew in as Stuchbury cracked into the now leading Andrew which sent him wide enough for both him and Bracher to nip by. Bowman spun on the pit bend just as the leaders approached, Stuchbury went low whilst Bracher and Andrew took a wide line around 314 which allowed Cottrill to close in. All four were in with a shout as the race entered the final few laps. Andrew was the first to succumb as he slowed. Stuchbury managed to forge a gap to leave Bracher and Cottrill to scrap it out. Stuchbury took the Harry Smith Memorial Trophy with Cottrill holding a last bender from Bracher for 2nd and 3rd. Radforth came home 4th with 210 Matt Smith 5th after a somewhat quiet night to end an excellent final. 

Grand National

20 for the 'National with Stuchbury leading them away from his lap handicap. Predictably Bracher going well with Andrew looking to make up for his final disappointment . Bowman and Radforth tangled and spun on the pit bend to be joined by 439 Jay Kellett who could not fire the car up and remained marooned for the rest of the race. Andrew closed in on the leading Bracher and went in for the customary last bender. Bracher was knocked sideways and Andrew climbed over the front. The two straightened up and sprinted for the line but Cottrill had already nipped past the pair to pick up the pieces and take the win for a healthy nights work points wise.

A very good meeting for the Hotstox. Plenty of cars with the Final and GN particularly outstanding. It was nice to hear that Stuchbury enjoyed having to work for his win and it was great to see him work for it which provided some great racing.
 

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