Classic Hot Rods on their day are unquestionably one of the best or the best formula on the ovals.

As one of the founder members of the Classic Hot Rod formula, way back with Philip Bond, I have been directly involved with Classics for a long time and have put many hours into the continued development of the formula along with Deane, Sonny Howard, Rob Hughes and drivers like Darren Owen, Tim Foxlow, Lee Wood – the list goes on, but I am personally now genuinely concerned however that Classics are currently moving on a road that could well see the formula implode into insignificance.

2016 has seen a fantastic increase in drivers from the mainland and more drivers than ever active across the water. This has seen bigger grids especially at Championship events such as the Bill Morris Memorial and indeed at Spedeweekend, with a superb grid of cars. All of this should be good for the formula and only make it better and better, but for a couple of incidents at the meeting that saw some considerable damage to a number of cars and almost without exception, drivers overview of the formula takes an immediate dive and morale is low.

We move to Birmingham a couple of weeks later with a depleted grid of cars, (some as a consequence of Spedeweekend), but overall a reasonable meeting other than an ugly incident in the final – again which has been dealt with, but does add to the drivers discontent.

I am sure that we all agree that Classics have a higher value than similar cars on track purely because of what they are – damage in a Classic is usually a costly job and not so easily fixed as other cars.

I have taken the time to speak to drivers about all of the above, including drivers on the naughty step and without doubt the conclusion is that there is a total lack of respect all around the grid and this does mean most drivers, whether we are talking about top graders, middle order drivers or lower graders and we have to make sure that total respect is regained between all drivers.

Higher graded drivers need to take on board that they do not have a divine right to win, they need to understand more the difference in speeds between them and other drivers as this does contribute to a number of incidents.

Mid pack drivers do seem to me to have a reasonable understanding of the above, but can be a problem when they try to defend their race position and not give the faster drivers the space to race in – this tends to generate frustration and then potential contact – more ‘Blue Flags’, I hear and yes, lets tighten up in Race Control with that one.

Lower graders and Novice drivers just need to be more aware of the advancing pack of faster drivers approaching – I am not saying just move over, but again as with the mid pack drivers, don’t try to over defend your position and keep a good tight line – the faster drivers will then be able to choose a particular line and pass cleanly.

The above is a simplified version of how I see the various types of drivers and the sort of problems that are being created, which most of the time ends up with contact on track and damage to cars. There is always going to be a little bit of damage – we are racing quick cars, but we have to cut out the unnecessary contact and consequential damage

For the remainder of the season, we are going to adopt a zero tolerance on avoidable contact. If you run into the back of someone and that contact was avoidable then you are going to be done for it – minimum penalty will be a race exclusion- immediate black flag. Intentional contact will be dealt with more severely with a minimum penalty of a load up and possible further action. Both Graham Boyd and Colin Chambers have been dealt with recently in this way.

We will administer the blue flag more strictly – the rules here are two consecutive blue flags are then followed by a blue and white flag and then a black flag if you still do not comply. This rule applies over consecutive laps, so if you do not hold a line you will be shown a blue flag, if you continue in the same way a further blue flag will be given and if you still do nothing about it the blue & white will be shown which means you MUST give up your place.

One final area of concern is conduct in the pits by all parties – drivers, mechanics and all members of teams. Tempers have been a little high recently and all drivers should be reminded that they are responsible for all people connected with your team.

Classic Hot Rods are a very important part of a huge family in Oval Motorsport and long may it continue. Let’s do our best to make Classics a happy part of that family and a place where drivers want to be.

I trust that you consider the above as constructive and are reassured that we have seen and identified some problem areas and have proposed a route to correct them – please feel free to give me a ring if you wish on 07736 805 537. I am interested in getting cars back on track rather than sitting in garages because drivers are unsure about racing them.

When planning the fixtures a year ago, this coming weekend’s fixture at Birmingham gave the ideal opportunity for Classic drivers to show their cars and compete on the same bill as the National Hot Rods. Bookings are slow at the moment, so please book in if you would like to attend on Saturday – you will be very welcome.

Paul Gerrard
RACE DIRECTOR