Gavin Murray gave a masterclass to win the National Hot Rod ‘TOM Waste Best in Britain’ final to partly make up for the disappointment of getting near, but yet so far, in the Gold Roof race writes Kevin Wegg.

New world champion Glenn Bell pulled up well before the end no doubt already more than satisfied with his weekend work. Graham Callender added yet more Scottish pride to their growing list with second place whilst Mikey Godfrey’s ‘Web-Blog’ will no doubt be buzzing after he deservedly took third! It’s always great to welcome visiting fans from across the globe and the Dutch were once again out in both vibrant colours & good voice, even more so after John van den Bosch took a mightily impressive win in the world title ‘reverse’ grid race. The Scottish supporters had plenty to cheer about across many formulas with Chris Lattka claiming second in the Stock Rod TOM Waste European Challenge Cup, splitting the usual star pairing of Andy Sturt (winner for the fourth time) and Stuart Smyth.

Back with the Dutch and in the Superstox Jeroen Laurijssen had his best-ever finish with seventh in the Dumpsport Les Eaton Memorial Trophy. It’s no more than he deserves for his numerous trips across the water several times each year and sets him up nicely for a return with Dad Luud just over a month later for a shot at the word title. With a win in the Saturday opener any chance that Ryan Eaton had of adding to it by ‘keeping it in the family’ so to speak in their feature race was dashed early on with a spin as Garry Sparkes again proved that there is plenty of life in the wily campaigner yet. He was flying all weekend as too was Martyn Coles who pushed his way to the front with just five to go and stayed there with Sparkie’s engine letting go big time on the last lap. Coles was racing under the number 311 in tribute to his great friend Steve Newman who tragically passed away a few weeks ago and Martyn’s crowd-pleasing win was very much for Steve & and his lovely family. Jason Cooper completed a unique hat-trick of second places and looked totally awesome whilst credit goes to plucky white top Chris Capon for a superb third place finish. Again, it was heart-warming to see Steve Jackson take their other race after his horror smash at the same weekend three years ago.

Hoots! Wee Jimmy Smith ensured yet another Scottish trophy by taking his immaculate Ford Pop to third place in the Historic Stock Car Aford Awards Bob Studd Memorial trophy behind Gordon Coull and a flying Richard Anderson. Talking of flying, Mark Bloss won the unofficial award for the best impression of an Olympic gymnast with a twist & roll that scored highly for both artistic impression and entertainment value! Thankfully he walked away unscathed and despite having seemingly fully rebuilt the car after a very early start the next morning, problems sadly prevented a return to the track. The Tartan invaders were once again allowed home with what it has to be said was a very accomplished heat win courtesy of Jim Pitcaithly on the Sunday but he was well and truly rattled in to the armco by Sam Rigby in the Quaife Supreme ‘Open’ final although he duly smashed his own bumper in the process! Not to be denied David Bowman took the Quaife Supreme ‘Open’ for the game Jocks despite last bend attention from the backmarking Pete Beldom and full credit indeed goes to all the Scottish drivers for their efforts…which is a bit hard to type when you’re an Englishman with a long memory!!

The 2.0 Stock Cars were really ‘chomping at the bit’ before the start of the Scrapco Golden helmet final with cars hitting the fence before they’d even crossed the start line and the second attempt wasn’t much better either giving the lower graders virtually no chance! Dave Beldom was terrific value refusing to give up any position without a fight. Bobby Davis Jnr. took an accomplished win with George Morphey having the last laugh on Billy Wood who came in third. That didn’t stop Billy having an entertaining play with his old adversary after the flag mind and their ding-dong battle on the Saturday was also one of the day’s highlights, Woody taking the honours on that occasion and the BetFred Trophy to boot.

The feature race on Saturday was of course the 2.0 Hot Rod TOM Waste British Title and an absorbing contest it was too as Shame Murray successfully defended his title but only after a colossal effort that exuded guts and determination of the highest order. Irishman Derek Martin gave it his all, eventually having to settle for fourth with another visitor from across the water - Wayne Woolsey - together with Paul Wright both playing their part in a thrilling spectacle. Mark Madill then took a comfortable win in their ‘reverse’ race to ensure yet another title left English shores! Billy Smith has treated fans to plenty of those in the past and it was good to see him back in victory lane once again following the Lightning Rod Engine Services British Championship after starting from pole. Rarely do you see Diggy give up such a position but Neil Wollington duly passed him to take it up only to relinquish again surprisingly easily with no such repeat slip-up from the Diss driver. It was made slightly easier when the rapid Brendon McConnell was spun by Steve Santry. As it was Wollington was dropped two for contact promoting Mark Cooper Junior up to second which was a notable change of luck for the driver who virtually wrote the car off during his last visit.

The Bangers had one of their best showings in recent times with a very lively Refine Metals UK Team event on the Saturday and in particualr their last race which sorted out the men from the boys…..but not quite! Damage Inc ‘A’ and Cream Team ‘A finished equal on points so a highly Destructive Derby was left to sort it out with Lee Clarke just able to bring home the bacon for ‘Damage’.

Last but by no means least are the Ninja Karts. Any thoughts that the wide-open spaces of Foxhall would do the formula no favours at all were dismissed as rapidly the boys & girls themselves were tearing up Foxhall! From trackside they looked amazingly quick and showed no fear despite a few prangs along the way. Appropriately enough they did themselves proud and produced an entertaining last lap finish in the West London Truck Bodies ‘Stars of the Future’ event with Tyler Proudlock taking the honours after long-time leader Charlie Santry was reeled in following the restart.

As for the rain on the Sunday, well, it only made for a totally absorbing and incident-packed CP Dynes National Hot Rod World Title soap opera with enough drama and excitement to ensure it will make compulsive viewing when it hits the Sky Sports TV screens soon. So, whether the forecast is for rain or sun next year you can be sure that Spede Weekend 2013 will be another must-see truly international blockbuster!! Anyone need a second-hand brolley by the way?.....