Foxhall Stadium plays host to the annual Banger “Volcano” meeting next week yet fans could have been forgiven for thinking it had erupted a week early after pre-meeting rain dictated a sluggish start only for the racing to rumble entertainingly in to life as all three formulas produced explosive finals writes Kevin Wegg.

Visiting Arena-Essex drivers Lee and Joey Palmer boosted the 1300 Stock Car entry (21 cars) and race-winner Lee made the most of the advantage these cars have with their different engine specification compared to their Spedeworth hosts. The idea is to eventually create a national formula all running to the same rules and you have to start somewhere in a formula where speed is often no match for effective use of the front bumper, which is exactly what happened in the final. Compatriot Joey had taken it up by half distance to record a second decisive win for the visitors. Steve Marten gave the unforgiving pit gate a big hit late on then the promoters cranked up the ante and declared their final a “nudge & spin” event where-by drivers could not pass the car in front without contact. It worked a treat with plenty of incident around the raceway however all eyes were fixed on Gary Aylward who was clearly on a mission to seek out the visitors with Joey the first to be despatched! Early race leader Joe Palmer (no relation) was the first to give Lee some steel however then it all kicked off on the last lap as Aylward took Lee in to the fence and then repeated the dose after the chequered flag, none of which bothered comfortable race winner Barry Radcliffe.

The visiting V8 powered European Late Models (14 cars) struggled gamely on the slippery surface in their opening two heats however there was some impressive outside bursts from both Shane Bereton and Gary Ellis as they two a win apiece. Vincent Lehouck was one of many to damage these surprisingly fragile cars despite their size yet that was nothing compared to the final. Jos Jansen had already damaged his car earlier before adding yet more, then Gary Ellis added himself to the casualty list. Both continued regardless and boy how Ellis thrilled the crowd as he fought tooth-and-nail round the outside to get back up front. And he very nearly made it, getting alongside third-placed Jean Vasseur only to just over-cook it as he went past and slide at high-speed on to the speedway shale. A brilliant effort and hugely entertaining which deserved greater reward.

Dave “Canhamball” Canham played a similar starring role in the Bangers but unlike Ellis had more to show for his efforts. A superb drive from the very back of the thirty-eight car field enabled him to snatch the spoils away from Steen Rozier who had just pushed early leader Andrew Hill wide. Another storming drive netted him second place behind Jake Stewart in the second heat then once again the final served up another treat. Robert Knight in the all-black car and Rozier had a great scrap for the lead with Rozier eventually spun out. It was then left to the backmarkers to help decide the fate of this one as first Daniel Harvey got past Knight only for Lee Basham to present Knight with the opportunity to re-take it. With victory in sight, Harvey once again got up inside Knight only for Michael Lane to create a mobile chicane which allowed Knight through only for “white knight” Canham to charge through in his steed and snatch the chequered flag on the last bend from, appropriately enough, the delightful damsel herself Madam Starter in the start line tower!