Rogers UK Oval Racing Pages

Although we have only had two meetings during April, what a fantastic show you have all put on. We couldn’t have wished for a better start to our National Points chase with our Coventry opener and to follow on with another meeting where yet again four different people took the chequered and continuing the trend of a different Feature Final winner at every event—well what can we say!
Looking back at Coventry, this should have been a nightmare event from an organisational point of view to be honest. With late forties booked into appear, a strict time schedule and new tyres for the majority of people, we were expecting a hectic night, however the stress in the build up to this meeting was completely unnecessary as it ran super smooth all night. Not a single stoppage, as mentioned four different winners and some cracking racing it was what we class as a dream meeting.
With the variation of winners it kept the National Points Chart close after round one but reigning Champion Tony McCarthy started where he left off at Brandon by taking the Feature and after four strong finishes he headed the way after the opening round. Andy Passey was hoping to continue his winning streak from Birmingham and so he did, as he took the first victory of the year on shale, however Anthony Hamstead stopped him in his tracks in heat two and we saw Taz make a return to the winners podium. He has got to be a strong favourite for the World Final this year, he is the only driver to have won gold around Brandon as he took the World title there in 2001 so he won’t want anyone else to steal his glory this year. However after watching the 844 machine of Etheridge’s he too is ready for World domination as he sliced his way through the pack in heat three to take his first win of 2008. As Etheridge is planning a full season of Rebels this year, barring any major disaster we expect the 844 machine to grid up somewhere in the front few rows and he is definitely major contender for 2008 gold. McCarthy wasn’t going to let the Feature out of his sights and although Rubery made a strong challenge in the closing stages of the graded final race he couldn’t attack the rear of #2 and was forced to watch his main rival cruise across the line for his first Feature victory of the season and ultimately aid his quest of leading the National Points Championship chase from the off.
After a few weekends break everyone was ready to return to the ovals and the car turnout reflected this as we travelled across to Hednesford Hills for our second outing of the year at the Cannock bowl. The weather was slightly better for this event and as Anthony Masters flew around the Hednesford oval once again we thought he maybe on for another clean sweep. However Rubery was determined to stop this young racer stealing all the glory and after reeling him in for fourteen laps in the following heat the World Champ used his front bumper to perfection with one to go enabling him to take his first heat win of the year, however credit to Masters for holding it and still managed to claim the runner up spot. With so many cars out the 2-3 Feature line up looked amazing for the main event but what was even more surprising was the fact everyone made it safely around the opening lap! We were treated to a spectacular battle between Cooke, McCarthy, Wilton, Robertson and Etheridge all desperate for the chequered but fortunately for Robertson he managed to break free on one turn and left McCarthy dishing out the bumper work whilst the 52 rebel sailed around the vast oval and fortunately for the CMC no stoppages were required and he was delighted with his tenth career Feature victory. Just as we thought the afternoon couldn’t improve, how wrong we were. After coming close to a podium finish in the Feature local racer Kev Wilton was pumped up and determined to get there one way or another. He should be absolutely thrilled with his first ever rebel victory in the Grand National after a fifteen lap fight with the likes of Bointon, Masters and Robertson all trying to remove the 119 from the lead spot, but he wasn’t budging an inch and finally took his first win—well done Kev, a cracking way to conclude a brilliant day.
Whilst on the subject of the Cannock racers a huge congratulations to Dave Benton who claimed the 2008 Spring National Championship after a nail biting final round at Coventry. Benton headed the way as the last round approached but realised it wasn’t going to be plain sailing. Steve Pollitt had gradually closed in on the 198 Cannock racer and will now be kicking himself that he missed the opening round. After a valiant effort in the heats, Pollitt knew exactly where he had to finish to take the victory from Benton, however disaster struck and the 198 driver was relieved to say the least to see the 70 machine on the centre green before the race ended. A huge congratulations to Mr Benton on his first major title win, very well deserved after some cracking results throughout the first four rounds. Commiserations to Steve Pollitt but he too should be delighted with his progress early season and what a start to Ian Bell’s career as he claimed the third place trophy—a major achievement considering this is his first year behind the wheel of his Rebel Racer. This series was a fantastic way to kick start the season and thanks to all seventeen drivers who raced at every event and we were delighted to give each and every driver a free Fulda as a thank you for their support.
So, we are now well into the 2008 season and as usual May is always a bumper month of racing to look forward too. Remember the grades change after the 5th May and at the moment. Anthony Masters holds onto an elite position. If he continues to perform well at the Skeggy double header not only will the colour of the fin change but lights will have to be fitted too! Lee Cooke won’t be wanting to turn his lights off in a hurry so expect him to make a impact at the final two points scoring rounds in this grading period and try to put a stop to Masters chances of superstardom. Both Kev Wilton and Dave Benton look set to climb the grades after their recent success especially if they continue to score high at Skeg Vegas. Remember that the new grading list will be on line after the Monday Skegness event and you can jump any amount of grades but you can only drop one grade at a time.
Looking over the pages, the points charts are varied after such a mixed start to the season which is always great to see. The new ***Nationals*** qualifying is working well with the points compiled from every Grand National event. At the moment Adam Rubery leads the way just ahead of Keith Murphy and Tony McCarthy. Although we can’t guarantee Grand National events at every meeting (especially when we run split grids) we are trying our utmost to fit four races in and we hope you are enjoying the new format.
Although we haven’t had a World Qualifier during April we certainly make up for that in May as we have three World Qualifying Rounds scheduled, one on shale, two on tarmac, so it will be very interesting to see who lies where after round five at the end of the month. Will Andy Passey and Adam Rubery still be joint at the top of the charts and be squabbling over the pole position or will the likes of Murphy, McCarthy or Etheridge overpower them?

The Month Ahead

Skegness Stadium —Sunday 4th May—- Start Time 2.00p.m. Our first of two Skeggy events and the ever popular annual Speedweekend has once again attracted a fantastic turnout of racers and we are in for a brilliant weekend. Sunday’s event is the third World Qualifier. At the moment we are looking to split grids so please check the whiteboards for details. We will be running graded finals both days. We will aim to run the graded final in points order within the grades but this will depend on time, if we are pushed simply grid on track.
Pit gate will open at 12.00p.m. and we should have practice on Sunday (not Monday) please make sure that you are scrutineered before you practice.
Other formulas in attendance are 1300 Saloons, TSR Bangers and Hot Fords.
If you are intending on camping at Cottage Farm the booking number is 01754 872 598.
Skegness Stadium —Monday 5th May—- Start Time 2.00p.m. Monday hosts our second Tarmac Boss Round, third Clash and our third Whites and Yellows. Again pit gate will open at 12.00p.m. Check the board for meeting format details. The Feature will host the Skeggy Rebel Double trophy and of course all points will be compiled over the two days for our first Track title chase of the year. 2007 Track Champion is Rod Webster who will be defending the title as will Mark Rodgers who will be hoping to become the first person to win the Skeggy Double three times.
Kings Lynn Stadium —Sunday 18th May—- Start Time 1.00p.m. Our second shale event therefore a Shale Shifter Round and another all important World Qualifier. As this is a shale event there will be no practice. This meeting also hosts another one of our Graded Final trials. Other formulas appearing are 2L Bangers and TSR Bangers.
Birmingham Wheels —Saturday 24th May—- Start Time 6.00p.m. Paid practice is available in the afternoon as per usual 2.00p.m.—4.30p.m. £15 per driver. This meeting is our first KPH Challenge Round and the points for this series will be separate. Ten points to the winner down to tenth place. This event is our third Tarmac Boss round and other formulas appearing are Bombers, Hot Fords and Incarods.
Buxton Raceway —Monday 26th May—- Start Time 1.00p.m. Our first of two Buxton events and the Bank Holiday meetings are always busy and popular. This will be our fifth World Qualifier and our second Midland Round. We will also be running another Graded Feature. There will be practice available and fellow formulas are National MiniStox, Bombers, 2L Bangers, Central Hot Rods and a Caravan race to finish a fantastic afternoon. The points from this meeting will carry over to our final Buxton event and count towards our Twin Peaks Challenge so lots on offer for everyone.
 

Isle of Man 7th & 9th August

Although this is a several months away the deadline for guaranteed Start Money is the 1st May so please let me know if you have made a booking with the Steam Packet Company. If there are two people travelling in your team you will receive £100, for four people or more you will receive £150. If you book after this date you are obviously more than welcome however promoter John Whitehead cannot guarantee your start money as he has a spectacular turnout from every travelling formula making the journey across the seas this year and he only receives x amount from the Tourist Board. So far we are pleased with the amount of Rebellers who have confirmed their booking, if you have booked and you are not on the list below let me know as soon as possible!
2 — Tony McCarthy, 8—Dave Morley, 10—Antony Baker, 12—Mike Silver, 17—Lee Cooke, 19—Stu Bevan, 28—Derek Hawes, 32—Nick Spicer, 67 - Andy Passey, 80—Keith Murphy, 100—Adam Rubery, 119—Kev Wilton,188—Mike Kingston, 198 - Dave Benton, 311 - Phil Bointon, 395 - Thomas Sutton, 491 - Kevin Hawes, 588—Vicki Kingston, 744 — Ken Dixon, 844 - Nathan Etheridge.
 

Booking In

Please, please, please don’t forget to book in for your racing. We need seven days notice, if you are unsure if you can make an event it is easier to book you in and then you have 48 hours prior to the event to cancel your booking if need be. This is a lot easier than trying to add you as a late booking on the entrant list.
You can book in via e-mail—rebelsophi@aol.com, Phone 01283 821 040, Text 07976 534607, Fax 01283 821 050 or Post a booking form to Rebels Racing H.Q. Stock Lane, Marchington Woodlands, Uttoxeter, Staffs, ST14 8PB.

Tyre Transition

May we remind everyone that the Vikings will no longer be accepted from the 2nd June 2008.

By all means use up your tyres in the busy month of May however the Buxton event on the 26th May will be your last opportunity.

The vast majority of drivers are now running the Fuldas and are happy with the outcome. If you require extra Fuldas for a particular meeting it is advisable to telephone and pre-warn us so that we can carry extra. We do always have twelve on board however it is always safe to pre-order.

Remember if you are running a mixture of    Vikings and Fuldas in this final month here is the following fitment arrangement.

Whites & Yellows

Next Qualifying Round – Skegness 5^th May

Nationals