2009 Season

Swaffham 10th May

Race 1  Better times were hoped for this meeting, starting well on his blue grade although Mark Sr seemed to be struggling a little with some handling problems especially getting out of the turns, straight line speed was good as he would start to make his way through the field. Unfortunately he was taken out by a white grader after passing him a lap before putting Mark Sr in to retirement DNF

Race 2  After some checks and alterations were made in the pits Mark Sr was out on his grade getting a reasonable start it would soon be apparent that something was a miss with his car as the handling was even wore than the race before. Mark Sr would struggle throughout the race but at least would finish even if it was further down the order than he would have like to be in.

Final  More checks in the pits were made and a slow puncture on the front outside was to blame for the poor handling, making a better start for this race it took a few laps to settle the car and Mark Sr was soon making in roads through the field . By about half way he was getting nearer the front of the grid lying in 6th place it soon became a train effect with the other cars not begin to gain too much of an advantage on each other, as the laps counted down Mark Sr tried to make a move the the young Sam Campbell almost getting underneath him then having to back out, By the close of the race the first six cars went over the line all nose to tail with Mark Sr getting 6th place as they went over the line.

Yarmouth 26th April East Anglian Championship

Race 1 Positions were drawn out of the hat when Mark Jr signed on ...Mark Jr found himself on the 10th row but he was looking forward to a good nights racing  unfortunately Yarmouth's bad luck stuck again after only competing a few laps he retired due to lack of power.

Race 2 After a lot of work in the pits changing his engine only to find he had no gears the selector had broken refitting the replacement engine so after selecting second gear in the pits he was sent out going around in circles while the order was set up which meat that Mark Jr would start at the rear of the field on a rolling start unfortunately it jumped out of gear forcing him to retire onto the centre field.

Final Mark Jr would start at the rear of the field due to the two dnf's, Mark Jr seemed to be going well and then would having a good battle with 1 or 2 drivers as he  started to make his way up the field by the end of the race he would have got himself up to 15th place (not bad as there were 25 cars on track)

Swaffham 29th March

Car #199

Race 1 Gremlins strut the new car for Mark Sr cutting out after 1 lap DNF

Race 2 Gremlins not going away another DNF

Final After some frantic work in the pits ( looks like isolator switch faulty after changing lots of bits) Mark Sr managed to complete this race finishing 4th with Scott #83 hot on his bumper.

Ipswich 21st March

Car #219

Race 1 Mark Jr has elected to start at the rear of the field for the night  as he was not sure what the new car would do although progress was so through the field Mark Jr managed to get himself up to 16th place.

Race 2 Again from the rear Mark Jr could only make get up to 18th place this time.

Final As before Mark Jr  found himself  down the field but did managed to get as far as 16th place.

Post race Although Mark Jr spent most of the night fighting his way up the order he was happy that he had no major problems with his car.

Swaffham 1st January

Car #199

Final: 3rd   

Race 1: 4th

Race 2:

2008 Season

Swaffham 2nd November

Car #199

Race 1

Mark Sr didn't get the best of starts and with a half spin on the opening lap losing places would soon then be finding his way through the traffic and would then slowly haul himself back towards the front of the grid to claim a 4th place by the finish of the race.

Race 2

A better start this time and would be chasing the leading group and by midway Mark Sr would be taking the lead if only for a short while, the racing was a little quicker with a drying track as the pace was picked by everyone Shinn Sr would the be demoted to second and would hold this position till the end of the race.

Final

With the track even dryer for the final this would go as much of race 2 although Mark Sr did not get the lead this time he would be chasing the leaders hard slowly making in roads to get near the front end, by half distance Mark Sr would find himself in second place trying to catch the leader as the laps counted down and ever getting nearer Shinn Sr would also bring the chasing pack ever closer as the last of the laps were run it was getting too close for comfort for Shinn Sr to hold onto his second position luckily he managed this to claim a second place again.

Swaffham 12th October

Car #199

Race 1

As the flag was waved for the start of the race it went wrong from the start after making a reasonable start Mark Sr went spinning across onto the infield losing it on the greasy track after following the bangers rejoined way back and still finding the track very greasy managed to claw his way back up to 3rd place by the end of the race.

Race 2

Still finding the track very greasy (following 2 heats of bangers) this time not managing to through it away although the pace was a little quicker for this one and would soon be chasing the leaders down by mid way Mark Sr had taken the lead only to lose out with the track condition would have a half spin and lose a couple of places to finish 3rd.

Final

With the tack not getting any better (still following the bangers) and after some adjustment in the pits Mark Sr found the car handling a little better although he found it still tricky making a better start and would again set about chasing the leaders down picking them off one by one again would soon find himself in the lead which he would hold on to for a while but again as like race 2 a mistake would demote him down to second although a good effort to get the place back to no avail begin hot on the heels on the new leader as they went over the line.

Yarmouth 5th October

 Car #19

After the disappointment of the last visit to Yarmouth better thing were hoped for and it was hope the lack of power problem was resolved. Mark Jr went out for practice in the greasy conditions after it had rained for the most of the day and now starting to dry after the fist session a change of tyres and back out  on track it would all go wrong for Shinn Jr as he came around pit bend the car suddenly turn left putting Jr into the wire fence almost ripping the front suspension and doing extensive damage to the car .....the car on examination back in the pits is not a good one what Wimbledon could not do Yarmouth has done and the car will be written off. (Engine must of have been too fast for him lol)

Swaffham 21st September

Car #199

Race 1

Mark Sr got one hell of a start as most drivers seemed to be asleep getting by several cars and would take the lead by the early stages with #83 Scott Aprigliano chasing very hard trying to get by Mark Sr which went on for lap after lap trying as hard as he could Scott could not get by as the y went over the line it was Shinn Sr 1st 2nd Aprigliano.

Race 2

After the first race the drivers were more alert but Shinn Sr still getting a good start although not as good as race one would soon be chasing for the lead although he did find a little harder to get buy the newcomer #15 once passed Mark Sr started to pull away taking some of the quicker men with him. Shinn Sr would hold the lead for several laps but as they came up on some back markers   would have to jump on the brakes hard only to push out wide letting the hard charging #704 Robin Cowles getting through on the inside taking several car through with him. By the end of the race Mark Sr was Back up to 4th.

Final

A bit like race two Shinn Sr would take the lead which he would hold for some time agian back marker would play there part with Shinn losing out again then catching back up would see a chance with Cowles out wide then see Shinn drive up the inside only to find the Cowles closing the door putting Shinn on the brakes hard heading towards and hitting a marker tyre with #17 Benstead hitting Mark Sr in the rear sending him around then coming together again. Shinn would recover getting himself back up to 4th by the end of the race.

Yarmouth 7th September East Anglian Championship

Car #19

Race 1

 Even though its been a couple of months since Mark Jr has raced he was looking forward to getting back behind the wheel with only 16 cars turning up for this event and Mark Jr on his red grade  this would put him near the rear of the field unfortunately he would not improve his position by the end of the race complaining that the car did not handle well

Race 2

As much like race 1 Mark Jr still was struggling to get up the field although he did say the car was a little better.

Final

Not much has really gone his way and has not had the best of nights with some more tinkering in the pits and a carb change made a small improvement again but not enough to get on terms with the front men.

Post Race:  Bit of a strange one for this meeting with a fresh engine after having low oil pressure on the previous one Mark Jr complained all night that it just did not seem quick enough (although his lap times did show it was favourable to his previous times) and still did not handle ...may be after a two month lay off he's a little rusty as well?

Swaffham 27th July

Car #199

Race 1

Mark Snr started well taking an early advantage and by several laps in would take the lead which he would hold onto until the half way stage when he would be caught and passed to be demoted to 4th which he would hold onto as the chequered flag came down.

Race 2

Again starting well as like race 1 took an early lead which again he would hold on to for some time only again to be caught by the later stages to be demote to 3rd place by the end of the race .

Final

With more alterations in the pits before this race, starting well again and again to take an early lead then ending up go off line which let 704 passed who went on to win the race with Mark Sr hot on his bumper to finish a well dissevered 2nd.

Ipswich 19th July 2008

Car #19

Race 1

Mark Jr now upgraded to REDs yes REDs he was not sure how things were gone go as he found himself amongst some rely good drivers would make a fair start but would find himself on the outside struggling for some extra grip would end up losing some places but hanging on as best as he could would find himself out of the race due to a racing  incident in which the #110 car seemed to lose it then collecting himself  together would find a number of cars suddenly braking heavily to avoid him as the #110 swung back there would be contact which resulted in Mark Jr retiring with a damage wheel and puncture.

Race 2

A slightly better race of Jr although he would finish down the field and not in the placings. 

Final

Mark Jr did not take part in the final and the were problems with his car that could not be fixed in time.

Swaffham 13th July

Car #199

Race 1

Mark Sr starting yellow grade would get a good start quickly making his way through the white graders to take an early lead and would go on to extend his lead but by half distance the red would come out for the #704 car on its roof. With the pack now closed up in single file for the restart, Mark Sr would have to make a good  restart in which he did and went on to take the win.

Race 2

As Mark Sr lined up he was moved back to the rear of the yellow grades as he had won the first race as the strt flag came down Mark Sr made a blinding start and was soon past the yellow grades and making his way past the whites and eventually to take up the lead and again he would take the eventual win in good style

Final

Thing didn't quite go to plan for this one not quite making a good start and probably trying to make up for it would make a mistake which would see the 199 car sliding sideways too much to the point of no return and would end up on the centre green, on rejoining it would take some time to get back on terms but by the end of the race he would find himself up to 5th place

Ipswich Spede weekend 6th July Euro Challenge Cup

Feature race

Car #19

Mark Jr would start at the rear of the grid with the rest of the none qualifiers (30th) would gain places then lose again as they were battling each other with some good close racing early on. as the laps went on Mark Jr made more progress though the field by lap 20 he would find himself in 17th place but would then lose a couple of places as the front men started to lap them with Mark Jr ending up 20th

Ipswich Spede weekend 5th July Euro Challenge Cup

Car #19

Race 1

Mark Jr would start at 3rd on the grid for this race but would be short lived as seems to be the norm these days with contact sending him into the wall and in to retirement

Race 2

Mark Jr would start down the field as the reverse grid put him almost at the back of the field (34th) and looking at a mountain to climb with the laps cut down as they were running late (again) Mark Jr would make a few places up with some quick cars around him by the end of the race managed to get himself up to 29th.

Yarmouth 22nd June  English Championship

Race 1

Grading was done out of the hat and with Mark Jr pulling19th it was going to be a hard race starting this far down the order but he was relishing the challenge ahead and with in a couple of  laps was starting to make his way up the order. By lap 12 he had made his way up to 12th place latching almost on to the rear of Rob Sore #600 for several laps finally getting passed him and getting himself up to 10th place by the end of the race only to be docked 2 places for contact.

Race 2

With a reverse grid this made Mark Jr up the front of the grid in 4th but would be short lived as he was spun on to the infield beaching the car on the inner kerbs.

Final

With the points added together from the 2 heats Mark Jr was placed towards the rear of the grid but was not downbeat as the car was going really well   unfortunately again contact would take him out again in to retirement.

Bovingdon  1st June Dry

Race 1

Race one started well although Mark Jr lost a couple of places he was soon going back up the field albeit a few laps as he was challenging for the lead his engine let go in a cloud of smoke. DNF  With a large hole in the block the car eventually was loaded after some frantic work in the pits to change the engine to no avail as that engine had developed a problem as well .....just not his day.

Yarmouth 25th May wet/greasy

Only the 19 car attended

Race 1

Again starting in his yellow grade Mark Jr was to make a good start (seems to be making a habit of this) making his way past the first of the white graders (#14) by lap 8 closely followed by #600 & #74 as the race got into its final stage it was done to a 3 way battle for the lead between Mark Jr Rob Sore #600 and #152 Shaun Taylor which would come done to the last laps last corner with Mark Jr on the outside in front entering the corner but would end up in 3rd exiting across the line.

Race 2

Again having to deal with the white graders by lap would get himself by #14 to get in 2nd would the set about the leader #152 by lap 7 Mark Jr would take over the lead spot which he would hold on to the end.

Final

For some reason Mark Jr seemed to struggle a little in this race although making a good account of himself he found the car a little hard to get around the corners (almost impossible he told us later in the pits) would end up in 5th place by the end of the race

Post Race

Since the re jigging of the front the car has seemed to go well handling a lot better apart from the final when a problem was found with the steering rack as one of the brackets had broken off including the studs holding it to the bulk head.

Swaffham 18th May

Car #199 in attendance

Race 1

Getting a good start Mark Sr would find himself taking the lead in the early stages would then bump the inner kerb then only to have the car misfire which would then lose places only to end in 6th place.

Race 2

Not making the best of starts Mark Sr would find himself begin chased hard by #33 as they both then came up on the leading car #12 Mark Sr would take to the outside line as the #33 car was trying his luck on the inside who the made contact with the #12 car which then in turn made the #12 car clip the rear of the #199 car sending the cars side ways Mark Sr would then quickly gather himself up to get around the #12 side ways car to take the lead onto the chequered flag.

Final

Starting further back for this one Mark Sr would make a reasonable start but by the second lap in would get clipped by the #704 car send him sliding onto the infield as he rejoined putting him well down the field, would the set about chasing the pack down to end up 7th

Yarmouth 4th May

Only the 19 car attended

Race 1

As there were no white grade drivers this meeting it would effectually mean that the yellow graders would start at the front, although making a good start Mark Jr would then have a coming together with Jason Griffiths #134 and then lose several places thinking he had a puncture which he did not then would then pick up the pace again to claim a well placed 4th.

Race 2

Again making a good start would take a early lead but would the be demoted to second place by Jason Griffiths #134 who would eventually go on to win the race with Mark Jr hot on his bumper for the remainder of the race.

Final

Getting a good start Mark Jr taking an early lead closely followed by #74 and #313 as they would then break away from the pack as the laps ticked by saw  places change several times with Mark Jr come back in front which he would hold until he was caught and past by #194 by lap 16 and later by #313 for Mark Jr to take a well placed 3rd.

Aldershot 27th April

Mark Jr Cancelled this meeting as it was decided to remove the engine and gearbox for some much need TLC and to jig the front of the car.

Bovingdon 13th April

Only the 19 car attended (re graded yellow)

Race 1

Seems to be the norm at the moment only to do a few laps only to end up hitting the Armco exiting  turn 2 after something broke (not sure if it was the drive shaft or steering rack) clattering the fence on the back straight. DNF

Race 2

With repairs going on in the pits to the #19 car Mark Jr did not make it out in time to compete. DNS

Final

As Mark Jr did not qualify for final he was started at the rear of the grid the the rest of the non qualifiers although the was not at its best by the end of the race Mark Jr would get himself up to 15th/16th place.

Post Race We would like to thank Jason Griffiths #134 for the loan of some parts to get the car out for the final

Ipswich 5th April 

Only the 19 car attended

Race 1

 A poor result with combinations of wet/damp track and handling problems...a finish but well down the order.

Race 2

With a change of some suspension parts a better race was hoped for but would not be the case as Mark Jr ended up over the inner curb with sparks flying from underneath his car deciding to retire just incase he had damaged his sump.DNF

Final

Again the car didn't seem to go well and only a few laps were done DNF

Arlington 24th March Wet/Greasy Meeting

Only the 19 car attended

Race 1

 This was not to be a good race for Mark Jr after putting the car in the wall in practice due to the slippery conditions hurried repairs were made to his car and never driven on this track before, lining up on his blue grade he made a reasonable start although the pace was not a fast one due to the tricky conditions as the laps went on he would make up a few positions getting himself up to around 4th place would attempt to make a pass under Dan Harris unfortunately Dan colleting Mark Jr taking them both out in to wall. DNF

Race 2

More repairs in the pits were required to get Jr back out for this race although Mark finished this race he would not be in the points again due to the tricky conditions

Final

With more adjustments done to the car it was hoped that Mark Jr would fair better, from the start of the final Jr seemed to have a little more pace as the car looked liked it was handling a lot better making his way through the field even attempting a pass or two on the outside  would then find himself going underneath Jason Pickett as Pickett tried to squeezing  Jr on the back straight resulting in Jr then to attempt passing him on the outside on the next tour again on the back straight again Pickett squeezing Jr up the track resulting in Pickett getting a puncture who then drove Jr  into the wall on turn 4 as well as himself and both out of what was upto the a good race. DNF

Post race

This has been a trying weekend both on and off the track with the death of his Granddad on the Saturday after a short illness and all the troubles on race day left has left Mark Jr feeling rather despondent.

Wimbledon 9th March Dry/Greasy Meeting

Only the 19 car attended 2/3rds Heats

Race 1

Starting in in his Blue grade Mark Jr would find the conditions a bit on the tricky side as the track although manly dry had wet patches making corning a little harder, again the car looked good and made a few places up the grid to finish in 10th place.

Race 2

With a few changes in the pits Mark Jr seemed to  fair a little better for this heat with some good battling to get himself up to 6th place only to have a coming together with Wayne Leedell #91 which would drop both drivers down the grid a little but would recover some to get back into the top 10 with Mark Jr up to 8th place by the end of the race.

Final

With over 30 cars for the final it was going to be a little bit fraught with this amount of cars on the track at once Jr would again start to get himself up the grid making a few places as the laps ticked by only to retire after getting some rather unwanted attention from #163 which nearly ended up with Mark Jr in the wire fence.

Wimbledon 27th January Dry Meeting

Only the 19 car attended. DNF

Bit of a disaster for the start of a brand new season with a revamped car and a paint job to go with it, with 35 cars on the track contact was expected but not to the extent that went on. Mark Jr's 1st and only heat would last 3 laps and a bit only to find a spinning Wayne Leedell #91hitting him then only to have other cars pilling in to his car to make matters worse. On inspection in the pits it was decided with a bent rear beam  and other damage it would be better to load the car up not not take part in the remainder of the nights racing. 

2007 season

Northampton 7th October English Championship Dry Meeting

Both car's attended.

Race 1

Grading for these races were as you signed in so this would put Mark Jnr 7th on the grid with Mark Snr 9th for the start of this race, with both drivers making good starts although it would be a very short race for Mark Snr as he almost made a lap would be put up the kerb but as he came back there was the eventual contact resulting with a puncture as for Mark Jnr he would be black flagged  for contact on Sturt.

Race 2

After a quick turnaround for Mark Snr with this race, his grading now reversed so would start further down the field (13th on the grid) although a reasonable start was had he would gain and lose positions as he made his way through the traffic to only gain one position by the end of the race.

Race 3

Just Mark Jnr for this one again he made a blinder of a start but his luck was not good for him today after having a good battle would retire from the race after bumping front wheels with another car putting his tracking out.

English Championship

Mark Snr would start towards the rear of the grid (23rd) and Mark Jnr would be further back with the rest of the none qualifiers. At the start Jnr would get passed  Snr as he got boxed in losing 4 or 5 places, would then start after him closing the gap slightly lap after lap until he managed to get by him by the later stage of the race although Mark Snr was not sure if he was not going to finish the race after a serious misfire was hampering his progress which was getting worse as the laps went on. Mark Jnr was not having the best of days as the race got into the later stages as his handling went away with every lap his car was getting worse and was glad to see the chequered flag.

Post Race

This was the first big meeting that both drivers have attended this year and hope it not to be their last although Mark Jnr was disappointed with the cars performance for this meeting as he was hoping that his good luck was going to continue from Great Yarmouth. Mark Snr was happy with the results although he thought that he could have done better if he had finished the first race but that's the way it goes sometimes.

Yarmouth 23rd September Dry Meeting

Both car's attended.

Race 1

Both drivers started in their new grade's with yellow for Mark Sr and blue for Mark Jr, Sr would start well but would fall back during the race as the handling of his car would go away. Mark Jr was going really well getting himself up to second place by the end of the race.

Race 2

As race one Mark Sr would again struggle the the handling with his car would fall back again then as the car got better towards the end of the race would start to gain his placing back but would not get in the top 10 as the reds came out for Waller-Barrett who rolled his car with 4 laps to go (race called), Mark Jr again gaining second place by the end of the race.

Final

Mark Jr seemed to have the measure of Yarmouth for this meeting going well getting himself up to 5th before begin spun out by madden who then was given the black flag . For Mark Sr again mixed fortunes would drop back at the start of the race but would get himself back up to10th by the end of the race with Jr finishing 8th.

Post Race

With opposite fortunes for both drivers with Mark Jr going well all night ( two second places) apart from the final, for Mark Sr Yarmouth seems to be a track that he dose not do well at only getting 10th in the final for all the work that went on in the pits (Many thanks to Kim Cater)

Yarmouth 22nd July Dry Meeting

Both car's attended.

Race 1

Mark Sr found himself in an unusual position of being the only white grader in attendance for this meeting and hopes were high of good results as the car felt good in practice. Unfortunately this was not to be the case soon found himself in trouble as the yellow graders caught him with Jr on the bumper so to speak in fact too close with Jr hitting and sending him off onto the centre (who says they team race) which would put Mark Sr well down the order and Mark Jr out for his troubles including Black Cross Flag. although Mark Sr would recover enough to get a 10th place.

600,309,69,447,116,87,486,74,163,199

Race 2

With some quick repair work on both cars need for the next race, The flag went down with Sr taking an early lead but he would not hang on for long with now poor handling was struggling with the car and would finish well down the order, as for Mark Jr he seemed to be struggling a little after some contact knocking his tracing out but would end up in 9th place by the end of the race.

377,447,600,87,309,486,69,19,74

Final

With more repair work in the pits for both cars Mark Sr seemed to fair better with his start  taking the lead again (hoping to hang on for longer this time), as for Jr he didn't make the start he wanted (poor in his own words) but once he got going he was soon on the pace chasing down the front men including Mark Sr. As for Mark Sr his lead was to be short lived as he went down the order he was sent flying onto the infield (again) this time by by Rob Sore #600 put him well down the order. Mark Jr was having better fortunes even finishing 4th but would be awarded 3rd after #163 was docked two places.

447,377,19,87,163,309,116,486,91,38

Bovingdon 15th July Dry to very wet

Both car's attended.

Race 1

With both drivers still in their respective grades (only just) both lined up on their grids, at the drop of the flag Mark Sr knew he was going to have a handful as the car pushed on exiting corners dropping back very quickly  as the car could not make the turns which at one point found himself well out of shape and getting hit down the drivers side tearing the drivers door. As the laps went on the car got worse for Mark Sr which ended up him getting a hard hit in the back which the made the engine go down onto 3 cylinders so would end up pulling off  (a plug lead coming off) DNF. Mark Jr made the best of his grade starting well and making up a few places as the race went on but as like Mark Sr he would not finish the race as the race went to yellows Mark Jr slowed down all of a sudden  the front of his car was engulfed in steam.

Race 2

This would prove to be the best race of the day for both drivers at the off Mark Sr almost getting the lead but would beaten by car #24 to make Sr second with Simon Gade #36 a close 3rd and Jr down in 6th, as the laps went on it was close for Mark Sr with the #36 car in close attendance trying every way to get by which he could not do. For Mark Jr he slowly made he his further up the order to be closing on on Mark Sr, and Simon Gade. With the #24 car who had disappeared up front for the lead (not to be caught) the running order for the next places was starting to hot up as the laps ticked by with the last lap to go Mark Jr managing to get by #36 Simon Gade to get 3rd which now put him a very close 3rd and trying to get passed Mark Sr (not enough laps).

24,199,19,36,18,377,62,168,579,171

Final

The heavens opened up for this one (monsoon comes to mind) with almost all the drivers struggling with the conditions with not just the heavy rain but with the amount of standing water now on the track made it almost imposable too see where you were going. Mark Sr would struggle with the conditions up to laps 11 when he clipped the wall putting the tracking out  to join the long list of retirements DNF. Mark Jr seemed to cope a little better and would even finish the race to be classified in 7th place.

447,163,18,168,37,106,19,87,500,171

Ipswich 9th June Dry Meeting

Both car's attended.

Race1

As there were not enough stock rods it was all in, so with Sr starting on his white grade ( probably not much longer) & Jr on the yellows at the drop of the flag Sr found himself having fight with Jack Tuffen #117 for the lead which he eventually lost as he settled down in second place chasing the lead car at close quarters to to with which is how it stayed for most of the race until the closing stages when he would be passed by # 38 Scott Billman the a few laps later by #213 Graham Morton demoting Mark Sr down to 4th and to be caught by Mark Jr who had done a lot of chasing from his grade with a  lap he had to settle for 5th (not enough time) which is how it stayed.

117,38,213,199,19,72,447,486,91,162

Race 2

Disaster struck Mark Sr even before he got onto the track as he waited in the queue to go out the engine stopped and would not restart ( electrical problem) so it just left Mark Jr to hold up the honours, at the start he was like a man on a mission getting up to 3rd and chasing the front two down getting closer by very lap even getting up to and almost passing the #38 car of Billman on the outside then tried his luck on the inside and again almost getting there but not enough to get by .

213,38,19,117,18,309,316,72,68,486

Final

After some frantic work in the pits on the #199 car to find and solve the problem, making both cars out for the final. with both drivers making a reasonable starts and settling down to the pace which was pretty quick. With both Mark Sr and Mark Jr each having their own battles until the yellows came out to remove the stricken car of the #18 car of Terry Meenehan who was put in the wall, after the restart  both would slip down the order with Sr claiming 7th place and Jr to be removed from the results after taking out the #162 Carl Waller-Barrett

72,316,447,117,171,69,199,116,28,500

Bovingdon 3rd June Dry Meeting

Both car's attended.

Race 1

As they were no 2/3rd format it was all in for all the of heats, both Sr and Jr still starting in their previous grades (white and yellow) with Sr at the back of the whites and Jr on the out side of the front of yellows (seems to be two races one on the track and one in the pits). As both drivers started reasonably well the pace was pretty quick for a small track with not much for over taking and nobody seemed to make any real headway as a train started to form both drivers couldn't make much impression to make many places up if any  but the race would be red flagged by lap 14 due to a spun car that Kim Carter found the stranded car so the race was stopped and all drivers were called to the centre green who had the riot act read to them about the amount of contact that was going on by the Clerk of the Course who then voided the race, shame though as Mark Sr finished 5th and Jr 8th.

Race 2

As both drivers made good starts on their respective grades especially for Mark Sr  starting 6th on the grid would soon find himself in 3rd and chasing down the 3rd placed man as for Mark Jr he would soon find himself on the outside slipping down the order as he could not find the space to get back in. Again as in the previous heat passing can be a little tricky but can be done as Mark Sr was now up to 2nd and chasing the leader as the laps ticked by the gap came down but as it came down  to the last lap corner of the last lap the leader went wide and Sr saw his change then it all went wrong as he just got underneath the leader (Simon Gade #36) Mark Sr got a tap from behind which was enough to send him into the 36 car and spinning him out across the line resulting in Sr receiving the Black flag. For Mark Jr although he did not make up many places he had thoroughly enjoyed the racing.

Final

After the disappointment of the previous races both drivers were hoping for better results and almost got what they wanted, At the drop of the flag Mark Sr found himself in 2nd place chasing the #36 car who would hold onto his spot until Sr finally got by him over half way point taking up the running soon found himself under pressure and holding on for the time begin. Further down the field Jr was having a fairly good race swapping places, both loosing and gaining and again thoroughly enjoying himself as he was hanging onto the star men and keeping a good pace with them. Back at the front Sr still hanging on to 1st place (only just) as the gap between himself and 2nd place man came down which would come down to the dreaded last lap & corner (again) as they both came round the last corner for the chequered Sr got a nudge from being sending him wide enough for the second place man to get underneath with the inevitable contact which saw both cars bouncing of each other across the line. After a stewards inquire it was deemed a racing incident with Mark Sr loosing out on the win but would claim the second spot. Mark Jr would claim 7th place at the end of the race.

Post Race

All in all a good days racing especially begin it was the first time that either drivers had visited the track and both agreed they liked it! Although the contact side did spoilt it a little which maybe due to the amount of cars that were in attendance maybe should have begin 2/3rds heats.

Ipswich 19th May Dry Meeting

Both car's attended. 2/3rds heats

Race 1.

Starting on his usual (white) grade Mark Sr  was looking forward to having a good meeting after the disappointment of Yarmouth as the race started making a good start settling down in a  comfortable 3rd  place was gifted taking up the lead when Nick Campbell broke his drive shaft after leading the race taking second place man out with him as the cars parted Mark Sr went for the gap to take the lead which he was able to hold onto for a while but would eventually get demoted to finish down the order.

Race 2.

Just Mark Jr starting on this one, but after making making a good start from his yellow grade and chasing the leaders down would have to retire from the race exiting his cars rather quickly as it started smoking with an electrical fire.

Race 3.

Both Mark Sr & Jr were out in this heat and after some frantic work in the pits the burnt wiring was sorted out just enough to get Jr's car going...... it started!!! so Mark Jr lined up on his grade (yellow) and Mark Sr (white) at the drop of the flag both start well although Jr got a better start  in the yellows with Sr running 3rd for the early part of the race & then getting passed by a couple of cars (including jr getting by ) was now running 5th and would hold this position until the yellows came out on the restart with jr now up to 3rd would get up to second as Sr would get demoted down the order with jr to claim his 2nd place fully by the end of the race

Final.

The final would hold mixed fortunes for both drivers with Jr making the best of his start and Sr at the rear of the grid (none qualifier for the final) even with a restart in the early stages the pace would certainly be fast and furious and both making some places before having to retire with Jr going out 1st after begin spun on to the centre Sr would go on for more laps before himself having to retire after get a very heavy hit in the rear then the engine going down onto 3 cylinders so a double DNF.

Yarmouth 6th May Damp/Greasy Meeting

Both car's attended. 2/3rds heats

For Mark Sr & Mark Jr this was a meeting that did not go well although Mark Jr fared better than Mark Sr (1st ever meeting) as both drivers either failed to finish or were down the order.

Ipswich 21st April Dry Meeting

Both car's attended. 2/3rds heats

Race 1.

Both Mark Sr (199) & Jr (19) out for this one, again with Sr starting on whites making a good start would take the early lead but wood lose out to #18 not before getting a love tap from him sending Mark Sr sideways but held on to it well. All in all not a bad race for Sr to finish up a good 6th place. As for Mark Jr still on yellows his race would be short going into retirement with a broken driver shaft in the early stages of the race.

Race 2.

Only Mark Sr (199) out for this one this time, once again making a fair start but would struggle in this heat as he was soon out again after race one begin only 1 race between the heats. The pace was a little faster than the previous heat and would soon see Mark Sr start to slip down the order to finish 9th

Race 3

Mark Jr should have been in this one but did not start as he had more than a broken drive shaft.

Final

As Mark Jr was now out for the night it only left Mark Sr to start the final still in graded order also saw the largest field of cars would would provide lots of action and certainly would not disappoint  with a huge crash bringing out the reds early on the back straight involving at least half a dozen cars. A complete restart was called for after the stricken cars were removed and at the drop of the flag the pressure was on as the yellows & blues were soon hot on the heals of Mark Sr but would soon lose out as he would have to retire with a blown engine.

Northampton 9th April Dry Meeting

Both car's attended. 2/3rds heats

Race 1.

Mark Jr out on his own , would start well and now seemed to have more pace than the previous nights racing with the misfire now gone as the race went on he would gain and lose some places to finish a creditable 9th.

Race 2

Both Mark Sr and Mark Jr lined up for this one, as the flag came down to start the race both drivers making a good start especial Mark Sr taking the lead after a couple of laps which he would keep until 5 laps to go when he was caught and passed by the star men demoting him to 6th.As for Mark Jr he didn't have quite such a good race finishing in 11th.

Race 3

Only Mark Sr for this one which would be almost a repeat of his first heat finding himself at the sharp end for the earl part of this race but would end up 9th by the chequard flag.

Final

Both drivers were up for this one and as before getting away reasonably but the final would be short lived for Mark Sr have to pull off with engine trouble, Mark Jr would be mixing it with the fast men finishing 7th.

Post race.

All in all a very good meeting for both drivers both having better results the the previous night having sorted out a few problems more so for Mark Jr with the misfire which turned out to be the petrol pipe near the tank getting pinched between the tank and fire wall. As for Mark Sr getting the car to handle a little better than Wimbledon only to have engine trouble in the final. (a dropped valve)

Wimbledon 8th April Dry Meeting

Both car's attended. 2/3rds heats

Race 1.

Only Mark Sr for the start of this race as he would take his usual white grade would start reasonably well but would slip down the race order to finish 12th by the end of the race.

Race 2.

For Mark Jr this was to be a first on two accounts after the big crash he had the previous month @ Wimbledon with the cars first race since then and also now re-graded as a yellow top. He would start in his usual fashion but it would soon become apparent that something was wrong with the car as he struggled to find some pace and would soon pull off ending with an early retirement. DNF

Race 3.

Both drivers out for this heat with Mark Sr on whites and Jr on yellows at the drop of the flag both would start well but  would go all wrong for both of them as Mark Sr would go into an early retirement after begin involved in a 3 car pile up damaging the front of his car pushing the passenger side corner into the wheel. SAs for Mark Jr he would go out a few laps later still having problems with his car. both drivers having DNF.

Final.

As  race 3 both cars were out and lined up on their respective grades which would see both drivers struggle for pace which would also see Mark Jr go out  and for Mark Sr to finish but well down the order.

Post Race

This would see both drivers having problems all night with their cars, for Mark Sr having a handling problem that he could not sort out only to make it worse And for Jr for a strange miss fire that he could not seem to cure.

Wimbledon 4th March  Wet Meeting

Both car's attended.

Race 1.

Both drivers starting on the white grade, it would be Mark Jnr making a better start than Snr but reds were straight out after a crash on the back straight bringing all cars back to the grades for a restart. This time it would be Snr making the better start than Jnr and would run in the top placing's for awhile with both drivers having lots of fun moments with the tricky conditions of a very wet track. By the end of the race it would see both drivers slip down the order a little and still see both drivers finish with respectable placings for Mark Snr a creditable 8th place (1st time ever @ Wimbledon) and 12th for Jnr.

Race 2.

As before both drivers would make a reasonable start as the rain came down even heavier almost water logging the raceway with Jnr making easier work of the conditions would soon be up near the front as Snr would struggle with the conditions losing placings. By lap 10 Mark Jnr would be challenging for second place which would go wrong as he tried to make the pass on the inside of car 591 would end in contact sending both cars spinning with Mark Jnr hitting the wire fence triggering a 12 car pile up which would even see Mark Snr involved. The reds were soon out bringing the race to a stop to clear the track of stricken cars which were quite a few. This would see a very heavily damaged car for Mark Jnr which would see the 19 car out for the rest of the night, Mark Snr was also fearing the worst after hitting the Sturty machine as well as begin  hit in the rear luckily the damage would not put the car out and would see the restart to finish 13th .

Final.

Only the 199 of Snr would start this race be would see him struggle with the ever tricky conditions (still raining) and would see him lose placings even with a couple of spins would then by the end of the race finish 13th (again)

 heat 1,  91,30,143, 106, 213, 447, 316, 199,187, 28

 heat 2,  30,106,91, 447, 144, 381, 486,143, 101, 37

 Final ,  726,316, 447, 500, 106, 28, 144, 486,101, 143

Ipswich 24th Feb  Damp & Greasy

Only the 19 car attended.

Race 1.

Starting on his usual grid (white) Mark Jnr would make a good start making the best of the tricky conditions he would hold is own for the early part of this race but would slip down to 5th by mid way but would eventually lose out after getting spun out of his position ending up on the centre infield and into retirement.

Race 2.

As before Mark Jnr made a good start, taking an early lead which he was to hold onto for some time after pulling out a small advantage he would lose out to Paul Frost & Dean O'Dell to hold on to 3rd for a few more laps but would eventually be demoted to 5th place at the drop of the checkered flap.

Final.

This was a race as one Mark Jnr would make a good start held onto 3rd for quite some time but got a tap putting him out on the wide line ending up near the rear of the field before he could get in then would make a charge after collecting himself together would start to pick off places but would run out of laps to break into the top 10.

Post Race

With a full grid of cars that had to have heats of 2/3rds, with the tricky conditions (a greasy track) which would not really improve all night. A good nights racing with very few crashes even catching some of the star drivers out at times.

Wimbledon Jan 28th  Track Dry

Only the 19 car attended.

Race 1.

Mark Jnr was eager to get back into racing & would not be disappointed starting of the white grade (again) he was to lose a few positions at the start of the race, but once he had got back on terms he started to make good progress & by the half way stage getting by back up the order to 3rd place. Catching the 2 front men Mark Jnr was also caught by a very fast Drew Lemmas, giving some serious attention in getting pass Mark Jnr making contact on the back straight sending Mark Jnr flying of the race track onto the centre area scattering the marshals & almost hitting the the stranded 87 car, ending his race .

Race 2.

This would prove to be Mark Jnr's best race of the night starting again in graded order he would take an early lead as well as setting the pace which was to be quite a fast one pulling out a lead & extending it by small amounts lap by lap. By the half way stage He had almost a straight between himself & the 2nd place man As he started to lap the back markers the gap to himself & the next 3 started to come down as the traffic didn't go all his way. With the remaining handful of laps to go Mark Jnr was was now having to fight to keep his lead which was coming down to a 3 car battle between Mark Jnr, Dean O'Dell & Drew Lammas with Lammas getting pass the O'Dell car & closing on to the rear of Mark Jnr with 2 laps to go Mark Jnr came onto the start/finish straight a bit wide this was all Lammas need to get by to take 1st place but then the race was red flagged due to a stranded car ending the race. It looked like that Mark Jnr for a time would only get second but the it was announced that the results would go on previous lap before the stoppage which gave a very happy Mark Jnr the win.

Final.

Once again a graded order start at the drop of the flag Mark Jnr made a reasonable start but would soon lose out after a tap in the back of the car made it jump out of gear also getting pushed wide at the same time & not begin able to get back in until he was some way down the field which unfortunately is where he finished the race

Heat 1,   171, 316, 168, 447, 162, 500, 37, 264, 116, 187

Heat 2,   19, 143, 171, 316, 116, 187, 162, 214, 447, 264

Final  , 171, 187, 143, 213, 500, 447, 87, 116, 87, 162, 134

2006 Season

Swaffham  Track Dry Polly Motorsports  Series Final.

Both car's attended.

Final . This race was the final for the Polly Motorsport series so the starting order would be in points order that were scored in previous rounds so this would put Mark Jnr (19) 9th & Mark Snr (199) 17th . With the likes of Smyth, Leedell, Carter, Madden it was going to be a tall order to gain places on the star men in front held his own for several laps staying with the lead bunch when the train slowed Mark caught them up but could not a make the pass the Madden car as hard as he tried on the outside line only to be caught himself and then spun only to lose a handful of  places, finishing out side the top 10. 

As for Mark Snr it would be an uneventful race still getting to grips with the new car which is slowly improving  having to find a new set up as the older set up from the previous car didn't work. Mark Snr was happier with the performance even though there is a lot more to come.

Race 1. Back to graded order this time for the #19 car so this puts him at the sharp end (white's STILL) making a good start & holding is own only to be spun out of the race order to putting him to the rear of the field only to retire several laps later.

Race 2. When luck is against for Mark Jnr it just goes against him this race would end up with another DNF but this time too a burst oil pipe. (pressure gauge)

Post Race. All in all not a bad race meeting but with both drivers having bad luck on the night for Mark Jnr with his DNF's & for Mark Snr breaking the steering rack getting back into the the pits after the first race. (couldn't find anyone with a welder) 

Northampton 24th September Track Dry & Greasy

Both car's attended.

Race 1. Both driver's starting of the front (Whites) with Mark jnr (19) taking the early lead to be closely followed by Mark snr (199) as the pace was set for the early part of the race by by lap 5 Mark snr was caught & passed demoting him to 3rd by the 876 car who was also to catch & pass Mark jnr by lap 9 to take the lead off him demoting Mark jnr down to 2nd which both drivers held on to. But by the latter part of the race both drivers where caught & passed by several other driver's by the finish of the race.

Race 2. As per race one with both drivers from the of at the front of the grid Mark snr just edging out then getting clipped from Mark jnr making a pass around the outside cutting back in a little too early with the inventible contact (oops) putting Mark snr down to the rear of the field. Mark jnr collecting himself together to take the lead which he would keep to the end (only just) from the fast charging Mark Barber with Mark Snr well down the order.

Final. This race order was decided by the points scored in the two heats which would place Mark jnr (19) 4th on the grid & Mark snr 12th on the grid. this race was going to be a little harder than the first 2 heats especially for jnr with the regular fast men at the front of the grid & also behind him held his own for the early part of the race but would slip down the order as the laps ticked away to finish 10th for his first ever final at the Northampton oval. Mark snr would hold his own started 12th & finished 12th.

Heat 1,   876, 755, 669, 19, 162, 900, 823, 199, 915, 91

Heat 2,   19, 755, 876, 980, 900, 823, 924, 669, 922, 942

Final  ,   755, 669, 162, 876, 823, 91, 855, 915, 935, 19

Post Race  All in all a good meeting for both drivers a first for both of them as it was Mark jnr's first ever time at the track & for Mark snr only the second time for himself & only the second outing for the new car (still setting up ).

Ipswich 15th July Track Dry  (Lyndale Engines Grand Final )

Only the 19 car attended.

Race 1.The points from all the rounds were totaled up which determined the race order which  place Mark Jnr 7th on the grid  as they all set off all the cars made a good clean start as the early laps went by with no one really made any positions with Mark Jnr &  311 Brett Hillard swapping place's a few times with Mark Jnr making the pass finally stick then started to catch 377 Dean Whitwell & 162 Carl Waller-Barrett as Waller- Barrett went under Whitwell, Mark went with him with Whitwell on the outside line as they entered score board bend as Whitwell went side ways Mark Jnr made the move on the inside, unfortunately contact was made between both cars which put Dean out with a puncture Mark was to continue to the end for the race to claim 10th

Race 2. This was graded order for this race which put Mark at the sharp end (white top still) he was to take an early lead which he was to hold on for some time but would be eventually be caught & passed by the fast charging 171 Dean O'Dell which brought some of the faster cars with him Mark Jnr would end up 6th by the end of the race with a car that was not handling very well.

Race 3. Mark Jnr did not enter this race.

Post Race. Good racing especially the first race but was to be marred by what most would call spitting the dummy  in the pits between Whitwell & Mark Jnr over the contact they had & the again after the second race after the reds came out with Whitwell following Mark Jnr then deliberately running into him ( bad sportsman) which then kicked off again in the pits.

Swaffham 24th June Track Dry  (Lyndale Engines Round 7)

Both car's attended.

Race 1. Mark Jnr started well as usual almost taking a flag to flag win (would have been nice) only to lose out on a restart caused by  blow up of Eddie Troffer's car. After the field had bunched up during the yellows on the restart Mark Jnr made a good start with car #377 close on his heels made a sight error going slightly wide to allow the 377 the slightest of gaps to get the nose of his car up the inside of Mark Jnr's car with the result of some contact get him side ways allowing the 377 up the inside with a couple of laps to run. Still Mark Jnr finished a creditable second. For Mark Snr luck was not to be on his side get punted rather heavily early in the race putting him into retirement.

Race 2. Not a race for both driver's with Mark Jnr  ran well in the early laps bit got passed by some of the faster men (contact?) slipped down the order a little the as he started to get his placing's back was then punted out by car #915 into retirement. As for Mark Snr although he managed to finish the race but was well down the order.

Final  No big finishes for both driver's as Mark Jnr started 10th on the grid finished 10th & as for Mark Snr just about held his own from almost the rear of the grid.

Post Race.  For Mark Jnr just panel damage to sort but Mark Snr has a lot more work on the car to sort out with the damage & handling problem's to be sorted.

Ipswich 3rd June Track Dry  (Lyndale Engines Round 5)

Both car's attended.

Race 1. Still starting on white's (not for much longer we think) Mark Jnr started well had some early battles with some other white graders held his own for several laps but would be eventually demoted to 7th place.

Race 2. Mark Jnr made a great start taking an early lead & was to pull out a couple of car lengths on the chasing pack which he was to hold almost to the end only to lose out on the last lap to a fast charging #171.

Final Mark Jnr started well & held his own ran 3rd for some time only to be pushed out wide which let the pack through & not begin able to get back in until the long train of cars came by finally getting back in at the tail of the grid which unfortunately is almost where he stayed only making a few places back up.

Post Race  All in all a good day for Mark Jnr not only having a good days racing but also passing his driving test earlier that day, Mark Snr debuting a new car didn't make it on to the track after dropping a valve earlier in practice. (ho well that's racing)

Heat 1,   666, 171, 316, 115, 69, 311, 19, 148, 163, 447

Heat 2,   171, 19, 69, 264, 666, 316, 68, 163, 311, 115

Final  ,   171, 163, 316, 666, 500, 148, 447, 213, 68, 69

Ipswich 13th May Track Dry  (Lyndale Engines Round 4)

Both car's attended.

Race 1. It's been almost a year since both drivers were @ Ipswich so good results were high on the agenda, as the previous rounds again done in graded order which put Mark Jnr on the front & Mark Snr in the yellows. With Jnr taking the early lead which he was not to give up Mark Snr having a more entertaining race getting rather a lot of attention to the rear of the car towards the end of the race still to finish claiming a creditable 5th place.

Race 2. This one didn't go quite to plan with Mark jnr struggling a little (not sure why) & Mark snr to make a reasonable good start to only be taken out early in the race causing damage to the car & retirement.

Final. Cancelled. 

Heat 1,   19, 264, 666,375, 199, 171, 9, 2, 218,163

Heat 2,   666, 264, 9, 316, 68, 163, 579, 447, 171, 375

Final  ,     cancelled

Swaffham 1st May Track Dry  (Lyndale Engines Round 3)

Both car's attended.

Race 1. Unlike the previous rounds this was done as graded order so Mark Jnr started white grade with Mark Snr on yellows, this heat was mixed fortunes for both drivers. Mark Jnr taking an early lead that he was not too lose so a flag to flag victory for him, Mark Snr didn't fair so well making a reasonable start then getting spun out early only to rejoin further down the field with an ill handling car.

Race 2. As like race 1 mixed results again for both drivers Mark Jnr  again getting the better results although not a win this time at the start some contact between Mark Jnr & the 69 car with the 69 getting ahead Mark Jnr was second some time but as the laps ticked by he was eventually demoted to 7th place by the finish of the race. Mark Snr faired a little better this time but still struggling for some pace but at least not last.

Final. As the points were totaled up from the two heat to provide this put Mark Jnr second on the grid with Mark Snr near the rear of the grid it was a race full of incidents with Mark Jnr ending up in the wall early on & into retirement. The yellows were brought out several times one for a roll & one for a car on fire Mark Snr making some progress through the field ,by the end of the race finished 18th. (not confirmed)

Heat 1,   19, 69, 447, 162, 300, 500, 129, 100, 268, 647

Heat 2,   268, 171, 163, 91, 658, 300, 377, 116, 87, 368

Heat 3,   447, 168, 68, 316, 500, 375, 19, 69, 658, 442

Final ,    447, 168, 268, 500, 91, 658, 163, 116, 129, 368     

Yarmouth 9th April Track wet & Greasy (Lyndale Engines Round 2)

Only the 19 car attended.

Race 1.Well would you believe it Mark Jnr again drawing 7th on the grid, Mark Jnr would struggle with the conditions &  having never raced at Yarmouth (baptism of fire) would end up near the rear of the field but not last!

Race 2. With a reverse grid Mark Jnr would be near the rear of the grid for this one still struggling with the conditions  he would end up mid field before the the of this race.

Final. This would have been his best race of the night Mark Jnr would be near the rear of the grid for this one again & seemed to start to get to grips with the track clawed his way up to 7th place before the yellows came out for the no 87 who managed to lose it on the start finish straight sliding in to the infield marker tyres putting his car on it's side. On the re start Mark Jnr didn't make a good start & lost a few places then got an rather aggressive move from 311 Brett Hillard  which nearly sent him into the fence and in to retirement. DNF. 

Swaffham 11th March Track Dry - Icy (Lyndale Engines Round 1)

Both car's attended.

Race 1.  Mark Jnr drawing 7 on the grid & Snr 21st  both drivers looking for reasonable results which probably not making one lap s was asking too much for Mark Snr (199) spinning early in the tricky conditions only to rejoin last then having to pull out with a heavy misfire & a cloud for smoke. Mark Jnr (19) found the conditions just as bad especially with a brand new car slipped from the front down the order but not last by the end of the race.

Race 2. Just Mark Jnr for this race with the reverse grid this time starting near the back of the grid after a few pit adjustments the car was a little better but still not right but finishing the race down the order.

Final. With the poor results form the two heats the put Mark Jnr (19) near the back of the field  conditions were even more tricky with the cold track & icy track this was to be his worse race of the night  getting involved in someone else accident forcing retirement & a trip to the St Johns for some medical treatment (bloody nose) 

Post Race. Still some work on Mark Jnr's (19) car is need to the the set up but is a good base to start on so a little tweaking is in order plus all the usual panel damage. Mark Snr (199) after removing the head it was found to have bent a valve. On further examinations a hole has now been found in the back of the block hidden by the starter motor.

2005 Season

RTS Arena Essex 29th October Track Dry - damp

Only the 19 car attended this meeting.

Race 1 Well what can i say when it goes wrong it goes wrong! getting a blinder of a start then gets spun from the lead by the 18 car who is immediately given the black cross. Mark Jnr (19) then has to rejoin from last over the next 10 laps he pushes hard to claim 10th place. (not bad after begin nearly a lap down)

Race 2 This was going to be another one of those races again making a good start claims the lead then spins himself out this time hitting the inner curb ending at the back once again. Once again some go driving to recover to 9th.

Final  This was to be the race of the night for Mark Jnr getting a good start as usual & taking an early lead taking the second  place man with him over the next 10 laps this was how it stayed, as they closed up on a pack of 4 back markers who were all racing hard themselves side by side this nearly became Mark jnr's undoing taking an out side line to make his pass getting  pushed wide by one of these back markers then leaving as small gap between then allowing the second place man enough room to get underneath Mark Jnr then lucky for Mark he got boxed in allowing Mark Jnr to complete the the pass around the back markers & to gain a slight advantage of about half a cars length out to the the win! May i also add that between both these car the racing kept us on our feet the intire race as this could have gone either way well done to both drivers.

RTS Arena Essex 8th October Track damp

Only the 19 car attended this meeting.

Race 1 Starting is never a problem, Mark Jnr (19) get's off to a good start & chases the early leader down & makes a clean pass to take the lead after a couple of laps in which he was to keep up to the last lap only to lose out to the fast charging Michael Benstead (car 17) so had to settle for 2nd place.   

Race 2 As like race 1 Mark Jnr chases the early leader down (car21) getting himself into a battle with this car. Every time he tries to get under the 21 car he chop's across the front of the 19 car after several laps frustration gets the better of Mark Jnr giving the 21 car some hurry up taps but the 21 car still keeps chopping every time he gets underneath. Meanwhile the charging Michael Benstead (17) sweeps around both cars to to the lead demoting Mark Jnr down to 3rd place with the chopping 21 2nd more hurry up taps from the 19 car then  after getting down the inside he spins the 21. Mark now receives the black cross for his actions which is upgraded to a black flag at the end of the race.

Final  Like the previous  races Mark Jnr gets a flyer from the off & soon catches the 21 car again but this time manages to get around him cleanly as this time he keeps to his line (no cutting across) taking the lead he was not to lose this time going on to win by 1/2 a lap!!! It had to happen some time well DONE!!!!!!!

Blyton Raceway 25th September Track dry

Both cars were in attendance for this meeting.

Race 1  Mark Jnr (19) with a good start thou wasn't too sure of his car after the damage from the previous meeting @ Arena. The car felt well & had a good pace  he was to finish 2nd with Mark Snr (199) to finish 3rd after starting from the rear of the field.

Race 2   Again Jnr (19)getting off to a good start but was not to be a race of good fortune as having a good battle  to end up with a DNF after contact with another car unfortunately putting both cars out as they wanted the same piece of tarmac, again Mark Snr (199) from the rear of the grid to claim 2nd for this race.

Final  What has Jnr (19) got to do to get the results he is due? well he has to finish the race  & it certainly looked liked he was going to do just that! Getting a flyer from the off, getting the lead & heading for that certain win. With a few laps to go his drive shaft broke pitching the car into a spin & putting him out of that win. meanwhile Snr (199) made his way through the field to claim the win.

Race 4 Again as like the previous race for Jnr it just seems he has no luck with another DNF (drive shaft again) with Snr (199) only managing a 3rd for this race.

RTS Arena Essex 10th September  Track Dry/Very wet Final.

Only the 19 car attended this meeting.

Race 1  Mark had a good start lead most of the way still had the misfire finished 5th.

Race 2  As race 1 still with this misfire had to pull off after 2 laps DNF

Final  Started at  the rear of the grid made good progress making his way through the field. By lap 5 trying to make his way under car 90 making slight contact earning him the black X board, then setting his sights on the 94 car unfortunately 3 laps later there was more contact with car 90 again. After the 90 car had been hit by car 94 as they were going to the straight three-abreast swinging the 90 car into Mark and ending up the fence at the end of the straight. Another DNF but misfire seems to have be cured.

RTS Arena Essex 27th August  Track Dry

Only the 19 car attended this meeting.

Race 1  Lead most of the race dueling with car 100 only to spun out by the said car 4 laps from the end after what was a good battle after both cars swapped places several times.

Race 2  Got off to a good start but the car broke down with an engine misfire.

Final 3  Getting of the line is not a problem just finishing a race seems to be. Lead the race almost from the start with 4 laps from the end the yellow's came out for a crash in which left several cars too close to the racing line, on the restart Mark floored the throttle but the engine cut out another DNF.

RTS Arena Essex 13th August  Track damp to wet.

Only the 19 car attended this meeting.

Race 1

 Back to Arena & first visit this year starting on graded order ( white's) made a good start but this was to be short lived spinning himself out of the lead & into retirement. (dam shame could have won this one) DNF

Race 2

Once again a good start this time lead from start to Finnish

Final

Again a good start but to be short lived again spinning himself out in the tricker conditions not once but three times .DNF

Swaffham 5th June     Track Dry (for a change!!!)

Both cars were in attendance for this meeting  

Race 1

Back again @ Swaffham which should have been a Lyndale round but with the stock rod world on @ Northampton this was postponed till a further date. Anyway this meeting still went ahead even if the turn out was lower than expected & was to run as graded order (white)  which put both cars up the front for a change (front row) as the green came down to start the race both cars getting to the first corner only to find it was greasy ending with both cars side ways. This was to see both cars going well with Mark Snr (199) leading Jnr (19) for most of the race. As the race got into its final stages both cars were getting caught by the quicker cars with Jnr (19)  losing 2 places to finish 4th  & Snr (199) to be demoted to 2nd by a last ditch move by 377 down the inside ripping the drivers door.

Race 2 

This race went as much as race 1 apart for Mark Jnr (19) to pull out with a misfire & Snr (199) to take the win.

Final

As of race 1 & 2 both cars got off to a good start again with Snr (199) off into the distance for the early part of the race with Jnr (19) going out again with engine problems. Could Mark senior win this & make it a double?......unfortunately this was  not to happen with around 5 laps to go was caught & passed by 377 & then by the 91 car of Wayne Leedell demoting Mark Snr to 3rd by the end of the race. Could this see the 199 car promoted up to another grade we shall see............

Race 1: 377, 199, 375, 19, 368, 87, 68, 83, 74
Race 2: 199, 377, 91, 368, 87, 68, 375, 74, 361
Final: 377, 91, 199, 87, 68, 368, 74, 375

Swaffham 21st May   Track Wet & Greasy

Both cars were in attendance for this meeting  

Race 1

 Back to Swaffham for the second time for team & once again it was raining. Draw was out the hat as they say with Mark Jnr (19) pulling 5th on the grid & Mark Snr (199) pulling 23rd both cars finding the conditions a little tricky as both gained & lost places by the end of the race car 19 coming in 9th place & 199 finishing up 12th. (we think) By the end of the race car 19 needed another rad after running into 116 Micheal (Rusty) Maddon. 

Race 2 

With reverse grid for this one Mark Snr was hoping for a better race making an adjustment on the 199 car in order to make it more drivable with the conditions as they were. unfortunelatley  the adjustment made it worse making the car almost un drivable. by the end of the race going from the front to the back, & the 19 car making slow progress through the field. Both cars finished out of the top 10.

Final

This race Mark Jnr (19) started further up the order only to spin out  bringing out the yellows early. Mark Snr starting further back finding the conditions better this time round & the handling much better (settings put back) & making good pace through the field but was to all go wrong when getting through a back marker (mainly car 19) what you say! yes the team had a coming together putting the 199 car into the fence ending the race early. Mark Jnr finishing the race but once again not in the points.

 Ipswich 9th April    Track Dry & Dusty to Start

Both cars were in attendance for this meeting  Starting in Graded Order (White)

Race 1 

Once again a new track to learn. Mark Jnr getting out early in the line up for graded order (white's) with Mark Snr at the back of the white grade the pace was fast & pretty much furious as well with both cars going well, making & losing places during this race. Unfortunately this heat was brought to a sudden end with around 5 laps to go with a 5 car crash bring out the yellows followed by the reds with both cars finishing in the top 10. Car 19 Mark Jnr getting 3rd & 199 Mark Snr in 6th place.

Race 2

The pace for this race was even quicker than the previous race both cars getting a good start, unfortunately was to be short lived for the 19 car to be spun out on the back straight stalling the car & not able to restart the engine meanwhile the 199 car  was now up to 3rd & setting sights on the 2nd place man getting right up to the back bumper  & about to make a move for 2nd when the back stepped out  then getting it back only to be hit by the 4th place man sending the car of the start straight onto the speedway track spinning backwards at a fair rate of knots hitting the back of a corsa inflicting heavy damage to both cars. Both cars DNF.

Race 3

Only the 19 car lining up for this race as it was felt that the car 199 had had enough for one day. With Mark Jnr get a good start, getting himself up to 3rd  with the other two cars not too far in front. The first 3 now pulling a slight advantage on the pack which was how it stood for around 5 laps ,then Mark Jnr then spinning himself out on what he said was some water on the track having to rejoin at the tail of the field in which is pretty much where he stayed all though he did un lap himself on some of the back markers.

 Swaffham 26th March Track Wet & Greasy 

Both cars were in attendance for this meeting & looking forward to some good racing with 36 cars it had better be.

Race 1 

With the 199 car picking pole for this race & the 19 car picking17th you could say one at the sharp end & one in the thick of it with this amount of cars both we were going to have our work cut out especially with the track conditions as they were. As the Green went down it was almost a good start for both cars getting the off was to be short lived. The 199 car just getting ahead of the second placed man only to be hooked out & on to the infield (welcome to Spedeworth)  only having to rejoin last. Mark Jnr didn't fair any better braking a drive shaft putting him out of the race. Not sure where the 199 car finished but was not last!

Race 2

Reverse Grid

This race was better for both cars as they both finished  this race even if it were down in the lower places.

Race 3

Pints scored  in both race determined the grid for this race so this put both cars near the rear of the grid. Track conditions were a little better as well was the grip it was going to be a hard slog for both cars. The 19 car finding it a little harder than the 199 car both making some progress. Then the pace quickened up with the 199 making more progress than the 19 car as experience showed for the 199 making upto 10th place by  the  3 quarter stage only to go out with overheating troubles while the 19 made it to the end. Both cars by the end of the meeting shown signs of rear panel damage.

2004 Season

RTS 11th September   Track Dry & Dusty

Mark once again back in the saddle in his mini & possible for the last time this year  before moving up to Stock Rods  for next season, again it was  to be a meeting with mixed fortunes & even more damage.

Race 1

This race was  for the Challenge Trophy  & was a  too keep many a dad on this feet, Mark drawn on the 3rd row making good progress from the start of the race taking an early lead then losing then get back the lead for several long laps but he was unable to hold on for the win. Just really cant keep up with the pace of the novas was final demoted to 4th place.

Race 2

Once again like race 1 was to take the lead & too hold on for most of the race unit contact that came from the Citroen Ax clipping the rear of Marks mini sending sideways taking both himself the Ax  with two other novas who all were chasing hard in 3rd & 4th places up into the wall ripping the front bumper off the Ax & Mark taking heavy damage to the rear of the car spoiling what would have been a good race for all.

Race 3

With the car taking heavy damage in the 2nd race it was a rush to get the car back out for the last race leading from off pulling a slight lead to start then extending this lead for some laps as always the fast novas started to reel Mark in making it a 3 way then a 4 way battle for this prized position for several more laps Mark coming under more pressure final to drift wide in the last few laps to let the chasing pack through to finish up across the line in 6th place.

Stock Rods @Blyton Raceway

Sunday August 22nd, saw the first outing of cars racing in the name of the Alwalton Club in 2004. This was a meeting organized by Mark Shinn at the Lincolnshire circuit at Blyton.  With just eight  Stock Rods,  Luke Leedell taking the first win from Junior Shinn, Mark Shinn claiming third from his rear of grid start, the first of the Buckberry’s home was Steve, just keeping Michael Benstead behind until flag fall, Duncan McCracken sixth, Tammy Buckberry seventh.

Race two

 Shinn senior had the track line worked out this time, taking the outside line on the very tight bends to gradually make his way to the front, S Buckberry second then Benstead, T Buckberry, Leedell, Shinn junior.

The final.
Was the closest race as all the drivers started to get the hang of the track, S Buckberry got to the front quite early, Shinn junior tracking him very closely, to close as it turned out giving Steve a rather aggressive love tap which only served to brake his own drive shaft and put him out. Benstead was the next to have a go but tried to tight a line and spun his chances away, Leedell also going in the same moment. Shinn senior seized his moment and swept around the stalled cars to go second, Benstead got going again half a lap down. The action at the front now saw Buckberry defending from Shinn, several times Shinn hauled himself up on Buckberry’s outside but couldn’t get the extra to go in front, then dropping back to try the inside line but every time he got his nose up the inside Buckberry did enough to chop it off. That’s how they finished, Benstead roaring back to a very close third ruing that early spin. Tammy claiming a well driven fourth.

Steve Nash took his Stock Rod, bolted on some slicks and raced as a Hot Rod, coming from the rear to get a fourth place in heat two, Race one he was challenging for the lead when the inside driver decided to take a wider line giving Steve no chance of avoiding the fence.
A good day enjoyed by all. Thanks to Mr. Shinn.

Alan Wilkinson

RTS 12th June   Track Dry & Dusty

Heat 1

After two good meetings @ the RTS we was hoping that this would continue a but as most people know that in racing nothing is a sure thing, this was going to be one of those meetings starting on the grid the early laps was good holding his own getting up to 4th when retirement beckoned with the engine crying enough with  overheating forcing Mark out of the race.

Heat 2

This was to be another DNF, starting as race one starting well find his way through to the front battling with a Citreon AX for several laps when on another tour of the track there was contact between Mark & the Citreon going into the first bend in which unfortunately sent the AX into the fence, in which Mark was deemed at fault & to receive the Black flag even if it was rather late being  given out some 4 laps later!

The Final

Mark now chomping at the bit now with 2 none finishes he was hoping for better things in this race as before starting on his grid, at the start making some places up by lap 5 finding himself in second place was soon to be caught by the faster men (in Novas). The pace for this race was very fast by now with the quick cars behind him Mark was passed by this small group of cars to be demoted to 6th place as he was now struggling to match their pace this was the position he was to hold onto the finish. Turns out that the lack of pace was once again due to overheating again possibly head gasket.

RTS 8th May

Marks second meeting @ the RTS at the Arena, conditions were dry & dusty

Heat 1

Starting on his grid 3rd row back, once again having to get used to the rolling starts Mark faired better than the meeting before pacing the car better with the rest of the field. taking a few laps to get on terms with the front men having to battle hard as the faster men approached very quickly but with the mini begin a little bit better in the corners than the novas holding tighter lines. As the quicker men found their way past Mark following his way through to finish in 4th place.

Heat 2

This was to be Marks best race of the day once again it looked as if was to go as race 1. but then a gap opened up & Mark was through finding himself into1st place by lap 4 the starting to pull a slight led which he kept until lap 8 then begin demoted to 2nd place by a very quick nova almost bringing the pack with him the race then settled for a few laps looking if Mark would have to settle for 2nd place with both himself & the nova now pulling away from the field. With the race almost done it was good luck for Mark & bad for the 1st placed man when he suddenly lost power on the last lap& falling to finish promoting Mark to be the heat winner.

The Final

This was a race of mixed fortunes with Mark at first making his way through the field & taking the lead by lap 4 before the reds came out following a pile up started by a stranded spinner then finishing up with a 5 car pile up, at the restart making a good start to take the lead by lap 2 & started to pull away from the field with the rest tripping over themselves letting Mark extend his lead, once again the star men catching him by lap 7 then by lap 10 he was forced into a mistake letting a train of cars by then managing to slot back into 6th place with a gaggle of cars trying to cross the finish line all at the same time. This race was spoilt though by contact after the reds came out by a frustrated driver hitting the back of the mini severely damaging it.

   Stock Rods Northampton 12th April            

Heat 1    18 laps

This saw the return of the 199 number to NIR raceway since the early 90s after an abortive attempt of racing stock rods  back then with the escort mk2. Having decided to start from  the red grade (could have painted the roof white), to give time to get used to the track & secondly not to get in the way of the regulars, making almost a mess of the rolling start getting  the car out of shape ending up at the rear of the pack taking a few laps to settle down started to catch the field make hard work of it finished 12th.              

Heat 2    18 laps

After some minor adjustments to the car (tyre pressures) the car was ready for action , once again the start was not to good but better slipped back again. Quickly getting into the rhythm, now started to catch the field this race was run at a fast pace finishing in 10th place.

The Final   30 laps

Although finishing again in 10th place as before falling back at the start & again catching the field this was not to be the best race of the day by half distance keeping up with star men started to fall back again with the tyres going off having to pace the car as best as you can. A few more visits should see this driver more on the pace

STOCK RODS 
Heat 1: 896, 876, 900, 124, 924, 829, 291, 698, 669, 823
Heat 2: 823, 876, 896, 291, 900, 829, 924, 698, 844, 199
Final: 896, 823, 900, 876, 291, 829, 924, 844, 698, 199

Junior Rods  RTS  Arena Essex 10th April 

Marks first meeting with the RTS this is also the first time he has raced outside of Peterborough, practice went well although the track was very greasy & made for some tricky driving with a few laps & slides Mark was just happy to have somewhere to race his car. This formula certainly has a varied selection of cars form the Mini to Novas & the odd AX but all have to run  1000cc engines, and with a good field of cars.

Heat 1

As like practice the track was very greasy making driving conditions very tricky, starting midfield he struggled with the conditions for the early part of the race with cars spinning out in front & behind him including fellow racer from the former Alwalton Raceway no: 504 Mathew Bedford, Mark was caught & passed by the more experienced men who regularly race at the Arena track. Finishing a creditable 5th place.

Heat 2

With the now drying conditions a dry line was now appearing on the track, Mark started midfield once again finding his was through the field of cars to take the lead after few laps & started to extend his lead by lap 6 he was almost a full straight ahead extending his lead even further when the yellows came out for a stranded car with 2 laps to go Marks lead now had gone the star men now behind for the restart it was a lead that he was not going to keep finishing 3rd.

The Final

Now getting more used to the Arena track starting further to the rear of the field this was certainly going to prove to be his best race catching the front of the field quickly now pacing the quicker cars this race turned not only to be a fight for 1st place but for 3rd, with Mark now running 4th having his own battle with a Citreon  AX this proved to be as exciting battle as the one up ahead trying the inside & outside lines for most of this race almost finding a way pass Mark almost getting around the AX in the corners but the Citreon pulling ahead on the straights having to settle 4th.Mark now hoping to attend the next meeting at Arena for the RTS on 8th May.

Results     2003 Season

 Monday 26th May.
  Stock Rods.

The East of England championship.
This race had it all, delight for the winner Neil Bonsall. Devastation for Mark Shinn. Who was black-flagged from the lead, when his exhaust came adrift. The day before Bonsall dropped a valve and looked to be out, but work through the night from his competitors. Namely Shinn and Steve Nash and loaned parts, which proves the friendly club atmosphere is still strong, Saw him take his place on track, they lined as per a public drawn, done in the beer tent the night before. From the off Bonsall moved into the lead from Paul Ashton, these two running together for a while, Shinn was the fastest mover at this stage, having started mid grid he was on the move in a very determined fashion. With five laps done he passed Michael Benstead to take third position a further three and he nipped under Ashton for second. Then set of after Bonsall who by this time had opened a slight gap. Shinn duly wound him in and went passed on half distance for the lead. Shinn didn’t let up once into the lead and just roared off into a commanding lead. Then it all went wrong for him his exhaust coming loose, and gradually it got lower until it was dragging along the track, this brought out the black flag for him and he was forced to retire in bitter disappointment from a near sure win. This left Bonsall with the lead, he had a big cushion to second man so it was just a case of fingers crossed and hang on for the last nine laps a long way when your in front. Ashton recovered to second only to lose it two from home when Benstead took the position from him. The Result, East Of England Champion 2003 Neil Bonsall followed by Benstead, Ashton, Warren Selby, Tim Ruff and Steve Buckberry.
Shinns quote: - well, at least some of my parts won.
The second race, dubbed a dash for cash, saw a reverse of the previous grid.
The early lead was contest by three cars, Selby leading from Nash and Tony Woods. Selby going on for the win. The other two fell back as the race progressed. Ruff coming through for second, his best result this year but only after Shinn was again forced out with problems while challenging for the lead. Benstead third from Ashton and Bonsall who had come up from last place on the start grid.

Alan Wilkinson