BACK ON TRACK!

Topping the bill is the first round of the 2011/12 World Series for National Hot Rods, with Stock Rods, Group 2 Lightning Rods, BriSCA F2 Stock Cars and Classic Hot Rods also on the race programme, sponsored by S McAfee & Son Car Sales of Ballymena.

National Hot Rods 2011/12 World Qualfying Series Round 1.

After the World Championship at Ipswich earlier this month, where England’s Malcolm Blackman was crowned champion for the second time, the long road to qualification for 2012 begins this week. Ballinderry’s John Christie, who gained a creditable third spot at Ipswich, will be keen to get his campaign off to a flying start, with the top five drivers after the sixteen rounds booking their place the grid at Ipswich next July.

John of course took a fine win last time out at Raceway, but will face tough competition from all angles.

Reigning NI Champion Gary Woolsey will be keen to start the defence of his title in the best way possible, whilst British and Irish Open Champion Stewart Doak is sure to go close too. Glenn Bell, former World Champion Keith Martin and Mark Heatrick are other top men to watch for, whilst Broughshane’s Paul Crawford, Cullybackey’s Davy McKay or Portadown’s Thomas Dilly in his new Tigra could well spring a surprise.

There should be an increased grid for the Nationals too, with Classic Hot Rod racer Stephen Nevin rumoured to be making the move along with North West driver Stephen McGonigle who has acquired the ex-Corrie Beggs car.

Former British Champion Clive Richardson is all set for a return too, and will join recent newcomers Frankie Lynn and Adam Maxwell in the elite formula of the short ovals.

Stock Rods

Some of the most competitive racing so far in 2011 at Raceway has been in the Stock Rods, and that should continue on Friday night. Raymond Harper made off with a heat and final brace on their last outing, and that will see him upgraded back to the red grade for this meeting.

He will still be a threat though, as will Irish Champion Micky McFall and local ace and meeting sponsor Victor McAfee.

Randalstown’s Mick Rodgers finally got his Stock Rod career up and running last time out with a heat win and second in the final, and he could well be the man to take the silverware on Friday evening.

Former Group 2 and ORCi Lightning Rodder Gregg Hyndman is expected to make his debut, whilst others to watch for include Chris Gordon, Lee Johnston, Jonny Cardwell and Bobbie Johnston.

Group 2 Lightning Rods

The Group 2’s will as ever see a large turnout of drivers as is the norm in the budget class, and top local Ballymena drivers Lyle Murray and Uel McMillan will be two to watch out for.

Both can scythe their way through from the rear of the field in style and chase the honours, but with upwards of thirty cars on track it is no easy task.

Ballymoney’s Terry McLeister was a worthy if somewhat surprise double winner last time out in June, and he could well be in the mix again this time, alongside Brian Edgar, Freddie Fleck and Stephen Doherty.

BriSCA F2 Stock Cars

The F2 Stock Cars return home to Ballymena after a busy month of travelling, which has seen a number of local drivers compete in the UK Championship at Skegness and the European Championship at Northampton. They put up a good showing at both meetings, and will be keen to return on top form.

Antrim’s Christopher Kincaid took the honours in a dramatic Randall Motorsport Cup last time out at Raceway, and he will be keen to continue his winning streak which also saw him net the Teen Sensations title at Taunton last month.

He will face stiff competition from a number of drivers though, with Irish Champion Conor Hughes, the Grattan brothers Denver and Gary, and Craig McConnell to name a few, all sure to be chasing the win on the night.

Classic Hot Rods

The Classic Hot Rods are never big in numbers, but they certainly do make up for it in other ways. The sight and sound of the immaculate Ford Escorts and Anglias is certainly something else, and they are always a Raceway favourite.

The racing is always close too, with little to choose between Irish Champion Kenny Wilson, Stephen Nevin and Darwin Wright, and all three are capable of taking the chequered flag.

The first green flag of the meeting drops at the usual time of 7.15pm.