World Champion Wilks chases British title at Nuttscorner Oval

NEWLY crowned 2 Litre Hot Rod World Champion Jason Wilks heads a strong English contingent who will compete for the British Championship at the Nuttscorner Oval Speedweekend on Saturday/Sunday July 24th/25th. Wilks, who gained the Gold Roof at Ipswich at the start of July, will be making his second appearance at the Co Antrim track and will also face stiff opposition from the local drivers who will be keen to keep the coveted title in Northern Ireland.

Leading the local charge will be young Randalstown charger Shane Murray. The current Irish Champion has had a fine season on home ground so far in 2010, and will be keen to banish the memory of his weekend at Ipswich when he was completely out of luck in the World Final. Current European Champion Andy Best from Richhill is another top contender, and he will be aiming to lift the big prize on offer at Speedweekend for the second year running. Garry Campbell and Wayne McClure are two other locals who have tasted British Championship success in the past, whilst Denver McLean, Derek Martin and Glenn McDowell to name a few will be aiming to spring a surprise and lift the silverware.

Also making the trip from the mainland will be English Champion Will Reed, top lady racer Samantha Holland, Chris Crane, Kym Weaver, Richard Poulter and Kevin Down.

There is another major title up for grabs over the weekend too, with the Lightning Rods contesting their European Championship. Antrim’s Stephen Emerson relinquished his World crown at Ipswich recently, but will still start as hot favourite having dominated the racing at home this year. He will surely be pushed hard by Irish and National Champion David Hearst from Tandragee, with the English challenge headed by Stockport superstar Lee Parsons and Cambridgeshire’s Graham Boyd.

A festival of short oval motorsport is on the cards for the weekend, with full support race action on track across both days. Saturday sees the elite National Hot Rods contest a Qualifying Round for the 2011 World Championship, whilst the rough ‘n’ tumble National Bangers will arrive in town on Sunday to cause carnage galore in their King of Krash Championship.

It promises to be an action packed two days of top quality racing, with 30 races on the bill. The first green flag drops at 5.30pm on Saturday, with the Sunday entertainment commencing at 1pm. For more information visit www.nuttscorneroval.com.