SPECTATORS : The track is built between old mill buildings and as such does not offer a great amount of room but the spectating is excellent as the track is in a bowl and almost all the track can be seen from anywhere around it . There is no grandstand, seating or covered viewing area, so bring a brolly and waterproofs and a deckchair if these things bother you! There is a PA system with good commentary and the track staff are helpful and easily identifiable. Facilities are reasonable at the track with a number of good food outlets although there is NO bar. The toilets are usually reasonably clean and can be found on the back wall opposite race control. There is a small sandpit for children to play in on the far side of the track (turn 3). Pits are accessible and on 2 sides of the track , though not advisable to take young children around as there is no lighting and due to the layout of the track , there is a lot of movement of cars. Admission is cheap - around £6 for adults for domestic meets , Children and OAP £1.50 , Youths £3

DRIVERS : I'm told that the track is excellent to drive on and many visiting drivers have named it as a "mini-Hednesford". The Banger racing is usually fast and hard and a hi-ab and petrol saw (as well as some lighting if at a night meeting) are definite assets here as they may be difficult to borrow , although you'll usually find someone who'll lift you back on to go home if your car's mullered. Cars can be stripped and left at the track BY PRIOR AGREEMENT WITH THE CLUB ONLY - THERE MAY BE A DISPOSAL FEE. Usual pay-to-race fee is £5 for all drivers (club members included) although anyone who travels from further than the M6 can usually have this fee waived if they mention it at the gate. Prize money is nominal apart from stated big prize meetings. Usual domestic (2 ltr) turnouts are 10-25 Bangers , all-in format, some Capris and Tinas with Sierras and bilge as well (no mk2 Grannies or Big Voles ,but mk3 grannies , Carltons etc are OK - if in doubt , check BEFORE you bring it!!). Unlimited turnouts for 2001-2 averaged around 20-40 cars split into heats - some tin with mk2's and Jags mainly. Car construction is roughly to National Spec (Bombers MUST have original radiator in original position)

For more information see Roosecote Raceway Website and contact it's editor Trev Whelan (e-mail grandad@roosecote.freeserve.co.uk)

Warton runs mainly Unlimited Meetings with the odd Non- Ford/2 Litre meeting thrown in at times . Their most successful meetings of recent years have been the North West Team Championships which have seen massive turnouts of both Teams and spectators and provided some huge action and spectatcles along the way. These have normally been under 1800cc affairs but new for 2002 , the Team meeting was Unlimited and much earlier in the year.2002 also saw the first attempt at running an Open Unlimited Meeting - the Metal Mania meeting . Other formulas normally on the domestic card include SuperBangers , Adult and Junior Ministox , Outlaw Stock Cars (similar to F2's) and also a Ladies banger race (most drivers borrow a car for the event) and Rookie Banger Racing (10 -16 Year olds , nudge & spin) .

SPECTATORS : Good views , especially from the pit gate end of the track where there are 2 large bankings which overlook the track. The rest of the track offers "up close" spectating though through catch-fencing although it's quite large guage holes in the fencing offering a better view than a lot of tracks. There is no grandstand or covered area and as the track is particualrly exposed , it's a good idea to take waterproofs and brollies and a chair too if that's your thing as there's no seating. Facilities are reasonable with the toilets being acceptable (quite clean , but in a portacabin) and at least one decent quality food outlet. There is a small trackshop selling a few publications , Warton souvenirs etc and sweets for the kids.The pits are treacherous at times with cars flying down at high speed ,but if you keep your wits about you , you should manage to get round OK with the kids in tow , just don't let them go on their own . Trackside spectating offers endless entertainment for the kids who almost always end up playing in the big tyres on one side of the track or on the rocks on the other side (but be careful as they are quite high and sheer in places) Entry is usually £5 for adults and £2.50 for kids and is £7 for adults and £3.50 for kids at the Unlimited Open and Team meetings. Compared with many tracks , this offers e xcellent value for money. You'll usually find a healthy number of cars in the pits at Warton - expect around 20-45 for a normal domestic and don't be surprised to see the odd bit of tin either , though don't expect the action to be too heavy as following in and hitting stationary cars is usually frowned upon by the stewards . For the Banger purists , some of the car prep and choice of vehicle (witness the Fiesta at the 2001 Xmas Meet) can cause some concern. If you like watching other formula then you're quids in as they pack a lot in to the day at Warton , but if Bangers is your only interest , then be prepared to wait , particularly for the demo as there are loads of rod races between the final and DD.

DRIVERS : Non ORC track which usually charges £5 to drive on top of the £5 entry fee , though you'll be glad to know it goes towards a racing prize fund (you'll never get rich winning at Warton , but you might cover your fuel bill for the day!). Car construction is a little on the poor side at times although you may find , as a visiting driver , that your car is rigouressly scrutineered- stick to the usual ORC type construction rules and you can't go wrong. The racing is usually quite entertaining as a driver , though be aware that follow-ins and jacking stationary cars are a little taboo at Warton and you may end up being loaded if you make your contact very heavy. The barrier is full armco and there is a tricky little inner kerb which plays havoc with the steering if you clip it. Many visiting drivers like the track as there are usually plenty of cars , particularly plenty for a visitor to aim at. Most of the North's top drivers have used Warton in their careers with past track champs including TSB Captain Davis Holmes and more recent competitors including Team V , the Steeles , Northern Star's Preston branch (Smelly , Snapper and Cleggy) and at the 2001 Xmas Meet , former TSB Captain Big Hoss went for a play with son Stevie , Wilf Speak , Shovy etc. Warton's normal travelling posse are usually to be found at the domestics and will usually give visitors a "warm" welcome! Many away drivers see it as one to do , but end up coming back as they enjoyed it so much the first time round.

For more information contact Val or Mick on Tel : 01524 858301 or (mobile) 07803 614111 or e-mail them on warton@avmail.co.uk or check out the official website : http://www.wartonstockcarclub.co.uk

The meetings at Barford are shared between National Bangers (ORC spec)and Banger Rods, alternating each meeting. This in recent years has helped boost Banger turn outs. Most meetings you will get a 20-30 car turn- out along with some visitors mainly being 502 Hoagy + Krazy Krew. Team V have also made a couple of apperences here. Biggest meeting of recent years has always been the North East Championship (this year named Great North of England Championship Final). This meetings has attracted the likes of Blooz Boyz and Stinkbridge in 1998. Another meeting to look out for is the Ken Buckle Cup. This meeting usually attracts some visitors and is a good one to finish off the season.

Other formulas that run at Barford include ORC Minis, BriSCA F2's and Hotrods. The Banger Rods are 1600cc limits and is limited contact, mainly a formula to attract new people to the sport. While the National Bangers are 3 Litre limits run to ORC spec. A meeting is usually well run and will usually be finsihed around 5pm from a 1pm or 2pm start time.

SPECTATORS: Usually lots of Banger races for the spectator. 2 heats, Final and Allcomers or DD. Admission at meetings will be £7 for adults and £3 for children. Free parking in a large car park in the track. There is no cover at the track but you can view the track well from standing anywhere around it. They have used the old Army Barracks to help build up embankments and a great view of the track can be seen from the back straight, probably the best place to stand at the track. Facilities are OK, toilets have been made from old barracks, while there is a bar and cafe also converted from an old barrack. Another Food Caravan is always in attendance and under race control their is a trackshop selling various Banger Magazines/Videos/Photos etc. Disabled parking is also accesible from the side of the track. Usually an OK P.A system. Sometimes other Trade Trailors are also at meetings, mainly being the JEM Racewear selling protective clothing/helmets etc.

DRIVERS Barford is an ORC track, so you'll need to build your cars to them rules and if you can, book in. Free to race and sometimes prize money to boot. Good sizeable pits and the drivers use the old steel girders on the old buildings to help straighten out their cars. Barford really rarely attracts top visitors but that could well change this year......already there have been rumours on the grapevine that 168 Big Hoss, 169 Little Hoss and 318 Wilf Speak could be registering here. There has also been talk of a lot of Barrow visitors coming for the North East Champ also with a possibility of 236 Nobby doing it and ex drivers re registering again it could be a good year for Barford. Just what we need after the terrible year of 2001 with the Foot and Mouth.

For more information contact:
North East Stockcar Promotions
Barford Raceway
Streatlam
Barnard Castle
DL12 8UD

Or look at www.neoms.co.uk Email info@neoms.co.uk

Cowdenbeath runs a variety of meetings , with sporadic dates made to fit in with the rod formulas. Unfortunately , Bangers are seen by many in Scotland (including the promoters it would seem) as something of a second class sport and it is despite and not because of the way they are sometimes treated that there is still a reasonably healthy domestic scene at times. There are two big Unlimited dates on the calendar - The World Cup (usually in April) and the Scottish Championship (July) with the former attracting visitors from all over the UK and a healthy 65 + cars and the latter being well supported by locals and Northerners alike. Their other Unlimited title meeting , Kingdom Krunch , is yet to take off in a big way , but may well do so this year. The domestic scene has the usual ingredients of limited CC races , van Meetings and also had a Pre 75 for the first time in 2001.

SPECTATORS : I really like Cowdie to spectate at as the view is looking down on the track from the terraces and most of , if not all, the track can be seen at once. Their is a large Grandstand , good toilets and other facilities , good food oulets and a bar. Access to the pits isn't a problem and they are well laid out and easy to negotiate. As something of a purist Banger Fan there are always FAR too many rod formulas on and even the Banger World Cup Meeting gives just 4 races plus DD for the Bangers meaning that a seeded driver has a maximum of 3 races - a long way to go to watch 4 races and even further with a car on the lorry for just 3. I always get the feeling that in the eyes of a lot of the crowd and the promoter , even this prestigious event is playing support to the F2's that always appear on the same bill. The domestic season can be even worse , and probably not worth travelling long distance , for their treatment of the bangers , but , to their credit , the locals like to get stuck in to each other and it's usually a war between The Mayfield Mob and whoever else turns up , now that The Krazy Krew rarely frequent Cowdie. The World Cup and Scottish Championship are the "must do" meetings at this track.

DRIVERS : Cowdie is an ORCi track so book in , bring your licence or stump up as appropriate and make sure your car's built to National Spec and you have the necessary helmet and fireproofs . Team Stinkbridge (amongst others) choose to licence with GMP despite doing only 2 meetings per year there , and I believe that this is because they get little in the way of pressure from the promoter to do the BBA Circus Meetings. It has long been accepted by the rest of the Banger community that GMP are unable , due to vast distance, to send reps other than in ones and twos to most of the title meetings in the UK. The domestic season really isnt worth travelling for in my opinion , with turnouts usually numbering 15 -30 cars with half of that number being local Team The Mayfield Mob , who generally tend to outnumber their opposition at every meeting. Many English drivers (particularly Northerners) rate this as one track that they really fancy doing and The World Cup and Scottish Championship are the ones they go for. Drivers find the track fast and interesting to drive on , with the bends more like corners and the wall hard and unforgiving.

For more information contact : Cowdenbeath Track 01383 610166 , FAX :- 01383 512132 or e-mail gmp@racewall.freeserve.co.uk

Click here to go to the official Cowdenbeath Racewall Website

Millom runs all Unlimited meetings , 1600 min contact , Junior Bangers , Ladies Bangers and Outlaw-type stockcars . Turnouts vary wildly depending on other meetings at other tracks (many drivers take cars to Millom to finish them off) . A normal domestic season will also include a Team meeting , a metro meeting and an Unlimited Open Championship meeting.

SPECTATORS : The track has ample parking but little else in the way of facilities. Usually has a burger van (and an ice-cream van in summer weather) - no bar , grandstand , seating or covered spectating , so bring your own requirements with you. There is a PA system with good commentary to keep you informed and admission is amongst the cheapest in the country (approx £3.50 for adults - but DONT quote me on that!!). Toilets aren't the best in the country and the ground is rough underfoot , being comprised of stone. Access to the pits is easy (you have to walk through them to get to the track) , although spending a lot of time in them is not recomended for children. The viewing is superb as the banking is higher than the track everywhere, particlualrly on both ends as it is very elevated , looking down on the track , and all the track can be seen from everywhere .

DRIVERS : - Usually seen by visiting drivers as "one off the list of tracks to do" , some return and many like the traditional outlook to racing and the fun family atmosphere. It's difficult (but not impossible) to get truly annhilated at Millom and most well-built cars should last just about all day, Car consruction is to approximate National Spec . Car numbers vary wildly depending on other fixtures - best turnouts are usually after an Unlimited meeting (home or away) that many of the Barrovian drivers have cars to finish off from. Expect 10 - 20 Unlimiteds - there is no minimum weight limit , so expect to be out with all sorts of bilge- and the same for each other class. Racing is usually hard though the track is small and not as fast as tarmac . It will cost you £10 to race at any meeting.

More information can be obtained from Sam and Ian Burns at SAILBURNS@aol.com

SPECTATORS : The track sits high up in the Peak District and as a consequence tends to be a little cold even in the best of weather , so wrap up warm . There is a limited amount of trackside parking , if that's your thing , or you can make use of the large grandstand (but bring a deckchair if you only stand up when the Bangers come on!!). For those who like to be on the bend with the action , then there's some good concrete terracing which is just in front of the licensed bar (very handy!!). In this area , you'll also find a good hot food outlet , sometimes a racewear stall (there's also one in the pits sometimes too) and BJ Fotografy's stall at his car boot with previous action and still shots on sale. The toilets are just about the best in the country at ANY track I've been to - clean enough for your Mum to use and big enough for half the spectators to use at once , and are quite handy being next to the gate and only a few yards from the bar. The pits are rough ground but usually quite dry and well laid out and drivers tend to keep the speeds down in the pits. Admission for the 2002 season will be £10 for ALL meetings , meaning there will be no price hike for the big meetings and it's pretty much worth the money , particularly if you like other formulae , as they pack a lot into a day out in the hills.

 DRIVERS : Team Northern Star certainly enjoyed their first visit last year and drivers seem to like the track to drive on. They were also most impressed at being made to feel welcome by the track staff and Dave Pierce in particular who made a point of saying hello to them all. Other than the main Banger meetings , you find the racing a little roddy at times , but some dont always see that as a bad thing , having travelled a fair distance to get there , you might not fancy being wiped out on turn 1 , lap1 , heat1 . However , if you turn up with a task force , then the Buxton lads are more than capable of showing you a good time and educate you in use of the bumper.There are a good number of classy National drivers from Buxton who form a force of their own at away missions and do most home meetings , 295 Graham "Havoc" Heywood , 390 Steve "Unsy" Unsworth , 75 Steve Thacker , 470 Pete Corbett ,51 Jon "Wusty" Worstencroft , to name just 5 , are all seasoned campaigners. The Track is ORC registered , so bring your licence with you and make sure your car's built to National Spec and you've got the right helmet/overalls. If you haven't got an ORC licence , then expect to pay , If arranged 7 days in advance £15,but £25 if it is on the day . Usual turnouts are around 20-30 for domestic unders meetings (these may well include some novelty aspect to them - caravans , ramp jumping etc) and between 35 and 60 for the bigger Unlimited Meetings.

 For more information , contact TEL (01298) 78021 RACEDAYS.

Correspondence Address: PO Box 40, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6JD.

TEL/FAX/BOOKINGS: (01663) 741353 or MOBILE: 07836 560413. or call the racing info line (09068) 616133 (60p a minute)or e-mail the promotion at BUXTONRACEWAY@aol.com

Click Here to go to the official Buxton Website
 
 
 

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