Next Meeting (England)
Ludlow Motorsport World Series 9, sponsored by JRE
Northampton, Sunday March 14 from 1.30pm

Garry Staines - from the National Hot Rod Facebook page - previews the meeting: 
Here we go again: National Hot Rod Racing is back! The English World Qualifying series returns this weekend at Northampton International Raceway, racing getting under way at 1.30pm. It seems that our favourite formula has weathered the nation's recession rather well, in fact there is a strong argument that the class is at its strongest since the heady days of the 70's and early 80's.

The first round back after the winter break is always keenly anticipated, but this time we have a very competitive qualifying series, with at least thirty drivers in with a viable chance of a World Final grid position - albeit that there are only eighteen such slots available. We have a new car/shape in the Haird Motorsport Tigra B that has looked very quick in testing, and the Ludlow Motorsport SLK is now becoming very popular. Rumours are that the new rules will suit the Mercedes shape with regard to inside weight.

But probably the most exciting thing about 2010 is the prospect of a host of new and returning drivers.  Mark Paffey, Tim Moody, Scott Bourne and Wayne Lee are all confirmed - amongst others - and will be on track soon.  The rumour mill is rife with many other names, including one or two former world champions.  This Sunday we'll pay attention to Carl Waller-Barrett, who was very promising in Stock Rods and is the son of a former Hot Rod star; Sammy Shuddall, 2.0 Litre star having made a great impression in 2009; Chris Harvey, another 2.0 Litre driver racing a stunning 206cc; west-country legend Graham Luscombe; Classic Hot Rod star Danny Brosnan; Outlaw champion Mike Loosemore; and Superstox star-man Jason Cooper.

Of the established National drivers, we have new cars ready, or nearly ready, for Dave Brooks (Puma); Mikey Godfrey, Chris Haird, Gavin Murray (all Tigra B); Stu Carter (SLK); Neil Stimson, Steve Burrows and Dickie Burtenshaw all have new material, and pretty much the remainder of the 37 booked cars having fresh new looks or major rebuilds.

For most, it's all about world championship qualification, and for some, the all-important top four and a chance for a front row grid come the first weekend in July. As usual I can see it going to the last round before anything is decided, but you wouldn't bet against Carl Boardley still being top of the points after the final round. Matt Simpson was the quickest at official practice at Ipswich and looks to have matured since becoming European Champion last year.  Malcolm Blackman is always very quick and you can't see him finishing outside the top four. Chris Haird is the current English (points) Champion and has the all new Tigra, so that's the top four sorted then?  Well...you can't dismiss the Holtbys, Slim, Steve Thompson, Dick Hillard (King Of South Africa), Carter, the Scottish challenge (Hardie and Jamieson), Jason Kew...

So there you go, the scene is all set for a big year. It starts this Mothering Sunday, so bring your Mum too!  See you on the terraces. Garry Staines

Entry, as at 07/03/10.  Scroll down for late entries

No.	Driver	Location
3	Jeff Simpson	Langley, Berks
6	John Holtby	Barton, N. Lincs
14	Phil Spinks	Pinner, Middlesex
27	Mikey Godfrey	Carterton, Oxford
31	Dick Hillard	Spalding , Lincs
41	Carl Boardley	Ipswich, Suffolk
61	Andy Holtby	Goxhill, N. Lincs
67	Dave Brooks	Stanwell Moor, Middlesex
72	Willie Hardie	Shotts, Scotland
74	James O’Shea	Dublin, Ireland
85	Stuart Carter	Brigg, N. Lincs
95	Gavin Murray	Halesworth, Suffolk
100	Dickie Burtenshaw	Haywards Heath, W. Sussex
115	Chris Haird	Kennett, Cambs
116	Steve Burrows	Smallfield, Surrey
130	Andy Lane	Petersfield, Hants
155	Lee Pepper	Pulborough, W. Sussex
162	Carl Waller-Barrett	Norwich, Norfolk
170	Steve Thompson	Scunthorpe, Lincs
174	Jason Kew	Witney, Oxon
192	Tony Moss	Romford, Essex
271	Neil Stimson	Yaxley, Cambs
278	Colin Gomm	Chesham, Bucks
303	Matt Simpson	West Drayton, Middlesex
305	James Jamieson	Ellon, Scotland
333	Lee Wood	Huntingdon, Cambs
444	Sammy Shudall	West Drayton, Middlesex
491	Colin Smith	Hullbridge, Essex
503	Chris Harvey	East Grinstead, W. Sussex
734	Ralph Sanders	Cullompton, Devon
742	Graham Luscombe	Exeter, Devon

Late entries, added 08/03
482  Jason Cooper
911  Malcolm Blackman
Late entries, added 09/03
33 Danny Brosnan
65 Mark Willis
780  Mike Loosemore
CANCEL 192  Tony Moss
Late entries, added 10/03
172  Derek Conner
219  Russell Wilcox

2010 NHRPA National Hot Rod Racing Fixture List
(all dates should be considered as provisional, confirm with
individual promoters or the NHRPA before travelling)

NOTES:

Nuttscorner WQ13 (NI) is now Sunday May 2 at 2pm
Skegness WQ14 (England) May 23 is now a 2pm start
Improved-layout fixture list due on site shortly...