The cars were weighed before the meeting to check they were all within the limits. Back in the day it was a bit more of a “belt and braces” method involving a crane, a big hook, chains and some big scales. The pointer is central between tie two pieces of tape indicating maximum and minimum weight, so spot on. (All words and photos by Steve Botham).Ian Hall (381) leads this group through the Grandstand bend with white top Peter Palmer (101) about to be passed by the very quick Ian Platts (77).Jayne Bean (309) and Keith Hall (381) get close and personal care of the front bumper of Mark Wareham (401)Gary Maynard (151) seems to be coming into land at a risky angle. Geoff Nickolls (215) has reached the point of no return, he is going over! The rest of the field come through and have to make their own agenda to keep out of the way of flying cars coming in to land.Not sure how new Neil Brigg's (87) car was but it was certainly tidy and seemed reasonably quick. However, Neil did not manage to get into the results.You may think this was John Lund (53) on his way to second place, behind race winner Ray Tyldesley (85). Look carefully though; those overalls, they are not John’s! It was Graeme Barr (NZ38) having a run in one of the World Champion's cars.Here we see the front row of blue tops on the grid. Mark Wareham (401) and Nigel Watson (59) are at the front on the second row, behind Mark (401) is Mo Smith (51), and behind Nigel is John Lawn (441). Mark Wareham (401) was the only driver amongst this four to gain a mention in the results, with a fine 4th place.Worksop based driver Paul Hammond (4) has spun and is about to be having a visit from Pete Lancaster (312). Mark Wareham (401) keeps out of trouble and was on his way to 4th place.Red tops Richard Ainsworth (354) and Dan Clarke (203) prepare to move past blue top Russell Humphrey (113). Dan Clarke (203) was 5th at the flag with Richard 7th. Russell would run again in the Consolation event.Peter Falding (33) maintained his impressive Hednesford race winning record taking first spot in this Heat. He is seen here collecting his trophy from Miss Starter Carolyn Toher.The rain was not letting up as the race got underway. Here we have fine selection of yellow tops in this shot. Geoff Parker (503) leads the way from Jayne Bean (309), with Mel Morris (444) and John Lawn (441) charging from the back.Bill Bullock (15) is seen after his ever race win. Preston based Bill commenced earlier this season.Yellow tops John Lawn (441), Bill Bullock (15), and Richard Mason (202) set off on the tricky track surface as the rain was just not stopping, (hence the grainy picture). Les Mitchell (499) has made a rapid start and is disappearing out of frame. John Lawn (441) is following with Bill Bullock (15) on the outside following on is a rapid Richard Mason (202).The rain just keeps coming as this group of red tops get underway each driver searching for grip. Dan Clarke (203) leads the group, just disappearing out of frame. Chris Elwell (501) gets inside line advantage over Willie Harrison (2), and Richard Ainsworth (354) looks ready to apply the front bumper.Local crowd favourite Nigel Whorton (422) is moving through the field, seen her moving past Paul Harrison (22).The guys starting from the back catch the early leaders and John Lund (53) is not going to be denied as he shifts fellow challenger for the lead Chris Elwell (501) and Peter Morton (132) in one move. Next target would be John Lawn (441).John Lund (53) receives the Final winner’s trophy, his blacked out face showing what conditions were like on track. The mud, tyre rubber, oil and goodness knows what else form an emulsion which produces a face pack! I don’t think it will rival Oil of Ulay somehow. Rob Moss (167). The car looks far too clean for the last race of the day. This was the first meeting for Rob with this Mike Close built car, which had previous history.Although I was well wet I decided to stick it out in the middle and photograph the Grand National. As the green flag is shown the yellow tops start to break ranks. Paul Coleman (469) and Wally Pittam (134) lead the way, with Jayne Bean (309) John Lawn (441) and a very young Derek Fairhurst (218) drop in behind. Rob Moss (167) is showing caution with his new car on the outside.We have a real mixed bag of grades are represented in this shot. Yellow top Ian Hall leads this group with white tops Alan Long (279) and Paul Marlor (183) are taking the wide line as blue top Pat Nortcliffe (336) comes through.So far this meeting Des Chandler (213) Des had a meeting to forget with just one mention in the results. He was out to address that in this race and duly produced a very tidy drive which netted 3rd place. Here is being passed by Chris Elwell (501) who has just taken 2nd spot from Des.John Lund (53) started the race with a lap handicap but still managed to end the race in 4th spot. John is seen here with Graham Blundell (156).
