MOTORSPORT: A FULL day of contact motorsport provided plenty of excitement at Arena Essex on Sunday with Eddie Darby winning the days main event, the Saloon Stock Car Essex Championship.

Darby defeated Billy Smith and Steven Webster. Willie Skoyles was also in the mix. Darby’s heat one win came after a big battle, with Danny Colliver the other heat winner. The day belonged to Chris Bradbury in the Brisca F2 Stock Car class, as the National formula competed in their latest World Qualifying round. Bradbury won two heats and the final with Sam Wagner winning the other heat. Adam Rubery won the Grand National allcomers race.

The race of the day in the Rookie Bangers was undoubtedly the consolation which saw first time racer, James Payne, narrowly holding off Matthew Young. Earlier heat races were won by Robert Knight and Jamie Webb. Matt Lewis took the win from Nathan King and Billy Reeves, Lewis booking his place in the Rookie Banger British Championship as a result.

A heavy head on between Eastwood and Antoni Colbi kicked off the Destruction Derby with a complete track blockage. Matthew Young went on to win the race.

The next Arena Essex meeting is on Bank Holiday Monday (May 26) with the National Bangers joined by the Lightning Rods, Stock Rods and a rare visit from the Grand Prix Midgets, who compete for their World Championship title. Start time is 1pm.