ARENA Essex’s ‘Keeping it Real’ banger series took place on Sunday with a great entry of cars, topped by an impressive American Caddy Fleetwood from Dave Bull and a huge Limousine from Paul Korpiela.

The day started in explosive style with Gary Lee and Jamie Batchelor crashing early on.

Anthony Croshaw took the win whilst Ricky Hutton earned the entertainer award.

In heat two Korpiela's brakeless Limo ran itself around the armco before Dave Reynolds was taken into the fence.

Jason Jackson won with Paul Korpiela taking the entertainer award. The final saw Jason Jackson win the race and secure a wild card place on the World Final grid in September.

In the destruction derby the ancient Rover P5 of Marty Eighten eventually outlasted the more modern machinery of Roberts, Jamie Harding and Scott Cornish. The 11-16 year olds in the Junior Bangers saw plenty of action too.

Jamie Hopkins was a comfortable winner from Parsons and the winner of the first heat on the day, Wayne Cottrill Jnr.

It was also a successful day for the girls in the Junior Mini Stox. Sophie Fasey won both the heat and final, whilst the other heat was won by Lauren Nicholls, out for the first time in the former Dan Newman car.

Ryley Freestone joined Nicholls and Fasey on the final podium, a great result following his rollover earlier in the season.

Harry Steward and 11-year-old, Ben Nicholls, also scored top three places during the afternoon.

A great final for the Saloon Stock Car class came down to a last lap shootout between Murray Jones and Danny Colliver. Colliver was clearly quicker and bumpered his way past Jones, but he didn't push Jones wide enough. Jones was followed home by Dean Mayes and Willie Skoyles. The next action at Arena Essex takes place on June 15 when the National Bangers are joined by the Stock Rods, Lightning Rods and Mini Stox. Start time is 1pm.