Rain cannot deter track competitors at Purfleet (From Thurrock Gazette)

Banger world championship at Arena Essex

12:00pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in Sport

MOTORSPORT: WEATHER forecasting is never an exact science but they certainly got it right on Sunday as the predicted rain starting falling just as the cars started pulling into the Arena Essex pits to contest the 42nd running of the PRI Banger World Championship. Former World Champion, Billy King, found the rain to his liking and romped away with the main race, dominating the event in a fashion rarely seen before. King was thanking his lucky stars that a practice day at the circuit had allowed him to identify an engine problem. There was a huge turnout of over 170 cars. In horrendous conditions heat one went the way of West Country racer Steve Carter.

Race two saw Andy Scarlett secured his world final spot.

Race three saw a huge pile up on turns one. Dean Goodearl looked odds on to take the final qualifiers place on the final grid, but got caught up with a spinning car which allowed Shane Davies and Carl Overy past. Overy could not catch Davies until after the flag whereupon he despatched him into the sleepers, earning himself a disqualification as the red flags had already appeared.

The final saw John Small and Andy Davies on the front row. Pre-race favourite Dale Hughes found himself spun out by young gun, Billy Page, a move that he gained revenge for a few laps later by following Page into the armco. With Davies safe in second, David Bull drove the race of his life into third place. With many drivers loading up due to the filthy weather conditions, the planned two allcomers races were condensed into one which saw some huge crashes. Paul Whiteman took the win.

The next action at Arena Essex comes on October 7 when the Rookie Bangers pay tribute to Banger legend, Terry Skeef. Start time is 1pm.

For more see Friday's THURROCK GAZETTE