Fenland drivers turn in some fine displays at King’s Lynn during Unlimited Banger World of Shale showpiece
Fenland drivers put on another great display in the Unlimited Banger World of Shale Championship which took place at King’s Lynn on Saturday.
The race is firmly established as the biggest National Banger event on shale and the pits were crammed full of the sport’s top drivers who had travelled from all over the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe in an attempt to take the crown.
There were a couple of last-chance races before the big race with Tom Waller returning his Yank to claim one of the last spots in the big race with an entertainer award whilst Joe Geeves just missed out on a qualification with a third-place finish in the second last-chance race.
Exeter’s Terry Hill and London’s Lennon Phillips both claimed wins and spots in the big race.
The draw for the World of Shale grid took place the night before the meeting and put current points leader Brad Bartram on the front row with Ireland’s Steve McGrath – a former Spedeworth Banger World Champion looking to become only the third driver to land the two big titles alongside him.
Bartram has enjoyed more success in front wheel drive cars and his experience in rear wheel drive machinery is limited but when the green flag fell he got the jump on the more experienced McGrath and pulled away at the front of the pack.
For six glorious laps, it looked as though he might pull off the dream win as he looked at home leading an experienced field but came unstuck and was spun out.
There were several lead changes in what was an exciting race which was won by Maidstone’s Tye Williams.
Bartram was not the only driver in the big race with other drivers having put in great performances to qualify for this race including Lee Barnes, James Licquorice, Kieran Gray, Rhys Parrin and brothers Nicky and Nathan Young.
Barnes showed plenty of pace and put in a good showing but didn’t have the luck he needed in the main race.
James Licquorice put in another great performance and picked up plenty of entertainer points, which he has done in style this season, to take home two entertainer awards.
Rhys Parrin, 16, was in Aftermath colours and did the colours and himself proud with an amazing display in a race he wouldn’t have even dreamt he would have been in when he was racing Junior Bangers a few months ago.
Nicky Young was making good progress through the grid when his engine started to go sick with a few laps and brother Nathan’s race was cut short by a fire but he was looking rapid before that.
Waller was the best local finisher in the main race coming in from the last chance and a great drive seeing him come home in sixth place.
Andrew Parrin – the father of Rhys – was looking strong in the All Comers and led one for several laps before being spun out but still came home in eighth.
