Fenland drivers contest world final at King’s Lynn
James Licquorice put in another fantastic performance in the 2L Banger World Final which took centre stage at King’s Lynn on Saturday.
Licquorice was one of two local drivers who had qualified for the big race with current National Points leader Brad Bartram being the other.
The Fenland star had a fantastic grid draw on the outside of row two whilst Brad Bartram was drawn mid-pack on the outside of row 8.
Both drivers received a tremendous reception when they were introduced to the crowd on the parade with Licquorice – known as “The Duck” – armed with a bag full of small plastic ducks, which he threw to his fans as he went around.
On the drop of the green flag, Licquorice made a brilliant start.
Although he is best known for his crashing abilities which have seen him rocket to the top of the entertainer league, he can also match pace with the quickest around Lynn.
And for the first half of the race was battling at the sharp end of affairs with Saffron Walden’s Lee White and Scunthorpe’s Jordan Sharpe as the trio broke clear from the back.
Race fans dared to dream that one of the Fenland's most popular racers could go gold in 2024 or at least make the rostrum only for his engine to lose power during the second half of the race.
Licquorice soldiered on and managed to cause chaos on the final bend with an “on opp” attack against the new leader Tom Greenstreet and also came home in eighth place.
He picked up an entertainer award for his effort, which was some consolation, but the driver and his army of fans were left wondering what could have been had bad luck not struck.
Unfortunately, Bartram failed to finish the World Final but bounced back with a sixth and ninth-place finish in the all-comers as he continued to pile on the National Points before weighing in with a decent shot as the Destruction Derby started.
The stars of tomorrow – the junior bangers – were a late addition to the programme and our local drivers were in the thick of the action.
Levi Murkin won both heats and he was followed across the line in both by Lincoln Douglas.
Murkin couldn’t get to the front in the final as Lincoln Douglas was involved in a tremendous battle with Taylor Morton at the head of affairs with Morton taking the chequered flag by the smallest of margins – a bumper width at most – with Murkin getting up to third place to make it a Wisbech lockout for the top three.
Kieran Mays was also in action and the 2024 novice is improving with every outing. It won't be long before he is challenging for a trophy finish.
Racing returns to King’s Lynn on Saturday (5pm) where the 1600cc Banger Commentators Cup heads the bill with racing also coming from the 1300 stock cars, unlimited lady bangers and junior bangers.
Both Licquorice and Bartram will be back in action in the bangers where they will also be joined by Lennie Murkin and Joshua Gilbert whilst the 1300 stock car entry includes Lee Green, Barty Ketteringham along with Shane, Dean and John Moat.
