Feelings clearlyare running hotas new boys getbaptism of fire

Arlington Stadium opened its doors for the first weekly meeting of the season on Wednesday evening, with Bangers, 1300cc stock cars and 2 litre Hot Rods all racing around the oval track.
Curtis Tebbenham takes a tumble in the 1300cc Stock car class. - courtesy of Racepixels.co.uk.JPGCurtis Tebbenham takes a tumble in the 1300cc Stock car class. - courtesy of Racepixels.co.uk.JPG
Curtis Tebbenham takes a tumble in the 1300cc Stock car class. - courtesy of Racepixels.co.uk.JPG

A packed grid of 40 cars in the Bangers ensured that the evening would be a war of attrition. The 14 drivers making their debut amongst the seasoned campaigners were welcomed to the formula with very little hospitality, as they were quickly nudged, spun and shoved all over the place.

One of those given a baptism of fire was young driver Craig Crowther. Having previously had some experience with karts, Crowther decided to give the noble art a go after a chance meeting with National Banger star Steve Anscombe, .

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In an evening that saw two roll overs and a third car upended, Crowther was relatively unscathed compared with the other new bloods.

He will no-doubt be a little sore but did well to fend off the many and varied attacks he received from his rivals.

Only a broken drive shaft on his Nissan Primera halted what was a very solid first foray that, hopefully, will serve as a stepping stone for him to build upon.

Defending champion Rob Haines began the season with a workmanlike performance in his bid to retain the South Coast Hydraulics Banger title.

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In the 1300cc stock cars, some ferocious action took place that at times rivalled the bangers.

A coming together of Lee Pearce and Ian Beaumont on the pit bend saw the latter have some air time as he bounced off the Armco.

A thunderous last lap lunge by Paul Anscombe, saw him take out two of his rivals to claim the Final win.

Sussex drivers, including Mark Constable, Chris Harvey and Damon Wellman, were all prominent in the 2 litre Hot Rod action.