STOCK CARS: James where he likes to be...in the wars

Haywards Heath oval raceway driver Tim James, is no stranger to the ‘rough stuff’ in his chosen formula of National Bangers, but even by his standards the weekend was rather eventful.
By Michael Burnage MBE
Published 14th Sep 2015, 15:16 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Michael Maggs ends up on his roof, thanks to a little help from Tim JamesMichael Maggs ends up on his roof, thanks to a little help from Tim James
Michael Maggs ends up on his roof, thanks to a little help from Tim James

On Sunday, James showed his ability around an oval raceway, as he went head to head with a host of rivals in the annual SUV/4x4 ‘tear up’ at Aldershot Raceway.

Things didn’t start that well for James, when he failed to make the grid for the first race with an engine problem. Worst was to affect his team mate Michael Maggs, who having only just completed the rolling lap, when he crossed the start line he was clipped, sending his Toyota Landcruiser onto its head, forcing an immediate stoppage.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Race two was much better for the Gobstopper team captain, as he came home in a credible fourth position in his somewhat large and heavy Ford Explorer. A big car such as the explorer seems a crazy choice of car to race, but the logic behind his decision would become obvious later.

Tim James (right) adds another winners trophy to his cabinetTim James (right) adds another winners trophy to his cabinet
Tim James (right) adds another winners trophy to his cabinet

Fans favourite Tim James, got a good start in in the Final, but he was soon caught and overtaken by the smaller and faster cars of Keith Reynolds, Steve Anscombe and Roger Wilkinson.

Reynolds in second spun James out of contention to take the lead. Anscombe and Wilko both swept past, as the lumbering James regained his position.

James did well to recover his position, crossing the line fourth again behind the speedsters.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With little damage sustained during the earlier exchanges, James’ somewhat ‘robust’ Explorer came to the fore of the action. His decision to choose a sturdier vehicle rather than a nippy one now suddenly made sense as he was marked up as odds on for the win in the day’s Destruction Derby, and so it proved.

James takes on of all things a LadaJames takes on of all things a Lada
James takes on of all things a Lada

The extra strength of the Ford SUV paid dividends, as James continually thumped into his rivals, in an effort to eliminate them from the contest. Only Anscombe and Wilko offered much resistance.

His first victim was Wilko as he was spun out, then just seconds later James thundered into Anscombe on the home straight. A couple of side swipes at other cars saw them retire from the contest.

A continual pounding of Anscombe and Wilko, began to reap benefits as both struggled against the tank of a car. With some firm but fair reversing manoeuvres, James hammered home his advantage to secure the win.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

James put the strength of the Explorer to good use in the Destruction DerbyJames put the strength of the Explorer to good use in the Destruction Derby
James put the strength of the Explorer to good use in the Destruction Derby

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Related topics:WilkoHaywards Heath