Peter Falding didn't get the hat-trick that was on the cards. Instead predictability won the day with Frankie Jnr taking the win. Andy Smith as expected made a valiant attempt at putting him away at the first corner but after bouncing the wall 515 was away and even a period of yellows wasn't going to stop him. If anything it gave him a few extra laps with a clear track in front of him.

Most impressive performance I've seen for many a year by a foreign driver goes to Dave Schaap H007. At times looked every bit as quick as FWJ and I did think at one time he was closing the gap, But it was not to be but every bit as exciting as the performance of one of his countrymen 20 odd years ago at Coventry who ran 2nd until a disagreement with Dave Mellor. I do know his name but am having a senior moment but no doubt will come to me later on the way to Spain.

Smile of the night came on the first lap of the 2nd heat courtesy of Kev Smith 64. On the recieving end was Gary Castell.

So after being doubtful of whether Northampton International Raceway could cope with holding THE BIG NIGHT OF THE YEAR I am pleased to say I was wrong. Entry and exit were easy and what I saw of the meeting itself ran like clockwork. Well done Incarace!

The 2005 BriSCA F1 World Final is a week on Saturday at Northampton International Raceway AKA Brafield.

A first for the small stadium and I must admit to being a bit sceptical about the tarmac tracks ability to host the major event of the year. However its a done deal and I ordered my ticket at the weekend to make sure I get in. That's always been the concern with using the smaller tracks. The WF is the biggest meeting of the year with the biggest turnout spectatorwise and there hasn't been many places that could cope with the numbers. I suppose attendances have struggled recently and with the promoters Incarace hiring grandstands for seating every one, including us once a yearers will be accomodated.

Have to admit am starting to look forward to it. Main concern is parking and being able to get a quick get a way as I'm on an earlyish morning flight on the Sunday.

Hey ho...

The day dawns for yet another stand-off in the F1 stock car world.

Later today is a the Holiday weekend at Sheffield and the BSCDA committee drivers are boycotting the meeting for various reasons - the state of the pits being one. Not the first time the sport's been in a strike situation - though its not a strike. But the first one I've seen discussed on the internet by many who don't know or understand the political infighting that goes on behind the scenes. I've been watching and reading for 40 years and have no idea about all the intrique so can't comment on who's right or wrong.

But perhaps the place for this is really behind closed doors.

My feelings are it's the sports reputation that's going to come off worst from this. Bank Holiday Monday and major meeting on shale and perhaps 15 cars turning up, not on I'm afraid especially after some good press for Sheffield to get the locals interested.

Shame its too late to have the NASCAR style leadership for BriSCA in the UK to bang their heads together and remind them its the show that counts and not screwing the paying public.