Thrills and spills at two day autograss event

The fact that it was two days of racing attracted visitors from the Republic of Ireland and also as far as Scotland, making the ferry trip across to race on whats now Northern Ireland's sole remaining autograss venue.

The scorching heat meant dust was a constant problem but once it settled the racing was intense.

In class one, James Jess took a clean sweep of wins in all four heats, the final, and also the Champion of Champions which includes the winner of each class in a handicap style race.

James finished second behind brother Matt in Sunday morning's heat, however Matt picked up a green flag for clipping tyres. This docked him two places and handed the win to James.

Matt went on to win the open race at the end of the day, which is a handicap style race similar to the Champion of Champions. His championship lead is now down to seven points, so the final days racing next month will prove vital for is he wishes to retain his title.

The Junior category was a lottery as always with 10 entrants and nearly all in contention. The pace was set yet again by Newcastle lad Jonny Mills in his Peugeot 106.

Jonny took a few heat wins before a smooth drive in the final from start to finish, pulling away as the pack fought for position. This lifts him yet another place in the points standings, now up to fifth behind Christopher McCracken.

Scott McNeill's weekend began with a couple of tight races, but went somewhat downhill on Sunday. After a puncture on the final corner of his fourth heat cost him a win, a bit of 'argy-bargy' in the first lap of the final ended with his bonnet coming off, which was a black flag offence, excluding him from the race.

His points lead is now down to seven, and this is another championship that will have to be decided on the final day's racing. Third place is still up for grabs with just two points separating the McCracken brothers of Jonny and Christopher.

The final days racing of this season is on Saturday September 25 and will provide some dog eat dog racing with everything still to play for in many classes. Go to www.downautograss.com for directions and maps.