|
If nationalhotrod.com has not yet got around to you please download a form here, complete it and return it here, and we’ll gladly add your details to this page. Many thanks to everyone who has assisted with the interviews, and supplied photographs.
Latest addition 21/02/08: Sylvia Tobin Luke Armiger
Scroll down, or click a driver’s name: * John Holtby * Phil Spinks * Eddie McGrath * Dick Hillard * Carl Boardley * Mike Oliver * Simon Bentley * Andy Holtby * David Brooks * Stu Carter * Sylvia Tobin * Pat Casey * Matt Paynter * Chris Haird * Adam Scott * Rob Hadfield * Mike Riordan * Steve Thompson * Ronnie McKenzie * Nigel Steward * Andy Steward * Dave Longhurst * Richard Lee * Neil Stimson * Andy Burgess * Colin Gomm * Steve Burgess * Mike Thurley * Matt Simpson * James Jamieson Jr * Shane Brereton * Trevor Stroud * Winnie Holtmanns * Colin Smith * Luke Armiger * John Sibbald * Warren Farazmand * Ricky Hunn * Neal Smith * Ralph Sanders * Graham Luscombe * Les Compelli * Lee Carlin * Malcolm Blackman * Des Cooney * Pat Canavan * John Christie * Neville Stanley * Shane Murphy * Ian McReynolds * Malcolm Clein * Keith Martin * Tom Casey *
 The Driver: John Holtby #6
Date Of Birth: 03/12/1975
Home Town: Barton–on–Humber
Family: Wife Stacey, Son Jay
Occupation: Aircraft Fitter
Current Car: Ludlow 206cc
Engine: Dad’s (Mike Holtby) 16v
Sponsors: Holtby’s Motor Repairs
Racing History: Karting 2001-2005, Outlaws 2006
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Winning 2 heats at Hednesford
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: None so far
Racing Ambitions: To enjoy my racing – it’s only a hobby
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? The fast close racing.
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Strict control of rules
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? More TV and better formulas to race with
Favourite Track: Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: My Dad, and John Steward
Other Hobbies: Football, Karting
Road Car: Seat Leon Cupra R
And finally: Thanks to my Mum, Dad, brother Andy, Chris, Rhino, Stacey and Jay… without them I couldn’t race.
Compiled by John Holtby. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Phil Spinks #14
Date Of Birth: 18/03/1959
Home Town: Pinner, Middx.
Family: Wife Rose, sons and daughters Darryl, Lindsey, Karl and Avril
Occupation: Company Director
Current Car: Ludlow Chassis Saxo RJH Panels
Engine: Baines Turbosport
Sponsors: Deadline Cutting
Racing History: Saloon cars at Brands Hatch 1979, 1600 Hot Rods 1991
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Never getting punched for dodgy driving. First win at Ipswich in 1600 Hot Rods
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: None. Bending 1600 Hot Rod that I had just built, at Eastbourne
Racing Ambitions: To have the odd win (its for fun – let’s not forget it)
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? The speed and close racing
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? 2-layer front bumpers, 10-layer rears
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV coverage. Plus: investment in track facilities.
Favorite Track: Eastbourne
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: George and Barry from the distant past, John Steward not so distant. Present - Dave Longhurst, always helpful, and for current commitment - Malcolm Blackman and Carl Boardley; always 100% on and off the track.
Other Hobbies: None
Road Car: Golf.
Back to TOP
 The Driver: Eddie McGrath #28
Date Of Birth: 10/08/1970
Home Town: Midleton, County Cork
Family: Wife Roisin
Occupation: IT Supervisor
Current Car: Davy McCall 206
Engine: Vauxhall 16v
Sponsors: Twomey Motors, Nyhan Transport
Racing History: Production Saloons, Nationals
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: First win in National Hot Rods, November 29th 2004.
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Hitting the wall on only my third day out.
Ambitions: To qualify for the World Final
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? The fact of the close racing, plus it’s fantastic for the spectators
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Bring down the costs, then it’ll get more entrants.
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV coverage – thankfully coming
Favourite Track: Tipperary
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Jim Nyhan, Vince McGrath, Malcolm Blackman
Other Hobbies: None.
Road Car: Honda CRV
And finally: I hope that the sport continues to grow, as it has been.
Compiled by Sinead Sweeney. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Dick Hillard #31
Date Of Birth: 03/01/1957
Home Town: Long Sutton near Wisbech
Family: Partner Pat, sons Brett 16 & Dale 14
Occupation: Garage owner
Current Car: SHP 206
Engine: Vauxhall 16v Engine by B+J Race Engines
Sponsors: Dick Hillard Motor Services www.dickhillard.co.uk Moulton 4x4 Centre,
B+J Race Engines
Racing History: Bangers 1975, Saloon Stocks 1976-83, Super Rods 1983-89, National Hot Rods 1989-2004
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Second in 1993 World Final, 1995 South Africa (Cape Town) Tour - mega time!
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Only finishing second in 1993 World Final!! Seriously, being put in the wall in 1996 World Final when in second place, then watching the guilty go on to win
Racing Ambitions: To enjoy racing as much as possible, and to improve on my hopeless results in the past two seasons
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Larger gaps on grids from clutch starts. A regular steward who would get a grip on the contact & poor driving standards we currently see. Just do the job he is paid to do!
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? What's currently done is crap, we need someone in charge, making some positive decisions.
Favourite Track: Northampton
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Conrad Self (Stock Car 636)
Road Car: I use anything available from current stock
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Carl Boardley #41
Date Of Birth: 07/12/1975
Home Town: Ipswich
Family: Wife Emma, daughter Ellen
Occupation: Repairs & sales of electric motors
Current Car: Sonny Howard Preparations/Carl Boardley Peugeot 206 Evo
Engine: Boss GM16 Valve
Sponsors: Boardley & Roberts Ltd http://www.boardley-roberts.co.uk/
Boss Racing Engines, Intoto Kitchens, AEV Plc, Dan Klyn Signs, SHP Motorsport, Simpson Race Exhausts, Kent Cams
Racing History: Started in 1993 racing Stock Rods, runner-up in points championshp twice, plenty of race wins, but no majors. Moved to Nationals August 1999
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Winning National Championship for the second time (winning same thing twice proves the first one wasn't jammy!)
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: An individual telling me that he would sort something out on a particular Saturday, then didn't, & it all went wrong on the Sunday!
Racing Ambitions: 1.To enjoy my racing. 2. To continue to have people 'copy' what we do with our car, proves we're quick. 3. To win the National Championship for 3rd time
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? A traveling steward, one who's got the balls to issue loads of penalties and stick to them. Then, drivers who are prepared to accept the decisions instead of whining on for weeks!
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Sky Coverage again would be good
Favourite Track: Anywhere except Wimbledon
Other Drivers Most Admired George Polley, Jeff Simpson, Tom Casey
Other Hobbies: Playing football & golf
Road Car: Porsche
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Mike Oliver #57
Date Of Birth: 14/06/1969
Home Town: Aberystwyth
Family: Jack Russell called Dougal
Occupation: Metal Merchant
Current Car: Peugeot 205
Engine: Vauxhall 16V
Sponsors: Myself
Racing History: Best left unknown!!!!
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: My first win at Tipperary
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: None
Racing Ambitions: To win loads of races
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? Everything
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? A track in Wales would be good!
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV will be good.
Favourite Track: Tipperary
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Brian English, Ormond Christie
Other Hobbies: Breeding Welsh Black cattle. Collecting vintage tractors. Salsa dancing
Road Car: E300 Mercedes
And finally: Special thanks to Steven Sheehan, Desmond Cooney, Gethin, and chef mechanic Richie - for all year entertainment and all their help and enthusiasm, and to Kelly Jay for being a great mate.
Compiled by Kelly Jay. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Simon Bentley #59
Date Of Birth: 08/05/1963
Home Town: Ludlow
Family: Wife Louise, two daughters, Lucy 16, Jodie 13 and son Archie
Occupation: Car Dealer
Current Car: Mitsubishi Colt
Engine: Ford Zetec
Sponsors: S & S Motorsport, Andy Lee Transport, TME, Diamond Cars
Racing History: Done autograss racing for many years until beginning National Hot Rods in 1997.
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Coming 4th this year at the World Final
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Never winning the national championships in autograss although leading it a few times
Racing Ambitions: To win the World Final
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? The amount of racing time you get and time in the car
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? By sorting out the carnage and getting someone to take control
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Television
Favourite Track: Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: George Polley
Other Hobbies: Autograss
Road Car: Peugeot 607
Compiled by Lucy Bentley. Back to TOP
 The Driver: David John Brooks #67
Date Of Birth: 21/03/1966
Home Town: Middlesex
Family: Partner, 3 children
Occupation: Company Director
Current Car: Vauxhall Tigra
Engine: Swindon
Sponsors: Brooks Electrical
Racing History: Superstox. Hot Rods, National Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Third quickest in qualifying 2007 World Final
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Crashing overtaking backmarkers in 2007 World Final
Racing Ambitions: Win world final
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? Close racing, speed
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Fairer driving, more friendliness, less moaning
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV
Favourite Track: Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Carl Boardley, Phil Spinks
Other Hobbies: Scuba Diving
Road Car: BMW coupe
And finally: Thanks to Marlene, Angie, Graham
Compiled by: David Brooks. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Andy Holtby #61
Date Of Birth: 10/03/1978
Home Town: Goxhill
Family: Girlfriend, Danielle
Occupation: Garage Owner
Current Car/Engine: Vauxhall Tigra, Dad’s Racing engine
Sponsors: Trucklinks, L.P.E, Goxhill Motor Company, Holtby’s Motor Repairs
Racing History: Motocross 1999-2003, NHR 2003 -
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Every race win. Winning the last wq round at Birmingham in 2005
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Blowing the engine in 2005 World Final in the warm up laps. Rolling the car in Ireland
Racing Ambitions: To win
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? The close, fast racing
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? More Stewards
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? More TV coverage
Favourite Track: Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Malcolm Blackman, Tom Casey
Other Hobbies: Darts
Road Car: Transit Connect
And finally: Thanks to my Mum, Dad and brother for all their help
Compiled by Marlene Clarke. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Nigel Steward #75
Date Of Birth: 03/03/1969
Home Town: Paddock Wood, Kent
Family: Married to Theresa, two sons; Dale and Owen
Occupation: -
Current Car/Engine: Ludlow Corsa, Toovey Ford Zetec
Sponsors: Steward Transport
Racing History: 1984/85 Junior Banger Arena & Crayford
1987/1991 Group A Hot Rods, Points and Supreme Champion 1991
1995/1996 1600 Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: As Crew Chief for SCSA race winning car in July 2004. As a driver 2nd place in European at Tipperary 2005
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Lots, racing has lots more disappointments than successes
Racing Ambitions: To win something big
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? Fierce competition
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Better facilities, pits and scrutineering
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? More press coverage both local and national
Favourite Track: Past Crayford, Present Wimbledon
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Past John Steward, Ormond Christie. Present Phil Spinks, Keith Martin
Other Hobbies: Yeah right!
Road Car: BMW 525 TDS
And finally: Thanks to Ray and Colin for all their help
Compiled by Marlene Clarke. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Stu Carter #85
Date Of Birth: 23/12/1982
Home Town: Barnetby, N. Lincs
Family: Dad, brother Scott
Occupation: HGV fitter
Current Car: Vauxhall Tigra
Engine: Toovey 2.0, 16v Vauxhall
Sponsors: Peter Carter Transport, Short Circuit Magazine, JHP Storage, Rank Hovis, Omega Haulage, E.A.P. Refinishing
Racing History: Started in Bangers at Blyton, moved to Outlaw Hot Rods at Buxton; won 2004 points championship and others. 2005 moved to National Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Winning my Mum’s Memorial Trophy at Buxton 2 years on the trot.
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Breaking down with half a lap to go, whilst winning my Mum’s Memorial last year.
Racing Ambitions: To do the best I can, and one day win a championship
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? Fast, close racing
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Not enough paper so I will leave that one
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV
Favourite Track: Tipperary, Cowdenbeath
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Neal Smith, Ray Tyldesley (exF1)
Other Hobbies: Football, Pub
Road Car: Range Rover Sport, Caddy Van
And finally: Thanks to my Dad & Micky for the help getting it ready week in week out.
Compiled by Stu Carter. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Sylvia Tobin #87
Date Of Birth: 18/12/1980
Home Town: Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Family: Husband Ger.
Occupation: Mechanic/Property Developer
Current Car: Ludlow Tigra
Engine: Tom Casey Vauxhall 16V
Sponsors: AC Crash Repairs, Sign Shop
Racing History: Tipperary Productions 1998-2000 and again ‘05-’06, 1600 Hot Rods ‘06-’07, started Nationals April 2007.
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: None, so far
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Not being competitive when I started in Nationals
Racing Ambitions: To be competitive
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? Everything
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? If everyone helped each other a bit more it would make things more even and make for better, closer racing.
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Coverage in local papers and on Irish TV. Most people in Ireland don’t even know that Tipperary Motor Speedway exists
Favourite Track: Tipperary
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Carl Boardley, Malcolm Clein
Other Hobbies: Quad Biking
Road Car: Toyota Celica GT4
And Finally: Thanks to everyone that helps: Ger, and my brother Keith for keeping the car going, my Dad for always having it looking well, and Malcolm Clein for all the help and advice
Back to TOP
 The Driver: Pat Casey #99
Date Of Birth: 20/05/1961
Home Town: Tallow, Co. Waterford
Family: Wife: Brenda, Children: Dermot, Kieran and Theresa
Occupation: Plant Hire
Current Car: Steve Wills Focus
Engine: Vauxhall
Sponsors: Casey Plant & Tool Hire
Racing History:
Grasstrack, Kart racing, Formula Vee at Mondello Park, F2’s…raced most things in fact! Joined Nationals in 2003
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Winning the Formula Vee final at Mondello in 1999
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Ending up on my side at Tipperary in what then was a newish car
Racing Ambitions: To progress in Nationals
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? The laid-back approach on race day. Other (circuit) formulas have lots of paperwork.
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? By everyone involved aiming higher. Drivers have to do their bit re-funding – the recent nationalhotrod.com Association was positive
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? See above.
Favourite Track: Tipperary
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Shane Murphy, Carl Boardley
Other Hobbies: Watching motorsport
Road Car: Citroen C4
Compiled by Sinéad Sweeney. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Matt Paynter #106
Date Of Birth: 11/04/1979
Home Town: Butt Lane, Stoke–on-Trent
Family: Mum, Dad, sister Rachel, brother–in–law Rob (banger driver), nephew Conner (ministox)
Occupation: Volvo HGV mechanic
Current Car: SHP 206
Engine: Exon Race engines
Sponsors: CPR Services, Fintec Commercials, Red & Son, MC Travel, Interest free loans “Bank of Dad”
Racing History: Bangers, Rookie Rods, Hot Fords, Buxton Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Finishing 6th in the Scottish Hot Rod World Cup 2005, and being the only English driver left to finish
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Being “picked up” by a car which was being followed in by a fellow team mate and breaking my ribs. “Sierras aren’t made for banger racing”!!
Racing Ambitions: At the moment to be on the pace with the top drivers. It would be nice one day to win a final
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? The speed which the car’s race at. How professional everybody is. How organized the sport is run.
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? “One off” meetings at Arena, Buxton, Cowdenbeath “You know what a National is but don’t appreciate it until you’ve been to a meeting and seen them race!”
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Change the nation’s #1 sport from football to Hot Rods then there would be better sponsorship.
Favourite Track: Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Bert Finnikin, Carl Boardley, Frankie Wainman Jnr. Consistent, smooth drivers.
Other Hobbies: Sometimes when things go wrong I say I’m taking up golf
Road Car: Vito Van
And finally: Thank you to everybody, the Team; Boyo, Carlos, Gary Musker, and all the sponsors.
Compiled by Mr Matt. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Chris Haird #115
Date Of Birth: 10/09/1983
Home Town: Newmarket, Cambridgeshire
Family: SINGLE & LOOKING - 0784 327 9648
Occupation: Digger Driver (soon to be lorry driver)
Current Car: VW Corrado
Engine: QED 16v
Sponsors: D.Haird & Co Ltd, Elite Racing Transmissions www.eliteracingtransmissions.co.uk
Racing History: Outlaw Hot Rods, then National Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Fifth in 2003 World Final
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: 2004 National Championship
Racing Ambitions: To win a title race
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? The close, fast racing
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Less contact, and a higher level of scrutineering
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV Coverage is needed
Favourite Track: Tipperary
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: My Daddy (David Haird) & George Polley
Other Hobbies: Nightclubbing
Road Car: VW Golf (1.4)
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Adam Scott #119
Date Of Birth: 19/02/1951
Home Town: Paddock Wood, Kent
Family: Wife Sharon, Children Nikki, Carrie & Chris
Occupation: Haulier
Current Car: Peugeot 206, Ludlow Chassis
Engine: Mass Engine
Sponsors: A.Scott Transport, D.S Commercials
Racing History: Lightning Rods 1993, about 4/5 years, 2 litre Hot Rods, Outlaw Hot Rods for 2 years at Arena, 2000 National Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: March 2003: winning both heats and final at Hednesford
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Being put in the fence at Wimbledon
Racing Ambitions: Just to be successful
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Better promoted & controlled
Favourite Track: Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: George Polley
Other Hobbies: Swimming
Road Car: BMW
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Rob Hadfield #141
Date Of Birth: -
Home Town: Buxton, Derbys.
Family: Partner Lesley, 4 children
Occupation: Haulage contractor
Current Car: Peugeot 206 - Chris Ludlow chassis
Engine: Anderson 16v
Sponsors: RM Hadfield Linings and Hoses
Racing History: 8 Meetings in Rookie Bangers (Buxton); Buxton Hot Rods 2003 (Outlaws)
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Winning the Buxton Hot Rods Points
Championship in first season (2003)
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: None as yet
Racing Ambitions: Pick-Up Trucks
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? Friendly people
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Better policing of contact
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Television coverage is needed
Favourite Track: Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: None come to mind
Other Hobbies: Work
Road Car: Range Rover, Mercedes, Countax lawn mower
And finally: I would like to see Buxton Raceway back as a National Hot Rod track
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Mike Riordan #142
Date Of Birth: 04/11/1964
Home Town: Fermoy, Co. Cork
Family: Wife Martha, sons Jeff and Ian
Occupation: Retailer
Current Car: CLM Mitsubishi Colt
Engine: Tom Casey Vauxhall 16v
Sponsors: Self
Racing History: 1982 Grasstrack, 1993 2-L Hot Rods at Tipperary, 1995 joined National Hot Rods till 1999, did rallying for a year or so then back to Nationals in 2001
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: 2004 was my best all-round year in National Hot Rods
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Any of my crashes, of which no particular one stands out!
Racing Ambitions: To continue to be competitive
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? It’s a race – the buzz when it all goes well – the whole atmosphere.
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Consistency in stewarding of unnecessary contact, and financially I wouldn’t want it to get out of control
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV, and through what was achieved at the NEC
Favourite Track: Tipperary – but I enjoy them all
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: John Steward, Jeff Simpson. Anyone who can be a top 3 driver
Other Hobbies: None
Road Car: BMW 5-Series
And finally: I would like to see the drivers and promoters communicating better. And: Thanks to everyone who voted for me in the recent driver awards
Compiled by Sinéad Sweeney. Back to TOP
 The Driver: Ronnie McKenzie #187
Date Of Birth: 01/10/1954
Home Town: Glenrothes
Family: Wife Carol, son Allan, daughter Linsey, granddaughters Megan, Alana
Occupation:
|
