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The Driver: Ken Marriott #2
Date Of Birth: 02-07-1966
Home Town: Buxton
Family:  Wife, 2 boys
Occupation: Garage Owner
Current Car: Ludlow Tigra
Engine: Toovey Engine
Sponsors: Myself
Racing History: Hot Fords, Bombers, Hot Rods, Super Rods, National Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Finishing 11th in 2007 World Final
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Not finishing 2006 World Final !
Racing Ambitions: To finish a race in one piece
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? The contact!!
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? N/A
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Sky TV
Favourite Track: Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Ricky Hunn, Andy Steward
Other Hobbies: Helping son with Central Hot Rod
Road Car:  Mitsubishi Warrior, Chrysler Crossfire
And finally:   Thanks to all my little helpers
Compiled by Mrs Marriott.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Jeff Simpson #3
Date Of Birth: 18/10/1956
Home Town: Langley
Family:  Wife Ann, mother-in-law Joyce, son Matt & wife Tasha, daughter Jo
Occupation:  Waste Management
Current Car/Engine:  Ludlow Tigra/Swindon Race Engines Vauxhall
Sponsors: Simpson Race Exhausts, Swindon Race Engines, Kent Cams
Racing History:  Racing since 1974 - Hot Rods, 1977 Stock Rods, 1986 Polley Rods, 1987 Nationals, 1996 Eurocars,1998 PickUps, 2000 Nationals, 2008 return to Nationals
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Winning the Stock Rod world championship three times and twice PickUp champion
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: 1994 National Hot Rod world final disqualification
Racing Ambitions:  To enjoy my racing and drive every race as if it’s my last!
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Close racing, atmosphere, camaraderie, the supporters, and proper friends
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? More weekend meetings, more social events
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Let the promoters promote, and the drivers race.
Favourite Track: All
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  George Polley
Other Hobbies: Classic Ford vehicles
Road Car:  Landcruiser
And finally: Thanks to all the family, friends and sponsors for their help and encouragement.
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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.
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The Driver:  Mikey Godfrey #27
Date of birth: 12/12/1989
Home Town:   Carterton, Oxfordshire
Family:  Mum - Helen & Dad - Andy
Occupation:  Department Manager at T&B Motors Vehicle Depollution Facility
Current Car: Citroen Saxo (SHP chassis)
Engine:  Toovey Vauxhall
Sponsors:  T&B Motors, T&B Motorsport, Allfloors, MW Race Prep, Platinum Recoveries Ltd
Racing History:  2000-2005 Segto Junior Minis, 2006-2007 Hotrods at Angmering, 2008 Nationals
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  None in Nationals yet.
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Losing a wheel in my first ever national race at Birmingham!
Racing Ambitions:  To finish more races in the points, gain more experience and have as much fun as possible doing it.
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Everything
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Not been doing it long enough to pass comment
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV coverage would be nice!
Favourite Track: Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Carl Boardley, Matt Simpson, Dick Hillard and John Sibbald for his dedication to the sport and all the other racers doing it on a budget.
Other Hobbies: No time for other hobbies!.    Racing is an obsession!!
Road Car:  Ford Ranger
And finally: Thank you to everyone (especially Jay Austin and his team) who has helped and encouraged me and given me the chance to get out there and do something I’ve always dreamed of.

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:  Danny Brosnan #33
Date Of Birth: 9th September 1958
Home Town: Croydon Surrey
Family:  Four children Tracy, Daniel, Lily and Oscar
Occupation:  City Inspector for Westminster City Council
Current Car/Engine: Ludlow/SHP Vauxhall Tigra. Exon engine to be now looked after by Alan Sherwood Race Engines
Sponsors:  Bob Collins Auto Electrics, and Wright Signs & Graphics help out.  I pay for everything myself. Of course would like some help though.
Racing History:  Grasstrack Mini pick-up, early 80’s then Escort Mk 1 Hot Rod at Brafield for a few months then Starlet with Mass crossflow.  Built Anglia and Escort 2 for the Classic Hot Rods for 3 seasons. 1 year off then bought the Tigra complete.  First few meetings in the Tigra very hard, it’s not as easy as it looks out there.
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Winning the Mass-sponsored final at Brafield (NIR) in 1987.  Several wins in the Classics.  Winning the Mallory Mile for 2 years in a row in the classics.
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Rear brakes coming on and spinning myself around in the Tigra. Very embarrassing.
Racing Ambitions:  Hope to get into a world final before I get my old age pension.
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  I don’t love anything about it, it’s a sport that is in my blood; since they became space-framed I wanted one.
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Bring in the new Ford engine that is used in the SHP Pick-ups. Each driver to have his own spotter. Pit conditions to be vastly improved, because at present all the areas for the teams are the PITS!  Better crowd cover in adverse weather conditions. Toilets at most tracks are appalling.
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Bring in later model shape car shapes, and don’t put the formula on the same bill as contact cars, such as Bangers. Get the Classic Hot Rods to be at the same meeting as Nationals.  Promoters to give free tickets to local schools, to get the kids interested - get them, and most parents will get dragged along with money in their pockets.  If a driver gets a good sponsor, invite them to the drivers meetings, which will get them more involved.
Favourite Track: Mallory
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Phil White, Duffy Collard, Lee Wood
Other Hobbies: None really. Stay in with TV and red wine.
Road Car:  Land Rover Discovery and Mini Clubman (new shape).
And finally: Hope to keep racing in this formula for as long as I can afford it.  Still would like to do some circuit racing, so may go to the Silhouettes, if there is too much damage and bitching in the pits and on the track.
Compiled by Danny Brosnan, with thanks to Marlene Clarke.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Neil Muddle #35
Date Of Birth: 30/07/1964
Home Town: Bristol
Family:  Married to Adriana, one stepson and one stepdaughter with three grandchildren.
Occupation:  Fitter
Current Car: VW Corrado
Sponsors:  The Wring Group Demolition
Racing History:  Bangers, Sierras, and then the Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Racing in the support races for the World Finals this year.
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: When I lost my eldest stepson Andrew.
Racing Ambitions:  To maybe one day race in the National World Finals
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  I love the friendship you gain with the other drivers and the racing.
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? There is nothing that could be improved on the already perfect sport.
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? I think it could be improved more by advertising more on the television, maybe on the normal channels so people without cable or Sky can benefit.
Favourite Track: Ipswich race track.
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  In the past it was Barry Lee who inspired me throughout my childhood.
Other Hobbies: Spending time on my car and also spending quality time with my family and two dogs Rolo and Ziela
Road Car:  Peugeot 206
And finally: I would like to say thanks for the support from other drivers and of course my wife Adriana .. thank you all.
Compiled by  Neil Muddle

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: John van den Bosch #66
Date Of Birth: 08-02-1960
Home Town: Rosmalen Nederland
Family: Wife; Wil, child; Lanie
Occupation: Garage proprietor/car sales
Current Car: Peugeot 206/Peugeot 206cc
Engine: VW 2.0 16v
Sponsors: Haird Motorsport/emming Motortuning/Elite Transmission/vd Bosch Autos
Racing History: 30 years oval racing; 7 times champion in Holland
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Supercup 2004
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Disqualifying 2007
Racing Ambitions: I like the game will keep racing lots of years
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? Close racing/speed
How Could National Hot RodRacing Be Improved? More drivers from the continent in the UK and otherwise
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Television
Favourite Track: Baarlo
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Chris Haird, Boardley, Blackman
Other Hobbies: Go to the pub/ski-ing
Road Car: Renault Scenic 2.0
And finally: Thanks to my mechanics Roy, Ronnie and Mart, and the sponsors.
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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:  James O’Shea #74
Date of Birth: 16/02/63
Home Town: Clondalkin, Dublin
Family:  Wife Mary, children Steven, Colm and Ciara
Occupation:  Garage Proprietor
Current Car/Engine:  Haird Motorsport Ford Fiesta/Tom Casey Engine
Sponsors:  JOS Services - website: http://www.josservices.com
Racing History:  Started in Midget Car racing for 2 seasons, then 2-litre hot rods at Santry near Dublin Airport, then National Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: 7th in 2-litre World Final at Cowdenbeath with no practice at the track teeming down with rain, and drove to 7th place.
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Trying hard and not qualifying for World Final.
Racing Ambitions:  Absolute determination to qualify for the World Final 
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  The adrenaline buzz of real door-handle to door-handle racing
How could National Hot Rod racing be improved? More consistency in stewarding, marshalling, and more use of cameras.
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? The sport needs better promotion and advertising – it’s an investment in the sport’s future.
Favourite Track: Ipswich & Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past or Present:  Carl Boardley
Other Hobbies: Track days, and former League Snooker player so I still play to keep my hand in.
Road Car:  Skoda Octavia Auto!
Compiled by: Dave Richardson. 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:  Laurens van der Velde #78
Date Of Birth: 02-10-1957
Home Town: Weert, the Netherlands
Family:  Living together with Jenny.  Children  Britt, (19), Beau (16), Boy (10).
Occupation:  MOT Inspector
Current Car: Opel Tigra
Sponsors:  Willemsen Orchideen, Savo Airco, Murrmans, Herold Vastgoed, Martens Installabie, Tullemans, Car-Design-Art, Peters Data, CD Louis, etc.
Racing History:  Started driving 1978, Hot Rod racing since 1986 (had a break from 1998-2006), came back to racing again on request from Leo Willemsen Racing.  This is my first year in England so we built a right-hand drive Tigra.
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Three-times World Long Track Champion at Baarlo, Holland, 1993,94,95
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Being disqualified at Venray last year (2007) together with John van den Bosch – this was not correct and still fighting against it.
Racing Ambitions:  To drive in World Final at Ipswich
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Its very close racing
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? We we’ve seen up to now is that it is very well organized here in Britain. Maybe more prize money?
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Maybe some more TV coverage
Favourite Track: Baarlo long track. In England I’m still trying out the tracks – have been to Rockingham, Mallory Park and Ipswich so far.
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Barry Lee, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher
Other Hobbies: Jenny
Road Car:  Audi A8, Dodge Viper
And finally: Thanks to my team and everybody who is always there for us.
Compiled by Laurens van der Velde. 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
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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:  Steve Thompson #170
Date Of Birth: 27/03/1985
Home Town: Scunthorpe
Family:  Parents Nessa and Kevin, brother Craig
Occupation:  Yard Supervisor, Thompson Waste Management Ltd
Current Car: SHP Motorsport 206
Engine:  John Toovey 16v Vauxhall
Sponsors:  Thompson Waste Management Ltd, Thompson Metals, MAN trucks, SHP Motorsport, John Toovey Racing Engines, Kevin Earl Signs, Trackwear, AA Bramall, Advance Truck Components, Barry Fenton Insurance Brokers, Kingsway Tyres, Tate Fuel Oils, Nimmo Body Repairs
Racing History:  Racing Karts from 9 years old. British Champion and many other titles and track records.  Brisca Ministox: National Points Champion amongst others. 2ltr Hot Rods: English Champion.  NHR’s: Rookie of the Year 2004, second in National Championship 2004
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Lots of majors, in this country and out, all memorable
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Due to Mum & Dad expanding the business, at the age of 13 had to cut down on my racing
Racing Ambitions:  To enjoy my racing and to remain
competitive in all formulas
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  I’ve only been in the formula for 6 months; better qualified people to take NHR forward, but a travelling steward will help
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? I am sure people are doing their best, but television would be good
Favourite Track: Hednesford & Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  George Polley, Barry Lee, Duffy Collard
Other Hobbies: No time for anything else
Road Car:  Vauxhall Corsa
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP

The Driver:  Jason Kew #174
Date Of Birth: 18/08/86
Home Town: Witney, Oxon
Family:  Girlfriend Kerry, soon to be Mrs Kew on 15/08/09 - hope there is no WQ on that date!
Occupation:  Storeman
Current Car: SHP Pug 206
Engine:  Toovey Vauxhall 16v
Sponsors:  MPES electrical services, www.soilmec.co.uk, Carfix mobile vehicle repairs, T&B Motorsport.
Racing History:  6 years in Segto Juniors, 6 years in 2litre Hot Rods,
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  2007 2litre Hot Rod long track champion. Starting 15th on grid for 2008 2litre Hot Rod world final at Nuttscorner and finishing 5th, winning my first National Hot Rod race and then following it up with a final win as well.
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Missing out on winning a new Ludlow chassis at Wimbledon in 2006 - started pole, all I had to do was finish in top 6 and had to pull off with mechanical problems…
Racing Ambitions:  To win, and to get my Mum to come at watch me race at least once!
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Speed of the cars, people you meet.
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Race at more tracks: the promoters need to sort themselves out when there is tracks like Mendips, Arena Essex, Ringwood, and we are not racing at them. Bring National Hot Rod racing back to Wimbledon!
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV coverage, and if we had more tracks to race at more people would see us!
Favourite Track: Wimbledon,Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Malcolm Blackman, Dave Longhurst, Mark Paffey, Neal Smith, Dad.
Other Hobbies: No time to do anything else
Road Car:  Picasso
And finally: Thanks to Mum, Dad, Kerry, Terry, Jeff Simpson, Colin Gomm, Malcolm Blackman Dave Longhurst - without these people I wouldn’t be racing a National Hot Rod.
Compiled by Jason Kew. 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:  Self employed - vehicle sales
Current Car: Honda Civic
Engine:  Vauxhall
Sponsors:  Glen Commercials, Kevin Eade Refrigeration, A2B Car Hire
Racing History:  Hot Rods on and off since 1973
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Being disqualified at Banger Scottish Championship when I won by 2 laps in a Riley Elf
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: After being involved for nearly 30 years and being hurt in last race
Racing Ambitions:  To have fun
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Everything, bar costly damage
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? No doubt
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV
Favourite Track: Ballymena
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Stu Jackson, Barry Lee for his antics
Other Hobbies: Motorcycling
Road Car:  Mondeo
And finally: Thanks to all mechanics, sponsors, fans and family
Compiled by Ronnie McKenzie. Back to TOP

The Driver:  Iain Grayson #191
Date Of Birth: 31/01/73
Home Town: Stoke-on-Trent.
Family:  Son-Connor, Partner-Wendy, Brother-Ivan and Nephew-Jordan.
Occupation:  Workshop Manager.
Current Car:/Engine: Peugeot 206/BEL Engines
Sponsors:  IG Autos, BEL Engines and Plumbing & Heating Services.
Racing History:  Outlaw Hot Rods, Super Saloons and Stock Rods.
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Ace Gearbox Champion at Buxton ‘02’06’ and Ipswich 08’ 5 races 5 finished with no damage.
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Second engine blown at Northampton!
Racing Ambitions:  Qualify for World final.
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  The speed of the cars.
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Finding a way to cut down on contact.
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? More TV Coverage.
Favourite Track: Cowdenbeath.
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Phil Spinks and George Polley.
Other Hobbies: Working to pay for hobby!
Road Car:  Various.
And finally: Thanks to my family, friends and helpers for helping with the car.
Compiled By: Son Connor.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Andy Steward #198
Date Of Birth: 13/12/1966
Home Town: Great Bromley, Essex
Family:  None
Occupation:  Company Director
Current Car: SHP 206
Engine:  Swindon 16V
Sponsors:  RT Steward Transport www.rtsteward.co.uk
Racing History:  Since 1986: Bangers, Stock Rods, National Hot Rods, PickUp Trucks
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Stock Rod World, European & English Champion
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Losing the 1996 National Hot Rod World Championship by a bumper-width
Racing Ambitions:  To win National Hot Rod World Championship
How Could National Hot RodRacing Be Improved?  Change the grids to public draw, reverse grid with highest points to the front of grid for finals
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? There are too many chiefs, not enough Indians
Favourite Track: Tipperary, Mallory Park
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Mick ‘Duffy’ Collard
Other Hobbies: Jetski & shooting
Road Car:  Ferrari 360 Spyder F1 & Toyota Landcruiser
And finally: Can someone explain what's going on with the grids?  They change every week! Why can't we race on long circuits as well? Whose cars & money is it?  Not the promoters!
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP

The Driver:  Dave Longhurst #230
Date Of Birth: 03/05/1959
Home Town: Worthing, West Sussex
Family:  Wife - Carole
Occupation:  Competition engine builder
Current Car: Ludlow Mitsubushi Colt
Engine:  Powered by DLRD Vauxhall 16 valve
Sponsors:  West Park Contractors, Ludlow Motorsport, Seahaven Caravans, The Bridge House Inn, Axtra Haulage, Kent Cams, Gleam Clean, BTR Ltd
Racing History:  1974 Started grass track racing, 1984 Started with Spedeworth racing a Super Rod; 1988 Hot Rods, 1995 National Hot Rods, 1997 PickUp Trucks on circuits
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Winning the 2003 National Hot Rod World Championship
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: 1995 mechanical breakdown whilst leading National Hot Rod World Championship
Racing Ambitions:  To win the National Hot Rod Championship again
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?
The exhilaration of driving a National Hot Rod & most of the company
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Change world qualifiers to reduce the pressure on scoring points
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV coverage was brilliant for sponsors and fans alike
Favourite Track: Ipswich & Aldershot
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  George Polley
Other Hobbies: No time
Road Car:  Citroen C5
And finally: My year as World Champion was the ultimate dream.  My thanks to sponsors, fans, & all who made it a special year
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP

The Driver:  Richard Lee  #267/#700
Date Of Birth: 19/05/1969
Home Town: Pinxton, Notts
Family:  Wife Catherine; son Jake
Occupation:  Managing Director for double glazing company
Current Car: 2002 Steve Wills 206 (sister car to 286)
Engine:  16v Vauxhall
Sponsors:  Diamond Window Systems Ltd, John Wright Race Cars www.johnwrightracecars.co.uk
Racing History:  1992 Autograss; 2004 National Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Winning a British Championship round, and first National Final (both in Autograss)
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Going wide when second in National Final,
and petrol pump packing up when leading MAP Final (both in Autograss)
Racing Ambitions:  To win class 3 Nationals & Autograss
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  The close racing and track time
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Less damage - some drivers need to win at any cost!
Favourite Track: Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Barry Lee and Dave Longhurst
Other Hobbies: Autograss
Road Car:  BMW X5, Mitsubishi Evo 6
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP

The Driver: Neil Stimson #271
Date Of Birth: 03/05/1978
Home Town: Peterborough
Family:  Single - but looking!
Occupation:  Print Finisher
Current Car: Randall Motorsport 206
Engine:  Toovey Vauxhall 16V
Sponsors:  Randall Motorsport, Toovey Race Engines
Racing History:  Started 1992 Awalton Junior Rods, onto Stock Rods, before joining the Nationals in 2001
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:
Second in 2002 National Championship, almost pushing Davy McCall across the line
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Engine blow in qualifying laps for 2002 World Championship
Racing Ambitions:  Happy where I am for now
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Less qualifying rounds, more 'fun' meetings
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? It could be a lot better
Favourite Track: Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  -
Other Hobbies: No time for other hobbies – just going to the pub
Road Car:  Peugeout 206 GTI
Compiled by Garry Staines.  Back to TOP

The Driver: Andy Burgess #277
Date Of Birth: 14.6.84
Home Town: Crewe, Cheshire
Family: Dad John, Mum Linda, Girlfriend Katey, dog Toby
Occupation: Mechanic
Current Car/Engine: Renault Clio/Baines 16v Vauxhall
Sponsors: Brupac, Burgess Repair Services, CPR
Racing History: Mini stocks 1995-2000
Lightning Rods 2001-2002
2l Hot Rods  2003-2005
Bangers  2003
National Hot Rods  2005-present
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Lightning Rod Birmingham Track Champion 2001 and Finishing 2006 NHR World Final
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Flat tyre at Wimbo in Mini Stock English while in third (2000)
Racing Ambitions: Win Hot Rod World
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? Good fast racing
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? More rain please
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? More television coverage
Favourite Track: Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Ricky Hunn
Other Hobbies: Football, drinking
Road Car: BMW 325i
Compiled by  Mandy Cooper, John Burgess and Andy.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Colin Gomm #278
Date Of Birth: 06/06/1957
Home Town: Chesham, Bucks
Family:  Long term partner Julie, Joanne 19 and Lyndsey 18
Occupation:  24-Hour Recovery and Mechanic
Current Car: Mitsubishi Colt
Engine:  DLRD engine
Sponsors:  West Park Contractors, DLRD, Ludlow Motorsport
Racing History:  1973 – started racing Bangers. 1982 – started racing Stock Cars. 1986 – started to race Hot Rods. 1988 – stopped Hot Rods, started Polley Rods. 1990 – raced a two litre Saloon Stock Car. 1993 – bought a National Hot Rod. 2002 – bought a 2 litre Hot Rod
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Best in Britain 2000
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: 2003 – Crashing both National and 2-Litre
Hot Rods!
Racing Ambitions:  To win the National Hot Rod World Final
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Socialising with the other drivers
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Better stewarding, less contact
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Put back on Sky Sports
Favourite Track: Wimbledon
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Ormond Christie, Colin White
Other Hobbies: Is there any?
Road Car:  Range Rover Sport
And finally: More long track racing; should be able to race where we want to. Whose cars are they?
Compiled by Lyndsey Robinson.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Steve Burgess #286
Date Of Birth: 06/08/1959
Home Town: Newport, Essex
Family:  Wife Lorna, daughter Sam and son Culligan
Occupation:  Printer
Current Car: Peugeot 206, Steve Wills chassis
Engine:  Neil Roper 16v
Sponsors:  Neil Roper Developments http://www.roperdevelopments.co.uk/ Piper Cams, SB Printing Company, Knights Coachworks, SCA Race and Rally Centre
Racing History:  Henham grasstrack 1981; Spedeworth Stock Rods 1985, National Hot Rods 1986
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Winning English points title in 1990, Outlaw World Champion 2003
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Finishing fourth in 1991 World Final after leading for the majority of the race
Racing Ambitions:  To be able to race a non-contact formula
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? It appears to be beyond help, an independent impartial steward is needed
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? More specific promotion for  Hot Rods rather than Stock Cars in general; people still come up to me and say 'nice banger'
Favourite Track: Peterborough (Alwalton)
Other Hobbies: Motorcycling and trials
Road Car: Porsche 911 & Land Rover
And finally: Racing has given myself and my family an awful lot of fun over the years - and we have made some good friends.
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP

The Driver:  Mike Thurley #291
Date Of Birth: 12/4/59
Home Town: Bradenham nr. East Dereham, Norfolk
Family:  Wife Anne, son Robert 13, daughter Sarah 7
Occupation:  Farm Manager
Current Car: Ludlow Motorsport Saxo
Engine:  Toovey 16v Zetec
Sponsors:  Spraywrite, Omex Fertilizers, L.W. Househams, Watson Petroleum
Racing History:  Started grasstrack racing in 1980, on & off until 1990, started Hot Rod racing in 2000 & joined Nationals in 2001/2
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Easter Weekend 2004, 6 wins back to back: 3 at Ringwood & then 3 at Ipswich
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Too many to list...  Head on crash at Hednesford when Rob Speak hit me when I was sitting in the middle of the track, totalled front-end of Fiesta I was racing at the time
Racing Ambitions:
To keep improving in NHR - top ten finish in the points chart
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Tighten up on contact. More black flags & penalties. Stewards & officials should have eye tests!
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Until the sport is 'cleaned up’, how can someone advertise & promote it?
Favourite Track: Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Carl Boardley & Barry Lee
Other Hobbies: Football; any other motorsport
Road Car:  Nissan X-Trail
And finally: Some drivers out there think they are good Hot Rod drivers, but get where they are by bashing their way through
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP

The Driver: Matt Simpson #303
Date Of Birth: 29/08/1981
Home Town: Langley, Berks
Family: Wife Tasha
Occupation: MD, Simpson Race Exhausts
Current Car/Engine: Vauxhall Tigra, Tom Casey engine
Sponsors: Simpson Exhausts, Simpson Recycling, Aurora Rod Ends
Racing History: 2 years in Legends.  Joined NHR 2005
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Legends Champion 2004
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Spedeweekend 2005 (in nhr support race)
Racing Ambitions: To win NHR World Final
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? Pits atmosphere, speed and buzz of racing
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? More TV coverage
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? More TV coverage
Favourite Track: Ipswich, Hednesford, Ringwood & Kings Lynn (with Legend)
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Jeff Simpson (Dad) and George Polley
Other Hobbies: The car and business takes up all spare time.
Road Car: Sign-written VW Caddy van
And finally: Thanks to Tasha, Mum and Dad, Mark Willis and all the family and friends
Compiled by Marlene Clarke.  Back to TOP

The Driver: James Jamieson #305
Date Of Birth: 25/07/1980
Home Town: Aberdeen
Family:  Single
Occupation:  Plant Supervisor
Current Car: Colin White Corrado
Engine:  QED Vauxhall
Sponsors:  Stronachs Aberdeen http://www.stronachs.co.uk/ Grampian Building Contractors, Colin White Services, QED
Racing History: 3 years in Scotland’s 2-litre Hot Rods before moving into Nationals in 2002
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Coming 3rd in the 2004 World Final
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Tipping the car at Tipperary
Racing Ambitions:  ASCAR’s
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Too much to mention!
Favourite Track: Northampton
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Colin White & Dave Longhurst
Other Hobbies: Quad Biking
Road Car:  Mitsubishi Evo 8
Compiled by Garry Staines.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Shane Brereton #348 
Date Of Birth: 18/09/1968
Home Town: Glastonbury
Family:  Two children; John and Amanda
Occupation:  Managing Director of Tor Trucks
Current Car: Autocross Corrado
Engine:  Anderson Engine
Sponsors:  Tor Trucks
Racing History:  1988 one year in Saloon Stock Cars.  1998/99 started in National Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Lap record and driver of the tour on 2003 South Africa tour, also setting the lap record for World Championship
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Hitting the wall flat out at Hednesford (very scary!)
Racing Ambitions:  To win both the National and World Championships
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  I love the intensity and closeness of the racing and the atmosphere, especially whilst racing at night
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Better policing and stewarding; the promoters need to pay more respect to the drivers’ time and effort
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Sky tv is needed (driving standards were also better under the gaze of the cameras)
Favourite Track: Tipperary
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Dave Longhurst, Malcolm Blackman
Other Hobbies: No time
Road Car:  Mark 1 Golf GTI, DTM Mercedes Evo 1
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP

The Driver:  Trevor Stroud #402
Date Of Birth: 20/06/1950
Home Town: West End, Surrey
Family:  Wife Lorraine; 3 children, Matthew, Andrew & Gemma
Occupation:  Carpentry Subcontractor
Current Car: Peugeot 206, Ludlow chassis, Boss panels
Engine:  Anderson Vauxhall engine
Sponsors:  Ludlow Motorsport, Anderson Engines, Piper Cams, Golding Barn Race Car Preparation, Chequers Components
Racing History:  1990 Mazda 323 Stock Rod, then Starlet Stock Rod until 1995. 2001 Lightning Rods. 2003 National Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:Making World Final in first year
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Not winning the Bud. 500 in Lightning Rods 2002 Spedeweekend
Racing Ambitions: To go faster & have fun!
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Throw away the blue flag & pay more attention to the contact
Favourite Track: Hednesford or Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: George Polley, Ormond Christie, Norman Woolsey
Other Hobbies: Fishing & Golf
Road Car:  Ford Transit, Peugeot 206
And finally: Drivers should be given a bigger say in how their formula is run, rather than being dismissed as a nuisance
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP

The Driver:  Winnie Holtmanns # 467
Date Of Birth: 28/05/1955
Home Town: Straelen, Germany
Family:  Cohabit with partner Steph.
Occupation:  Chemistry Skilled Worker
Current Car: NHRPA-spec Autocross Peugeot 206
Engine:  Robspeed 16V Vauxhall
Sponsors:  Autocross, Geerkens Colourdesign, IMD Holger Daum GmbH, Timms Autoteile www.timms-autoteile.de Felgendesign Bernd Köhler www.felgenreparatur.de Main mechanics:  Andreas, Helmut, Stefan, and of course, all the other people which help me during the season.
Racing History:  1976 – Stock Car, 1978 - Stock Rod, 1983 - Mini Rod/Sprint 1300, 1999 - Hot Rod
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  1979 - German Champion Stock Rod, 1981 - German Champion Stock Rod, 1986 - Track Champion Sprint 1300 - Baarlo, 1991 - Netherland Champion Sprint 1300 - Baarlo, 2001 - Continental Champion Hot Rod - Peterborough
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Northampton 2001: Crash in practice when throttle jammed open.
Racing Ambitions:  It has always been my ambition to move to NHR and be as good as the top English/Irish/Northern Irish drivers.
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Area expansion - the continent has also very good Hot Rod drivers, if they would change their racing direction into clockwise, everyone has more possiblities and the sport would be more international
Favourite Track: Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  George Polley
Other Hobbies: Skiing
Road Car:  Off-Roader
Compiled by Stephanie. Back to TOP

The Driver:  Colin Robert Smith (‘Smiffy’) #491
Date Of Birth: 26/05/1968
Home Town: Hullbridge, Essex
Family:  Married with two children, 1 boy, 1 girl
Occupation:  Wheeler-Dealer
Current Car: Peugeot 206, Autocross Tub/Self Built
Engine:  Red Top Vauxhall 16v
Sponsors:  Gaz Shocks http://www.gaz-shocks.com Autocross, Armitage Asphalt, CTM Engine,s Piper Cams
Racing History:  Bangers at Braintree, autocross, Hot Rods at Braintree, before starting Nationals in 1992
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: 5th, 3rd & 2nd in World Championships, & winning the 2003 Thunder 500 Championship
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Big Crash at Yarmouth, sliding across finish-line on my roof at Tipperary
Racing Ambitions:  To win the World Championship or the points
championship and find a major sponsor
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? More consistent marshalling, better pit facilities, drivers having better representation on tech. input & tyre spec.
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? It isn’t
Favourite Track: Ipswich, Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Colin White, Dave Longhurst
Other Hobbies: Horses/Quad Bikes/Fishing
Road Car:  Whatever there's a profit in!
Compiled by Garry Staines.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Luke Armiger #519
Date Of Birth: 30/11/1990
Home Town: Wickford, Essex
Family:
Occupation:  Plant Operator, RGA Training Services Ltd
Current Car: Haird Motorsport 206cc
Engine:  Exon race engine
Sponsors:  Plant Operator Training Services www.rgatrainingservices.webs.com
Racing History:  5 years Ministox – 1 year Outlaws (Arena Essex)
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Winning first race at Birmingham & only Haird car to finish National Championship final ‘08
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Crashing out of final at Ipswich – being hospitalised after accident
Racing Ambitions:  Qualify for world final & be competitive
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Closeness of the racing
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? At present observers seem only to be in the control box but should be all round the track
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV coverage
Favourite Track: Northampton
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Boardley, Gomm, Blackman
Other Hobbies: As all drivers know, Nationals are your ONLY hobby!
Road Car:  Fiat Punto
And finally: Thanks to every one keeping national running and my granddad
Compiled by Team Armiger
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The Driver:  John Sibbald #629
Date Of Birth: 25/09/1985
Home Town: Armadale, West Lothian
Family:  Girlfriend Melanie
Occupation:  Joiner/Handyman
Current Car: SHP 206
Engine:  McLean Engine Services Vauxhall 16v
Sponsors:  Sibbald Ltd. CPH Ltd.  Scot JCB.
Racing History:  Ministox 1998-2001, Scottish Hot Rods 2002-present, Nationals 2007-
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Knockhill points in 2004 and won Scottish Championship, National points Cowdenbeath and Crimond track points in 2006.
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Throttle jamming at an open meeting at Northampton – it hurt!
Racing Ambitions:  Just to qualify for the World some day.
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Speed, close racing
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Less money spent, and possibly a Scottish World Qualifying Series to save us a bit of travelling
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? More TV stuff I guess
Favourite Track: Hednesford or Cowdenbeath
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Rob Speak
Other Hobbies: Fishing, snow-boarding, playing guitar
Road Car:  Astravan
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The Driver:  Warren (Wiz) Farazamand #637
Date Of Birth: 09/09/1983
Home Town: Banstead, Surrey
Family:  Dad, Mum, Brother
Occupation:  Workshop Manager
Current Car: Peugeot 205 SHP
Engine: VW 16v
Sponsors:  JCF Car Clinic, Kingston Bridge Clutches
Racing History:  Outlaw Hot Rods, National Hot Rods
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  None so far
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Not finishing, or any crash
Racing Ambitions: Qualify for World Final
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Speed, closeness of racing atmosphere
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Certain drivers being more sensible on track.  Better pits
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV coverage
Favourite Track: Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Ricky Hunn, Malcolm Blackman
Other Hobbies: Drinking, Pubs, Clubs
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The Driver:  Ricky Hunn #639
Date Of Birth: 15/07/1953
Home Town: Bulphan, Essex
Family:  Partner Karen, five children: Jason, Ricky Jr., Nicky, Danny, Terry
Occupation:  Director of Stress
Current Car: Stroud Racing Tigra
Sponsors:  Scrapco Metal Recycling, RJK Vehicle Services, Stroud Carpentry
Racing History:  Anglia Rods in the late ‘70s, GpA Hot Rods ’83-’85, National Hot Rods ’86-’98, Eurocars ’95, PickUp Trucks ’97, National Hot Rods ’04-present
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Becoming world champion winning the 1994 world final, English points champion 2006
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Not winning world final more than once
Racing Ambitions:  To be world champion again
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Closeness, speed, atmosphere, banter
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Promote it better
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV/radio advertising, more hype
Favourite Track: Old wire/post Arena Essex
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  George Polley
Other Hobbies: Work
Road Car:  Nissan Navara
Compiled by Ricky Hunn.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Neal Smith #657
Date Of Birth: 30/06/1979
Home Town: Harpenden, Hertfordshire
Family:  None yet
Occupation:  De Part Mental Manager at Royton Express
Current Car: Ludlow Peugeot 206.  Set up by Neal Smith Racing!
Engine:  Frank Anderson Vauxhall 16 Valve
Sponsors:  Royton Express www.roytonexpress.com   Gaz Shocks, Grymsdyke Service Station, Simpson Exhausts, Frank Anderson Racing Engines
Racing History:  1991-1995 Ministox, 1996 1300 Stock Cars, 1997-1998 Spedeworth Superstox, 1999-2001 Brisca F2, 2002-2004 National Hot Rods (On & Off!)
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Being disliked in every formula raced in from 1991-2004. Winning National Championship 2004
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Haven't had one yet, just enjoy my racing
Racing Ambitions:  To keep on enjoying Hot Rod racing as long as possible
Is the sport well advertised & promoted? Yes, but only once a year (for the World Final)
Favourite Track: Bristol (F2 track) & Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Rob Speak, John Lund
Other Hobbies: Occasional girlfriends
Road Car:  Nissan Navara Pick Up
Compiled by Garry Staines. Back to TOP

The Driver: Ralph Sanders #734
Date Of Birth: -
Home Town: Cullompton, Devon
Family: Gary and Glen
Occupation: Scrap Merchant, Car Breaker
Current Car: SHP 206cc
Engine:  Vauxhall 16v
Sponsors: Aerial South West, Auto Dump
Racing History: Have been racing 30+ years, prior to NHR
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Hednesford WQ semi final, being taken out during the race, ending up on centre green, coming from a lap down to win.
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: None
Racing Ambitions: To be competitive
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? Being able to come back to NHR racing and still be competitive
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? -
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? More press coverage - local to the tracks
Favourite Track: Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Stu Jackson
Other Hobbies: Drinking
Road Car: 1930 Austin 7 Cabriolet
And finally: Finally doesn’t exist
Compiled by Marlene Clarke.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Graham Luscombe #742
Date Of Birth: 16/02/64
Home Town: Exeter, Devon
Family:  Fiance, Alison
Occupation:  Managing Director Graham Luscombe Plant & Groundworks Ltd
Current Car: Peugeot 206 kindly loaned from Ralph Sanders, New Ludlow Tigra for 2008
Sponsors:  ME!!!
Racing History:  Saloon Stock Car- 2nd British Champs, Newton Abbot, Hotrods- JD Motors final winner Hednesford (80’s), F2 Stock Cars- Red roof for 3 years, 2nd World semi final at Northampton. Matched Bill Batten’s 3 final wins in a row at Newton Abbot
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Skegness 1989 – passing Speaky 4 laps from home to win F2 World qualifying round
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Cowdenbeath F2 World Final – running in top 4 completing one whole straight on my roof! Should have been my race.
Racing Ambitions:  To win!!!
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  The contact….oh no wrong sport!
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Better facilities all around. i.e. surface in pits and toilets
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? More television coverage
Favourite Track: Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  The one and only John Lund Formula 1 Stock Cars
Other Hobbies: Flying my 4 seat Cessna airplane, supporting Alison with her competition horses, farming, vintage tractors and being an anorak supporting John Lund!
Road Car:  Audi TT 3.2 V6, Ford Ranger, Discovery
And finally: Thanks to Ralph Sanders and the Auto Dump team for helping me get back into racing, Alison for supporting me and Graham and Angie who 20 years on are still running a great show.
Compiled by Graham Luscombe. Back to TOP

The Driver:  Les Compelli #177/#777
Date Of Birth: 09/07/1959
Home Town: Finglas, Dublin
Family: Wife Linda, children Paul, Rachel and Jonathan
Occupation:  Mechanic
Current Car: SWM Focus
Engine:  Vauxhall 16v
Sponsors:  Self
Racing History:  2-litre Hot Rods at Santry (Dublin) and Tipperary (driver of the year 1997) then Nationals from 2000
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Finishing second in the
“Carlsberg Last Orders” trophy race at Ipswich in 2003
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Every time the engine blows up
Racing Ambitions:  To qualify for, and win, the National Hot Rod World Final
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Everything
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? -
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? The TV will be great
Favourite Track: Rose Green, Tipperary
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Ormond Christie
Other Hobbies: None
Road Car:  Ford Transit
And finally: Thanks to Linda and the kids for their support
Compiled by Sinéad Sweeney.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Billy Bonnar #844
Date Of Birth: 18/08/1975
Home Town: Ballingry, Fife
Family:  -
Occupation:  Proprietor/mechanic
Current Car/Engine:  206CC/Vauxhall 16V
Sponsors:  Fife Engine Services/WB Property Developments
Racing History:  Too long…
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Third in Best in Britain, second in World Cup at Cowdenbeath
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Engine failure at Ringwood and Ipswich
Racing Ambitions:  Just to enjoy it, keep it as fun
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  It’s so fast
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Cut down on the cost
Favourite Track: Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  My late father, Bill senior
Other Hobbies: Frying chips heehee!
Road Car:  Subaru P1
And finally: Thanks to the Haird Motorsport team, and my mechanics who help me week in, week out
Compiled by  Billy Bonnar

The Driver:  Lee Carlin #903 
Date Of Birth: 27/06/1983
Home Town: Evesham, Worcester
Family:  Wife: Steph Carlin, Dad: Andy Carlin
Occupation:  Service Engineer for Finning (Cat)
Current Car: CLM 206, Boss Panels
Engine:  Mass 16v Vauxhall
Sponsors:  Hydroflow Hydraulics
Racing History:  Started Autograss racing as a junior in minis when I was 14 years old
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Winning the MAP Open in Autograss Class 8 in 2001
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Breaking a driveshaft in the 2002 Nationals and missing the final by one point
Racing Ambitions:  Winning the World Final in NHR
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Fast, close racing with plenty of laps
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? I think there should be a set of marshals that attend all meetings and keep an eye on the contact
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? I think being on Sky Sports was good for the sport
Favourite Track: Hednesford and Tipperary
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Colin White, Jeff Simpson
Other Hobbies: Playing Golf, and Autograss
Road Car:  Pug 306 TD & company car
Compiled by Garry Staines.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Malcolm Blackman #911
Date Of Birth: 04/07/1972
Home Town: Langley, Berkshire
Family:  Partner Alison, Children Nicole and Abbie, & new son Billy
Occupation:  Self-employed
Current Car: Ludlow 206
Engine:  David Rowe Vauxhall 16v
Sponsors:  Staffhire, David Rowe, Wichall Plant, Canopy Repairs, 6-0 Race Graphics, Tor Trucks, SLD Autos, P. Elliott, Elite Transmissions, Flexihire, Lowman & Jones
Racing History:  Ministox 1985, then Saloon Stocks, 1600 & 2-Litre Hot Rods, National Hot Rods since 2001
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  2004 World Champion. Driver of the Night at the last-ever Aldershot meeting
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Too many to list!  I’ve had some bad days…
Racing Ambitions:  All done.
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  I enjoy the competition
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? It looks like it’s on the way with the telly
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? What’s being done on Sky is great for the sport
Favourite Track: Eastbourne, Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Colin White, Davy McCall
Other Hobbies: None
Road Car:  Mondeo.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Des Cooney #921
Date Of Birth: 22/09/1967
Home Town: Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Family:  Wife Abbey.  Children Kate, Tara and Sean
Occupation:  Company Director
Current Car: Steve Wills Motorsport Peugeot 206
Engine:  Anderson GM 16V
Sponsors:  CEC Developments, Suir Tarmac
Racing History:  Rallying 1983-1999, Stock Rods 1999-2000, Nationals 2000-
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Every single race
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Having a head-on crash with Tom Casey, leaving the car a total write-off three years ago
Racing Ambitions:  First and foremost to continue getting fun and enjoyment from the sport, then to be as successful as I can be.
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  I’m very happy with the local scene…
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? …but internationally the stewarding could be better and more consistent, as could the scrutineering
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? It would be good to see more coverage in the National Press like other Motorsport does, likewise more TV coverage on Sky - Men and Motors etc.
Favourite Track: Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Colin White, Carl Boardley, Malcolm Blackman
Other Hobbies: None
Road Car:  BMW 520i
And finally: It would be great if there was a better social scene to the racing in the UK, like we have, and everyone enjoys, at Tipperary.  Back to TOP

The Driver: Pat Canavan #939
Date Of Birth: 13/04/1968
Home Town: Castletownroche, Co. Cork
Family: Shane
Occupation: Self employed Garage Owner
Current Car/Engine: SHP Corsa, Citroen 8v
Sponsors: -
Racing History: NHR since 1995
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment: Winning the Irish GP
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Still waiting
Racing Ambitions: To keep racing
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing? The buzz
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Better marshalling
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? More TV
Favourite Track: Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present: Ricky Hunn, John Steward
Other Hobbies: Swimming
Road Car: Vauxhall Frontera
And finally: Thanks to all the boys that help with the car
Compiled by Marlene Clarke.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Tom Casey #961
Date Of Birth: 13/12/1959
Home Town: Ballyduff, Co. Waterford
Family:  Wife Eileen, sons David, Aidan, Kevin, Barry
Occupation:  Engine builder
Current Car: SWM Focus
Engine:  Tom Casey Vauxhall 16V
Sponsors:  Myself, Kent Cams, Elite Transmissions
Racing History:  Grasstrack from 1978.  Tarmac ovals from 1984. National Hot Rods since 1992
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Second in 2001 World Final to John Steward. Second in 1998 World Final to Colin White
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Not winning the 2001 World Final having led for 71 laps
Racing Ambitions:  To win the World Final
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  The buzz and the closeness of the competition
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? It’s going along the right lines currently; less contact and drivers having more respect for one another
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Local Paper coverage and TV would be a help
Favourite Track: Rose Green Tipperary, Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Colin White, Ormond Christie, Mike Riordan, Neville Stanley
Other Hobbies: None
Road Car:  Toyota Corolla Verso
And finally: Thanks to my family for supporting me for so many years, especially Eileen for sticking with it through thick and thin
Compiled by Sinéad Sweeney.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  John Christie #962
Date Of Birth: 01-08-82
Home Town: Crumlin, Co Antrim
Family:  Dad Ormond, Mum Phil, Sister Ann, Girlfriend Judith, Niece Cara,
Occupation:  Car Mechanic
Current Car: Tigra
Engine:  Home-built Trevor Hill 16v Vauxhall
Sponsors:  Maxwell Freight Services/Beggs Deliveries/Wilkinson Contracts/McMillan Resprays
Racing History:  Junior’s 1996-98, Production’s 1999-2001, NHR’s 2003-present.
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  3rd 2005 National, 3rd 2007 World. 5th 2006 European & 3rd 2007 British. In that order!
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Thunder 500 2005 – First trip to England, Engine blew in first heat!
Racing Ambitions:  To win championships! and try F2’s
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Championship weekends, social side, the competition and the technical side of racing!
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Better organisation, stricter on track rules & prize money updated (championship prize money hasn’t changed since 1981!).
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Series sponsors sought out by NHRPA to help pay for TV coverage, track facilities etc.
Favourite Track: Track–Tipperary. Promotion-Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Past: Ormond Christie, Davy Evans & George Polley  Present: Chris Haird, Shane Murphy & John Lund.
Other Hobbies: Socialising-not much time for anything else!
Road Car:  The Espace!
And finally: Thanks to: Kieran, Adrian, Rab & Jim and all the 962 Crew! Also, Trevor Hill, McMillan’s & Roy Brown.
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The Driver:  Neville Stanley #967
Date Of Birth: 10/12/1960
Home Town: Rathdowney, Co. Laois
Family: Children – 2 girls, 1 boy
Occupation:  Garage Owner
Current Car: SHP 206
Engine:  Anderson Vauxhall 16v
Sponsors:  Self
Racing History:  1300 Bangers (1990), 1600 Bangers, 2-L Bangers, Joined Nationals in 1992
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Winning the European Championship
in 2002
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Not being able to do lap time ever at
Ipswich – hope to sort it this year!
Racing Ambitions:  World Champion
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Everything!
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Consistency in stewarding. The pits.  I don’t have too many complaints, it’s improving at Tipp each time out.  I’ve had no crashes in a year!  (at 06/02/05)
Favourite Track: Tipperary and Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Ormond Christie
Road Car:  E200 Mercedes
Compiled by Sinéad Sweeney.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Shane Murphy #970
Date Of Birth: 21/04/1984
Home Town: Cork
Family:  Single
Occupation:  Work in the family business
Current Car: Autocross Corrado
Engine:  Vauxhall
Sponsors:  Tervas Gas/Cullinane Developments
Racing History:  Ministox, Productions, Lightning Rods, 1600 Hot Rods.  Joined Nationals end of 2002
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Winning 1600 Hot Rod Championship.  Qualifying 4th in 2004 World Final. Finishing 4th in European Championship
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: European Championship 2003 - crashed and got knocked out!
Racing Ambitions:  To win the World
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  The speed, closeness of the racing, and the atmosphere on track.
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Where to start?
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Sky etc is great, and more local advertising.
Favourite Track: Ipswich
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Brian English (Stock Rods), Colin White, Malcolm Blackman
Other Hobbies: Pubs, clubs and car cruises
Road Car:VW Corrado
And finally:The lightweight chassis should be banned ASAP – they’re putting too much cost into an amateur sport.
Compiled by Sinéad Sweeney.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Ian McReynolds #977
Date Of Birth: 27/04/1967
Home Town: Portadown
Family:  Single
Occupation:  Workshop Foreman
Current Car: Self-built Citroen Saxo
Engine:  Vauxhall 16v
Sponsors: Brian Quinn Auto Repairs (Portadown), Burke Electrical (Tipperary), TCS Auto Engineer, RW Graphics, Martins Race Engines
Racing History:  Productions and Bombers (Portadown), Lightning Rods – National Champion 2000, 2-Litre Hot Rods – Irish Champion 2002. Joined Nationals December 2004
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Winning the National Championships in Lightning Rods
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Winning the World Final for Lightning Rods in 2000 – but losing the title in post-race scrutineering for the carburettor being 16-thou too big on the second choke.
Racing Ambitions:  To do well in the Nationals, enjoy myself, and be in contention for race wins.
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  Speed, grip, brakes – everything!
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? Carry on with the good work at Tipperary.  Tipp. Raceway does positive things with the sport and should keep on.
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? Bigger better write-ups in the local papers.
Favourite Track: Was Portadown. Now Tipperary and Hednesford.
Other Drivers Most Admired:  Mervyn McReynolds
Other Hobbies: None
Road Car:  Cavalier TD
And finally: Thanks to everyone who has helped with the car:  Mervyn, David, Trevor, Colin, Aiden, Alastair, Jordan, Neil, and apologies if I’ve forgotten anyone.
Compiled by Sinéad Sweeney.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Malcolm Clein #985
Date Of Birth: 14/03/1967
Home Town: Limerick
Family:  Wife Alva, children Sam, Max and Amy
Occupation:  Metal recycler
Current Car: SHP Peugeot 206
Engine:  Tom Casey Vauxhall 16v
Sponsors:  Self
Racing History:  Karting, then Lightning Rods.  Nationals since 2002
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  Winning the Davy Evans Memorial in 2004
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Numerous crashes – too many to mention. Anytime that I hit the wall
Racing Ambitions:  To qualify for the World Final and staying competitive
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  I love the split-second decisions that you’re required to make, and the closeness of the racing
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? The stewarding should be more consistent, and there should be more stewards at each race
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV involvement will help, there seems to be a low public awareness of our racing
Favourite Track: Rose Green, Tipperary, Hednesford
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Colin White, John Steward
Other Hobbies: Most sports
Road Car:  Toyota Landcruiser
And finally: Thanks to all the people that work hard to make racing happen but don’t get mentioned – promoters, marshals, track staff, and the fans for turning up in all weathers. Thanks to Tim and Kim for working on the car.
Compiled by Sinéad Sweeney.  Back to TOP

The Driver:  Keith Martin #994
Date Of Birth: -
Home Town: Dungannon, Co. Tyrone
Family:  Wife Pearl.  Daughter Kelly, 11
Occupation:  Car Bodywork
Current Car: Focus
Engine:  Vauxhall 2.0 16v
Sponsors:  Hayes Fuels, Robin Martin Diesel Forklifts
Racing History:  Production Class, Special Saloons, National Hot Rods – first meeting was Boxing Day 1984 in an Escort mk1 - 1600 Hot Rods, & back to Nationals
Best Achievement/Most Memorable Moment:  1600 World Champion. Thunder 500 Champion.  Multiple NHR European Champion
Biggest Disappointment/Worst Moment: Not putting 4 wets on in 1990 World Final after leading for 40 laps and then finishing second. Also - Hednesford 1999!
Racing Ambitions:  NHR World Champion
What do you love about National Hot Rod Racing?  The power and the speed
How Could National Hot Rod Racing Be Improved? More cars in Northern Ireland…
How could the sport be better advertised & promoted? TV coverage
Favourite Track: Aghadowey, Portadown
Other Drivers Most Admired Past Or Present:  Davy Evans, George Polley
Other Hobbies: Martial arts, Water skiing
Road Car:  Kango Van
Compiled by Simon Kennedy.  Back to TOP