Crash, bang, wallop is back (From Witney Gazette)

Crash, bang, wallop is back

7:44am Monday 11th February 2008 in Witney By David Horne

IT'S Oxfordshire's answer to 'Wacky Races', with dozens of drivers from around the county and beyond raring to go for another season of crash, bang, wallop.

One of West Oxfordshire's quietest villages is set be turned into a riot of colour and mayhem on Sunday, when the new banger racing season gets under way at Standlake Arena.

All sorts of clapped out cars, from hearses to Citroën 2CVs, have graced the 300-yard concrete track in its time, and with more than 100 drivers registered for the full-contact motorsport, it looks like being another bumper season.

Track owner, Keith Hook, 52, who took over the running of the Standlake circuit from his father, Mike, about ten years ago, said: "We're raring to go for the new season. We had a great year last year. and we think it will be again.

"There's probably not very many things in life these days where you can get such an adrenaline rush. Anyone who does it gets hooked, and it just becomes a way of life.

"The cars generally only last for one meeting, but people really put in a lot of effort. The preparation that some of the banger boys put in and the spray jobs they do is unbelievable."

Mr Hook added: "The drivers are all well protected. You can get some bruises, but the racers are a tough breed, and they prepare well for it. For some of the big meetings you get racers from all over the country, and we've even had drivers come over from Belgium." Banger races usually comprise two heats and a final, before an all-comers meeting and a demolition derby at the end, where the last car standing wins.

Alan Cartwright, a veteran who has wrecked more than 450 cars in his 18-year banger racing career, said: "It's unlike anything else in the world. It's the thrill of the unknown. There's no rules, and you never know when you're going to get hit by somebody, or when you might run into someone else."

The 35-year-old scrap merchant, from Black Bourton, added: "There's a real skill involved in picking your way through the cars while all hell is breaking loose around you."

Gemma Bricknell, a mum-of-two, from Axtell Close, in Kidlington, said: "I hate it in the close season. It's just such a buzz. You do go out to hit cars. I have had a few head-on smashes in my time. It's just carnage."

The 25-year-old, who hasn't got a full driving licence yet, added: "I do get teased a bit about not having my licence, but I've managed to beat a few of the guys down there. I watched my husband doing it, and just wanted to have a go myself. I guess I'm not your average mum, but the thrill is just absolutely unbelievable."

The first race on Sunday starts at noon, and tickets cost £10.