JEC XJS Championship - Mallory Park 24th June 2007:
The XJS race had 26 qualifiers and on pole, would you believe it, was Kevin Doyle of Tring, Steve Davis of Bucks was second and Paul Merrett, in his first season was a fantastic third and there was still Derek Pearce, Gail Hill and Lyddall just behind.
When the red lights went out the top 6 were making the charge but at the Esses Doyle and Merrett both had spins, Kevin spun onto the grass, regained his composure (if he had any) and just lost a couple of places while Paul spun in the middle of the track and it was a miracle the following drivers didn't touch him. This incident dropped him to the back of the field then he clawed his way back to finish a respectable 12th.
At the front Davis was now building a comfortable lead from second placed Lyddall but had to work hard for his Class G and race win against a damp and slippery track, very unforgiving on the tight and twisty circuit. Nonetheless, Steve held on for another fine win, Stuart Lyddall was chuffed with his second place and Chris Palmer was the Class E winner and third.
Hanibal Doyle put up a brave fight but lost out on lap 10 when his exhaust collapsed and he also looked exhausted and felt like collapsing when he pulled into the paddock.
Dave Ball of Coventry and Roger Webster both had spins at the Esses on lap 2 and the great Derek Pearce was also caught out with some spillage on the track that caused him to spin on lap 11, Derek had been in 4th place but was to finish 7th.
John Lock of Yiewsley had another cracking race to take Class D and finish 5th after starting 11thon the grid.
Jaguar World Monthly's Matt Skelton behaved himself today after his spin at Brands and crossed the chequered flag in 8th place just ahead of Lawrence Coppock.
Gary Hastings of Coventry was below par with a sick cat that wouldn't give him any revs thus finishing 11th.
Mike Sharman was the Class F winner.
Northern Ireland's Mark Russell improved again when he started 9th and crossed the line 4th. He also got 6th place in the Powered By after starting 14th. Well done.
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