Five illustrious rockerbox racers and their crews lined up for the 2009 MGCC RockerBox Racing Championships.

From dragsters to low-riders, freshly painted to still wearing the oil coating after having come straight from the engine, they warmed up in anticipation.

With the purpose built starting block ready and the track recently laid, the racers were ready. A few warm up runs were had to enable drivers to hone their cars and make any necessary final adjustments.

In the initial runs Dave Hewitt showed some form taking an early lead. Colin Upchurch was also showing some pace. Rob Ellis found direction an issue.

Tony Bushell found the first races tough going and decided a tactic of eliminating the opposition would benefit his chances of making the podium. A gentle nudge to the right rear of Dave Hewitt as the cars crossed the finished line resulted in Dave’s car suffering irreparable damage and having to retire.

Racing was close in the first heats, but after a pit-stop during the middle break Rob Ellis found his form and raced off to take an unassailable lead. Mike McCowan was steady throughout and sneaked up at the end to tie with Colin Upchurch with three wins each. ‘Basher’ Bushells tactics were unsuccessful as he finished off with a single win.

A race off between Colin Upchurch and Mike McCowan to decide second place resulted in some very close racing, so close in fact that a re-race was necessary as the finishes were so close photo-finishing technology was needed. We were prepared but not that prepared!!

So congratulations to Rob Ellis in taking out the 2009 MGCC Rocker Box Racing Championships. Your cheque is in the mail….

Darryl Bretherton