Off the Wall - Issue One

Off the Wall - Issue One



Off the Wall � On the Net � Aff my heid. Welcome to the column formerly known as �Scott Keith Writes�� now known as �Off the Wall� although still written by Scott Keith, jist thought I�d give it a proper name! Not only that, but in my attempts to avoid doing any Uni coursework for as long as possible, I decided to set-up a website offering readers (plural presuming there is more than one�) the chance to offer their views or hurl their abuse at me via the internet, rather than clog up my already heaving snailmailbox. So what�s on this fangled website thing then? Well, the main focus is my Oval Racing News section which will include copies of the articles which appear here in the mag, possibly with a few piccies. However, the unique feature is that I will also be continuing anything I may have touched on in my mag articles by publishing a few exclusive online articles. There is no set date for publishing these online articles, in fact, I can describe them as being like buses � it might take a while for the next one to come along, but then more than one might come along at the same time! If you are sick and tired of my inane drivel then fear not as a few guest columnists have agreed to write a few words for the site as well. The other main feature of the site is the Chatroom and Forum (plus mailing list) which allows you chaps to type whatever you want about what I�ve written or perhaps share some news with the rest of the community. The Chatroom will be used frequently during the season, mainly Saturday nights when those returning from the evening meetings can log-on and share news and results with those who�s wives set them on a curfew� Full details on the website, already put up one online article along with my first guest article, written by Pasty Eff Too driver #737 Neil Lampshire. Pop along down to http://stockcarracing.cjb.net and check it out now, abuse to whataloadofpants@stockcarracing.cjb.net Showtime� Popped along to the NEC for the Autosport International Show, poncing about in my Oxford Brookes Racing shirt between stints on our stand (which was conveniently placed just along from the Superbike stand, always liked superbikes me, but why did they have a stage with a pole in the middle of the display?) Nick Houghton�s F1 certainly caught the eye � a very radical car indeed, and early reactions seem mixed, some say it�s a beauty, some cannae stand it. Looks pretty neat to me� Also on display were Neal Smith�s smart car along with Pritchard�s former Wainman Double World Winner and Darren Herbert�s 236 car now with a blue aerofoil after his superb results at the tail-end of last season. James Potter�s car was there as well, with James now part of the B-Warm set-up boosting the team back up to 3 drivers � Castell and Potter in the Onez with Hines doing his part in the V8�s. Dazzler Kitson�s new Higman Eff Too certainly looked the biz, can�t wait to see how it goes out on the track. Must admit I was rather surprised that Kitson had made the switch over from Randall to a Higgy, although it has to be said Colin does build first class, race-winning Formula Two Stock Cars, and he builds them well. Seems that Higgy�s are the car to have at the moment, with Mark Helliwell now also in possession of a South West Special, along with your regular Higman mob of Farrell, Jamesy etc etc. Kitson�s World Winner is now in the hands of �team-mate� Colin Dimelow and certainly looks splendid in it�s new paint job by �Speedy� Mark Helliwell. Randall Motorsport had an eye-catching display as well, including Bryan Forrest�s extremely shiny F2, wonder how long it will stay like that� Another thing that interested me was the 584 F2 of Ben Hayton, which has the aerofoil placed right over the centre of the car. Might be a bit safer if the car ever rolls, but the effect of aerofoils on Stock Cars is minimal except for extra sponsor space perhaps� Tony Roots had his new HCD on display, another extremely smart car indeed. Final mention must go to Chris Burgoyne and his smart (and sparkly) Elite. This young man picked up some good form at the tail end of last season which resulted in �Eddie� picking up the Champion of Champions at the Racewall. If he can get a decent place towards the front of the World Final grid then watch out� Civil War 3� Well I must say, for my first proper helping of National Banger Racing, Civil War 3 certainly did not disappoint! A superb performance from both squads throughout the entire meeting resulted in plenty of big hits, but in the end it was the Northern Army who triumphed making it a hat-trick of war victories. There was certainly a unique atmosphere at Hednesford for the War, with plenty of fans around the stadium despite the wet weather. Just as some of our American visitors have said, Banger Racing is a very unique sport indeed, with the masses of hiabs and superbly presented (and sometimes rare) machines ready for destruction in the gladiatorial arena. One thing still puzzles me though�why do Banger related chaps wear them fluorescent yellow jackets? Never seen so many in my entire life. Answers via e-mail please to yousillyscottishmuppet@stockcarracing.cjb.net BriSCA Heat� Heaven on your PC! The article in the New Season Special was written by the genius that is Andy Garton, and this man (along with Jay Watkiss and James Wallis) deserve a massive amount of praise for this obscenely realistic BriSCA F1 simulation. However, if F1�s don�t tickle your fancy (although it flippin� should!) then hows about a spot of F2 Heat or perhaps some Saloon Stock Cars? The development that has gone into this work has been phenomenal, with �reverse� tracks available for the Saloon Stock Cars, along with a wet version of the latest track, Northampton. For more details check out http://www.briscaheat.co.uk and prepare for your jaw to drop� There are some major stars in possession of this fabulous game, including such chaps as Robert Speak, Tim Farrell, Chris & Robbie Burgoyne, Pete Bauld, Colin Dimelow, the Lampshires, the Helliwells�along with other recognisable names such as Anthony Flanaghan, Mark Green and Dutch correspondant Edwin Clout. The game is absolutely superb, the league is due to start in April and will run through to November, with V8 racer Darren Summers acting as the �Stu Milnes/Bernie Ecclestone� of online racing. Me? Well I have taken up the duty as Official Grader, and would like to point that I accept cash and cheques� And Finally� Left out two names from my list of �Thank You�s� in the New Season Special cos they deserve a bit more credit from yours truly. First off is the webmaster of Stock Car Racing�s number one website for news and results, step forward Roger V of www.ukovalracing.info This man has helped me out immensely for the past year and a bit, offering his help and expertise even when I ain�t asked for it. Roger does an absolutely superb job in keeping his site up-to-date with all the latest news and results from around the country and beyond, and deserves a lot of praise for his efforts. Last but my no means least it�s me mate Jon �The Driver�, the man in charge of chauffeuring this superstar commentator from meeting to meeting. Although his driving may not be the most passenger friendly, it still manages to get us to the races, and for that I am much appreciated. Thanks very much chaps! Cheers Scott J Keith

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