Chris Bonner (105) leads Ian Venables (60) at Foxhall. Photo Colin Casserley

The sole visit of the F1 cars to Ipswich was greeted by a decent turnout and also some slightly different track conditions since the circus’ last visit there for the 2008 World Final.

TRACK
No doubt in an effort to promote outside moves in the Not Rods the Foxhall track now has an inner old surface line and the entire track re-surfaced outside this inner line on both turns.

The tar is different and though not really an issue for stock cars, it was noticeable that in the Not Rods some outside passes were possible and profitable for those brave enough to try.

Unlike previous years though the surface was immaculately clean and there was little speedway dirt to make a one line track as often happened here and Arena in the past.

NEWS
Onto track action and was great to see Tony Smith back in the cockpit. The big man was clearly itching to get back in there and would have been very annoyed at an oil pressure problem stopping his heat after a few laps.

Problems too for Andy Smith, the World Champ simply failed to get up to any speed in his heat and the team had to change a gearbox for him to remain a runner. After this though the new 391 was really a bit quick and was one of the few high grade runners to feature. Stuart too had an awful night and was sidelined after one heat.

There were two Dutchmen present, H6 Gert Jan Keijzer and H482 Peter vd Bosch and both were in the thick of it in the heats, Keijzer in particular getting well stuck in to those around him.

TYRES
Some other points of note were that Mick Harris and Lee Dimmick were tyre testing all night. Harris was on the Goodyear brand that are very similar to the Hoosier tar tyre and Dimmick was on the American Racer tyre.

Now this tyre looks very useful in that it is quite highly treaded. Looks like you could use in wet and dry and possibly even on shale perhaps. Feedback was okay and tests will be ongoing.

HEATS
It was yellows and whites all the way in the heats with Rich Masterson taking a very impressive lights to flag win in the 103 car and then Dean Whitwell and Chris Bonner using their grade to advantage to get away and control their heats.

Another driver to impress was Luke Davidson, for two reasons. First and foremost his driving. Yes he is in good tackle, but second in the final was a great drive and bodes well for his season. But the new transporter had them all cackling away. A flat screen telly in the back where the car is, powered tyre racks!! Whatever next I ask.

TALENT
Best drives of the night for me were obviously Bonner. First and second in the heats and a final win no doubt mean an upgrade for next month, and let’s hope success cane be maintained from blue. Timmy Aldridge also proved recent results are no fluke and was on the pace all night as were other yellows Whitwell and Ian Venables. But then they should I guess with decent cars.

Lee Robinson continues his metamorphosis from star to superstar with great hits, commitment and total belief he is amongst the quickest out there. And fellow youngster Dan Johnson looked the driver who won the European race last year again but ended his night with a hard trip into the turn three wall.

Racing was good without being spectacular, hard hits and enough grip and room to get round without hitting the wall every time. Even the Rods had a few decent races! And they may be quicker round a lap but I know what I would prefer to watch most times.

Rob Every