West Norfolk driver bags best points haul of the season

Jake Banwell had his best points haul this season so far in the 1300 stock cars with some excellent results at the weekend.

A meteoric start in his first heat saw him break into the top ten from the star grade by the fifth lap but as the track started to dry he struggled to make much more further progress and came home in seventh place, which was bettered by one spot in his second heat when he came sixth.

A great drive in the final saw him come home in a close second place to Canterbury’s Jacob Bromley who is the current points champion.

Banwell was flying in the race and posted the quickest lap time in the final which was also the fastest lap time of the meeting.

Given another lap, Banwell would have been on the back bumper of the leader and definitely in a position to challenge.

Banwell said: “I had a good night and really enjoyed it. The car was showing consistent pace in the final.

“I can't thank my dad enough for all his hours in the garage over the past two weeks, getting the car ready following so much damage last meeting.”

Daniel Bitson was also in action and came away with a good fourth place in his heat.

Kieran and Brad Bowman were both in action for the Predators in the 2L Banger War of the World Team Competition.

They failed to defend the title they won last year but did have some consolation, coming home in second place in the team Entertainer points with both Bowmans being heavily involved in the action.

Morgan Bailey was the only West Norfolk driver to qualify for the final in the junior bangers at the first attempt with a solid fifth place finish in his heat.

He was joined in the final by Jamie Steele who was racing from the star grade for the first time and will be pleased following a seventh place finish in the consolation.

Neither driver placed in the top ten in the final which was won by Jack Wright.

Other local drivers who were in action in the junior bangers and put on a great show included Perry Williamson, Marley Frost, Daisy Reynolds and William Cartwright.

Racing returns to Lynn tonight (5pm) for the Queen Platinum Celebration event featuring big van bangers, micro bangers, 1300 stock cars and BriSCA F2 stock cars.

Lots of local drivers will feature with the big van bangers featuring Darren Fendley, Kieran Bowman, Andy Frost and Tom Reynolds.

Bowman will also be in action in the micro bangers where he will be joined by Daniel Bitson, Rhys Mills, Robbie Dillon and Ricky, Jack and Ashley Garrod.

Jake Banwell will be looking to continue his recent good form in the 1300 stock cars and he will be set for a busy night as he also makes his debut in the BriSCA F2 stock cars where he will be in action with Ryan Leeks and Charlotte Gilbert who are also making their debuts in the formula and they will be alongside the more experienced Marcus Gilbert, Ben Cole and Rob and Scott Aldridge.