IT was another fast paced and action packed night of racing at Lochgelly Raceway, on Saturday, as the youngsters shone in both the Ministox and Junior Productions, writes our Raceway reporter, Kevin McQueen.

The ORCi Ministox were eventful, with plenty of superb racing throughout the night. A big rollover for Kevin Graham in the meeting final kick-started what was to be one of the contenders for race of the season as the pack bunched up following a race stoppage.

Just under 20 Ministox took to the track on the night and David Philp continued his impressive start to the season as he drove excellently from his blue grade starting position all night, and never really looked like being caught at times.

Nicole Allardyce took a hit in the opening heat, with a race caution called for to allow the 78 car to be recovered from the track. Heat 2 would see Bobby Brandon’s race come to a halt early on as he lost the rear wheel as he went into turn 1. David Philp Jnr took victory in each of the two opening heats.

The meeting final saw a couple of race stoppages along the way. A big rollover onto the infield area for Kevin Graham, saw the race promptly stopped. Kevin jumped out his car quickly once the race had stopped and the grid was re-formed in single file order behind race leader David Philp. A bumper-to-bumper start saw the youngsters pushing but Philp got away, but with Rhys Kelly and Charlie Hardie hot on his heels.

Central Fife Times: These Minis find space at a premium.These Minis find space at a premium. (Image: Contributed)

With a lap to go, Caitlin Mitchell found herself spun around, and clattering the barrier before coming to a halt sideways across the home straight. As the lead pack raced into the last corner, a yellow flag was called for once more. It was all in vain though, as a one lap shootout would decide the race and once more, it was nail biting stuff, with a fantastic finale. On the last lap, the bumpers went in once more, and David Philp rode it out, with Hardie looking to squeeze through on the inside, overcoming Rhys Kelly, and narrowly finishing behind Philp, to take a hat-trick of victories.

The Superstox formula saw a few visiting drivers make the trip north to be with us, as they look to seek some track time ahead of the A1 Containers R Us British Championship on the 1st and 2nd June. Randal Lynn certainly didn’t look out of place, as he put in some excellent laps throughout the night, and claiming a heat and final double for his efforts.

Dean Johnston took another race victory in the 2nd heat of the night, whilst there was some great racing in the final for the minor places. Paul Mackie, Mirran Adams and Benjamin Erskine all traded places and raced closely for the large portions of the race. Mirran Adams led the race early on, before being closed down by the star graded drivers, but held her own and wouldn’t be budged by those around her. It was great to see the lower graded drivers mix it amongst each other, which we are sure will give them all a superb confidence boost moving into future events.

The Junior Production class raced for a tyre in the meeting final – courtesy of WUL Enterprises. Three different race winners, and a couple of drivers making their first outings of the season allowed for some great racing. Dale Sutherland looks to have the pace to compete and will no doubt be moving up the grades soon, as he took a win in the opening heat, whilst Jack Baird took a win in the 2nd heat, before Abe Adams took a well deserved win in the meeting final.

The CC Rods were missing a couple of drivers – but it was good to see Kenny Pitcaithly, Kevin Hutchison and Kieron McIntyre with us as they looked to make their season debuts. Kevin Hutchison cured some issues for the latter races, taking a race win in heat 2 along the way. Lee Scott looks to have found his form once more, as he took victory in the opening heat, and battled up front for the rest of the night.

He had some great races with Gregory Whyte in the process – with Whyte looking quicker, but Scott kept a tight line on numerous occasions and forced Whyte to try his luck around the outside. In the meeting final, Whyte managed to make a move stick, and went on to finish in 2nd place – but there would be no catching race leader, Ian Christie, who took the final victory.

The ProStocks were the final formula with us – with just under 20 cars taking to the track in what is the first of two successive meetings for the formula, with them back with us this weekend. The formula continued it’s impressive start to the season, with more great racing, competitive action, and a few good bumps along the way.

Lewis Gilchrist made his first appearance of the year, and certainly was in the mood for it, as he got stuck in in each of the races on the night. Paul Barron took the race win in the opening heat of the night, ahead of Dougie Kidd and Grumm Fleming.  Owen Bonner took a well deserved win in heat 2, whilst the meeting final saw Barron once more come out on top.

We are back in action this Saturday, with a 6pm start time. The U Pull It 1300 Stock Cars, 2.0 Hot Rods, Ninja Karts and ProStocks all feature.