5th April 1973 - Aldershot - Southern Championship
Southern Championship Preview by the Informer from Spedeweek
number 5
Here at Aldershot tonight we have the first Championship
of 1973, the Southern Championship for Midgets. With all the
stars from Spedeworth and the Midget Auto Racing Club it should
be a first class meeting,. This is somewhat of an historic
meeting for the formula as it is the first all Midget meeting
staged in this country, another Spedeworth first. Make no
bones about it the Midgets have now come a long way from humble
beginnings. The cars have improved over the years to what
you see racing today. The formula has produced its own stars
from a dedicated group of drivers who have the sport very
much at heart.
The MARC have also progressed the sport a great deal. Last
November twenty odd drivers and cars went to Jamaica for a
three week racing tour and I understand they are going again
this year. Last year we had some very good racing against
the MARC with some very close finishes.
Now to tonight's programme and to who I think will do well.
With so many new drivers going well this year the results
I think will be difficult to predict. From the Spedeworth
drivers who I think will be in the money, Frank Boyles must
have the best chance of all. Frank finished up top of the
points last year and looks like doing it again this year.
Rod Tanswell the reigning champion defends his title tonight
and will have his work cut out to retain the title. Rod has
had some awful luck so far but always seems to manage that
little extra when there's a championship around. Last year
he won three of the Championships and second in the other.
Newcomer to Midgets Keith Fransella could do well but as
yet has to prove himself with the opposition that will be
here tonight. Keith is currently second in the points chart.
Good luck Keith, you will need all your Superstox experience
tonight to get you through. Mick Bonner former British Champion
is going extremely well this year as is Bill Boarer in his
nicely prepared Midget, both will be a force to be reckoned
with. Malcolm Brokhurst I think is the dark horse. His Dastle,
last time out at Wimbledon had the legs on most of the other
cars. If things run right and he stays in one lump he could
easily win. Other up and coming stars john Hawkins, Peter
Gutsell, Ray Perry and John Houghton are going very well and
piling on the points, they all bear watching.
Now, what about the MARC drivers who will be competing in
tonight's programme. Paul Emery always gives his best and
could well win the title as could Tony Stubbs. Both, you will
remember, started their Midget racing on Spedeworth circuits
and know Aldershot well. Then there's young Martin Robertson
who also drives an Emery team car. Martin always gives a good
account of himself and proved a true sportsman when he lent
his car to Rod Tanswell last year. Martin stands a good chance
of winning. Pete Jopp and Cliff Davis, two more very experienced
drivers along with John Holtham and Brian Spicer should provide
a good back up team so to speak, ready to take advantage at
any time. Two more experienced drivers who know Aldershot
are Pete and John Smith, both ex Spedeworth drivers of the
two I would expect Pete to shine as he has had more experience
than John. Joe Therstappen at the end of last season took
a lot of beating and if on form should be in at the finish.
David Niven (no, not the film star) should be here along with
David Underhill, Fred Fretton, Mick Avery, John Graham and
Dan Hornby. Rumour has it that Charles Levens will be racing
as well in a new Midget. By all accounts if things go according
to plan we are to see a couple of Midgets with Rover V8 engines
installed one of which will be driven by Paul Emery, should
be quite a handful.
A fortnight ago I stated that Neil Thomas's wife Shirley
had given birth to a daughter, well, Roland Parker's wife
has done the same. Congratulations to them both - according
to me that's another Midget. Well, enjoy tonight's racing
and give the lads your support by cheering them on.
Race report by 'The Informer' from Spedeweek number 7
What a meeting the 5th April turned out to be at Aldershot.
We were treated to a very good turn out of cars well supported
by members of the MARC and a fairly good crowd considering
the bitterly cold weather. I think all the midget drivers
would offer a vote of thanks to all who supported their first
all midget meeting.
The first races of the evening were graded races for white,
blue and red grade drivers respectively. Winners were Keith
Fransella, Bill Boarer and Rod Tanswell. The first three in
each qualified for the Southern Championship. Races four and
five were mixed grade races of which the first seven of each
qualified, winners being John Hawkins and Geoff Hughes who
was out for the first time this season.
The Southern Championship race followed and proved a real
scorcher of a race with plenty of excitement. Rod Tanswell
retained his title followed home by Keith Fransella who drove
the race of a lifetime and Frank Boyles who followed in third
place. The last race of the evening was won in fine style
by Geoff Hughes who proved he is going places this year.
