1984

Alf at Bovingdon

ALF BOARER opened the Midget car season in devastating style at Bovingdon Raceway on April 8, retaining the Eric Fretten Shield in a meeting attracting 15 drivers. But it was a meeting that also took its toll or several cars during racing.

In the Fretten Shield race, Boarer had so much speed, be twice lapped field after starting from the back, including pushing 1982 winner Tony Brewer into second place in the 20 lap event. Coal miner Mike Fowler took third place, with Brian Forrest in his new car fourth. The unlucky drivers included Ray Coulson who broke the front suspension on the ex-Geoff Hughes car, Dermott McGivern who had the same problem, and Malcolm Goodman ex-Mike Clements' car was bit by radiator trouble.

Boarer also led the second race until forced to retire with engine trouble, leaving 1983 London Champion John Seamark to win from Dave Cox, Brewer and Forrest. Impressive newcomer Paul Sinclair drove into sixth place on his racing debut, and impressed to finish fourth in the meeting final. This race was again won by Boarer, who passed all rivals except second placed Seamark, with Fowler third. Cox was the only other finisher behind Sinclair. Most of the race was under the yellow flag, following a spectacular crash when Malcolm Goodman's car climbed over Dermott McGivern's car, trapping both drivers. Forrest also ran into trouble, being catapulted into the air as he took evasive action to miss stopped cars. Wayne Doidge, in the ex-Geoff Rumble Dastle, broke his front suspension, which nullified the prize money he earned from seventh place in the Fretten Shield.

The next meeting, including the first round of the Angel Hotel Championship, runs at Northampton on Easter Monday. A field of 24 cars is expected, with former world champion Mick Bonner due to make his first appearance of the season.