OVAL RACING: One of the season’s biggest events took place at the Yarmouth Stadium last Sunday when the 1300cc stock cars took to the track to contest their British championship, writes Graham Utting.

Local hopes were pinned on James Radcliffe. And from grid eight, which he drew before the event, it certainly as if he could mount a strong challenge.

Mark Bloss (Woodbridge) drew pole with Pete Beldom (March) alongside. A stoppage early in the race saw these two still at the head of the field with Radcliffe up to third.

From the re-start, Beldom made his move to pass Bloss, with Radcliffe copying his efforts on the next lap. Beldom managed to hold off Radcliffe until, with five laps to go, Radcliffe put the bumper in and forced past Beldom.

But it was not enough to take Beldom out of the race and he was soon on the back bumper of Radcliffe.

And inventively, on the very last lap, Beldom made his move, spinning Radcliffe. The Great Yarmouth man made a quick recovery but had to settle for the runners-up place.

This Sunday, 5.30pm, the fast two- litre hot rods contest their annual 40-lap pit stop race. The lightning rods will be racing for their East Anglian champonship and the classic stock cars are also in action for their East Coast Masters.

On Thursday, 8pm, the popular superstox are back together with rookie rods and bangers and a summertime fireworks display.