THE 2019 stock car season kicks off at Lochgelly Raceway this coming Saturday (March 2) at 6pm, writes our Raceway writer Les Waller!

What a start to the season we have in prospect with the National Big Van Bangers competing for the Shaun Walsh Memorial, Superstox, Stock Rods, Ministox and National Hot Rod World Qualifying Round all on the agenda. Hardie Race Promotions are delighted to announce that admission costs will again be frozen at just £10 for adults, £5 for concessions (and 12-15 year olds) with under 12’s going free at all domestic events throughout the 2019 season!!

The Van Bangers are always a crowd favourite here at Lochgelly Raceway with mid to high teens expected in attendance, there will be no shortage of carnage and action around the Raceway. Although crashing is the name of the game, the drivers will all want to win the main race due to its prestige nature, although some others may be more keen on scooping the entertainer award – a further incentive has been put up by Ayrshire Car Breaks and Hardie Race Promotions to further encourage entertainment, not that banger drivers need much encouragement! One such driver who always go out to entertain is Cowdenbeath based Lee Clarke.

The Superstox have looked good in pre-season practice, with a number of new cars expected to be in attendance, most notably that of former Scottish Champion Bryan Forrest in the 309 machine. A welcome return to action will see Lee Livingston back on track for the first time in around 2 years.

Derek Kildare returns to the scene after last gracing the tracks near on 20 years ago! Chris Miller returns to action after a period on the sidelines last year, Chris will be hoping to find the form that he started 2018 before his car was badly damaged. Add in Stuart Gilchrist, Aaron Riddell, and the number of other challengers, and competition is certainly going to be fierce in the Superstox in 2019. Hardie Race Promotions host the Superstox Championship of the World later this year at Lochgelly Raceway.

Like the Superstox, the Stock Rod World Championship is set to be held at Lochgelly Raceway later this year as well. Leading the Scottish contingent will be superstars Chris Lattka and Siobhan Martin who have won everything there is to win between them in the Stock Rod class;

Gary Dean had a great 2018 season and will be looking to kick off 2019 in much the same manner. Darren McAlpine is always there or thereabouts as well when it comes to taking the chequered flag at the end of each race. You can never discount the lower graders at Lochgelly Raceway; Lower graded drivers accounted for a high percentage of race wins last season. Chrissy Dearn and Craig Tosh are 2 of the drivers set to join the ranks in the formula this year.

Join us at Lochgelly Raceway from 6pm, Saturday 2nd March for our 2019 season opener!