Round 5 TOTAL NITRO NORTHAMPTON

Attracting one of the largest fields in the series so 
far Northampton played host to 46 nitro trucks competing 
in the NITRUX UK NITRO CHAMPIONSHIP and with an excellent 
230m track plus best weather for weeks a good days racing 
was enjoyed by all at this TOTAL NITRO meeting.

In qualifying Jason Varley placed his RC10gt in TQ 
position having been under pressure from local racers
Richard Handscomb and Trevor Cook with Sean McRea close
behind. With the "2UP" final in operating during the 10
minute lower finals Mark Lapper had a sensational drive 
with his brand new spec RC10gt coming from the bottom of
the "E" to compete in the "A" covering 40 minutes of
racing.

Jason Varley on pole started a race long dice with Sean 
Mcrea off 4th grid place and these drivers dominated the 
top 15 minute final. Paul Brightwell late starting was a 
lap down but a good drive moved him up the field as Mark 
Lapper's valiant drive ended due the battery pack going 
dead after nearly an hours continual use. In the tight
mid field Richard Handscomb, Dave Clutterbuck, Jamie 
Hancox and Keith Bellamy were interchanging places as 
Paul Briightwell slipped quietly past them on his way to 
an eventual 3rd. Paul's task made easier as hardly half 
a lap covered 3rd to 7th racers. Richard Castile retired
late on as Jason Varley on two wheels rounded the track
edgeing in his endeavour to keep Sean McRea at bay.

Sean taking the lead as Jason fuel stopped only to find as 
the fuel stagger un-wound to be back to couple of dozen 
truck length separation. Neither Jason nor Sean benefitted 
by each rolling their trucks but Jason's tyres seemed to 
hold up better as Sean fought for grip in the latter stages.
Tired engines and the track going off saw Jason win with
a hard fought 1/4 lap lead over Sean McRea, Paul Brighwell
teased out a 15 sec lead taking 3rd over the close knot of 
Richard Handscomb, Dave Clutterbuck, Jamie Hamcox and Keith
Bellamy finish in 4th to 7th places, Richard Castile came 
8th, Mark Lapper in his great drive winning through 4 ten 
minute finals to take a place top final came 9th and Trevor 
Cook was credited 10th.