SUPER 4 SERIES

NATIONAL GEARBOX CHAMPIONSHIPS 1999

So lets take a crack at picking out some names that could possibly challenge for honours during the season

With entries coming in thick and fast, plenty of new names and one or two old are being drawn to the short circuits, premier series.

Formula 125 Open keeps growing in stature and is proving very popular indeed.   The 98 champion Peter Budd is concentrating on the European " Formule-C " Title and also plans to contest the World Championships in August, so his Super 4 efforts will be limited, even so the field is still very strong with names like Paul Ozanne, Peter Palmer, Daniel Grieg, Nelson Rowe, Alex Pirozek and Neil Hawley all returning for a bite at the cherry, former TKM Champion Damien Tigwell is a new name to watch out for as is Dave Fricker, Mark Fell and Wesley Crankshaw. Making a return is an old hand, Stephen Coward, a former hotshot he must be a contender. Stepping up to the Open class are a few names from Europa`s, Kevin Orchard, Tim Loughran, Graham Smith and Jeremy Ferguson to name just four and once accustomed to the increase in grunt, I`am sure they will impress.

The 125 National class is also full of star quality, Graham Barker is returning to defend his title, but an all star cast are lined up, attempting to take the crown. 98 runner up, Matthew Bett, will be contesting all rounds, even whilst embarking on a quest to take the European " Intercontinental – C " title. Former champ Kevin Pinder, will be back, Scott Neal, Richard Ward, Jon Hateley, Carl Hulme, Matthew Gray, Phil Wilson, Dennis Gale are all sure to be vying for maximum points. Their are plenty of other names like Chris Pike and Jason Sammut, from the Isle of Man, Mark Burrows, from Inverness Geoff Stuarr, also Mark Van Driel, Lester Peters and Lee Miles, the list is endless, but you can bet all, will be putting in 110%.

Formula 125 Europa has lost a few top names to 125 Open but even so competition will still be fierce, 1998 Champion Graeme McKinley has unfortunately returned to his native Australia and sadly will not be returning to defend, the next five finishers in 98 have, as I mentioned gone to the 125 Open, so in order of merit, Dave Morris, who after posting some consistent results in 98 is now top of my list, Ian Harvey and Dave Lucas will be difficult to beat as will Mark Leeson, Tony Edney and Martin Hart, also the GP plated outfit of Charles Long is undoubtedly going to be a front runner .

The 250 classes also look very promising, F250 National in particular, Kevin Ridley will be attempting to retain the No 1 on his outfit, but with the likes of Neil Burroughs, Don Kennedy, Phil Ducker and Malcolm Witts pressing hard, he will have his work cut out. Veteran, Roy Bennett will be hoping to improve on his 5^th place last season, Chris Berry took his first championship victory at Shennington last year and will be attempting a repeat performance, others to watch out for include Steve Bennett, Andrew Smith, John Robinson and Gavin Bennett.

          F250 International as ever, will be intense, could 99 be as close as 98 ? PROBABLY! Defending his title will be John Riley, 2^nd in 98 Dave Harvey will be looking to go just a little bit further this year, as will Mark Powell, 3rd. After faltering at the last hurdle at the final round at Shennington, Andrew Walker could just go all the way. Alan Bott who after taking the "0" plate on home ground is another who could be victorious, but its all so close and with the likes of James Woolhead, Lee Cuming, Jamie Blackburn and Andy Holmes out there the battle will be hard.

     Neal Mellish will not be defending in F250 E, preferring to have a lash at F1 Stockers.  Who could be favourite? Paul Kennings or Carl Kinsey, the winner will probably be either of these two, but who knows.  Tom Stambach was consistent in 98 and that will pay dividends again in 99. Alistair Boyd also put in some good performances, as did the ever-enthusiastic Andy Scott.  Karl Bradshaw is another possible high scorer and also keep an eye on Stuart Cryer, Ernie Booth, Chris turner and Chris Griggs.

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1999 could see the inclusion of a new 85cc Junior gearbox class, just needing to be ratified by Council on the 25^th March.