Oval racing stars going for gold at Buxton Raceway date

From left, Charlie Marriott, Scott Thompson and Russell Earith.

The non-contact formula has been the premier class in 2016 with between 20 and 35 cars all season.

Buxton-based Scott Thompson took consecutive final wins in the last two meetings. However, the man to beat will be reigning British champion Charlie Marriott, also from Buxton, who will start in pole position.

Both have had fantastic years in the class with Marriott’s highlight being a British Championship win on the undercard of the F1 final, when Buxton Raceway enjoyed its biggest crowd for many years.

Marriott has also secured numerous heat and finals wins this year.

Thompson’s season has been somewhat of a late bloom. It started with bad luck and car issues, but has got better and better.

He claimed a hat-trick of wins in September followed by winning a heat and final in October.

Thompson’s car is a Thompson Motorsport home-built Saxo and the team thanked all the sponsors who made it possible.

Other local stars in the race include Cal White, famous for his CW Race Prep, who has had a great year in his first year of oval racing, and Josh Birkin, a race winner on his debut on the track.

Both have impressed and made it up to red grade.

Another local hero in the mix for gold will be James Watson, from Whaley Bridge.

He got off to a flyer at the start of the season, winning races, and has always been near the front of the field.

The Open Rod Golf Roof race on Sunday, November 6, starts at noon. It is hoped there will be a big crowd to cheer the local oval racing stars.