Batley Indoor Regional Round 4.
Report by Brian Hopps

Race Data
Championship Tables (2wd) (4wd)

The fourth and penultimate round of the championship was held by Batley Buggy Club at the Batley Sports and Tennis Centre. There was some added interest on the lead up to this weekend in so much that Channel 4 were possibly making a short film featuring the event, unfortunately this didn't materialise. What did happen was the highest entry at a regional for some time, 101 drivers booked in for a very busy day's racing and confirmed the general feeling that off-road is making a strong comeback in the North East.



Neil Cragg made his first appearance in this 2wd series, and some people were do doubt wishing he had stayed at home. Not that we don't like seeing Neil, but you could see the look of frustration from those drivers trying to keep up with him. Ben Riley managed to take second and which gives him a chance at the title, but I can't see Richard Lowe who finished in 3rd today failing at York, as he has been so consistent all winter. These two had a titanic race at Harrogate, so lets hope we get more of the same in three weeks time.



Adam Skelding took a convincing win in the 4wd A final, with Tom Cockerill consolidating his championship lead, coming in second. Adam, and third place Dave Bailey missed the first two events, so will not threaten Tom, racing on his home track for the last round.

In the track picture at the top of the page, you might notice something not seen very often at Batley, a proper rostrum!

Thanks to York Club for loaning theirs and especially Mike Riley and Mike Cockerill who delivered, built it, and took it away on Sunday night.

Lynn Eccles (centre) wrote an article for the local papers in the week leading up to the event, and turned up to interview some of the competitors for this weeks issue. See her report in Batley News or Spenborough Guardian.

(Left) Dianne Harrison ran an efficient race control all day.

(Below) It doesn't do a lot for the concentration when you have an itchy nose!

Thanks to Stuart Evans for allowing the use of some of his pictures.