Well, Hampshire is a long way south of our region, but most people agreed that it was well worth the trip. The Hampshire track is very challenging, mostly Astro-Turf, with a huge fast sweeping banked bend and an awesome (but very driveable) triple jump in the in-field.

Fortunately this year, a change in the rules gave the drivers two rounds of practise with which to acquaint themselves with the track, and the control tyres (Schumacher mini-spikes and Ballistic mini-spikes) took another variable out of the equation.

We were blessed with good weather and some fine racing. Our congratulations to Tom Cockerill, who made a double 'A' final in his last year of competition at U13 level. Iain Clarke made a B final at his first ever Juniors. Emily Shields made two B finals and still has another year to go at U13 level.

At U16 level, Peter Newbould with two more years as a junior will be pleased with his B final. John Hirst finished in the B too, and Steven Pierce made the D at his first attempt. Jonathan Clarke was disappointed with his 2WD result, but made up for it on Sunday with a B in 4WD. Richard Harper couldn't quite repeat last year's glory, but still managed the B final in 4WD.

That just leaves Carl Hopps, beset with mechanical problems this year, but still smiling as you can see from the photos and with two years to go, time is on his side to repeat his excellent U13 results.

TEAM RESULTS

1. Chilterns Mid-South
2. Midlands West
3. North East

NORTH EAST INDIVIDUAL RESULTS

LUKE SANDERS WINS 4WD CLASS
In his last year of competition at Junior level, North East driver Luke Sanders finished runner-up in 2WD and won the 4WD event to give him his seventh Junior title. Congratulations, Luke.