This year the 1500cc Icebreaker boasts teams from all over the UK, writes Matthew Black - from Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, The Midlands, London and Scotland - but there is one area of the country that is descending on the Norfolk Arena this Sunday that is being talked about by everyone – YORKSHIRE!!
The teams in question making there way down to battle are The Green Army, Stinkbridge and the Wild Boyz. Like everyone else I have been intrigued about the amount of sides that these three teams are fielding (Eight in all!) - we have seen these teams and drivers in fits and starts over the last year and The Green Army and Stinkbridge did enter last year but not on this scale.
Many fans are looking forward to the crash happy style of these sides and what they can bring to the table for this Sunday. Between them, the teams can boast of plenty of experience but also all also have plenty of young drivers looking to make their way in the sport as well.
I decided to catch up with a driver from each side and hear there thoughts ahead of this massive meeting on Sunday. The gentlemen in question are:
Ø 49 Marc Hields- Green Army
Ø 99 Tom Jordan- Stinkbridge
Ø 149 Wayne Bailey- Wild Boyz
I asked these drivers the same questions and the lads answered honestly and I hope this gives you a good insight into what we will see from the teams this Sunday.
Tell us about your teams today?
Marc, Green Army: In one team you have me, 621 convict, 421 Gee and 310 Sam and I would say two like to crash and two like race. In the B team you have 03 Tab, 110 The Judge, 266 Barry and 303 Vamp.
Tom, Stinkbridge: I would say we have a good bunch of lads who are all keen and they are all up for a crash.
Wayne, Wild Boyz: Well there are some experienced drivers and some new ones that have only done rookies, so it should be fun for them and as long as we all have a good crash it’s job done.
149 Wayne Bailey will be in action for the Wild Boyz
Any rivalries between yourselves and the other Yorkshire teams?
Marc, Green Army: Rivalries lol!! We might as well put massive targets on our cars as everywhere we go everyone wants to squash us!!!!
Tom, Stinkbridge: No rivalries, but if it aint pink and black it will be getting it!!!!!!!
Wayne, Wild Boyz: No not really but if there is a shot available to please the crowd I don’t think any of the lads would go round and avoid it!!!
What can we expect to see from your team on Sunday?
Marc, Green Army: We have eight cars so that means plenty of smiles, hopefully some crashing but anything more than a lap is a bonus and it will give my big chucky doll plenty to do in the pits!!! I had to mention him or he won’t mend my car!!
Tom, Stinkbridge: Only one thing, plenty of bent cars!
Wayne, Wild Boyz: I would say B team to win, A team second and C team third, but we can all dream but hopefully a good days racing, snapped cars and a McDonalds on the way home.
99 Tom Jordan will be in action for Stinkbridge
Any personal scores for you to settle Sunday?
Marc, Green Army: Definitely no scores to settle mate. I’m not one to hold a grudge but the first pile up I see it’s going to be foot flat down and hold on tight!!!
Tom, Stinkbridge: I never let it get personal, it’s just a hobby to me!
Wayne, Wild Boyz: Yes - with Bish for putting me in the B team!!! And I do owe a certain person a couple but I’m not sure what team he is in yet this year - I haven’t done my homework yet!!!!!!!
Tell us your personal thoughts on the other Yorkshire teams entering this year?
Marc, Green Army: I think they are both good teams and I know most of the lads who race with them. I know for sure they’ll not be driving past my back end If it’s stuck out!!
Tom, Stinkbridge: They are all good lads and up for a crash and there will be hand shakes after!
Wayne, Wild Boyz: Well there is only one shade of green!! Both are very entertaining teams though.
Last question lads, what’s your own personal thought’s on Icebreaker?
Marc, Green Army: I haven’t raced it for a few years because of my hands but it is definitely going to be a hard hitting meeting! I just hope the weather is on our side and as long as I go home caged I’ll be a happy man!
Tom, Stinkbridge: It is looking like a good meeting with plenty of crashers booked in.
Wayne, Wild Boyz: Apart from the cold I’m really looking forward to both meetings! It will hopefully be a good days racing which I know it will be!
There we go an insight into what each camp is thinking going into this weekend, and hopefully it has whetted the appetite for Sunday a little!
As you can see all three sides are crash happy and are quality additions to the unders Icebreaker. The Wild Boyz and Stinkbridge are fielding three sides each and the Green Army two sides, which you can see by together with the rest of the entry by clicking here.
I would like to thank all three drivers for there input into the interview and it really was a pleasure speaking to three of Yorkshire’s finest.
Marc did add that he wanted to thank Mel’s Motor Spares, Thunderchild Signs and Arif Volcan. He also added that he was going to give a tenner to the person that caged team mate Vamp and that Scott Goodyear would double it, so watch out Vamp!!!!
All three sides have plenty of history here at Lynn and all have a great following. The Green Army are aside that is built around the closeness of the drivers as good friends and always provide great entertainment on track. The Wild Boyz as Wayne says is a good mixture of experience and newcomers which will be interesting to see and likewise with the Stinkbridge boys there are plenty of young drivers looking to make their way in the sport and to carry on flying the flag of the famous pink and black - something that even though they are in the early stages of there careers they are already doing very well under the guidance of Willie Blackwell.
It looks like being a great day on Sunday – make sure you don’t miss it!!