Saturday 6th Nov - gold roof decider!
This Saturday’s meeting at King's Lynn gets bigger still and will now feature the National MiniStox with their biggest race of the season, the Gold roof National Championship. Whilst the meeting will just include this one race for the Minis, we are excited to stage the event at short notice following the cancellation at Bradford last Saturday.
The contenders are ready . . . unfortunately the addition was too late to make the printed programme deadlines, but please find below a run down of the contenders for the 2021 Ministox Gold Roof decider:
Profiles from the Ministox Commitee, phots: Colin Casserley
2021 National MiniStox National Championship
1 Jack Witts (Pole Position)
What can be said that hasn’t already. Jack has continued to answer all questions asked of him again this season as he has pretty much dominated most major championships. Without doubt he will be doing everything he can to retain the gold roof regardless of only having a few meetings left in his ministox career, also with the added incentive as breaking history as winning the National championship for a record amount of times. Jack is many people’s choice to be stood on the top step again and form does suggest it’s difficult to look beyond the No1 car. However, with a very competitive grid of cars keen to knock him off the top perch, Jack, like most recently at Kings Lynn is certainly going to have to work hard to keep his gold roof. (That and make sure Ray has tightened the wheel nuts .!?!)
27 Luke Syrett-Barsby (Outside Row 1)
Luke, as is with most of the drivers at the top of the points extremely comfortable and confident on both shale and tarmac. Luke has been consistent all season and has remained second in the points since June, so arguably many have Luke as the nearest rival to dethrone Jack Witts. Starting on the outside of front row could work in Luke’s favour, especially on the unpredictable Odsal track and he will be keeping one eye on the weather for sure to make it work. Luke has all the ingredients and knows how to win and with an open track in front of him only has one way to look. With a good start this could be Luke’s year? He’ll be aiming for the top prize, or to improve his 3rd place in last seasons world final.
475 Leah Sealey (Inside Row 2)
Starting in the often “favoured” row 2 inside position, Leah will be again be plenty people’s tip to win. Leah on numerous times has been stood on the podium and she will be desperate to try finish stood on the top step on Saturday. Leah has picked up where she left off since returning back racing and has consistently scored good points on both surfaces, including being one of few to have won a final this season winning the Buxton Gold Cup. Leah has excellent form at Bradford this season and like Luke, many have Leah as the other nearest challenger to Jack for the gold roof this year. There’s no doubt that Leah will match anyone else in levels of determination and I’m sure that if she gets a chance she will take it. Again Leah will be doing all she can to get the 475 car across the line first, although another podium finish would cement an excellent career in Ministox.
335 Jake Woodhull (Outside Row 2)
Although currently at Blue, Jake had an amazing month in June where he scored superbly well which has helped see him starting on row 2. Jake is one of the few drivers this season that’s been yellow, blue and Red, so he will certainly be confident at the front of the grid for the big race. Jake is another on the grid who will be aiming to emulate his parents achievements in the formula and have a gold roof on the 335 car. Jake certainly has the experience and has proven already this season that he knows how to win races. A couple of top ten finishes last time here Jakes form going into the big race is good. Jake will be hoping for a good start and able to keep going with the front pack. If he can get in the lead group, Jake is definitely in with a shout of a good finish. A top 5 finish would be a great result although with the right gaps a top 3 or 4 is very achievable.
277 Tom Rogers (Inside Row 3)
Tom has had a good season on both shale and tarmac, probably preferring shale slightly more? Tom is in great form, especially on shale with recent results at Kings Lynn including a race win and an excellent runner up finish in the British championship. Tom is a few people’s “tip” to take the title and he’s in a good grid position on row 3. I’m sure there’s been lots of work in the garage this week to find that extra little bit which could make all the difference. Tom will be aiming to go one better than he did in the British, but another podium finish would be a super couple of weeks.
110 Evan Bullock (Outside Row 3)
Evan has done extremely well, consistently scoring good points from superstar. Evan will be looking forward to the big race and although he would maybe of just preferred Sheffield as a venue, I’m sure the Odsal bowl is just as an exciting opportunity. Evan will be keen to go that extra step and better his British championship finish when he just missed out on the top 3. A podium top 3 is a realistic and doable target for the 110 car and I’m sure at the end of the race Evan will be close to the front.
76 Kasey Jones (Inside Row 4)
Kasey has been most successful on tarmac this season, however, of all the shale tracks Kasey has had a good bag of points from Bradford meetings. Starting on row 4, Kasey is in a good starting position and will be aiming to be in that front pack early on in the race. Kasey knows how to win and has proven he has the pace to get the job done. Kasey will enjoy a proper stockcar race and that would work to his advantage. If Kasey can get a good start he won’t be far away from the leading pack throughout the race. I’m sure Kasey will have his sights on the top step at the end of the race although a top 4 finish would be a great result.
29 Gracie Squire (Outside Row 4)
Until a superb meeting at Birmingham, I would of said Gracie was definitely happier with a shale world final! Gracie has had some excellent shale form this season including wins and huge points already this season at Bradford. Gracie has unfortunately missed a couple of weeks recently due to covid, although this will of allowed plenty of time to get her car dialled in for the big race. In what will be Gracies last world final she will be doing everything to get the squire name on the trophy. From outside row 4, Gracie might need a bit of luck at the start, but with the right breaks it wouldn’t be a surprise to see car 29 at the front at some point of the race. Again a top 3 finish a real target.
300 Coby Laing (Inside Row 5)
Coby has had a brilliant start to his ministox career. Coby’s results would suggest that he certainly prefers to race on shale where he has had most of his success, so he will be pleased with today’s venue.Coby has had a bit of a rest and I’m sure he will be well prepared for the big race. Coby has a good starting position for the big race, although surrounded by a lot of experienced drivers around him. In his first world final, a top 5 finish would a brilliant result, although with the right luck and Coby’s shale form, a higher finish wouldn’t be a surprise.
425 Boden Murfin (Outside Row 5)
Boden has had an amazing start to his Ministox career since moving up from the Micros. Already having race wins and getting up to superstar as well as making the world final grid on row 5. I’d say Boden is a dual surface driver and he will be looking forward to the big race at Odsal. Recent car or more specifically engine gremlins have plagued Boden which has reflected in some recent results. With the added incentive of matching his mums 1999 championship win, there’s no doubt he will be giving his all in his first world final. A top 5 finish in his first world final would be an excellent result, although a podium finish would not be an unexpected result.
51 Joelan Maynard (Inside Row 6)
“Bug” has had a roller coaster of a season. He’s had a few hurdles which he has overcome and done tremendously well to earn superstar. Joelan without doubt knows how to win and he’s capable of racing with anyone on the track. He has shown he has the pace and can get the job done, on both surfaces. Bug also likes to rise to the occasion in the big meetings, so I won’t be surprised to see car 51 in the mix battling for a top 3 finish.
20 Fred Hunter-Johnson (Outside Row 6)
Fred I think would of preferred a tarmac world final. Although he’s got plenty of points on shale, last weekend at Kings Lynn evidence of that. Fred is very consistent and but for unfortunately missing a double header (illness) he could of made a push to reach super star. From Row 6 Fred will be looking to get stuck in and quickly get to the front. Fred definitely could be there or thereabouts, he will be using his bumper and again a top 3 a realistic outcome.
85 Caiden Morrison (Inside Row 7)
Caiden is one of the top drivers running one car and has done outstandingly to maintain Red & Super star. Some good scores at Buxton and Sheffield in particular have got Caiden on row 7. With recent good form at King’s Lynn and an excellent day at Buxton with a win and a second in the final, Caiden will be full of confidence and keen to put the disappointment of not being able to race the final at Skegness with engine problems behind him. Caiden has the experience and is on form and in this, his last world final means plenty will be looking out for him coming through on the track. With the right breaks Caiden could easily be on the podium, possibly even the top step.
569 Adam Langridge (Outside Row 7)
Adam has made a seem less transition from ORCi minis to the National class and maintained the high level of racing with the top drivers. Adam has had plenty of car issues which has been a hindrance but he has still been able to reach super star which is a brilliant achievement. Adam has good form on both shale and tarmac and with his experience definitely knows how to win big races. If all goes to plan and he can keep out of danger, Adam will be in the mix at the end of the race and not far from the trophies.
239 Lewis Smith (Inside Row 8)
As one of the most consistent point scorers, Lewis quietly goes about his business. Lewis has retained Superstar all season which in itself is an achievement. Lewis would agree I’m sure he’d certainly of preferred a tarmac world final. He has often performed well at big meetings being on the podium numerous times. Unfortunately, just yesterday the team were dealt a huge blow which could have a devastating impact on Lewis chances for gold in 2021. Never the less, Lewis will be back in 2022 with his sight firmly fixed on the prize.
223 Toby Partridge (Outside Row 8)
Toby is in good form and he proved this last weekend at Kings Lynn with an excellent drive in the British championship, finishing 3rd and also a 2nd place in his heat. Toby has good form at Bradford and I’m sure he is pleased with this years world final venue. From row 8, Toby will know he’s a lot to do and can’t hang about so will be keen to get going. With possibly a change to the grid around him, it could play into Tobys hands. Only time will tell, but a top 5 finish would be a good result but sure Toby will be trying for much more.
293 Elexie Bartram (Inside Row 9)
Despite consistent results on both shale and tarmac, Lex would probably of preferred a tarmac World final? Lex had an amazing start to the season with a huge haul of qualifying points and throughout the season nicely kept topping up her tally of points. With a 2nd place recently at Kings Lynn followed by being in the top 5 in 3 out of the four races at Buxton, including being on the final podium, Lexi’s definitely on form and the podium is a real possibility.
68 Callum Thornton (Outside Row 9) - Not starting
Unfortunately for Callum with the rescheduling of the big race he can’t take his place on the grid due to being too old. Genuinely gutted for Callum. He would of without doubt “spiced” things up. Good luck with your football and future racing opportunities.
611 Jamie Hanson (Inside Row 10)
Jamie is another driver who seems to enjoy tarmac more than shale. He was desperately unlucky at an earlier visit to Bradford and I’m sure he will be looking to put the record straight on that score. Some good recent results with a 4th at Kings Lynn and a 2nd at Buxton will surely give Jamie lots of confidence going into the big race. From row 10, a top 4 finish would be a target, but with a few yellow flags could be even better?!
496 Tom Holcroft (Outside Row 10)
Tom took advantage of moving from novice to going from the front and had a huge amount of success which doubled as qualifying points mid season. Tom has adapted well on both surfaces and continues to keep developing in his rookie season. Recently he’s missed a couple of meetings with car issues but he will be looking forward to his first world final on Saturday. A top ten finish would be a good result but think Tom will be happy to finish his first big race.
120 Finn Hunter-Johnson (Inside Row 11)
Finn is definitely finding form just at the right time. I’d guess Finn is more than happy with a shale world final and has shale bragging rights over his brother. Finn had some great pace at Kings Lynn last weekend and looked rapid, resulting with a win and a 4th place finish. Even from row 11, you can’t right Finn off and a top 3 finish wouldn’t surprise anyone.
87 Alfie Thompson (Outside Row 11)
After the first round of qualifying Alfie was actually on pole with a super early season meeting at Birmingham. A mid season break has meant Alfie has slipped down the grades recently. Alfie did do some preseason practice on shale but has only a couple of outings on the loose stuff on his record. He did however pick up a 4th at Kings Lynn. In what I think is Alfie’s first visit to Bradford will be a baptism of fire with the big race being his first race at Odsal. Shale experience could be a factor, but a top 10 is definitely achievable and respectable in Alfie’s first world final.
269 Freddie Rogers (Inside Row 12)
Freddie would possibly of preferred a tarmac world final, although scored well earlier in the season at Northampton, so is more than capable of getting around the loose stuff well. After watching his brother have a good race in the British championship, I’m sure Freddie will be keen to get family bragging rights if he gets the chance. With a bit of luck, a top 5 finish is definitely doable.
911 Lucas Hanson (Outside Row 12) - Not starting
Unfortunately due to sustaining an injury at Buxton Lucas is ruled out of taking his place on the grid. Although his preference is tarmac, I’m sure if Lucas was on the grid he would be using the bumper to get forward.
64 Sam Critchley (Inside Row 13)
Sam has had some good results on both shale and tarmac which saw him move up to blue roof. It’s fair to say if Sam has a good start and gets close the front he won’t be far away at the end. When he’s on form he often gets a trophy, so a podium could be in his sights.
28 Josh Wilson (Outside Row 13)
If the grid was based on Bradford form Josh would be a lot higher up the grid. Josh has had some excellent results at Odsal and with the right breaks definitely a good chance of getting onto the podium. Will be one to watch coming from further back!
183 Mason Whittle (Inside Row 14)
Mason has done amazingly well and qualified for the big race at his first opportunity. Consistent on both surfaces Mason has had good results and won’t mind the shale at Odsal. Mason has been up to Blue top as well as having a massive roll over at Skegness, so it’s safe to say he’s had a busy first season. Mason is well capable of being in the points in the big race and on recent form possibly even more.
77 Tom Earl (Outside Row 14) - Not starting
Again Tom unfortunately isn’t taking his spot on the grid. Tom has taken a break from racing recently.
925 - Jake Wilson (inside Row 15)
Usually there or there abouts and has had plenty of top ten finishes on both surfaces over the past couple of months. Maybe a bit too far back for a podium place but with his recent form a top 6 is possible.
55 - Lily Finnikin (Outside Row 15)
Taking first place in the last chance qualifier, Lily is pleased to be on the grid considering missing some qualifying rounds after breaking her wrist at Sheffield. She will be pleased about the surface at Odsal as the 2020 Queen of Chaos” is definitely on her preferred shale for the big race. From the back at top ten would be a good result.
79 - Oliver Smith (Inside Row 16)
In first season making the gold roof race will be an excellent experience and sure Oliver will enjoy every minute. Oliver also was forced to miss some meetings due to car troubles, so another who took advantage of the last chance qualifier race. Oliver I’m sure will be doing his best but a top 10 would again be a good result.
212 - Ollie Armstrong (Outside Row 16)
Ollie often goes under the radar, but ticks along nicely picking up points. He had a great last meeting at Bradford, which included a good result in the last chance qualifier putting him on the grid. Ollie usually finishes races and that maybe enough to be in the points in the big race!
443 - Ellie Dickerson (Inside Row 17)
Racing in her last Gold roof race I’m sure Ellie will be making the most of the occasion. Picking up the final spot in the last chance qualifier, who knows…….she could do a Lee Fairhurst at Skeggy!? Ellie has had mixed fortunes this season, but sprinkled with some good results when it comes together. With nothing to lose, Ellie will make it entertaining I’m sure.
711 Cody Hanson (Outside Row 17)
Cody is in..! With the recent unforeseen change in the grid Cody will be excited to be taking his spot on the back of the grid tomorrow. Cody has really clicked more recently and he has been picking up some good results. Although Cody wouldn’t probably prefer the shale, he did score double figures at Odsal last month, so he will be confident that he knows his way around the Bradford bowl. As Cody wasn’t on the grid until earlier this week I’m sure he will be just happy to be in the race and he could finish the race he would be happy enough.
955 Freya Finnikin (Reserve)
Waiting eagerly in the wings is the 955 car and Freya Finnikin. Freya joined the formula earlier in the season and has improved week on week on both surfaces. Last week Freya ditched her novice boards and went from the front for the first time at Kings Lynn. Freya has already proven how tough she is with a few big crashes and also even rolled her car. If Freya gets the chance she will certainly liven things up at the back of the grid and be looking to get stuck in and seeing what happens.
Who's your winner? Good luck to them all, may the best driver win!