7:56pm Sunday 10th August 2008
By Andy Carswell
BRITAIN'S first-ever hot-rod meeting was recreated in miniature in High Wycombe today.
Teams of model car drivers from Leamington Spa, Brighton and Basildon all travelled to take part in a re-run of a historic race that took place in Wimbledon in 1972.
They went head-to-head through qualifying rounds in different disciplines to decide the winners.
Racers took part in hot-rod events and stock car and banger races - with the final event being a Demolition Derby, whose winner is the last car still running.
The High Wycombe club has been at its current premises in Commerical Square, Desborough, since 2000 - and it is one of just three permanent indoor racetracks in the country, which is why it is so popular.
Paul Thompson, one of four drivers who came from Leamington Spa, said: "This is the only one we come to because we all like the track. The guys that run it are a good laugh, and if you want an enjoyable day's racing, this is the place to do it."
His team-mate Ryan Stuart said: "It's just such a chilled-out atmosphere."
Melvin Yeo, who had travelled up from Brighton, said: "It's good, cheap fun, and there's not too many offers left like that now."
Many racers said they took up the sport after watching full-size races on TV.
And now plans are underway to give the club Government backing.
Club secretary Jim Harrington said: "We've been talking to Wycombe District Council trying to get an initiative together - the Government has an idea all kids should be doing an after-school sports activity.
"But there's lots of kids who don't want to go and run around a field. This is a sport and we see this as an opportunity for kids to come up here and do this activity as a sport.
"It's competitive, it gets them up and it gets them playing. It's an important thing for kids to be doing."
The club races three nights a week. For more information go to www.wycomberacing.co.uk.
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