2L Banger Team Preview

And the final of our team previews sees Matt Black take a look into what is expected to be going on in the 2L Bangers.

Again this like the other two classes looks set to be a close run thing. On paper you would struggle to pick a winner, and this clearly comes down to what team works hardest together on track and in the pits. 

Both sides have lost drivers to injury along the way, but have found more than capable replacements. Dan Lathan has rebuilt what is normally a successful Motorbitz side for the Old School meeting and that can certainly be feared, along with a strong element of the TMT squad of which I'm sure will be looking to outfox their opponents. 

I'd imagine both sides will field strong sides in the opening heat, so expect all the above named to feature, and when we look at the Trackstar team then you have to start with the strong Aftermath and Gladiator element to it. Some seriously good individuals though and the likes of Spook, Carmen, Teal, Bowman, Knuckles and the Garrods will all be laying it on the fen tigers from the get go.  Micky Maskell Jnr, Linsdale, Neary and Wheatley however will also be strong for the visitors.  I can definitely imagine this formula being the hardest and this could really be survival of the hardest.  I'm expecting heat one to go last car running and it could be Smith or Stretch doing the honours for the home side. I expect heat two to go the way of the visitors with Dan Lathan claiming victory as the only car to make the line. The third heat final and DD I can picture will be carnage and depending on who is left these could all be a total wipe out as both teams get desperate in their hope to land the spoils. 

I expect no-one to finish the third heat or the Final and the DD to be uncontested leading this to be all tied. Both sides are so strong and we could be in for a real treat watching these lads tomorrow.

 

Black’s Prediction from the 2L Bangers

Trackstar Mafia: 100 Points (Heat win)

Mildenhall Fen Tigers: 100 Points (Heat win)

 

Black's prediction sees no finishers in either the third heat or the final and for the DD to be uncontested. 

 

 

Following all of Black's predictions a narrow win for Trackstar Mafia is on the cards

Final Score: Trackstar: 800

Mildenhall Fen Tigers: 700

 

 We now take an in depth look at the drivers in the teams

 

 

41 Lee Barnes

A youngster who his making his way in the game, left a lasting impression on me with some decent displays in the 2 litre bangers both here and at Mildenhall this year, and this can only enhance his glowing reputation in the sport.

 

71 James Unwin

At the start of the week he was racing a micro and then had issues, so has bounced back in to the 2 litres today. Whatever the issues were they seem to be sorted now and he can get on with the racing.

 

170 Darren Teal

One of our midlands based registered drivers who loves joining us for our 2 litre meetings. Hasn't always had the best of luck, but when at the top of his game he can really do some damage. 

 

178 Kieron Bowman

Lively character who was named newcomer of the year here last season and has been a constant entertainer since moving up from the Junior bangers. Is really looking forward to this meeting.

 

185 Dave Bonnet

Loves a crash and will look to be taking home a well wrecked car today, will enjoy mixing it with the fen tigers finest.

 

212 Jack Maryon

Jack is a cracking young driver making his way in the sport, running mate of the injured 51 James Licquorice which is a good thing, will be told what he needs to do by his troops and will look to deliver the goods tomorrow.

 

248 Jamie Blything

The lively youngster has been racking up the race wins this year and will be looking to start well in this event too. Don't be fooled though as he has been involved in some huge wrecks in dd's this year, and can prove a real asset to the team.

 

285 Sean Dyer

Another one with a never say die attitude, will be looking to drag a few black and yellows down with him and I can see a bold showing for Mr Misery on the horizon.

 

306 Nicky Bell

Another member of the Gladiators who will be looking to crash his way too victory, I have a feeling he won't be completing many laps, but with him on the track neither will the opposition.

 

317 Nick Wakeham

Loves a wreck up, has taken many smashed up cars home from here and other local tracks. Can rod or wreck which is a great asset in a meeting like this.

 

319 Shaun Clarke

Super Shaun will be Vauxhall powered today and will be a big player if getting the right gaps. Loves a battle which is exactly what this will bring for him.

 

337 Ashley Garrod

Pretty Boy is one of the quickest in the 2 litre bangers and I can see him featuring strongly in this sort of environment. Hard working in the pits and has the form to make a real go of this meeting.

 

338 Terry Garrod

Reigning Supreme Champion who has achieved a lot in the game already, a 2 litre major title eludes him though however, but that doesn't matter tonight. His passion is as strong if not stronger than most in the sport, and he will be looking to pull out all the stops to claim victory tonight.

 

339 Jack Garrod

Has been involved in some big action this season with the mad hatters and team grey and black, so will relish the opportunity to get involved in this head to head. Will keep pulling his car till the very end.

 

349 Lewis Price

Nothing needs to be said about Noddy, loves a crash, loves to destroy, loves to sit on opposite, loves a wrecked car. One of the most highly rated entertainers in the present day game and I can't imagine many of the visiting team were to pleased to see his name on the home side team sheet.

 

367 Tom Keep

Has been a lively member of the Gladiator team in recent seasons and has put in some solid performances here this year. Very lively and will relish the opportunity to drag some of the opposition down into the trenches.

 

389 Charlie Garrod

Races few and far between but never fails to deliver the goods. Took an absolute beating at our last 2 litre meeting and was happy to sit there and take it, no doubt will pose problems for the visitors if in that sort of mood tomorrow.

 

403 Marcus Sprawling

Another member of the glads who is well up to the task here. As lively as they come and he will be looking to put on a good show for the home side. Loves a wreck up and this is right down his alley.

 

404 Luke Brinton

Spook down the years has been brilliant for the Predator team and has been involved in some savage action with the likes of the common crushers and team black, another who will enjoy this absolute wreck fest. Enjoys a crash and always has a smile on his face.

 

430 Andy Jones

Should be interesting to see what Andy chooses to do as the points won't allow him to settle for a place in tomorrows action. Not usually one to go wrecking but this meeting could bring out a different side to him.

 

441 Lee Horwood

Running mate of 41 Looney Lee, he again has put in some decent displays this season, seems to enjoy his Mondeo outings and that will be standing him in good stead today.

 

509 Richard Colk

Has spent a bit of time away from the sport, but has made his way back to it this year and has decided to don the helmet once again for this. Has the potential to be a dark horse in this event.

 

515 Gareth Flatters

Flatts has enjoyed world success round here in the past and will be looking to bring that form into this tomorrow. Was a major part of the Aftermath in there hay day and it is great to see so many of the talented side back here for this event.

 

519 Lee Middleton

Knuckles is as lively as they come, is feared in the 2 litres and there won't be anybody in the visiting camp who will be looking forward to racing against him. An out and out entertainer that is for sure.

 

549 Phil Smith

As experienced as they come and used to enjoy his wars with the cream team, those two teams rarely cross paths now and with that leaving a gaping whole in his life, this will be right up his street. His Mondeo form is strong however and could possibly decide to see if he can grab the chequered flag in the first couple of races tonight.

 

589 Simon Smith

Has been a revelation since returning to action and has been heavily involved since returning. Is always one of the first to attack the opposition no matter what the meeting, and he will be a major player for Trackstar tomorrow.

 

604 Ross Cooper

This meeting is made for him and he will be looking to strike the fear into the opposition from the get go.  The livelier the better for Ross and he'll be working hard from the get go.

 

620 Guy Whitehead

Great to see Guy back on track with us today and he is very much looking forward to this. His TPL team were very lively over the last decade and he is one that drivers can't discount from having a very strong day.

 

633 Leeroy Heywood

Doubling up and racing his first ever Mondeo tomorrow night. Knows how to crash with the best of them and will be putting on a top display for the reds.

 

830 Lee White

Claimed the British Championship last weekend and finally got the rewards that his efforts deserve. Will need his rodding boots on tonight to help his team out, and if on form will be a major danger to the visitors.

 

841 Stu Carmen

Loves a crash and is a specialist on the 2 litre banger scene, enjoys a good old fashioned tear up and loves to get involved a battle it out with the best.

 

 

 

04 Mikey Crofts

Great to have him with us for this meeting, a massive part of the Stinkbridge team of years gone past so you know he has the right mentality for this. Has potential to be a real game changer on his day and have always been impressed with him every time he has been to King's Lynn.

 

11 James Spriggs

Another regular at the Suffolk track and has taken home several bent cars this season. If the reds concentrate on the tmt boys and the motorbitz lads, he could be one to slip under the radar, but than can prove costly as he will be one too watch if getting the chance to perform.

 

16 Jack Wheatley

A youngster who is fresh out of juniors but don't be fooled as he has been in stunning form at Mildenhall this year, getting stuck in from the get go. Dishing it out left right and centre. Can't see him giving up easily and racing at a meeting like this can only raise this exciting youngsters profile.

 

16 Jamie Cox

Highly talented northerner who has put some stunning displays on this year. Was quality as Scunthorpe in the smaller cars earlier this season and appeared here in the 2 litre world final last year and was very good that day. Often joins us here and is always good too watch.

 

44 Jamie 0'Reilly

Has been enjoying the odd outing in the Mondeos in the last twelve months and has been holding his own. Builds cars with Kieron Fry so I'm sure will have been given the information needed to perform well in this.

 

52 Reece Needs

Races infrequently these days but from the start he was looking forward to being involved in this meeting. He will be looking to get stuck in from the start and could show up well on Saturday.

 

87 Damien Matthews

Does a fair few Mondeos, however this season has been battling it out on the Spedeworth domestic banger scene, where he has been doing very well. Another who has done the old school meeting for Dan in the past and is a driver who will drag his car back on track as long as it moves.

 

107 Andrew Betts

Wisbech lad who has come through the junior ranks. Is slowly building a good reputation for himself in the game and doing a meeting like this will only enhance it.

               

108 Lewis Jefcoate

Squeeky has made one appearance here this year at One last shot, but has done a lot of racing at Mildenhall and Dover this season. Can be lively on his day and will be at home in a Mondeo on Saturday.

 

123 Tony Hutton

It will be Tony's first time here with us and I'm actually looking forward to seeing him showcase his talent. Has been heavily involved in the action at Mildenhall and Arena this season and if on that sort of form today will be a huge asset to Dan's team.

 

129 Jono Brook

Has represented Dan at the old school meeting before and Dan was highly impressed with his performance that night. Jono is a fantastic driver and loves to get involved with the action along the way. Happy to take a beating, but is always even happier to dish it out. Has had big race experience around here, so knows exactly what to expect.

 

141 Gary Lee

First member of TMT to be mentioned here and a fellow sunglasses wearer. A real lively character who doesn't know when he is beaten, has done a hell of a lot of meetings this season and his commitment to the sport is second to none. Is a major player for the black and yellows and if Trackstar can end his night early then that will be a major victory in this war.

 

220 Tom Pavitt

Qualified for the British Championship for the first time this year at Mildenhall and is currently in the form of his life, can race or crash and has developed into quite a force over in Suffolk. Has a chance to play a big role come Saturday.

 

303 Wayne Linsdale

The credentials speak for itself, hard working in the pits and that is exactly what you need for a meeting like this. Expect him to get stuck in and work hard to get the best out of his car.

 

313 Craig Osbourne

Begged to come out of retirement for this meeting and is a lively driver with great credentials. Currently taking a bit of time away from the sport, although I have a feeling a meeting like this could be something that reignites the fire to come back more often. A massive danger to the red army.

 

317 Callum Jacobs

Callum and Kurt are out and out crashers, they love a good wreckfest and this meeting is right up there street. Callum will be looking to take a couple of the reds out of the firing line early doors and I expect him to play a major role on Saturday.

 

326 Shane Lynn

Has had a remarkable couple of years and has gone from strength to strength since teaming up with brother Dan. Is now a constant star graded driver over at Mildenhall. However tonight is all about crashing and that is something he loves to do. Is quick round here in a Mondeo which his has proven numerous times the highlight winning a last chance qualifier for the world here a few years back.

 

327 Micky Maskell Jnr

A great addition to the fray and like we said in his micro profile Micky has been performing to a high standard this year. Will be a major player and adds yet more strength to what is already a very solid side.

 

328 Daniel Lathan

Many nights I've had him on the phone in the last couple of months talking about this meeting and now we're here. A great driver who has constantly delivered on the big stage. I have a horrible feeling he is going to have a blinder of a meeting, which is not great news for the reds.

 

390 Dan Stacey

Played his part in several big meetings in recent times and is no stranger to a battle or two. Is well up for this and we will see just how battle hardened he is on Saturday. He will be one to keep on pulling his car all night though.

 

411 Matt Franklin

Another driver who has performed well in Motorbitz colours over the years and knowing what a task master Dan is, if you can survive in his team, you can survive anything. I'm expecting a strong showing from Franklin.

 

444 Charlie Jackson

Another battle hardened southerner who has constantly put on solid displays over at Mildenhall, would love to see more of him here at Lynn, however let's hope his impact tonight is minimal, although I expect a bold showing from Jackson.

 

449 Billy Crittenden

Another of the TMT lads and a massive danger to the reds. I have always been impressed when I have seen him on track, really enjoys a crash and nobody will be happier than him to ruin someone's day.

 

482 Jack Meeks

Friend of Jono's who I must confess to not knowing too much about, however if he is in with Jono he will know what to do and could be a dark horse for Dan's team Saturday.

 

508 Harry Bradbury

Has pretty much raced everything in his time, is another with strong credentials and another who won't go down without a fight. We haven't seen him here for a while but speaking to him earlier this week he is more than ready and up for this.

 

512 Sean Cooper      

Sean is filling the gap for brother Sid, who we wish a speedy recovery from his freak accident at the end of last week. Sean however will be looking to do them both proud and will be looking to get involved from the get go.

 

599 Matty Butcher

One word for Matty is mental lol. One of the top entertainers out there and is always good too watch. He will be hard to stop throughout Saturday and he is another the Trackstar boys need to concentrate on if they want to claim victory.

                            

623 Ricky Hutton

We saw Ricky here a couple of years back in the World of Shale here and I was impressed then. Whenever he races he is always one of the first to get on opposite or get involved in the crashing. I expect the 2 Litre's to be the heaviest on the night and the heavier the better for Tricky.

 

759 Chris Oldcorn

Another driver who has never been to race at King's Lynn and is a superb driver to have at a meeting like this. He and running mate Dan Wilkinson will be pulling there cars all night and despite the locals not knowing what to expect, anyone who knows there racing know that the Levellers have a great attitude to the game.

 

800 Leigh Neary

Impressed at our commentators cup meeting here at our April bank holiday, Leigh has also been building a plat form of success over at Mildenhall. Would not surprise me to see him challenging for a victory on Saturday.

 

817 Kurt Jacobs

Like Callum, will be given his orders to strike early. Dan will know these boys like the back of his hands and knows exactly what to expect from this man, will certainly be relying on him to play his part.

 

870 Mark Spicer

A late but welcome addition to the team, will be certainly playing his part and has the right attitude for the contest.