29/7/2010; It seems that the Tar car collected more than just a broken axle at Skeggy the other week-end. Although the axle has been sorted out, this extra problem isn`t so easily resolved, which means that we won`t be seeing Will at Buxton after all. Oh, the joys of being a Low-budget racer!!! Next stop Coventry then....
26/7/2010; The case of the mysterious stock car drivers!! Sheffield`s programme printers somehow contrived to omit the 3rd row of the Semi Final grid but the "mystery drivers" both qualified for the 2010 World Final, Craig Finnikin in 7th and Will in 8th place. As far as Will`s concerned, he would`ve been happier to have come 5th, but at least he`s in the Final. That elusive 5th was a possibility until a certain Mr S. Smith Jnr got himself involved with the 4th bend fence and caught Will up with him. The old track craft took over and Will got away again, staying with the pack to the end. Not a "classic" Semi, but at Sheffield, most people went out there to qualify - or at least finish the race in one piece!!
Before the meeting began the tension in the Pits was almost tangible. From the 22 Team point of view it would be fair to say that the only calm figure there was Will - and perhaps me!! I`ll admit to being less calm once the green flag went down but I was relieved when the Checkered was waved!!!
One other thing peculiar to Owlerton Stadium, aside from the magnetic safety fence(!!!!) is the positioning of the Speakers, which for reasons presumably known to the bloke who fitted them, are OUTSIDE the back of the stands - on the 3rd and 4th bends at least!!
Before the meeting began the tension in the Pits was almost tangible. From the 22 Team point of view it would be fair to say that the only calm figure there was Will - and perhaps me!! I`ll admit to being less calm once the green flag went down but I was relieved when the Checkered was waved!!!
One other thing peculiar to Owlerton Stadium, aside from the magnetic safety fence(!!!!) is the positioning of the Speakers, which for reasons presumably known to the bloke who fitted them, are OUTSIDE the back of the stands - on the 3rd and 4th bends at least!!
19/7/2010; No on-track action for the 22 Team after all, but plenty OFF it!! The new rear axle was stripped down, rebuilt and prepared for fitting onto the Tar car in time for the August Buxton. It`s all systems go this week to get the Shale car in tip-top condition for the Sheffield Semi. All we ask for is that the Sheffield Fence has been de-magnestised for the big race!!!!
15/7/2010; The Euros are fast approaching but from what I understand there isn`t going to be to much "European" competition. I believe the tyre issue is causing concern across the channel much more than over here and is a big factor in why there`s a lack of Dutch drivers coming to race at our tracks.
Will has been busy preparing his car all week, but the Rear Axle continues to plague him. It`s a case of fitting a new one now. Simple, you might say, but apparantly it is anything but! Fingers crossed he`ll be there, but nothing is certain at the moment. Of course after this week-end there`s the small matter of a Shale Semi to contend with. Up against it? You bet we are!
12/7/2010; The 2nd UK Open of the year saw the crowd bathed in sunshine, and providing a Saturday night of excellent racing from all 3 formulae. Sunday afternoon was equally as entertaining, with drama on and OFF track.
The off-track incident was a stark reminder of exactly why there are written warnings everywhere stating that Motor Sports are dangerous and that we attend at our own risk, something I think we tend to forget. One lady most certainly will remember Sunday. What appeared to be a piece of Nerf Rail from an F2 flew over the catch net, over the banking (& many heads) to the trackside viewing area, where it hit a lady on her upper left arm. She was given what immediate "first aid" was possible by family & others - ie; her injured arm was elevated and she was laid down. Someone was attempting to stem the flow of blood but without a tourniquet it was difficult as intense pressure was needed. The First Aid team got to the incident and took over, doing what they could before she was taken to Hospital. Our thoughts are with the lady & her family, wishing her a speedy recovery.
ON track, Will was showing what he`s made of - until he was pushed into the fence! This caused his retirement from heat one. Lots of effort but little luck saw him finish heat 2 just out of the points. Come the Final, that old determination back, he fought his way through the field, but Lady Luck was to desert him again, although he finished in 10th before being towed back to the pits with a broken rear axle. It was the same problem which was partly responsible for his non-attendance for Saturday`s session. Hopefully he will be able to resolve the problem in time for the European week-end at Brafield.
The off-track incident was a stark reminder of exactly why there are written warnings everywhere stating that Motor Sports are dangerous and that we attend at our own risk, something I think we tend to forget. One lady most certainly will remember Sunday. What appeared to be a piece of Nerf Rail from an F2 flew over the catch net, over the banking (& many heads) to the trackside viewing area, where it hit a lady on her upper left arm. She was given what immediate "first aid" was possible by family & others - ie; her injured arm was elevated and she was laid down. Someone was attempting to stem the flow of blood but without a tourniquet it was difficult as intense pressure was needed. The First Aid team got to the incident and took over, doing what they could before she was taken to Hospital. Our thoughts are with the lady & her family, wishing her a speedy recovery.
ON track, Will was showing what he`s made of - until he was pushed into the fence! This caused his retirement from heat one. Lots of effort but little luck saw him finish heat 2 just out of the points. Come the Final, that old determination back, he fought his way through the field, but Lady Luck was to desert him again, although he finished in 10th before being towed back to the pits with a broken rear axle. It was the same problem which was partly responsible for his non-attendance for Saturday`s session. Hopefully he will be able to resolve the problem in time for the European week-end at Brafield.
9/7/2010; The 22 team`s thoughts today are with the Butler family. It`s hard to believe that we lost Steve a year ago to Mesothelioma. What we all remember though are his love for his family, his optimism and that big smile he gave to everyone he met. You were right about one thing Steve - Will DID make SuperStar again.
4/7/2010; The Golden Helmet (or the flipping big, very heavy Silver-coloured trophy) Meeting at Coventry proved to be the best Coventry session in a long time, full of action & not a little controversy! Will went in Ht 3, finishing 11th. Although it said in the Program that 12 qualified, none of us in the 22 team had realized this so consequently, Will was sent out in the Consolation where he drove brilliantly to 2nd place. Some time later, this was expunged from the result as he had "already qualified from his heat". Such a shame then that, a; he was told to go out in the race, & b; not asked to leave the track before the green flag went down!!! We`ll be double-checking the formats ourselves in future!
It also seemed that the gremlins were back, causing a retirement from the Final, & a no-show for the GN. Don`t worry, he`ll be back on shale & battling for his World Final place come the Sheffield Semi.
As always, Will had time to make at least 2 youngsters very happy, signing autographs, & chatting to them. First timers Tom & Charlie had a great time, & we look forward to seeing them back whenever they have a chance.
Before that though, there`s the small matter of 2 tarmac week-enders, at Skeggy and the European Championship at Brafield......
It also seemed that the gremlins were back, causing a retirement from the Final, & a no-show for the GN. Don`t worry, he`ll be back on shale & battling for his World Final place come the Sheffield Semi.
As always, Will had time to make at least 2 youngsters very happy, signing autographs, & chatting to them. First timers Tom & Charlie had a great time, & we look forward to seeing them back whenever they have a chance.
Before that though, there`s the small matter of 2 tarmac week-enders, at Skeggy and the European Championship at Brafield......
28/6/10; An entertaining, if somewhat dusty Kings Lynn! Not much luck again points-wise but the smile remains. There`s plenty more action ahead of us before the season`s over & you can be sure there`ll be plenty more opportunities for the 22 team to fight for some more Trophies - and maybe a Title or two? Who knows, but we do know now that there`s no more uncertainty about whether meetings will go ahead or not before the middle of July!!!!!
24/6/10; Will is racing at Saddlebow Road this Saturday, but won`t be at Belle Vue due to family commitments.
21/6/10; A bit of a disappointing session at Ipswich thanks to the rain, which made tyre-choice difficult. One minute we were faced with a dry track, the next it was heavy rain. You had to make your decision & just hope it was the right one. Nobody really shone in such unpredictable conditions though.
Onto Brafield where the big crowd enjoyed a beautifully sunny, warm & DRY Fathers` Day meeting. As the man himself told me;
"It seemed alot of work for little reward but as they say "It`s tough at the top"! I enjoyed the racing yesterday which is what it`s all about I guess, but I was disappointed with the end results. Still, there was no damage at least".
It was lovely to see Sarah there to support her man, while Ellie & Lois cheered on Dad . A special Fathers` Day indeed.
Onto Brafield where the big crowd enjoyed a beautifully sunny, warm & DRY Fathers` Day meeting. As the man himself told me;
"It seemed alot of work for little reward but as they say "It`s tough at the top"! I enjoyed the racing yesterday which is what it`s all about I guess, but I was disappointed with the end results. Still, there was no damage at least".
It was lovely to see Sarah there to support her man, while Ellie & Lois cheered on Dad . A special Fathers` Day indeed.
15/6/10; What`s this about a big tournament going on in South Africa? There`s far more important things happening this week-end at Ipswich & Brafield!! Team Yarrow will be there. How about you?
7/6/2010; The (Rutland) Show is over and much attention was given to the Tarmac Car, on display as part of the CSEllis(group)Ltd stand. Brief information sheets about the history of BriSCA F1 Stock Car Racing accompanied general information about Will this year, providing more than a "funny looking car" for onlookers to view. There were some free fridge magnets available for the kids to collect and plenty of photo opportunities. My own collection are within the New Era album.
The previous day of course, saw Will out as a Super Star for the first time in 15 years. First time out was the Trust Fund Race in which he experienced Carburetor problems, causing his retirement. That fixed, he went on to qualify for the Feature final with a 10th place heat finish, & showed some of the old fighting spirit with excellent use of his Bumper to get an 8th in the National. All-in-all, not a bad "shake down" meeting for him, and the promise of more to come.
We would also like to welcome on board, new Sponsors; Direct Driver Solutions UK
I guess we`ll all be making the best of our (unwanted) break from track action and preparing to regroup at Ipswich in the next week or so.
The previous day of course, saw Will out as a Super Star for the first time in 15 years. First time out was the Trust Fund Race in which he experienced Carburetor problems, causing his retirement. That fixed, he went on to qualify for the Feature final with a 10th place heat finish, & showed some of the old fighting spirit with excellent use of his Bumper to get an 8th in the National. All-in-all, not a bad "shake down" meeting for him, and the promise of more to come.
We would also like to welcome on board, new Sponsors; Direct Driver Solutions UK
I guess we`ll all be making the best of our (unwanted) break from track action and preparing to regroup at Ipswich in the next week or so.
27/5/2010; It`s Rutland Show time soon, and the Tar Car is once again due to be a feature of the C.S.Ellis(Group) stand. It proved very popular last year when it was first unveiled to the public on what was a very wet and warm Sunday. If you`re in the smallest County in England on June 6th, go along to the show and see it for yourself.
24/5/10; One or two little gremlins (they get everywhere!) prevented Will from taking the Shale Car out for a spin on the tar at Wheels last Saturday following the official at a track scrutinering, which now means that it`s likely debut will be at Coventry on June 5th. Of course, it also means a debut with the flashing lights of a SuperStar!
There`s also a distinct possibilty that a new Sponsor of International renown will be announced.
Will`s lucky talisman Lois was there again, working her magic. 2 second spots in his heats & a 3rd place in the meeting final meant yet another shiny Trophy to take home.
There`s also a distinct possibilty that a new Sponsor of International renown will be announced.
Will`s lucky talisman Lois was there again, working her magic. 2 second spots in his heats & a 3rd place in the meeting final meant yet another shiny Trophy to take home.
22/5/2010; The 22 Team are proud to announce that the June Grades are officially telling us that Will is a SUPERSTAR.
Of course, we have known this for years!!!
.
He last used the flashing lights back in 1995 so they`ll need a good dusting!
If you weren`t at the NEC in January you will have a chance to see the new Shale car tonight at Wheels. Will is taking it for Scrutineering prior to debuting it very soon (but it won`t be at Sunny Scunny).
Of course, we have known this for years!!!
.He last used the flashing lights back in 1995 so they`ll need a good dusting!
If you weren`t at the NEC in January you will have a chance to see the new Shale car tonight at Wheels. Will is taking it for Scrutineering prior to debuting it very soon (but it won`t be at Sunny Scunny).
17/05/10; One more thing to add to last night`s update. Welcome back Johno. We missed you on Saturday.
I suppose he had good reason though - CONGRATULATIONS Heidi & Rich, on the birth of your beautiful daughter xx
I suppose he had good reason though - CONGRATULATIONS Heidi & Rich, on the birth of your beautiful daughter xx
16/05/10; Did I say "he`s back"? He is - with a bang!!!
The "Brafield Bogey" was laid to rest after 2 incredible Heat victories and 2 2nd spots in the Final and Grand National last evening. Wonderful to watch, this was Will at his best. The Red paint is waiting in the workshop!
On to Buxton where Will earned himself even more valuable World Qualifying points, again scoring in each of his races. After a hard earned 7th spot in the opener, he followed this up with a great victory in Heat 3, where he left some notable names in his wake, with room to spare. 4th place was well-earned in the Final, a puncture robbing him of 2nd place. The 4th victory of the week-end was in the Grand National once again, where he mixed it with the big boys and got himself another glittering prize, in this case the Ian Hewitt Memorial Trophy, taking the win over the World Champion. As Will said just before the last Victory Parade of the week-end, in answer to Richard Kaleta`s question, he was glad it wasn`t a 17-lapper!!!
I hope Sarah`s got plenty of polish at home!!!!!!
The "Brafield Bogey" was laid to rest after 2 incredible Heat victories and 2 2nd spots in the Final and Grand National last evening. Wonderful to watch, this was Will at his best. The Red paint is waiting in the workshop!
On to Buxton where Will earned himself even more valuable World Qualifying points, again scoring in each of his races. After a hard earned 7th spot in the opener, he followed this up with a great victory in Heat 3, where he left some notable names in his wake, with room to spare. 4th place was well-earned in the Final, a puncture robbing him of 2nd place. The 4th victory of the week-end was in the Grand National once again, where he mixed it with the big boys and got himself another glittering prize, in this case the Ian Hewitt Memorial Trophy, taking the win over the World Champion. As Will said just before the last Victory Parade of the week-end, in answer to Richard Kaleta`s question, he was glad it wasn`t a 17-lapper!!!
I hope Sarah`s got plenty of polish at home!!!!!!
10/05/10; He`s back!! The 22 Team, Will in particular, sported a huge grin this week-end after a satisfactory season debut meeting. The Saturday session was especially pleasing. 3rd in heat 3 and a fantastic 2nd place in the GN, behind Mr Smith, having led the race for a time was pretty darn good.
Sunday proved a little harder but 6th & 7th placings in the heats was fine by us.
Sunday proved a little harder but 6th & 7th placings in the heats was fine by us.
04/05/10; Will is booked in and raring to go at the Skegness oval this week-end. He`s itching to get out there, mixing it on track again.
The bell is polished & the cameras dusted!
Can`t wait!!!
The bell is polished & the cameras dusted!
Can`t wait!!!
30/04/10; Despite all the work of recent weeks, including a successful trip to the Dyno man earlier, there are no guarantees that the new Shale car is going to make it`s long hoped for debut at Brandon. It seems that Will is on the "Substitutes` bench" due to the usual high demand for bookings. Oh well, at least there are plenty more meetings for the 22 team to go for. 
18/02/10; The boys from ACR have been busy spraying the bus this week-end, as the photos by Trevor Austin show, & grateful to them we are too.
Given the amount of work involved preparing to go racing, & predominantly as a hobby at that, I hope more people appreciate what goes on to entertain them having shared this insight. It might just answer the question of why Will (& many other drivers) is not able to compete at every meeting much as he would love to.
We`re still hopeful of a 2010 season debut at Coventry on May 1st though, but remember - you may be disappointed when your favorite driver doesn`t turn up to race, but it`s nowhere near the disappointment felt by the driver him(her)self.
Given the amount of work involved preparing to go racing, & predominantly as a hobby at that, I hope more people appreciate what goes on to entertain them having shared this insight. It might just answer the question of why Will (& many other drivers) is not able to compete at every meeting much as he would love to.
We`re still hopeful of a 2010 season debut at Coventry on May 1st though, but remember - you may be disappointed when your favorite driver doesn`t turn up to race, but it`s nowhere near the disappointment felt by the driver him(her)self.
11/04/10; What a beautiful night for racing, not that we made much from the National (4-legged variety). Meanwhile we hope that much was being made of Stock Car racing at Northampton Town`s Sixfields Stadium where the 22 Tar car was among a display of Oval Racing cars promoting INCARACE yesterday.
Back at AJs, work was ongoing to prepare the bus for a fresh coat of paint.
We would all like to say a very special "Thank you" to someone for his generous gesture. He knows who he is.
Back at AJs, work was ongoing to prepare the bus for a fresh coat of paint.
We would all like to say a very special "Thank you" to someone for his generous gesture. He knows who he is.
09/04/10; OK so Keith Barber got there before me to tell you all that Will should be ready to go at the May Coventry. I would`ve told you, but it`s not my fault. Blame BT!! Our village has spent 9 days without any Broadband thanks to gremlins getting into the software at the local exchange, so it`s a good thing that there`s not much to tell you that SCM hasn`t already revealed.
The "other" Grand National runs tomorrow. Might be worth a bob or two on MY WILL.
Good luck!
The "other" Grand National runs tomorrow. Might be worth a bob or two on MY WILL.
Good luck!
22/03/10; After yet another Sunday idly wasted(!), the intrepid team of Will, Roger, Johno, Jamie & Jim made the final adjustments to the Transporter`s new engine, fed it immeasurable gallons of oil, boosted the battery and fired her up. Such a sweet sound, and a very audible sigh of relief from all present! Word from the test driver is that "the jobs a good `un".
Thanks again Messres Ellis, Beever & co. for letting us loose in the Workshop for a second week-end.
Thanks again Messres Ellis, Beever & co. for letting us loose in the Workshop for a second week-end.
15/03/10; While most people were relaxing & enjoying Mothers Day, I was out with my trusty camera once again to record the latest escapades of the 22 Team.
If anyone thought that Stock Car drivers have it easy while their sponsors go shopping for new equipment, I`m sure the series of photos contained within the Albums on this website show a different, more accurate picture.
The Yarrow family had to compromise this week-end & have their Family celebration on Saturday to enable Will to use the CSEllis Workshop (& 2 of its staff) on Sunday for the major outstanding job of re-fitting an engine for the Transporter.
Without the use of that facility it`s uncertain as to how & when the job could`ve ever been done, so it`s a massive THANK YOU to Trevor Ellis & Dave Beever for making it available for the day. Thanks also of course to Jim & Jamie for giving up their Sunday. As Will said "We couldn`t have done it without them".
There are still odd jobs to complete both on the bus & on the cars, but the word is they`re "there or thereabouts" now.
Of course, the one thing that all of this has done is to use up a massive amount of cash, which would`ve otherwise been used for racing. This might hold up his track plans a little bit, but Will hopes he won`t be delayed to much and he intends to race as often as he can this year.
If anyone thought that Stock Car drivers have it easy while their sponsors go shopping for new equipment, I`m sure the series of photos contained within the Albums on this website show a different, more accurate picture.
The Yarrow family had to compromise this week-end & have their Family celebration on Saturday to enable Will to use the CSEllis Workshop (& 2 of its staff) on Sunday for the major outstanding job of re-fitting an engine for the Transporter.
Without the use of that facility it`s uncertain as to how & when the job could`ve ever been done, so it`s a massive THANK YOU to Trevor Ellis & Dave Beever for making it available for the day. Thanks also of course to Jim & Jamie for giving up their Sunday. As Will said "We couldn`t have done it without them".
There are still odd jobs to complete both on the bus & on the cars, but the word is they`re "there or thereabouts" now.
Of course, the one thing that all of this has done is to use up a massive amount of cash, which would`ve otherwise been used for racing. This might hold up his track plans a little bit, but Will hopes he won`t be delayed to much and he intends to race as often as he can this year.
05/02/10; Not long now folks!
There`s plenty of activity in the 22 team workshop & I can tell you that the Tar car has been re-bumpered, the Shale engine is waiting to be tuned and the bus is in its final stages of completion.
It`s been an expensive Winter both in terms of time AND money, the latter of which is an ongoing need. The Team are now frantically searching for the elusive "Money-tree"!! Of course, if there`s a generous benefactor out there we ARE contactable!!!!
15/02/10; We knew it was a winner! Stoxnet`s Best presented car of 2009 is ........ the 22 Tar car. Good omen? We hope so!
18/01/10; The NEC proved to be a very busy time for the 22 team, what with live action on the new indoor oval on each of the 4 days & spending time on the BriSCA stand offering information about the sport to members of the public who looked to be enjoying themselves as they wandered around, admiring the static displays. Hopefully the fixture lists dished out won`t have found their way into the recycling bins today, but instead will have encouraged people to come & watch first hand!
The new Shale car was the first to invite the public into Hall 10, and it caused quite a stir. I only attended the Sunday sessions but was witness to many admiring looks & positive reactions to the final outcome of over a years` hard work by the Yarrow boys et al. It made me proud to be a part of the 22 team.
The newly constructed Oval was perhaps to big for Stock Car racing but every driver representing F1 & F2 racing did his bit to show BriSCA & themselves in the best light. Perhaps next year the organizers will allow them to suggest the parameters for the "track" though.
All in all an enjoyable event. Is it March yet!!?!!
January 1st 2010! Wow, it`s here!! The new Season will be here VERY soon too, and Will can`t wait to get out there & race again.
A couple of years back somebody said to me that 2010 is going to be Will`s year. The same person reiterated that in a New Year text, and since it`s time for a different name to be engraved on that big old trophy come September .......
YARROW FOR GOLD
