Just Weeks Away!
The Manchester opener of 2012 is just now a few weeks away - Sunday 25th March at 1.pm when BriSCA 2012 roars into life with the opening fixture of the year not just in Manchester!
With a healthy entry anticipated AND the big tribute to the Maestro with the `Old Byz Show us the Money' race - it should be a great opener combined with Brisca F2 Stock Cars AND our biggest National Banger event of the year at Belle Vue - KING OF THE NORTH and the demonic England v Wales Team event!

Check out the online ticket page for EARLY BIRD BARGAINS but hurry, offer ends 10th February - Better still just check out the value of the Startrax SEASON VIP PASS - that's massive savings but applications close very soon!

F1 `WINTER NEWS’
The Old boys `SHOW US THE MONEY’ Race 2012
Remembering icon Stuart Smith in 2011 a special £1000 race to `celebrate’ Stuart was held at the season opener. Startarx are repeating this race at their 2012 opener at Manchester’s Kirkmanshulme Lane on 25th March - the official opening event on the BriSCA F1 calendar.

ROB `ASPIRES’ TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY IN F1 RETURN

Greater Manchester oval racing legend Rob Speak plans to take to the track on Sunday April 29th at Manchester’s BELLE VUE STADIUM in a fund raising event for ASPIRE a charity dedicated to supporting welfare for Spinal injuries.
Long time Rob fan David Cope brought the concept to Startrax who are fully supporting David & Rob and have made ASPIRE Startrax official Charity of the Year.
Rob will have a busy day as he is planning to race both Formula Two and BriSCA Formula One.
Rob is quick to point out that this will be a one off return as far as BriSCA Formula One is concerned for as much as Rob would love a full tilt commitment to the sport once again time and work pressures preclude this.
The objective is to make the 29th a special event and doubtless F1 fans will be delighted to see Rob back behind the wheel. Promoter Steve Rees said ` We are delighted to support Dave and Rob and obviously the bigger the attendance the more we raise for this worthy charity - we are working together to create an extra special day and will be announcing more plans pre-season. Fuller details with regard charity ASPIRE may be found on www.aspire.org.uk

JUNIOR WAINMANS `BIG DAY’ OUT!
Startrax & FWJ are coming together for a WainmanFest celebration at Manchester’s BELLE VUE STADIUM on Sunday 30th September. Planning is ongoing however it will be BIG and commemorates 25 years of FWJ and a number of special events are in the pipeline.

DOUBLE F1 ACTION AT STOKE
Following a recent BMB meeting Stoke was awarded an extra BriSCA F1 fixture which will delight Northern race fans.
The official BriSCA F1 opener will now take place on Saturday 11th August at 6.pm supported by BriSCA Ministox and will also feature the second staging of the New Zealand style team race `Old Boys versus Young Guns’. The second date at Loomer road takes place on Saturday 22ND September as originally scheduled.

BARMY ARMY & STARTRAX
Former BSCDA Chairman and now StoxKarts proprietor Ian Higgins has got the bug again and bought the Tony Smith #91 rolling chassis for a return to F1 in 2012 at Startrax venues. Ian is having one last go and he rekindled tremendous interests when he made what should have been a one off debut at Startrax event at Coventry on December 27th. However the bug bit! The infamous BARMY ARMY has been resurrected to support Ian’s exploits and more information will appear on this shortly.
2012 SEASON TICKETS
This offer will close on FRIDAY FEBRUARY 10TH so grab yours while you can.

BANGERS WINTER NEWS

KING OF THE NORTH! March 25th BELLE VUE
Top Southern race ace Darren Ahern has confirmed his attendance at this years KING OF THE NORTH NATIONAL BANGER event at Manchesters’ Belle Vue Stadium on Sunday March 25th at 1.pm - the 2012 Kirkmanshulme Lane season opener which also features BriSCA F1’s UK season opener and BriSCA F2.
Ahern returns after a lengthy period out of the sport and is expected to add his own dose of action to what has become one the North’s major Banger events of the season.
The format follows the successful 2011 format opening with ENGLAND v WALES race being first race on track. King of the North will be race 2 open to all drivers followed by 2 All Comers and a DD.

STAN WOODS CELEBRATION - April 28th STOKE
This event to celebrate the life of Northern Banger icon Stan Woods is attracting considerable interest already. It is a classic Pre 70 National Banger meeting. Mr Grumpy indicates that the Scottish raiders will be attending Stoke with around six team members. Bookings are now open for this event.

MICRO MADNESS
Bookings are now open for the joint Spedeworth / Strartrax event at Coventry Stadium on Saturday 25th February at 6.pm. A switch has been made from Unlimiteds to Micro Bangers for 2012 as it is believed this will be well supported and provide big grids of cars. The event again provides a one off opportunity see Spedeworth Superstox in action in BriSCAland and on shale.

NATIONAL BANGER STARTRAX 2012 IPSWICH QUALIFICATION
Startrax two place on the legendary Ipswich grid will be determined this year as follows.
One off WILD CARD meeting at Sheffield on 12th August for Unlimited Bangers - EURO 2012
The second place will go to top Startrax licensed points scorer in 2 Litre National Bangers & Stoke 28/4 with qualifying rounds as follows:
STOKE - January 2nd
STOKE - February 19th
BELLE VUE - March 25th
STOKE April 28th
STOKE 18th August

1300cc SALOONS
Startrax recently announced their decision to join the new 1300cc Saloon Stock Association after reviewing the direction of the formula in the future. Full details can be found further down the News archive.
Startrax will be exclusively running this 1300cc formula in 2012 and beyond and the formula will be racing at Kings Lynn, Sheffield, Coventry, Stoke, Wimbledon, Belle Vue, Ipswich, Great Yarmouth, Aldershot and Eastbourne - and exciting news is that events are being planned for Birmingham Wheels. There are also events at Nutts Corner in Northern Ireland and Lochgelly in Scotland.
The switch will mean some minor tweaks to the fixture list although Coventry, Belle Vue and the World of Shale Championship date at Sheffield will remain as is.
A Shakedown event for 1300 Saloons has been added to what is already a busy schedule for 19th February if sufficient interest is received.
NEW RULES ARE NOW ONLINE VIA DRIVERS SECTION - After consultation with drivers an amendment with regard Gas shock absorbers has been included and will be notified separately. The Saloon Association meets on the 6th March after which full details of 2012 Championships and qualification will be announced. The 1300cc World in 2012 is at Ipswich on 18th August and in subsequent years will be on a rota which will be announced in due course.
Stoke fixtures will be revamped to include additional `full’ 1300cc Saloon meetings as Qualifiers for various Championships.
After the initial Startrax announcement where we effectively reviewed our decision to join the enlarged Saloon Association, members of the Association have been listening to drivers queries and are committed to working with them and to this end provisionally a meeting for drivers interested in joining the formula is planned for 19th February at Stoke at 5.pm where drivers can ask questions, get rules etc and fuller details will be available.
Promoter Steve Rees said ` It was a difficult conundrum and as a promotion we endeavour not to make U turns on decisions however this was exceptional as the decision we took would have to be the right one for the next 5 - 10 years and not just 2012. Whilst we understand some existing drivers in the area are disappointed, we are at the infancy of this at Stoke where over 2 - 3 years we want to build a driver base and provide the best choice of available venues and Championships. The inclusion of Birmingham later in the year , added to Stoke and Coventry together with other possibilities provides an excellent fit and value in our area for potential future competitors. Despite it being an extremely difficult decision we are certain in the medium and long term that this is the right one’

STARTRAX INTER TRACK TEAMS - Stoke 19th February 1.pm
The first ever Startrax Track 1600cc Banger championship is shaping up well and is looking to be fully booked with Teams representing BELLE VUE, Stoke, Coventry, Sheffield and a Wild Card Team - Drivers interested in being in a team should contact Steph who will then pass on to Team Managers!
 

ORCi 1300cc Saloon Stock Car Association

Over the last three months initiatives have been taken to seek a resolution in resolving a common set of rules for 1300cc Saloon Stock Cars across the ORCi and to enhance the National appeal and choice for the formula.
To this end after considerable dialogue and compromises a new 1300 Saloon Stock Car Association has been formed - similar to the successful National Saloon Stock Car organisation with founder participating promoters working together to develop the sport nationally together with National Gradings, meaningful and competitive Championships and stability in rules and regulations as an example.
Further, understanding currently the minor differences between promotions, the Association has agreed a transition period for all cars to fully comply to the newly published Association Rules, of 1st July 2012 with cars also being allowed to compete that are built to the 2011 Spedeworth or Trackstar Rule Books in this interim period.
The members of the Association who include Spedeworth, PRI, Trackstar and Startrax believe that this is a major step forward for the sport and that it has never been a more exciting time to be a 1300 Stock Car Driver with wider opportunities to race in Northern Ireland, Scotland and England. There are currently thirteen different venues which will be running the ORCi 1300 Stock Cars in 2012 which the association believe will be the growth formula of 2012 on the UK Short Ovals.

1300cc Saloon Stock Cars
Following a great many discussions over a number of weeks geared towards attempts to resolve the differences in rules
between different promotions, it is regrettably not possible for 2012 to achieve such. Many compromises and work to bring the cars together have already been made - there are however still issues unresolved.
Therefore Spedeworth, Trackstar, PRI and ourselves have joined together to form a new 1300cc Saloon Stock Car Association, offering a mixture of shale and tarmac venues - and venues in Scotland & Northern Ireland. After a great deal of soul searching we opted to join this new association, in the optimism that negotiations would also bring along Buxton and Skegness, however at this moment they are unable and it goes without saying as much as we want our own success in developing the formula, we also wish them and drivers well.
It is our opinion that this is the right route for our development otherwise we would not have reached this decision.
This does not affect our working relationship on other formulae or as colleague promotions.
The significance for us, as we wish to encourage the formula was to be be part of a developing National formula and evolve into bigger and better Championship events and, hopefully, become part of a broader sport.
We wanted to make a decision early so as drivers could build cars to the correct specification and it is certainly not a decision taken lightly.
A Further release will come from the 1300cc Saloon Stock Car Association in the next 48 hours including 1300 Saloon Stock Car Association rules for 2012.
Fixture dates remain unchanged and will remain however there will now be National qualification rounds for the World at Ipswich on 18th August and other Championships as well as World of Shale at Sheffield, to be refined into the fixture list.
The Association rules will go online Monday and we shall make available information on `car building' services - any constructors who wish to promote their services please pm us.
We have been approached by CW Road & Race, Clark Wells - telephone number 07891 096549 / cwroadandrace@btinternet.com
who is from Arena Essex who is happy to quote for new builds etc and hopes to be at Stoke on 19/2.

Great News from Premier Sports
BRISCA F1 and Premier Sports the sports channel operator on Sky channel 433 are delighted to announce a new 2 year extension which will cover highlights from 24 races per season from the elite British stockcar series.
Coverage begins with the first event of the season from Belle Vue at the beginning of April.

Steve Rees from BRISCA F1 commented, ‘After hitting the ground running in 2011, to have the opportunity to develop a 2 year partnership that is mutually beneficial to all parties is terrific news for everyone. To be able to sustain our presence on television is a tribute to everyone involved in the sport from the fans through to the drivers and promoter. This is the next piece in the jigsaw and enhances the commercial options for the sport. I would thank those who have subscribed this year and made this new deal possible and ask that as many fans as possible get behind this so that we can continue to grow the sport.’

Richard Webb from Premier Sports said, ‘It is great that we have found a viable way of keeping BRISCA on television that works for everyone involved. Last year’s shows went down ready and we hope we can really build on it this year and get even more people watching’. BRISCA racing is a big deal in the UK with regular crowds of 5000 plus and thoroughly deserves to be on television. We hope that fans will enjoy sitting down every week and reliving the best racing moments from 24 races. Having the NASCAR Sprint Cup and also BRISCA F1 gives us the best Oval racing from either side of the pond.

For those who can’t wait till the start of the new season, Premier Sports are repeating the full season at the moment every Wednesday and will be broadcasting a 90 minute season review from 2011 on Tuesday 7th February 2012.

Premier Sports will broadcast over 1000 events in 2012 including all 38 races from the NASCAR Sprint Cup, 200 games of Rugby League from the NRL and Championship and 400 games from the NHL. Speedway is also expected to feature heavily in the schedule this year with details to follow soon. Fans can sign up at www.premiersports.tv  or call 0871 663 9000.

A season ticket to the channel is available for £79.99 which covers 12 months and saves you £21. In return for your loyalty Premier Sports and BRISCA are offering those who have taken out a 12 month pass a opportunity to go into a monthly draw for a BRISCA F1 experience. Which includes free tickets to an event, meeting drivers and getting up close to the cars.

R.I.P Bev Greenhalf It is with deep sadness that we advise the passing of Bev Greenhalf after a long absence. Bev has been an integral and influential part of BriSCA Stock Car Racing across six decades having served the sport as commentator, Board member and Racing Manager with his biggest achievements at Brafield Stadium where he worked with successive promoters and developing an enduring relationship with Mainland Europe where Bev became a hugely respected representative of BriSCA and can be credited for the strong relationship and development both sides of the water. He will be hugely missed. However Bev will never be forgotten and he leaves a lasting legacy within the sport of his achievements and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. On behalf of BriSCA we extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time to his family and many friends.

Northampton 23/9/07 photo Barry Weatherhead Bev interviewing Stuart Smith Jnr

TIMES RUNNING OUT...GET YOUR STARTRAX SEASON TICKETS AND GIFT VOUCHERS BEFORE ITS TOO LATE

LATEST DRIVER INFORMATION AND NEWS..... go to the Drivers Page

END OF TERM REVIEW - 2012 PREVIEW NEWSLETTER Jan - Feb


Sunday 19th February 1.pm STOKE
2 Litre NATIONAL BANGERS Winternational Rd 2 - 1600cc Bangers STARTRAX TEAMS - Junior Bangers Winternational Rd 2 - Open Rods Winternational Rd 2 + 1300cc SALOON STOCK CARS

Saturday 25th February 6.pm COVENTRY joint promotion with Spedeworth
MICRO MASSACRE!
National `Micro Bangers + DD’ - Spedeworth Superstox - IncaHots - GrassTRackers


SPONSORS DESPERATELY SOUGHT!
To help Startrax develop and provide even more support for drivers Sponsorship is most welcome - whether small contributions, trophy sponsorship, programme adverts Or meeting/race sponsorship, every penny counts - for details just drop us an e-mail!

ORCi / Startrax Licenses 2012
Drivers are politely reminded that they should get their license forms in asap [ these are downloadable from the drivers section of the website ] and may be paid for by PayPal online or of course by cheque. Please note early pre season discount ends on 31st December 2011
Drivers may bring their photos, forms,payment on the 2nd and Steph will be available to issue License/log books there and them

BriSCA Formula One
Whilst Startrax is a multi formula promotion our background is a close on 45 year heritage with this formula. There is no doubt that being part of BriSCA Formula One in season 2011 has been something to be very proud of and is close to our heart.
The season started well in March and concluded on December 27th at Coventry on a seasonally upbeat note - The sport has done itself proud and Jackie and I thank the entire community for making BriSCA F1 the sport we have enjoyed in 2011 - It has to be a partnership of `give and take’ and that policy continues in 2012 and we will announce early season our Pre Season `Preview’ for hopefully another golden year!
I can confirm that the National Series Finale will once again take place at Belle Vue on November 11th and we will once again be looking to create the magical occasion that 2011 provided. Another highlight will be a Celebration of 25 years of FWJ, again at Belle Vue which will be a nostalgic and extra special date. There is hopefully another `big’ event that will come to fruition over the coming weeks.
2011 has provided an excellent platform of confidence to promote with passion 2012.
In ending, our sincerest thanks to everyone [ again ] for their support! With Stoke joining the fray in 2012 it already looks very upbeat!

SEASON TICKETS
These offer such ridiculous value for money that the offer will end on Monday 9th January where after the Season VIP passes will be issued. Those who have already ordered them online should forward us 2 passport photos asap if you have not already done so, to complete the season pass.

STAFF 2012
Again, Staff are reminded to complete and forward their downloadable forms asap and NEW 2012 log books will be required for the February [onwards] events to officiate.
We are keen to recruit a commentator for Stoke & Coventry in particular and anyone interested should drop us an e-mail for more details.

GT RODS
Despite the disappointment amongst some drivers that new rules come into force in 2012 for this formula, 9 drivers have already licensed and there is tremendous interest.
The 1600cc Open Rod trial in 2011 was always that - a `trial’ whilst we decided which route to go and the Vauxhall 1400cc formula is one which the promotion has worked with and enjoys a long standing relationship with popular East Coast venue Skegness.
Drivers are reminded that the run off period is 30th June 2012 after which ALL cars must be GT Rod specification - and to qualify for championships or race at Coventry then only GT Rod spec will qualify.

1300cc SALOONS
Sunday 19th February
Sunday 4th March.
Saturday 28th April
Saturday 19th May
Saturday 28th July
Saturday 11th August
Saturday 6th October - with 2 Litre National Saloons STARTRAX CHAMPIONSHIP
Also dates at Belle Vue
Sunday 4th November BELLE VUE
Sunday 24th June BELLE VUE
Other dates already arranged are as listed and the 2012 WORLD OF SHALE CHAMPIONSHIP takes place at Sheffield on 28th October.
The dates above will be incorporated in the final draft of the fixture list w/c 9th January.
Banger news may be found on the drivers page however below is a little extra info re 1600’s

1600CC BANGER CHAMPIONSHIPS
Our hugely successful Banger class is being given the prominence it deserves for 2012
With a BRITISH & WORLD title up for grabs plus Points Championship Incentives similar to 2011, we are again doing our best to encourage and reward drivers loyalty.
Something `special’ is being worked on for the official season opener on March 4th which will also be the WINTERNATIONAL FINAL where the first two rounds take place on the 2nd January and 19th February.
We will [promise] make a bigger effort in terms of communication and newsletters in 2012!

THE IRISH ARE COMING!

As announced in June of this year, plans for a `new look Battle of Britain' are well advanced.

The first full team list for an amazing 2012 'EURO' BATTLE OF BRITAIN TEAMS has been completed - Further details of this Unlimited Banger event which has been revamped for 2012 will be released in January and features teams from England, Ireland,Scotland,Wales, Mainland Europe and a surprise `Wild Card Team'!

Hippy has just confirmed the Irish team as follows, 48 Mark Cassidy, 118 Daryl Gilsenan, 160 Davey Patton, 756 Paul Stafford,811 Kieran Makivor 949 and Micheal Smith. Hippy adds ' We can say that we will have a couple of bits of special tin lined up for this meeting!'...
It has also been confirmed that four Irish visitors are crossing the water to race at Stan Woods Celebration meeting at Stoke on Saturday April 28th - a Pre 70 event for Bangers

EXTRA UNLIMITED BANGER SESSION FOR CHESTERTON
Following suggestions from drivers after the December session we have ADDED Unlimited Bangers to the fixture scheduled at Loomer Road on July 28th 2012. This enhances an already excellent programme at Stoke as below. 1600cc Bangers obviously remain the mainstay of Stokes events and we have by design restricted Nationals in the optimism that fewer will lead to better quality.

Major Stoke dates for National Bangers in 2012

Monday 2nd January 1.pm 2 Litre National Bangers

Saturday 28th April 5.pm STAN WOODS BIG CELEBRATION - Pre 70

Saturday 28th July 5.pm ADDED Unlimited Bangers

Saturday 11th August 5.pm 2 Litre National Bangers BATTLE OF BRITAIN TEAMS

Saturday 10th November 5.pm 2 Litre National Bangers + OLD SKOOL 2012

Sunday 2nd December Unlimited Bangers NOSTRADAMUS.


1600cc BANGERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
This series gets an upgrade for 2012 with the `Gold Roof' re-titled World Championship. The date and venue will be announced shortly and a strict set of qualifying rounds.
January 2nd will be the opening WCQR for 1600 Bangers

2012 OFFICIALS LICENSES
These are now available from Steph or Online to download. Please complete these and send them in asap. A training seminar for Senior Officials is provisionally planned for 18th February and more details will be released when available on the Officials Page

2012 SEASON TICKETS - NOW AVAILABLE
The 2012 Startrax season tickets offer superb value for money AND include ALL Startrax events in 2012. These are available via the Online tickets page - check them out, but get yours fast as they are only available for a short period.

THESE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A VERY LIMITED TIME ONLY - But the savings are massive, all 11 meetings F1 alone would cost Adult £176!!!

2012 SEASON TICKETS ADULTS £130.00 CONCESSION £100.00

pick one ADULT £130.00 GBP CONCESSION £100.00 GBP

2012 KIDZ CLUB Open for 5-15 year olds price for 2012 is £20.00 up until 31st December KIDZ CLUB 2012 MEMBERSHIP £20.00

DRIVER LICENSING
Log Books have now arrived and any forms returned will be dispatched shortly.
DRIVERS should read the drivers section re Online licenses as there are discounts applicable until 31st December and offer very useful savings.
These may be ordered online and will be required for 2nd January meeting - as last year, various Championships points wise will be exclusively open to Startrax licensed drivers - PLEASE NOTE 1600CC BANGERS - for the benefits etc YOU MUST HOLD A STARTRAX 2012 LICENSE - or simply pay as a day license without.
To assist drivers, we are offering a service on 27/12 - 2/1 and 19/2 where you can simply order your license and pay for it on-line, bring your photos with you and we will issue the license there and then.

Big changes for 2012 with Startrax.
GT RODS
Two formulae for development and growth in 2012 are the 1400cc GT Rods and 1300cc Saloon Stock Cars.
Startrax `experimented' with a Rod based formula in 2011 which was named `Open Rods' which allowed cars from different promotions to race at Stoke providing these fitted their home promotions rules and were basically 1600cc.
However for 2012 Startrax have teamed up with Skegness to adopt the very successful GT Rods [ Vauxhall ] rules where the formula is well established and had shale presence at Kings Lynn until recent years. They have in 2011 raced at Coventry Stadium. This rule format will be Startrax formula for 2011 and will be running points/championships in conjunction with the popular East Coast venue as well as dates at Coventry and other Startrax venues.
Startrax have allowed an integration period where existing `Hot Ford' type cars may be run-out in 2012 and this period will end on June 30th 2012. After that only cars to the Vauxhall / GT spec will be permitted to race. ALL dates at Coventry are EXCLUSIVELY for GT ROD spec.
A World of Shale competition [ which carries two gold stripes for the Champion ] has been launched for 2012 alongside the traditional Championships for the formula.
The 2012 Rules for this Vauxhall derivative economy non contact formula are now `online' on the drivers page.

1600cc BANGERS
As the 2012 Fixture programme illustrates, this formula has been a phenomenal success in 2011 and a big thank you to the drivers.
Similar competitions to this year will feature including Track Championships, Gold Roof Championship, Points Championship, World of Shale and an innovation still currently being put together, the World Masters which will be open to drivers UK wide as an `open' event. There is also Battle of Britain Teams, Euro 2012 and the Midlands Team Massacre together with an inter Startrax team event to kick 2012 off on February 19th at Stoke.
To provide more clarity, we will in the next couple of weeks publish a more definitive list of dates of various qualifiers
which were confusing in 2011.
We repeat that to compete for the `major titles' - as in 2011 these will be open in terms of qualification to drivers registered with Startrax although as always visiting drivers and day license drivers will always be welcome.

EXCITING VACANCIES FOR 2012
With an ever expanding fixture list and portfolio of developing race formulae at four popular venues, Startrax are seeking to strengthen their staff base for the coming season. With 2012 -2015 another phase of exciting development and evolution, Startrax is a vibrant place to be and your opportunity to get more involved in oval racing.
We are in particular seeking race day staff such as Commentators, Laps scorers, Pit Marshalls, Scrutineers however we have vacancies in other areas. Drop us a line at steven@startrax.info