Local drivers aim for glory in Stock Rod world finals

A total of seven Ballymena Raceway regulars are making the journey across the Irish Sea, including Adam Sloan from Kells.

The 19 year made his Raceway debut at Easter and has enjoyed a fruitful first season at his home circuit, chalking up a number of race wins including a first ever final victory during the recent Spedeweeknd at the Showgrounds oval.

Adam’s work with Moorfields based Fleckimet has taken him across to England a lot during the year so it is often left to big brother Carl, who races in the National Hot Rod class, to keep the 1400cc Vauxhall Corsa in tip top condition.

Adam has thanked all his sponsors for their backing during the season; Torquetronix. Greers of Antrim Volvo, N & P Tyres, Harold Johnston Agricultural Contractor, LM Paints, Harold Clyde Auto Repairs and Trevor Hill Race Engines.

Another Stock Rod racer making his first trip to the UK mainland is Rodney Arbuthnot from Ballymena. Rodney is the son of Raceway promoter Aubrey Arbuthnot and has forsaken his usual position on the starter’s rostrum for a track return at the wheel of a tidy Vauxhall Corsa C.

After a very lean campaign in 2014 the ORC specification Stock Rod class has attracted a number of new recruits during 2015 and one of the youngest entrants, 17 year old Matthew McKinstry from Nutts Corner, will also be travelling across to the World Championships.

Dundrod’s Ian Thompson, Lisburn’s Richard Taylor and the Larne based father and son duo of Fergus and Gareth Bevan complete the Northern Ireland contingent.

The ORC sanctioned World Championship enjoys a rich pedigree with former Raceway favourites such as Glarryford’s Roy McKane and William McCullough from Cullybackey having won the coveted crown in the past.

Qualifying heats take place at the Racewall circuit on Saturday evening with the World Final on Sunday afternoon.