Greer defends Group 2 Challenge Cup at Raceway
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Defending Challenge Cup holder James Greer from Cullybackey.
Cullybackey Group Two driver Jimmy Greer defends his Challenge Cup title at Ballymena Raceway on Friday evening (7.30pm).
He will have to be at his best to retain the trophy in the 30-strong grid line-up
This competitive class has already produced 16 different winners during the 2008 season and Friday's title event is wide open with any number of potential victors.
Local drivers expected to be in contention include former Irish Champion Shane Gault from Glarryford, the 2006 winner Lyle Murray from Ballymena and Broughshane driver Gareth McFetridge, who currently tops the points chart.
Veteran Kenny Carson is another potential winner, along with Neil Capper, Samuel Stewart, Stephen Doherty and Samuel Montgomery.
A series of qualifying heats will determine the grid for the Darren Alexander Commercial Spraying sponsored final.
Raceway returns on Friday after a four week break and as well Group Two classes there will be Stock Rods, Stock Saloons and Junior Rod classes.
With only a month to go before their World Final showdown at Raceway the Stock Rod drivers will be anxious to fine tune their machines for the big event.
Yokohama Champion Shane Murray continued his impressive season by winning the European Challenge Cup on the mainland at the start of July and the Randalstown based racer is one of the hot favourites for the World crown.
Defending World Champion Glenn Bell from Portadown will not relinquish his crown without a fight however and will be looking to get back to winning ways on Friday evening.
Others to watch out for include Irish Champion Victor McAfee and Ballymena's Chris Gordon, who won the final last time out at Raceway.
The Stock Saloon class provide the contact element on Friday's programme, with deliberate pushing and shoving permitted from these heavily reinforced machines.
