Chris Haird was odds-on to lift the National Hot Rod World title at Foxhall Stadium, in the weeks leading up to the event, and was well clear with just 10 laps of the 75 to go.
Then, disaster struck. Instead of holding the spoils of victory, the popular Newmarket racer was left flinging his steering wheel out of the window in sheer frustration.
A smooth outside pass on early leader and defending champion Glenn Bell appeared to have sealed the win.
That was until Needham Market’s Gavin Taber and Jack Blood tangled. Haird was caught in the melee, damaged his wheel, and was out.
Jason Kew was the main benefactor until Northern Ireland driver John Christie sailed past on his outside to win, punching the air with delight.
Despite the intense rivalry over the years between the English and Irish contingents there have been fewer more popular victories at Foxhall.
This partly stems from the magnanimous way Christie took it ‘on the chin’ three years ago after failing pre-race scrutineering when hotly tipped to win.
His delight was plain to see with a delightful ‘Irish Jig’ for the fans, becoming the first ‘second generation’ racer to win, following in his father Ormond’s tyre tracks.
Danny Fiske (Diss) can feel immensely proud as the rookie finished fourth and amongst the trophies after a masterful drive in extremely hot and tense conditions.
Speaking afterwards he commented: “Simply fantastic! A great climax to our world final campaign.”
Fellow Suffolk racer Gavin Murray was up against it after damaging his tracking on the opening lap yet still managed fifth and topped that with a blistering outside display to take second in an exciting ‘Best in Britain’ final.
Shane Murray started the run of Irish success over the weekend taking the 2.0 Hot Rod World title.
As ever there was a feast of top-class racing.
Joe Parker rolled his 2.0 Stock Car but that was eclipsed with the high-speed version by Alan Thorndyke in the Stock Rods British Championship.
Thankfully both drivers walked away unscathed and the same was largely the case when Scotsman Tony Lattka and Crowland driver Jordan Aylward had a high-speed t-bone during a Superstox heat.
The open-wheeled formula then featured another huge lunge by Martyn Coles on Jason Cooper which will be talked about for weeks to come.
PICTURES: STEVE WALLER @Stephen_Waller
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