Gavin Murray gave a masterclass to win the weekend ‘Best in Britain’ final yet it was a case of what ‘might have been’ in the showpiece National Hot Rod World Title race after spinning round following contact with Matt Simpson.

Simpson was duly given a ‘black cross’ by the Steward, yet the damage was done, although in one of the most dramatic and exhilarating races for years the Southwold-based driver fought back superbly to claim runners-up spot to eventual winner Glenn Bell from Northern Ireland.

One of the pre-race favourites Chris Haird duly made his pole position start count.

However the saturated track soon came in to play as he drifted wide allowing another of the likely contenders Irishman John Christie through.

From that point there was never a dull moment as the slippery conditions and at times over-zealous manoeuvres kept a very large umbrella-protected crowd on the edge of their seats. Defending champion Malcolm Blackman was starting to look like he might retain the title.

However Bell seemed to come from nowhere and hit the front after the cars subsequently clashed. Murray seized the opportunity to nip through in the confusion and grab second place.

His fellow Suffolk-based drivers endured mixed fortunes with Chris Haird (Newmarket) colliding with Mike Loosemore to wreck his chances.

A terrific effort from Gavin Taber (Needham Market) earned him a superb 12th place, while fellow-debutant Shaun Taylor (Leiston) also completed the gruelling 75-lap final. Malcolm Blackman came home fourth only to be subsequently disqualified for post-race incidents.

National Hot Rod C P Dynes World Championship

1. Glenn Bell (Portadown, NI), 2 Gavin Murray (Southwold), 3 Matt Simpson (West Drayton) 4 Kym Weaver (Hailsham)

National Hot Rod TOM Waste ‘Best in Britain’

1 Gavin Murray, 2 Graeme Callender, 3 Mikey Godfrey

2.0 Hot Rods

Tom Waste British Championship British Championship:

1 Shane Murray , 2 Wayne Woolsey, 3 Paul Wright

Superstox

Dumpsport Performance Eaton Family Trophy:

1 Martyn Coles, 2 Jason Cooper, 3 Chris Capon

1300 Stock Cars

Quaife Engineering Supreme Open:

1 David Bowman, 2 Jamie Blackman, 3 Adam O’Dell

Lightning Rods

Engine Services British Championship:

1 Diggy Smith, 2 Mark Cooper Jnr, 3 Andy Brown

2.0 Stock Cars

Scrapco Golden Helmet

1 Bobby Davis Jnr, 2 George Morphey, 3 Billy Wood

Historic Stock Cars

Aford Awards Bob Studd Memorial:

1 Richard Anderson, 2 Gordon Coull, 3 James Smith

Stock Rods

TOM Waste European Challenge Cup:

1 Andy Sturt, 2 Chris Lattka, 3 Mark Barber

Banger Refine Metals UK Team Event:

Winners: Damage Inc. ‘A’