Dick crowned open king

With a grid of star drivers all keen to take the title, last contested in 2003, the racing was guaranteed to be close and exciting and the drivers did not disappoint, especially in the final, where a crash on the pit bend brought the race temporarily to a halt as the driver and his car were moved to safety.

However, when the green flag fell again it was a pedal-to-the-metal dash for the finish and the Hot Rod Open title. This time it was a reversal of the previous dog fights, with Dick Burtenshaw leading and Colin Gomm snapping at his bumper.

Burtenshaw had clearly had enough of finishing in second place and really pushed his car to the limit, building a commanding lead in the closing stages of the race and burning over the finish line to take the title ahead of Gomm and third-placed Ross Ayling.

The new Hot Rod Open champion declared himself 'really pleased with the win and what was a spot-on day's racing for the drivers and the fans'.