Sworder keeps it in the family
Organiser: Startrax Where: Stoke Speedway When: September 11 Starters: 38
The short oval at Stoke has proved to be a good one for the Sworder family: Dick Sworder won the first meeting at the venue way back in 1974. On Sunday, he watched his son Mick Sworder win the first round of the 2016 BRISCA F1 Shootout Series.
To cap it all, Mick’s son Charlie Sworder won the Ministox final at the same meeting.
A delighted Mick said afterwards: “It’s been a great day; I don’t know which win I am happier about, mine or my son’s. My crew put in a lot of hours during the week to keep both cars on track, without their help, I wouldn’t be able to do it. These wins are for them.”
Mark Sargent, who had won the opening heat of the day, grabbed the lead from the drop of the green flag with Nigel Harrhy in pursuit.
As the race entered the second half, Chris Cowley, Rob Speak and Sworder began to close in on the leading duo.
A yellow flag negated Sargent’s advantage and on the ensuing restart the frontrunners tangled as they battled for the lead, but Sworder was able to avoid the melee and move into a race-winning lead.
In the closing stages Craig Finnikin slipped by Mat Newson to come home second.
Sworder added: “I had a good start and was gaining ground just before the yellow flag.
“On the restart I saw the leaders spin in front of me and I just held my breath and hoped I would get through, which luckily for me I did. My car came on good as the track dried out and seemed to get faster towards the end.”
Second-place man Finnikin said: “After the luck I have had, just to finish feels like a win to me. Tyre choice was critical, and we just about got it right”
Mat Newson came home third, but it is good enough to put him into the lead of the BRISCA F1 Shootout Series.
“It’s good to lead the series, but it is early days, we have another nine rounds to go,” said Newson.