Gedling borough’s ‘boy racers’ have been heavily criticised for their antics in recent times resulting in significant police action and a proposal for a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to be put in place across part of the borough.
But one group of petrolheads are showing the community you can have fun in cars without causing a disturbance or breaking the law.
A group of friends, mostly from Gedling and Carlton do stock car racing at Buxton raceway. The formula they race in is called ‘Hotfords’
The group have been friends since secondary school and all have a passion for cars.
Group member Matthew Winterburn said that some of the group were once classed as ‘boy racers’ but they soon changed their ways after realising how dangerous road racing was.
“We discovered stock car racing and that meant the group could carry on with their passion without bothering anyone, which was brilliant,” he said.
“It all started back in 2007 Richard Pearce, who was a member of the group, got us all into it.
“He had been doing it a few years before with his family and we all got addicted to it one by one over the years, even my wife took part before having children – it’s a true family affair.
“We all help each other out fixing each other’s cars and supporting each other.
Matt, who is from Gedling, now mainly competes in banger racing.
“Tom from the group recently won the North and Midland cup which is a big achievement, and he’s also winning the overall points at the moment”
The group also includes Luke Cowley, Luke Pepper, Jack Shepherd, Gary Ball, Richard Pearce and Aaron White (race number 420).
Matthew added: “We are really just one big race family, and it’s great when we all get together camping like last weekend when racing at Skegness Stadium.”
The team fund their hobby mainly from their own pockets however welcome all sponsorship, small or big, so if you would like to sponsor any or all of the team then you can drop Matthew a message on Facebook HERE.
Further information about Buxton raceway can be found HERE .
