Clyth showdown for the fast and furious

FAST and furious racing was the hallmark of the fourth annual Sannie O’Brien Memorial Banger Derby at Clyth.

Near perfect weather attracted a great crowd of enthusiasts on Sunday, but a dry spell meant organisers had to wheel in a water bowser on three occasions to spray the specially prepared 400-yard circuit.

The event, which lasted for almost four hours, saw nine different male drivers win the 16 heats – Liam Miller, Thrumster (one), Gareth Ironside, Ullapool (one), Ronnie Gow, Thrumster (three), Duncan O’Brien, Staxigoe (one), Mike Miller, Wick (three), Lewis Gow, Wick (two), Scott Campbell, Thurso (two), Alan O’Brien, Ulbster (two), and Alan Fraser Ullapool (one) who went on then to win the heat winners-only race.

For the ladies Carrie-ann McKee, from Edinburgh, won three heats and defending champion Julie Thomson, of Clyth, won one.

The highlight of the afternoon was a spectacular grand finale involving every car that was fit to run over a gruelling 15-lap race.

With three laps to go, 27 bangers started to disintegrate bit by bit, and with assorted engine, radiator, gearbox, suspension and tyre problems hampering his fellow competitors, Gareth Watt, of Lybster, who had previously steered clear of the stramash, drove his way to the silverware and the Sannie O’Brien Memorial Cup.

The ladies’ finale over 10 laps saw McKee become a clear winner to claim the silverware over runner-up Jillian Gow, of Wick.

Commentary throughout the banger derby mayhem was local councillor Willie Mackay. He said: “This was another good day for banger racing in Caithness, with some great rivalry among the drivers. It was very well supported and organised in fine weather and it was nice to see two new champions emerge with the cups.”