Hoping to crown a Fife winner

The championships are high class and one of the first events race fans circle in the calendar at the start of each season.

Of course, supporters of the sport found themselves locked out of the Racewall last year when competitive motorsport was given the green light to resume in the summer.

By the time the chequered flag came down on the campaign late in 2020, those competing were delighted to have been able to do so, but it simply wasn’t the same in front of empty terraces and cheering crowds.

The present holder of the European is Daniel Parker; he won the World at the Racewall in 2017, so he will be quite happy to defend his title there.

The European Championship has not been too happy a one for the Scottish drivers with the last to hold the title being Kenny Purdie and his win was at the Racewall way back in 2005.

It’s definitely time for that to change.

Since then Shane Brown, David Aldous and Eddie Darby have headed north and gone home with the title.

Whilst Parker will be keen to defend his title the home drivers will be keen to halt the visitors run of successes and where better to halt their run but in front of your own supporters.

The Fife Free Press Group’s regular motorsport correspendent, Jim Turner said: “Who of the home drivers could be the ones to halt their run?

“Kyle Irvine (Glenrothes) and Ross Watters (Kennoway) are two who spring to mind.

“Irvine won the British Championship in 2016 whilst Watters is the reigning track points champion and are drivers that cannot ever be forgotten about.

“Whilst there was closed door racing at Cowdenbeath last year the racing was dominated by yellow grade driver Zak Gilmour.

“Both Irvine and Watters started from the red grade but struggled to catch him although they each chalked up a race win.

“Irvine will have a new car ready for the start of the year whilst Watters will spend the time refreshing his car.

“Ian McLaughlin, Graeme Shevill and Barry Russell could prove to be a thorn in the side of the visitors whilst Raymond Dick (Glenrothes) and newcomer Garry Paterson (Saline) could spring a surprise or two.

“However the first thing that has to be done is to beat the Covid and get stock car racing back in action and the stadium filled with spectators.”

The season is set to get into gear at the Racewall on March 13.

Government restrictions at that time will decide if crowds can be allowed.