VERWOOD'S Kevin Slyfield came within a whisker of breaking the 200mph barrier when he contested the final round of the MSA British Drag Racing Championship at Santa Pod.

Contesting the Pro Modified UK Nationals in his methanol-burning 8.6-litre V8-powered Willys Sedan, Slyfield has been dogged by mechanical problems all season which had not been helped by a lack of running due to the poor weather.

In the finals, Slyfied capped some solid qualifying with a best of 7.162 seconds for the standing quarter mile and a terminal speed of 198.08mph to claim fourth in his category. This was just shy of his season's best of 7.110 seconds and 203.15mph.

Frustratingly, a starter motor failure prevented Slyfield from contesting the opening round of the eliminations. This left him fourth overall in the championship standings at the end of the season.

Over the winter Slyfield is planning to lengthen his machine's chassis in a bid to cure handling problems.

ADRIAN IN ACTION

VOLKSWAGEN Championship racer Adrian Dziurzynski from Bournemouth is hoping to end his season on a high with back-to-back victories when the series reaches its conclusion at Donington Park this weekend.

Fresh from his maiden victory last time out at Silverstone at the wheel of his West End Precision-prepared Golf Gti, Dziurzynski will be looking to add to his points tally which sees him sitting seventh in the overall points ranking.

The title is going down to the wire with two drivers still in the running.

AWARDS EVENING

BOURNEMOUTH and District Car Club's annual awards evening will take place on Friday, December 5, at the Hamworthy Social Club, Magna Road, Bear Cross.

The evening includes a buffet, raffle and disco as well as the announcement of the club's top award winners.

Tickets are priced at £10. Details and tickets from Kathy Andrew on 07764 795741.