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The Article below is from the briscaf1 newsletter. Words are from Jonathan Abbott and Photographs are from Dave Bastock Photography.
In a masterclass of BriSCA F1 Stock Car Racing, 84 Tom Harris claimed the 2026 GBE UK National Points Shootout Championship at Skegness Raceway on Saturday night.
Arriving at the stadium mid-afternoon, there was already that 'big meeting feelz'. The car park was filling up nicely and the sound of practice reverberated around the Lincolnshire countryside. This was the closet the Shootout had been in its reformatted guise; all six drivers could mathematically take the Silver...anticipation was high.
The Shootout Jnr draw determined the heat splits, and with sufficient cars to run a 'two heat format', who would be facing who? A big crowd for the draw, some good banter between the drivers, this is one of my favourite parts of the Shootout experience. In a 'you couldn't have scripted it better' moment, the top three points scorers heading into Skeg - 16 Mat Newson, 84 Tom Harris and 368 Callum Thornton would race together from the off.
Heat 2 would be Frankie Wainman 515, Danny Wainman 212 and 418 Niels Tesselaar. Following some brilliant hype from man on the mike Richard Kaleta, Heat 1 was underway and Mat got the break from Tom and Callum. Despite strong pace, Tom caught Mat and delivered a solid hit going into turn three. Mat was delayed as he negotiated a spun car and Tom was gone, Callum hot on his heels. With Mat unable to catch back-up and Callum happy to score points for meeting Final qualification, Tom continued to a relatively untroubled 2nd place behind the very on form 526 Finn Sargent. Callum 3rd, Mat 5th.
Heat 2 and FWJ had a promising start in his hunt for Silver, 3rd place was the result. Danny 5th and Niels just outside the Top Ten and requiring a Consolation race to make the Meeting Final - which he duly did.
All six Shootout drivers were into the main race of the night, all eyes on the quartet of 16, 84, 368 and 515. Minimal points separating some of the best drivers in the sport - this was it! Would this be the race that determined the Silver roof champion? Yes is the answer, and with it, a stock car move that will be talked about for years to come!
The green flag dropped, everyone affixed to the back of the grid. As top points scorer, Tom was outside row three of the Shootout, dead last...but he wasn't there for long. The six drivers thundered down the home straight, Tom dropped back and launched a huge hit onto the rear bumper of the Mat Newson machine, which not only sent Mat fencebound, but the rest of his challengers too. It wasn't just the impressive hit, Tom had positioned his car in such a way that whilst everyone else was scrabbling for traction, he was already at race pace heading down the back straight. Tom had the gap he needed and he was gone, nobody had an answer.
Knowing victory would be pivotal, he hit the front as the lap boards counted down, crossing the line to take the chequered. Callum was quick, but not quick enough...managing a valiant second at race close. A last ditch dive on the final corner didn't go well for FWJ, ending his race half spun exiting turn four. Frank's target, 16 Mat recovered, but could only manage twelfth.
What felt like half the stadium headed towards the Shootout Hub, eager to find out the updated points...had Tom done enough? He had...Tom was now eighteen points clear of nearest challenger Callum, and with only a maximum sixteen available for a Grand National win, the driver of the 84 machine was crowned GBE UK National Points Shootout Champion 2026. A hugely deserved victory - congratulations Tom!
The Grand National was run, but had no impact on the standings. 368 Callum Thornton a best ever Shootout finish in second, and a rather dejected looking 16 Mat Newson taking third. The final points chart can be found below:
So, we are done for another year, and what a Shootout it has been. You cannot argue its positive impact, the big talking points and stories it creates. It is a tough championship and the drivers' commitment, especially those who made the final six, has to be applauded. A big 'thank you' to the class of 2026!
It is also important to recognise the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes in ensuring that the Shootout is the most visible and engaging championship of any oval motorsport. I would argue that it is in fact better than most professional race series. A big thank you to the team!
Final recognition is this year's sponsors. It wouldn't be the championship it is, without your input - thank you! If you have been involved this year, or you'd like to next, it's never too early to get your name down. Just drop Sophie Clark or Paul Hines a message, it would be most welcome!
The actual racing is complete, but we still have one big event to come, and that is the annual BSCDA Dinner Dance. A wonderful night celebrating Season 2026, everyone is welcome, why not come along, it is a brilliant night. All the details you need can be found below:
I hope you have enjoyed reading the weekly Shootout e-news - letters to the editor, constructive criticism always welcome. The e-news will continue over the close season, with key updates landing in your Inbox as appropriate.
Enjoy the festive season - it will be March soon enough!
Check out our other briscaf1 newsletter articles below:
