UK V6 Classic Modifieds

27/10/2026

22/10/2026

Provisional race dates for 2027.
Already thinking about holidays? Well, here are the Provisional Race dates for next season:
March 14th
April 11th
May 2nd
June 6th
July 18th
August 15th
September 19th and
October 17th.
You're now able to book your Caribbean cruises etc.
I have submitted these dates to Craig the Promoter.
Time now to get the cars ready, it's only five months until we all go again.
The Brat.

20/10/2026

End of Term Report 2026.
I completed an end of term report last season and thought I'd "do" one again. I'm going to carry on with the lighthearted approach and if it offends, OH WELL!
In reverse order:
Les "Swampy" Clarke Vitesse 218 - Only completed in two meetings. Les is a very experienced short oval racer and has been around at Swaffham for years. He looks older than he actually is! There are not many formula's that he hasn't raced. Probably his most successful formula being the Mondeo Rods. Swampy was instrumental in getting this formula started and won many titles. Different story now as he has gone back to RWD in a CM. He is getting quicker with each race as he gets used to the car and makes adjustments to suit his driving style. I am sure that Les will be a great addition to the Classics with his shy and retiring nature and already joins in for the after meeting de-brief meetings at the Carpenters Arms. One to watch in 2027??

Kevin "Butch" Butcher Moggy Minor 74 - completed in four meetings. Once again another experienced racer (old git) who has raced various formula's. Started at Alwalton Peterborough in Junior Rods progressing through rod formula's at the Showground to probably his most successful time in Stock Rods at Boston and Brafield (I know it's called Northampton now but it will always be Brafield to the older generation!!). Kev has been racing with me for more years that he probably cares to remember acting as a trusty mechanic. Butch is not known for his spontaneous actions and owned the Moggy for what seemed like seven years before he actually raced it. You can't rush these things!! Another first season to CM racing who is getting quicker and enjoying it. One to watch in 2027, not for the racing BUT he may get a round in at the Carpenters.

Mick "Wurzel" Thorogood 17 Viva - completed in five meetings - 2 heat wins. The once owner of three (four if we count the VW) CM's at one point, Mick is another ex-Peterborough racer again competing in multiple formula's. This real old git, Wurzel was the first of the FWD hot rod racers to convert to a Classic. His motto used to be "I'll have the first one (heat)" which he has carried on into the CM's when he has competed that is. Mick has struggled badly with his health this year limiting his attendance but remains positive and is getting the Viva ready for 2027. Despite living near Yarmouth, he does go down the A47 the wrong way to attend post race de-briefs. We all hope that Wurzels health improves so that he can "have the first one" commencing in March.

John "Tango" Thorogood JPS Capri 37 - Missed one meeting - 4 heat wins. Son of Mick, Tango has taken his old mans mantra of "I'll have the first one". John has got through more engines than I've had salads this year. On the up-side, we're getting quite quick at changing V6 engines. After blowing up a couple of "banger" engines, the decision was made to get one built, hence that's when he missed one meeting. John and I approached Al Fanning to build an engine which he did. Once fitted, Tango's fortunes changed with the Fanning engine being a winner straight away. John or last minute.com will be carrying out planned preventative maintenance (eventually) on the Capri in the winter with a view to beating his dad again next season.

Andrew "Kerber" Bailey 204 Mk 2 Cortina - missed 2 meetings - 1 heat win, 1 final win. Another new addition to the formula in 26 and is rapidly peddling the Cortina not always in the right direction though. It took the Kerber a little while to get used to the Classic Modifieds but is certainly getting there having good races with the more experienced drivers now. Never sure what his tyre pressures are, Andrew's attraction to the kerbs are diminishing with less spins resulting. Perhaps another on to watch in 2027.

Jordan "The Rain Master" Meakins Stag 33 - missed one meeting (due to Kirsty's unfortunate visit to hospital) - 4 heat wins, 2 final wins. Even with no wet meetings this year, Jordan still finished a creditable third in the points which was no mean achievement for the sometimes ill handling Stag. Being a truck driver out all week, his time to work on the car was limited and he was chasing a set up at the track which can be difficult as we do not have practice on the day. A decision has to be made to either sort the current race car or finish his other part built Stag. A stalwart of the formula will be looking to improve next season.

Al "Car Park Attendant" Fanning Capri 71 - 100% attendance - 3 heat wins, 2 final wins. So near but so far, Al led the points for a long period of the season up until the penultimate meeting when the Brat took the lead by two points. I've already documented what occurred at the last meeting which meant that "the engine man" finished second in the points. Always turns out a well prepared car (apart from my tyre mark on the o/s rear nerf bar! there for weeks!) and arrives at the raceway first to organise our parking spot. Al is one of those drivers you can trust sticking to the Fanning inside line. Will be back next year I'm sure to challenge for the championship again.

Steve "The Brat" Brattan Anglia 75 - 100% attendance - 2 heat wins, three final wins. It's difficult to write about yourself especially when you're shy and retiring like myself!? Nobody else will do it. Really enjoyed this season which was my fifty third year of racing. Yes, I am the oldest of the old gits. Raced loads of different formula's over the years starting in bangers at Alwalton Peterborough my home city. After years of racing all over the place, settled at Swaffham some years ago in the hot rods. Whilst on holiday three years ago in Portugal, saw the advert for the Anglia and did a deal with Simon over the phone. Pleased to retain the championship title but not how it played out. Need to thank Tango for all of his "ug" work when loading/unloading as it's hard work nowadays.

Well that's this years end of term report. Thanks to my much better half for doing the points and to those who have watched us through 2026 (includes Al's special supporter).
There is is interest in drivers joining the formula in 27 which will be welcome.

2027 race dates to follow shortly.
All the very best to you all.
The Brat (Head boy).

06/10/2026

Final meeting report for season 2026 - The Final Countdown.
Seven Classic Modifieds, or old gits "n" old cars, attended Swaffham Raceway last Sunday for the last meeting of the season. It was all to play for for last years points champion Steve, the Brat, Brattan (Anglia 75) and Al "the Car Park Attendant" Fanning (Capri 71). Going into this meeting, only two points separated these two with Brattan having the points advantage. However, Fanning would start in front of Brattan as Steve won the previous meetings final.
Sunshine welcomed the drivers into Al's pre-selected parking spots in the pits. Joining Al and Steve was John "Tango" Thorogood (JPS Capri 37), Jordan "the Rain Master" Meakins (Stag 33), Kevin "Butch" Butcher (Moggy 74), Andrew "Kerber" Bailey (Cortina 204) and Les "Swampy" Clarke (Vitesse 218). Also in attendance but not racing due to lack of a finished Viva was Mick "Wurzel" Thorogood (Viva 17) who looked a lot better following a recent illness.
The pressure was mounting as the old gits lined up for the first heat which was led away by Tango Thorogood. He was followed by Jordan, Al, Steve, Les, Kevin and Andrew. Despite the track being bone dry, Meakins was on the move quickly passing Thorogood for the lead. Fanning and Brattan were nose to tail as they have been for much of the season in third and fourth. Bailey, Butcher and Clarke were having their own battle for the minor places. Al and Steve had a coming together on the pits turn which resulted in Steve spinning Al out and receiving a black cross with the Capri ending up on the centre green. Following a red flag, at the restart Jordan led the remaining cars away with Steve in second, John in third, Andrew fourth, Kevin fifth and Les sixth. This is how they crossed the line at the chequered. Steve was docked two places for the earlier black cross therefore finishing fourth.
Heat two - Unfortunately Al Fanning loaded his Capri up as he thought there was a mechanical issue with it there by sadly ending his title bid.
This heat had Thorogood off the front. He was being chased down by Brattan. Meakins passed Bailey after his first heat win for third with Clarke and Butcher battling at the back. Tango was making the black Capri extremely wide and it felt that sometimes he had a caravan on the back! The Brat tried the outside line a number of times, switching to the inside but couldn't make a pass stick. Thorogood won from Brattan, Meakins, Bailey, Clarke and Butcher.
To the final. The Brat was on a mission leading the cars away for a flag to flag victory. However, the best race of the afternoon had the Rain Master and the Kerber having an epic battle for second and third. Nobody was watching Brattan roar away, they were all watching the white Cortina and blue Stag race side by side for the majority of the race inches apart and very cleanly. Brattan had the win with Bailey just claiming second, Meakins third and another mini battle between Clarke and Butcher for fourth and fifth with Butch finishing just ahead of Swampy. What about Tango you say?, well, he was peddling around close to the battle for second and third when he thought that Jordan was getting close to him and in taking avoiding action, put the Capri up the high kerbs holing the sump! More engine work! But at least we're getting used to taking the engine out and refitting it fairly quickly!!
All in all a good days racing with the Brat retaining the National Points Championship. Al took second place with Jordan third. A full points chart was displayed on here yesterday.
On speaking to Craig the Promoter, we are more than welcome back for season 2027 and dates will follow shortly.
I will "do" an end of season report as before for each driver shortly.
Well that's it. Some questions for 2027:
Will Jordan get wet meetings?
Will Andrew buy a tyre pressure gauge?
Will Kevin get a round in at the Carpenters?
Will John still be last minute.com?
Will Les paint his car pink and yellow like Mr Blobby?
Will Mick get the Viva done?
Will Al ever be last to arrive at the track?
As for me, how much longer will I go on??
Come and have a look at the "old gits n old cars" in 2027.
The Castrol Stag is still for sale or how about building a new one. I think an 100E would make a great CM.
Hope to see you all next year.
The Brat.

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05/10/2026

04/10/2026

Now on !!

01/10/2026

Final meeting preview for this season 04/10/26 at Swaffham Raceway.
This meeting could be entitled "The heat is on?" or "Under pressure" but I have settled for using last years final meeting title again "The final countdown". Yes I know that I used this title last year when much missed Mark Harvey (Miss Daisy 65) and Steve Brattan (The Brat 75) were fighting for the points championship right up until the last meeting, but this year the championship is even closer and could go down to the very last race of the year.
Currently, last years points champion Steve Brattan is only two points ahead of Al Fanning (Car Park Attendant 71) with three races remaining of the 2026 season. Who's nerve will hold? Which one can stand the pressure?
Will it rain to be another factor of the championship race?
I bet Jordan (The Rain Master 33) Meakins hopes so. He is currently in a solid third place but will surely wants to end the season on a high. Returning this meeting after a surprise holiday will be Andrew Bailey (The Kerber 205) who has certainly got the Cortina going well. John "Tango" Thorogood (JPS Capri 37) will also look to continue his run of at least winning a heat since his engine rebuild. He should have brakes for this meeting after a master cylinder repair! Les "Swampy" Clarke (Vitesse 218) will be out for his second meeting in the V6 powered cars. It will take this former Mondeo Rod champion a bit of time to get used to these more powerful rear wheel drive cars I think. Rome wasn't built in a day Les. Also getting used to these cars is the Moggy pilot Kevin Butcher (74). Butch has been improving in the Moggy as he has been adjusting the car to his style of driving. I expect both of these drivers to be challenging for top placings next year and we will need a stop watch for their lap times and not a sun dial?!
Joking aside (?), these cars are a handful and take some getting used to. The other Castrol Stag is still for sale if you fancy having a race with the "Old gits n old cars". Just for clarification, Jordan is not quite an old git yet.
So that's it. From the title of Europe's 80's anthem it IS the final countdown.
Will there be a new champion in Al or will Steve retain the title?
Come and have a look on the 4th start time 12 midday ish at Swaffham Raceway.

08/09/2026

Meeting Report 06/09/26 - The heat was on!
Jordan Meakins (33 Stag) must have thought his rain dances had worked as rain welcomed most of the teams as they awoke on Sunday morning. However, on arrival at Swaffham Raceway the pits and the track was perfectly dry staying that way throughout the meeting.
Six cars had booked in for the penultimate round of the National Points Championship, but Kevin Butcher (74 Moggy) was taken ill on Friday and advised to rest by his GP. Andrew Bailey (204 Cortina) had already advised that he was away on holiday.
First car in the pits was the current points leader Al Fanning (71 Capri) who now has a new nickname of the Car Park Attendant organising where we all park. He was joined by John "Tango" Thorogood (37 JPS Capri), Steve "The Brat" Brattan (75 Anglia), the aforementioned Jordan "Rain Master" Meakins and a newcomer in Les "Swampy" Clarke (218) with the Vitesse which he had recently purchased from Wurzel Thorogood (217 Viva). Les is by no means a "newcomer" having raced various formulas in his long racing career but probably best known for his exploits and many wins in the Mondeo Rods. Joining the Rain Master, it was good to see his partner Kirsty in attendance following her recent visit to hospital.
The heat was on Al and Steve as they were only separated by two points in the championship with Al starting behind Steve which could have been critical.
Heat one was led off by Tango followed by the Rain Master then the Brat, the Car Park Attendant and Swampy off the back for his first race in a Classic Modified. We all expected John to clear off in the JPS Capri but Jordan and Steve went around the outside of the Capri on the first bend. Al wasn't close enough to follow them through and the battle of the two Capri's commenced. This lasted for seven laps with Fanning completing the pass on Thorogood around the OUTSIDE (I know, not on the Fanning line!) after three laps of trying. Meakins and Brattan had gone, circulating rapidly nose to tale about half a lap in front of the Capri's. Jordan was struggling again with handling issues but still quick enough in a straight line. Thorogood was dropping back into the clutches of Clarke who tried an outside line around Thorogood but couldn't make a pass stick. Jordan took the win from Steve on his back bumper, Al took third, John maintained fourth place with Les in fifth.
John's brakes were nearly non-existent for this race which would explain his lack of speed because these car a handful at the best of times let alone without brakes.
Heat two had Tango lead the field away from the Brat, the Store man (one of Al's nicknames), the Rain Master and Swampy. John had clearly found some brakes from somewhere as he was certainly quicker in this race. Al found a way by Jordan on lap four latching onto Steve's back bumper. Les was not having such a good run this time following slight tweeks to his car that did not work. Tango had certainly got his caravan on as Brattan was having difficulty in finding a way by inside or outside. John took the win from Steve, Al, Jordan and Les.
To the final. With the previous heat winners moving back and Swampy still electing to start at the back, the Brat was off the front. He led the cars away and disappeared into the distance. Al and Jordan were having their own battle and Les passed John. The Anglia was on a mission lapping the Vitesse and the JPS Capri before the end. Steve won from Al, Jordan, Les and John.
These results mean that the Brat has regained the points lead from Al by two points,
but critically he must start behind Al at the last meeting.
So the heat was on but this report could easily been called Flag to Flag.
You couldn't have written this as the points race could go down to the last race of the season. How exciting is that??
You need to be there on October 4th to see the outcome. Will Brattan retain the title or will Fanning be crowned the new champion?
Start time 12 midday ish.
The Brat.

03/09/2026

The focus falls on Jordan "The Rain Master" Meakins today with his Stag no. 33. Nicknamed the Rain Master because Jordan goes extremely well in the wet normally winning easily. He is a former National Points Champion pedalling and I am sure he wont mind me saying this, his ageing Stag. He has a brand new car which is virtually ready to go but one of Jordan's challenges is time. He's out on the road as a trucker five days a week which obviously limits his time with his young family and time spent on his race car. Jordan also likes to make the occasional foray into banger racing. Currently a solid third in the championship race with two meetings to go. Car racing is a very large part of life with the Meakins family with his partner Kirsty looking after the website. He'll be doing a rain dance on Sunday morning. Just look at that car behind him!