Midland Slotstox Racing Association: About Us
It may be hard to believe, but the urge to emulate the antics of BriSCA Formula One Stock Car Racing was the starting point for the club we have today.
Back in 1974 a race commentator (the legendary Dave Edwards, RIP) and his friends in the Pete Hill (a Birmingham based F1 stock car driver) Fan Club, felt the need to have something stock car related to do in the winter months.
So, out came the Scalextric. They built some replica stock cars had some racing fun in the middle of Dave’s living room.
The club quickly gained members from all over the Midlands by the end of the 70’s, 60 car meetings were the norm. Since then cars have got faster, the meetings slicker, and technology helps keep track of the races.
A Midland Championship Semi-Final prepares to line up for the start of the race.
Just like the real thing…
Meeting format comprises Heats, Consolations, a Meeting Final (with trophies for the first three across the line) and Grand National Heats.
Points are scored depending on where you finish in your races, and these count towards your race grade, and the season-long quest for the coveted silver roof.
Along the way there are numerous other championships to compete for, such as the Novice, Ladies and Junior Championships, plus the all important Road to Gold, the Midland Championship. Incidentally, the first winner of the Gold roof was Pete Hill back in 1974!
An excellent Stuart Smith Snr replica raced by Nigel Shaw #260.
...but without the mess!
The tracks are 6 lane purpose built ovals, with areas designed to encourage that all important ingredient of stock car racing - car contact! But to win the race is the object, so bumper work has to be done with a little finesse if you are to cross the line first.
Our season runs between November and March each year, and offers around 34 meetings on 9 tracks based across Leicestershire and Warwickshire. All venues are currently pubs and social clubs.
A busy night at an MSRA meeting.
Where do I start?
Just give it a try! There are always spare cars to borrow if you fancy a go.
Then if you like it, there is quite a healthy trade in competitive new and second-hand cars, plus spares and speed controllers, so new members can easily get equipped to race. There are rules of course, just to keep things fair, but these help keep the costs of racing down, and make sure we all have a safe, enjoyable time.
A selection of the competing cars at an MSRA meeting.
That all important ingredient...
But it is the people who make the club. Over the years, several members have gone on to race the real thing (F1, F2 and V8 stock cars). Over 50 years on, a few of those 1970’s members are still racing today, along with their children! It truly is a family focussed club with members aged from 5 to 75 years.
Every season we see race winners from all age groups and abilities, often proving a small helping of lady luck is as important as skill and dedication.
Family atmosphere, family fun!