Stockcar specialist Scriven claims a first grand final victory (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Stockcar specialist Scriven claims a first grand final victory

LOCAL Formula One stockcar specialist Neil Scriven, 20, enjoyed an outing at the Hednesford Hills Raceway where he took victory in a world championship qualifying round.

Racing the RNS Motors powered Chevrolet (No 11) on the fast tarmac-banked race oval on the Sunday before last, the Lechlade ace qualified for the grand final via a fourth-place finish in his heat.

But it was the main event that saw Neil's emerging talents. When the green flag dropped, he moved his way through the field and, by half-way, was lying second behind nationally ranked number two Carlos Perez.

For the rest of the race, Neil bided his time, waiting for Perez to make a mistake and also keeping an eye on the chasing pack.

With three laps to go, Scriven knew that the only thing that stood between him and his first grand final victory of his racing career was the car in front.

On the last lap, Neil moved Perez wide, allowing himself to come through on the inside and power away to take a well calculated and superbly driven race.

A delighted Scriven said, "I am pleased with the way that the car handled. I had to work for the win, but it was an excellent race."

Scriven will be hoping to break into the top ten nationally ranked drivers in the UK this year and, if this performance is anything go by, this goal is definitely within his reach.

Neil's brother Michael, who was also competing at the same venue, was involved in a turn- one shunt, resulting in major damage to the front end of his car.