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Local Hot Rod champion qualifies for world championships
Bristol’s very own Mark Shelper (pictured below) has qualified for the world Hot Rod championships in Ipswich this July.
In what turned out to be an astonishing comeback in the qualifying rounds, onlookers at Hednesford Raceway in Staffordshire were left in awe at Mark’s performance.
Mark, a vehicle technician from Kingswood, will now represent England at what will be his first Hot Rod world championships, lining up against the top drivers from as far away as South Africa.
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Racing his Peugeot 206cc, Mark solidified his place amongst the best with a stand-out performance in Staffordshire.
Mark Shelper – Photo: Martin Kingston
Going into the event Mark was very much the underdog, but ended up pulling off a fabulous display to earn second place in both heats.
Mark’s team is family-run and is the only West Country representative. Alan Shelper, his father, and former Hot Rod champion at Mendips Raceway, near Cheddar said: “We’re a very small operation compared to most of the teams that will be at Ipswich.”
Alan leads the team’s pit crew, with JB Racing Engines of Radstock providing the engine.
With a little help from a holiday, and Alan swapping the axle and shock absorbers and adjusting the car set-up, Mark was more prepared to take on the qualifiers: “In practice the car felt brilliant.”
Mark in action at Hednesford Raceway, Staffordshire – Photo: Martin Kingston
“But we really need more help to be competitive against the best in the world,” said Mark.
Relying on family and friends to help raise money for new tyres and other expenses, Mark is now appealing to local businesses to help support his journey to competing at the top level for years to come.
“We can put their name on the car in front of a big crowd at the event, in the racing media, and the online broadcast,” Alan said.
Mark in action at Hednesford Raceway, Staffordshire – Photo: Martin Kingston
National hot rods are the top level of short-track racing in Europe. It combines sophisticated lightweight vehicles with engines that reach 240bhp, with their beginnings as a counterpart to NASCAR in the 1960s.
The Hot Rod world championships takes place on July 3 in Ipswich.
Main photo: Martin Kingston
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