Lauren marks 40th anniversary with appearance in final

On the bill were the BriSCA Formula IIs and Saloons, who were both on the fixture list when the first GMP track at Newtongrange opened in 1980, plus the Prostock Basics and the Micro F2s.

As is the norm, the rain began to fall not long before the start of the meeting and the hardy souls who were there to spectate had to put up with a meeting punctuated with showers.

As a result, the track was wet and greasy – but that didn’t stop the drivers from serving up some exciting racing.

There were some really well turned-out cars in the Prostock Basics and all their races were won by female drivers.

Lauren Ford was the only Borders driver in action and she had a night to remember, reports Jim Turner.

In the opening heat, she soon caught the leader and, once she hit the front, went on to score a comfortable win.

Lauren then repeated the win in heat two although, this time, she had the second-placed driver on her back bumper as she crossed the finish line.

As a result of her success, she moved up to the star grade for the final and, while she ran well, was caught up behind a couple of cars which hindered her progress.

Once she did get through, she began to make up ground and, in the end, had to settle for fourth place.

Earlier this week, it had been hoped that this weekend’s meeting at the west Fife circuit would still be on.

Due back in action on Saturday were the Formula II and Saloons. They were to be joined by the ORCi Stock Rods and the Ministox, who had intended racing for their Let the Sparks Fly trophy.

However, it was announced on Tuesday that the Cowdenbeath Racewall will be closed for the foreseeable future .