IN one of the most closely fought series of races for years staged at Snetterton, Worcester drivers Tim Matthews, Carl Tompson and Tim Perry had their most successful events this year.

Testing was a complete wash-out and with changeable conditions none of the three drivers were happy at the end of the day.

The following day dawned brighter, but by mid morning, and with qualifying only minutes away the rain began again.

Matthews elected for a soft wet set-up but with slick tyres, thinking that a damp track would be his best chance. It proved to be a bad call and in dry conditions he struggled for grip and qualified a lowly 13th.

With no previous experience of the track both Tompson and Perry found the going difficult and qualified in 23rd and 26th respectively.

Race day broke dry and cold and all drivers had elected to go for a stiff dry setup on their race cars and Matthews was determined to make up for his poor qualifying by making a good start.

As the lights went out for once Matthews found good grip and got past two cars going into the first corner. From then on a battle took place as he charged his way though the field and by lap 18 he caught Ellis in fifth.

This was the same driver with whom Matthews had clashed a number of times at the last round at Castle Coombe. "We'd had words before the race and guy knew I had every intention of getting passed him this time regardless. When we ran into a pack of tail enders on the fast back straight I was sure there would be enough room to outbrake him. It was difficult because there wasn't much room and at one time there were four of us abreast across the track. Although there wasn't much room, I just held a tight inside line and got through.

"After that it was just a question of hanging on, the first three had got well away while I was getting though the tailenders, and I had no chance of catching them. To finish fourth when I started 13th was a great result for me, and then to be told I was a class winner was even better. I still want to see that chequered flag first before the end of the year though."

Tompson had a great race too with several mid field battles but after a couple of close calls

He managed to get home 13th in only his first race finish ever. It was a great result, which shows much promise for the future. His day was spoilt only when in the Pinto race he sheared a CV joint bringing a halt to another competitive race.

Perry showed flashes of talent in both races but gearbox gremlins held him back for a number of laps in both races.

At one time he was passed by the leaders in his class who he tucked in behind and followed for a number of laps.