AUTOGRASS racers from across the region took their last chance to race on the venue for the 2006 National Autograss Championships at the weekend.

The Wiltshire League hosted a two-day race meeting at the Javelin Park Showground, Haresfield, which also incorporated the final round of the Inter League competition between the Wiltshire League, the MAP League and the Gloucester League.

Torrential downpours on Saturday turned the track into a mud bath but even this could not put off hardened racers.

Sunday's weather improved with more drivers turning out for a good day of racing.

The event was raising money for the Pied Piper Appeal and thanks to the success of the fundraising at the meeting, two future events with the league have been organised.

Local success came from Cam racer Bob Talboys, who was second in the Class Nine final, and Dursley driver Tracy Aldridge, who won the Class One Ladies final.

After three rounds of the Inter League Challenge, the MAP League were declared the winners.

Stroud and District Autograss Club chairman Dave Smith said: "It was a good race meeting. It was a bit slow to start with on Saturday because there weren't that many drivers and the weather wasn't that good.

"But we had a much better day on Sunday with more than 270 drivers racing. "It was the last chance drivers had to have a go on next year's nationals track and everybody who came had a good time."

Selected Final Results for Wiltshire League Drivers: Mens - Class 1: 2nd Luke Smith (S20D). Class 5: 4th James Lee (S92D). Class 6: 4th Kevin Pankhurst (S26D). Class 8: 4th Ian Phipps (S12D). Class 9: 1st - Steve Dowling (S25D), 2nd - Bob Talboys (A5). Class ten: 3rd - Howard Duckworth (S6D), 4th - Bob Hedges (YS45). Ladies - Class 1: 1st Tracy Aldridge (S97D). Class 8: 2nd Rhiannon Smith (S40D).