No doom and gloom here about failed eclipse events! With a strong family presence, thousands of spectators turned out on a beautiful evening to witness a most thrilling motor sports event. Cornish Ford of St Austell, in association with Ford UK, unveiled the KA3 Limited Edition Eclipse at St Austell speedway during the Eclipse Challenge Cup.

A field of 18 of the best speedway riders from around the country battled it out for the first prize of £200. The promoters were so pleased with the large crowd that they were able to increase their donation to a local charity for the mentally handicapped. There is also a prospect that St Austell Gulls speedway team could be competing in next year's Premier League. The 1998 double winners of the League and Knock Out Cup, whose riders are mainly from Cornwall, are challenging strongly again this year for the title and currently lie second in the League Table.

The night's racing was perhaps the most exciting seen in the County for years. Passing and re-passing on a small track with tight bends brought thrills and spills and had the crowd on its tows throughout the night. The meeting came to a conclusion with a great fireworks display.

The final winner was teenage sensation, 16-year-old Young England International Chris Harris. Second place went to Jason Prynne, and he was followed by Australian rider Adrian Newman in third. Wayne Barrett (12), Gary Lobb (12), Sean Colvin (10), Adam Allott (9), Phelps (7), Birkinshaw and Ford (6), Williams (5), Phillips (4), Clarke and Holmes (3), Thompson (2) and Rowe (0) made up the rest of the pack.

One injured rider who was amongst the spectators at the meeting was none other than Gary Dawes of Liskeard, who managed the White Hart Restaurant in Pike Street. Make a speedy recovery, Gary!

A date for your diary: the White Hart is hosting a Speedway Forum for fans from all over South East and North Cornwall at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 8th September.