It’s been a busy past week for Newton Poppleford-based drag racing ace Mark ‘Wolfie’ Smith with an appearance on local TV followed by him claiming his fourth national championship title in as many years.

Sidmouth Herald: Action from the Dakota Raceway, Smeatharpe with Baxter Williams and his father on the start line before racing dirt bikes down the drag racng track. Pitcure CHELS UNDERHILL www.darkfairyphotography.co.ukAction from the Dakota Raceway, Smeatharpe with Baxter Williams and his father on the start line before racing dirt bikes down the drag racng track. Pitcure CHELS UNDERHILL www.darkfairyphotography.co.uk (Image: Archant)

Smith, or ‘Wolfie;’ as he is more affectionately known, was the subject of an interview conducted by ITV Westcountry TVs Cari Davies which aired last Friday on the eve of the final meeting of the Straightliners South West, held at the Dakota Raceway, Smeatharpe on

evening.

In terms of that final meeting, it was certainly one packed with incident as ‘Wolfie’ explained saying: “Despite landing my fourth successive Straightliners South West Championship in the modified street bike class, it was certainly a day packed with incident! I had a lightning bolt hit the ground 20 metres away from where I was stood that sent the soil flying! At the time I was holding a six foot metal rod in my hands winding the awning on my van in!”

He continued: “The rain eased to allow me to get the leathers on, but I then caught a red light I my first run and then, in the second run, I went up through the gears, but, on hitting fourth, the chain snapped, and this at over 100mph! The chain slammed into my backside and shoulder leaving with some meaty bruises. It also meant that the back wheel was shifted sideways which left me suddenly faced with rear wheel steering – scary stuff at 100mph plus! However, fortunately I had done enough during the campaign to mean I was still crowned champion – and for the fourth successive season.”

Given the problems Wolfie came up against, and the poor weather, he and some of his closest compatriots ion the sport decided on something ‘a little different’ and, with young Baxter Williams also on parade for the day, the pair were joined by Skinny Patman and Baxter’s father Gary to race a couple of dirt bikes down the standard drag racing strip.

Wolfie explained saying: “Baxter’s Dad Gary had come to the meeting with a pair of 250cc dirt bikes and so we all threw a ‘tenner’ into the pot for a ‘winner-takes-the cash’ race! It was all great fun and raced in great spirit with young Baxter taking the money! Power-to-weight ratios come into play big time when everyone rides the same machine. That said, young Baxter was fully deserving of his success.”

As for the ‘official’ result of the dirt bike ride off. Baxter was first, Skinny Patman took second, Wolfie third and Baxter’s father Gary was fourth!