Gavin Taber successfully defends Classic Hot Rods English Points Championship title
Roydon racer Gavin Taber has defended the Classic Hot Rods English Points Championship title, writes Angus Williams.
Taber, 35, wrapped up his defence of the title at Hednesford Hills on November 3, a day which also happens to be his birthday.
This year winning the points championship was even more of a challenge than it was last year for Taber, who had to start every race from last place on the grid because he was defending champion. Despite this he managed several wins throughout the season, including winning the first ever race in his formula on Dutch soil.
The season was made up of 14 rounds taking place between March and November, the rounds take Taber as far afield as Scotland, Ireland and The Netherlands.
He said: “It’s hard work up and down the country, but I work hard and as they say: ‘work hard, play harder’. If we race on a Saturday and again a week later we’re in the workshop every night.”
He was keen to thank those who helped to defend his title, including Graham and Jack who work on the car with him between races. His father Adrian, who has been racing since he was 16 but has retired from the sport several times, joined him on the track again this year. He added: “Sponsors and family are the most important part of it.”
While Gavin, who runs Roydon Service Station, will certainly race again next year, he may not attempt a full throttle defence of his title. He said: “I wanted to win it and I wanted to defend it, but with all the strain of the last two years I might start to slow down.”
But there may be another generation of Tabers taking to the track. Gavin’s five-year-old son is also racing mad. He revealed: “The time is going to come when you have to back down and let the next generation come through.
“The trophies mean more to him than they do to us. I race because I enjoy it, but to come back and give him a trophy, the smile on his face is what makes it all worthwhile.”
Taber was keen to thank his sponsors, namely Lopham Vehicle Services, Roydon Service Station, Diss Car Parts & Accessories, AM-Vas, EU Diss, Jamie Plane Signs and Cattermoles of Ipswich Ltd.