Witney's Michael Bunyan dramatically pipped Chipping Norton racer Timmy Aldridge to win the unlimited class at the 27th annual Heavy Metal Classic banger racing meeting at Standlake Arena.

Aldridge, who had already won two heats, led the race before hitting a stationary car in the final lap, allowing Bunyan to capitalise and take the chequered flag.

More than 200 cars entered this year’s competition, which served as the opener for the 2015 banger racing season.

Promoter Keith Hook said: “HMC is always a fantastic start to the year, it’s great so see so many people enjoying themselves on a cold winter’s day.”

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Jack Aldridge, also from Chipping Norton, was victorious in the micro bangers category, seeing off competition from Joey Reynolds of Guildford and Luton’s Paul Skully.

Banger world champion Dean McPhilimy and brother Neil, both from Bourton-on-the-Water, stole the show with a pair of Cadillac Fleetwood Limousines, with the former’s sporting a distinctive gold roof following his prestigious victory at Ipswich in October.

RESULTS

Micro Bangers: 1 J Aldridge (Chipping Norton), 2 J Reynolds (Guildford), 3 P Skully (Luton).

Unlimited Bangers: 1 M Bunyan (Witney), 2 R Reed (Southampton), 3 A Hunt (Reading).

Under 1800cc Bangers: 1 J Foster (Worksop), 2 J Reynolds (Guildford), 3 T Foster (Worksop).

Unders Classics: 1 L Lake (Wareham), 2 M Welland (Maidstone), 3 R Guppy (Southampton).

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