232 Donald Stewart - An Interview

The name Donald Stewart isn't a name that initially would strike up memories upon the younger banger meeting, but the once Mad Jocks driver caught up with Bryson to talk about his upcoming return to racing after a near 20 year absence at the Unlimited East Anglian Championship meeting at the Adrian Flux Arena on Easter Saturday 14th April.

The first thing we had to ask was what made a Donald return to the Bangers after nearly 20 years away. 'Well I began racing in 1989 at Armadale at the age of 16 while I was still in school in a Mk4 Ford Cortina. It had an ironing board for a headrest and I borrowed a helmet! I carried on racing periodically at Armadale and Cowdenbeath until giving up to concentrate on playing rugby.'

Talking about his Scottish background, we are asked Donald how he got into the sport. 'My uncle raced and I used to mechanic for Saloon Stock Car driver 246 Lindsay Wilson, so I've always been around the sport.' Following on from this, we wondered by Kings Lynn was his chosen venue to make his return appearance. 'I moved to Norfolk around 4 years ago and begun racing Lightning Rods, but gave up due to getting to much damage. I help Brent Tillow (Lightning Rod 557) and his son Matthew (Banger 256 and Lightning Rod 556).'

We asked why a return to bangers and what car he had got for the occasion?
'The car was readily available. I enjoy the challenge of building a car that will last a race! I have a good team around me and I enjoy it. I get lots of help and advice from people in the sport. I like the similarity between rugby and Bangers, where you can go on the track/field, smash each other up and shake hands afterwards. I'm getting older now and realised life is too short to take things seriously. I have a Mercedes E Class for the meeting; with a Mk2 steering wheel.'

We noticed looking through Donald's photo collection that he has had a variety of numbers over the years and asked what he'd be returning under. 'I have registered with Spedeworth as 232, the date of my wedding 2nd March 2002, which will earn me brownie points with the wife!'

'My expectations for the meeting are to finish a race and avoiding rotating on every bend. I have never raced on shale before so that is a new experience for me. I just want to go out and have fun. I don't want to be pigeon holed as a rodder on wrecker - just see how it goes on the night.'

We asked Donald what tracks he had raced at over his career other than Armandale and Cowdenbeath. 'I have raced my Lightning Rod at Great Yarmouth, Ipswich, Wimbledon, Hednesford and Northampton, where I picked up my only win. I went out to crash someone who spun me in the first Heat and the car was fast and I ended up with win.'

To conclude, Donald would like to thank his wife Caroline, and three children Natasha, Laura and Ross. Brent Tillow and his family, who have made him feel like part of a team bringing endless cups of teas and cars to weld up for young Matthew. Ash Riley for his advice and phone calls. Lindsay Wilson, Boab Ryan, Heehaw and his uncle, Gordon Watson who all helped him start out and many more he jokes that he may have forgotten. We wish Donald all the best on his return!