Difficult day for Essex dragsters

Ellis's Plymouth Superbird has been nicknamed 'Stealth Bomber'

Essex drivers Danny Cockerill and Graham Ellis endured a difficult start to the MSA British Drag Racing Championship at Santa Pod.

Basildon's Cockerill suffered engine troubles to his Chevrolet Bel Air after his second qualifying run, which curtailed his day.

Plymouth Superbird pilot Ellis also had car troubles, but put in a respectable 8.61 seconds test run.

Reigning champion Andy Robinson took victory at the Easter Monday meeting.

The second round of the series takes place at Santa Pod on 23-26 May.

Hoping to swell the Essex ranks in the field at that meeting will be Chelmsford's Roger Moore in his Dodge Viper.