The delayed 2020 stockcar season raced into life in wet, slippery conditions at Onchan Raceway on Sunday.

The conditions helped provide plenty of entertainment for the large crowd of spectators who came to watch the Jaks Bar and Grill-sponsored meeting.

This season includes a new class for the youngest drivers aged 10-16 years old, the Window Wizard-sponsored junior rods which are modern front-wheel drive hatchbacks with the engine size capped at 1.2 litres.

Five new drivers competed in the class who have all done well to learn to drive, clutch control and the logistics of racing in only a few weeks.

Shane Ellison took control of race one to claim his first victory ahead of Kian Staniford, Rio Osbourne and Nicole Astell-Burt, but car problems left Cian Peers unable to complete the meeting.

Ellison again raced his way to victory in the second contest ahead of Astell-Burt, Staniford and Osbourne. Completing the hat-trick to win the meeting overall, Ellison again raced to victory with Staniford second, Osbourne third and Astell-Burt fourth.

The Jaks Bar and Grill trophies were awarded to: 1, Shane Ellison; 2, Kian Staniford; 3, Rio Osbourne.

The Swift Motors-sponsored production rods were next out on track, with Nick Ford taking the early lead until the waved yellow flags came out to allow for debris to be removed after Jason Cornell’s wheel came off as he crossed the start/finish line on lap three.

Mark Hargreaves quickly made his way to the front of the pack on the restart to claim the honours ahead of newcomer Saul Stapleton and Ford, before Hargreaves again won race two ahead of Ford and Stapleton.

Race three saw Hargreaves claim his third victory and the overall honours ahead of Ford and Stapleton. The Jaks Bar and Grill trophies were awarded to: 1, Mark Hargreaves; 2, Nick Ford; 3, Saul Stapleton.

The damp conditions provided for an entertaining A&J Quality Butchers-sponsored banger meeting.

The first race saw 10 cars start and, after a chaotic opening lap filled with thrills and spills all around the track, five cars completed lap one.

By lap three there were only three cars left to complete the race and it was Ste Collister who claimed victory ahead of Ste Smithies and Tim Sayle.

Race two saw Lee Jordan take control early on to claim his first victory of the season, with Ryan Edmunds taking second ahead of Smithies and Grant Crellin.

Race three was once again won by Jordan ahead of Edmunds, Crellin, Collister and Smithies.

The Jaks Bar and Grill trophies were awarded to: 1, Lee Jordan; 2, Ryan Edmunds; 3, Ste Smithies.

Racing continues this Sunday, July 5 at 2pm, with spectator gates opening at 1pm.

All three formulas will be in action, with the junior production rods competing for the Robin Smith Shield and it’s the start of the Production Rods Gold Cup held over three meetings.

Yvonne Dillon