Meerkat Racing - A simples story
Stock Car racing is generally seen as a
working-class man’s hobby and you need
look no further than “Team Meerkat” to find
that this committed family have dedicated
the last five years to developing into a
competitive racing team in the V8 Hotstox
formula.
Generally speaking, it's a family affair with
'Dad' being the main driving force and Team
Meerkat is no exception. Brian Jolly had
built and raced F1-style cars around the
fields in the 60s, giving Guy his initial
interest in stock car racing. Since then,
driver Guy Jolly and dad Brian helped out
BriSCA F1 - Team Harrison at the tracks
and, as we all know, enjoyed huge success.
Guy began his V8 Hotstox career with the
“Radforth” team starting off with a hire-car at
Skegness stadium, he picked up his first
point on the second day. Meerkats are
know for biting bugs and with the thrills and
excitement of the sport, the bug for Hotstox
had been truly bitten the Jolly Guy.
In 2009, Guy decided to renovate an
abandoned Ex-Wainman Senior car.
Undeterred that very little was known about
it, Team Meerkat lovingly restored it into its
former glory seeing it emerge as a
competitive car that served them well over
the next few seasons. Affectionately
referred to as ‘Wonky’, she was very much a
starter car and at the end of 2011, the
decision to lay 'Wonky' to rest was made.
The team invested in a Michael Boswell
chassis as a sound basis for their next
project. With no car ready to race, Guy was
offered an Anna Williams car for the 2011
season.
Originally built by Kevin Stutchbury, this had
proven race-winning abilities providing Team
Meerkat with such a pedigree - it was an
offer they simply couldn't refuse!
It was a promising start for 2012 and midseason, Guy was up to seventh in the
National points, achieving a lifelong ambition
of Star Grade and Red Roof.
However, the second-half of the season
proved not so lucrative and with the few
points he scored, he eventually dropped
down to a Blue Roof.
Well, you can’t keep a good Meerkat down
and the determination and sheer hard work
paid dividends on the shale surface of Stoke
speedway. After holding his own during the
meetings qualifying races Guy and Team
Meerkat took the chequered flag in the GN,
Securing the win and the silverware.
The British championships may have eluded
him, but it’s safe to say Guy Jolly was a Jolly
Guy with his first win and “GN” trophy.
As the end of the season approaches Guy’s
consistency will stand him well as he holds a
strong position in the World Qualifying
series. With one round to go before the Big
One at Birmingham, Guy sits joint 14th in
the points table. That’s good enough for a
row seven start, so watch this space!!
As always “Inside Stockcar World” knows
how many helpers it takes and Guy is no
exception.
First off there’s Dad, the brains behind the
brawn, always there with the help and
support. Then helping back at Meerkat
Manor is Steve with John, who's in his late
70s now and although he wants to take it
easy - he still tinkers about for us.
We can’t forget Jamie and Jaffa for being
there from day one. Jamie's has a talent of
being able to change a gearbox in under
30mins - always useful and Jaffa's love of
the sport shines through with his
conversation, dedication and valued
support. Ollie's outstanding technical
knowledge is appreciated more than he
knows.
Keith, for help over the last few years
through sponsorship and support. Keith is
now out there too, so let’s hope we can
return the support. Never forgetting Mum,
who doesn’t go to the track anymore, but
has given us unbelievable support.
Fortunately, Girlfriend Melissa is very
understanding and supportive. Last but not
least, the Williams family for lending their
car.
I can’t say how grateful I am to the following
sponsors: Supreme Logistics Billingham
Removals and Jolly Brothers Transport.
For more info on the
v8Hotstox visit
www.v8hotstox.com
Guy Jolly
Photo by: Stu Stretton
www.insidestockcarworld.co.uk
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