CHRIS Ward moved another step closer to the Formula Vauxhall class B title with another win at the new Croft circuit, writes NEIL JOHNSON.

But the Newmans Footwear of Blackburn driver was forced to fight all the way to the chequered flag in another incident-packed race.

Despite only qualifying second to Justin Sherwood, Ward made a brilliant start in the wet, passing his arch rival by the first corner.From then on, it was a battle against the elements as he struggled with an oily visor which wouldn't clear.

Unable to overtake because of poor visibility, Ward was forced to follow the red lights of the cars in front for six laps, until lap seven, when he was hit from behind and spun off the track.

Despite ending up in the mud, Ward managed to keep the RemGuard of Pendlebury car going without losing a place.

A fastest lap late in the race kept the Sherwood challenge at bay, leaving him in pole position for the title.

"It was the first time I had raced at Croft and I really enjoyed the new circuit," said a delighted Ward after the race.

"I was really annoyed about the my visor as I was as fast as some of the class A cars!."

Previous sport story

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.