FORMULA ONE Stock Car driver Frankie Wainman has qualified to race in the 'Thunderdome Live Action Arena' at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

Frankie snr (above), from Silsden who is 55 next month, has been at the top of the sport for over 30 years. He started racing stock cars in 1970 and is now also one of the top constructors of the high powered machines.

The 'Thunderdome' event is part of the Racing Car Show which is the largest motorsport event of its kind in the world. Throughout the four days of the show he will have packed houses on the edge of their seats as he unleashes over 600 brake horse power on a tight indoor track.

"There are over 5,000 people packed into the arena for every race and during the show over 75,000 people will watch the races.

"It's the second time I have qualified for this event, and it's an excellent way to kick off the motor racing calendar," he said.

n Frankie Jnr, who also lives in Silsden, is racing in New Zealand this weekend, taking part in the World 240 series which he won two years ago.