Dave Hockaday (3) is shown ‘backed’ into the tyre wall after being nudged by Colin Laine while leading the senior libre final. Matt Corson (2) was unable to take avoiding action and drove into the side of Hockaday. The move saw Laine black flagged. (Picture by Andrew Le Poidevin, 0611501)

DAVE HOCKADAY is too long in the tooth to get excited about hiccups such as being shoved into the bales when leading a final.

But that was the scenario at the Track yesterday morning when the senior libre class racing was as hot as the July sunshine. Hockaday, 53, his age, not race number, led for 10 of the 20-lap final only to be forced off and lose out on more precious championship points.

But at least the veteran campaigner had not one consolation, but two.  Firstly, it was his son, 21-year-old Ayrton, who benefited from the shunt and secondly, he could use the result as his one discard for the season.

Hockaday snr is ‘loving it’ as his return to the sport he excelled at in his teens approaches the end of a second season. He started the day joint leader in the overall points from finals, just three off the lead in those accumulated from the qualifying heats.