John Gay (SS7)

John started autograss racing in 1990 as a banger driver with the then Weymouth Motor Racing Club.

Moving swiftly on to open-wheelers he quickly became a competitive class racing driver - his first home build car being truely competetive from day one. In 1992 he moved clubs to South Somerset Autograss Club as a founder member.

Highly competetive and always with innovative machinery John quickly became recognised as a top driver, those in Class Ten became familiar with John during the 1996 season which culminated in his class victory at the Mens Nationals.

In 2002 John built his first Class 7 and has been a formidable force in this group ever since rarely missing a major final.

Late in 2006 John joined forces with clubmate and long time friend Russ Shepherd to form Xtreme Race Cars.

Widely recognised as the fastest Class Seven on the track in the latter part of 2007 this Mini based, Class Seven Xtreme Car, has proven to be an awesome machine in John's hands. Impressive wins have proven this revolutionary Class Seven design - but as far as big titles are concerned lady luck has not been on John's side for the '07 season.

Married to Jackie, John has two daughters Viccki and Dani and lives in Devon.

Russ Shepherd (SS3)

Competition is in Russ' make up! A BMX champion as a youngster Russ started autograss racing in 1991 also with the then Weymouth Motor Racing Club, his Mk 2 Class Three Escort quickly became a regular winner and regulary gave ex-National Champion Nick Cleal something to think about!

Along with a large group of highly competitive drivers Russ with his class three (hence SS3) moved clubs to South Somerset Autograss Club as a founder member in 1992.

Moving from class three to class seven Russ quickly became a well respected nationally competitive driver with many major title wins to his credit.

In 2001 he joined the swelling ranks of Class Eight and has been a top runner from the start, the first class eight 'Russ Race Car' (now owned by Adrian Turner SS44) hit the scene in 2005 and made an impressive debut.

Now the 'man to beat' in the first fully Xtreme Class Eight, Russ is rarely absent from a major final. He has dominated class at at BAS level this year and with one meeting left he is untouchable as 2007 Class Eight British Champion, he also holds the 2007 Class Eight MAP Open Champion title..

Married to Lisa, Russ has a son Ryan and and daughter Laura and lives in Yeovil.