THE INAUGURAL Digicel-sponsored race meet of the Barbados Auto Racing League (BARL) was a success, despite problems experienced by some of the major players in the event.

While the meet did not live up to its usual high expectations, it was nevertheless a day of competitive, and in some cases, exciting racing from all of the groups.

A broken crown wheel and pinion on his Mazda, prevented Mark Maloney from competing; brother Stuart Maloney's Mitsubishi Evolution had a broken rear axle and CV Joint problems; while Roger Mayers' Ford Focus developed gearbox problems on qualifying day.

In the Rezult Auto Group 1B, it was a tight battle between the improving Rudi Clarke, Hanief Gooding and Danny Croney. But Clarke got the better of the group finishing with two wins to his name.

In Group 2A, it was all Robert Gill who made challengers. Also making clean sweeps in their respective groups were Karl Waterman in a Toyota Starlet in class 2B; Philip Moe in a Toyota Starlet in group 3B; Stuart Williams in a Toyota Starlet in Group 3C; and Doug Maloney in an Audi Quatro in Group 4.

In the final event of the day, the Williams Industries Handicap, fans, eager for a repeat battle between Stuart Williams and Doug Maloney similar to their last outing, instead saw Wendel "Soldier man" Batson steal everyone's thunder by taking the checkered flag. He also staved off challenges from Arron Parris, William Jones and Freddie Mapp.

Maloney and Williams did engage each other in a passing match which saw Williams getting the better of Maloney on this occasion.

Their duel brought the curtain down on the day.