CARS headed in all directions vowing to get the only place that counts – and that was just the fight for parking on the way in.One of the biggest crowds in Foxhall Stadium's recent history gathered on the outskirts of Ipswich to witness a Gala Night of banger racing, sponsored by The Evening Star and organised by Spedeworth International Limited.

CARS headed in all directions vowing to get the only place that counts – and that was just the fight for parking on the way in.

One of the biggest crowds in Foxhall Stadium's recent history gathered on the outskirts of Ipswich to witness a Gala Night of banger racing, sponsored by The Evening Star and organised by Spedeworth International Limited.

Many at last night's event donned woolies and others well prepared with sleeping bags took their places in the stand for an evening of action packed racing.

An estimated 10,000 people passed through the turnstiles for the event that was raising money jointly for the Suffolk Accident Rescue Service (SARS) and this year's Evening Star Christmas appeal.

Proceedings got underway with some up-beat music and dance from the Suffolk Samba Band which led a torchlight procession round the track.

The dark autumn night was beautifully illuminated by the many people marching around the famous old track with flames blazing in the air.

After the opening was complete the main events got underway.

The first race of the night was heat one of the Rookie Bangers – sponsored by the Star.

The deafening sound of revving engines filled the air as the fantastically decorated vehicles got ready for the race.

A huge cloud of smoke and dusk emerged as the cars headed for the first corner. The crowd was clearly enthralled as vehicles raced, skidded and crashed.

Two laps before the chequered flag could be waved the first race was cut short as one banger dramatically flipped upside down. Fortunately the driver emerged unscathed to the cheers of the crowd.

The winner then received his prize from Star brand manager Austen Dack, before heading on a well earned lap of honour.

More drama was to follow in the seven remaining races.

There was also a successful world record attempt by Great Yarmouth daredevil David Sayer as spectacularly drove a Robin Reliant through five exploding caravans.

A stunning £5,000 firework display lit up the night sky and put the icing on the cake to what many believed was a cracking night out and which raised over £2,000 for the two charities.

While some members of the crowd were disappointed at the long queues for car parking others just had kind words for the entertainment on show.

Martin Sherman, 28, who lives in Whitton, said: "I come to this every year – it's a fantastic night and a real bargain. You get all the fireworks and racing at a very good price."

Leon Schacht, 24, travelled all the way from Braintree for the event.

He said: "I haven't been to Ipswich for about ten years so I thought I would give it a look. I'm pretty impressed with the event to be honest."