Tonight we have the honour of revealing the fantastic new replica paint scheme for 2026, of 123 Stephen Hoggarth. For those who have been about since the late 1980s, the colours and style might strike a memory chord. We’ve added a picture of the 1988/89 123 Gerald Hoggarth car for those who maybe can’t remember or weren’t about back then!
2025 went very well for Stephen, recapturing Gold Roof for the third time and taking three Final wins in the process. In the 15 years Stephen has raced Stock Cars there’s not much he hasn’t won, so we thought we’d have a little chat with him and find out what his plans are for 2026.
“My plans for this season is to enjoy the racing side of things without the pressure of going for the Championship. Nothing would make me prouder than wearing the gold roof, whilst also honoring my dads colour scheme, that alone is a great honor.”
I think most will agree the replica colours with the Gold Roof addition looks stunning and we’re sure Gerald will be looking on proudly. Whilst Stephen made a point of saying he won’t be going for the Championship, a driver of his ability and determination doesn’t settle for second on track. When pressed on season targets he mentioned he has a few.
“Target wise, there’s a few trophies I’ve yet to get my name on so it would be an achievement to finally get those that have been evading me, ticked off.”
We expect to see him pick a few of those targets off this season! Looking back to the car, we asked Stephen for a bit more detail on how he replicated the old car.
“I’ve tried to replicate it as much as I possibly can and in as much detail as possible from the same paint codes he had, to the similar signs he used on his. The finishing touch was finding the exact same 1990 Bugs Bunny figurine he had attached to his wing mirror, finding this and adding that on at the very end was quite an emotional touch.”
Stephen also asked me to express his thanks to a few people, vital in getting the car sorted in time for Sunday’s meeting. Firstly a massive thanks to all my sponsors especially Mark at Westgate Services for the use of the workshop. Also a huge thank you to his entire family for all their help along the way, particularly for ferrying parts around. His partner Marissa for being so patient over the past couple of months of him being absent and dealing with his stress and finally his Dad, for bringing me up into a world of sport that not only he loved, but that Stephen also loves, not to mention, having an entire family in which it runs through their veins too!
Well I think it’s safe to say this car will have a lot of fans this year! Sunday will no doubt be emotional and not just with the replica car, but the Final will also be raced for the Gerald Hoggarth Memorial. This is the second inaugural running and last year produced a fantastic Stock Car racing, both Stephen and his brother 23 Dean battling for the lead with eventual winner 757 Martin Chadwick. This year there’s an added incentive of prize money for the top three, coming courtesy of Harris Hoggarth Racing. First across the line will receive £100, second £60 and third £40. It should be a great race!
If you’d like to get a closer look at Stephen’s car, make sure you’re there this Sunday, 5th April, to see it in action.
