Rochdale family featured in BBC series

A new BBC series, titled ‘Gears and Tears’ about Formula One Stock Car Racing focuses on two rival families – one from Rochdale.

The six-part documentary series is the story behind a single Stock Car season and follows a remarkably bitter battle between the two dominant clans in the sport. The Wainmans are from Yorkshire and the Smiths from Rochdale.

Frankie Wainman Jnr and Andy Smith are arch-enemies who have much in common.

Their fathers, Frankie ‘Smiler’ Wainman Snr and Stuart ‘The Maestro’ Smith Snr, were the leading drivers in the 70s and 80s. This was the sport’s heyday when Stock Car racing was as much a part of popular culture as Wrestling, Curly Wurlys and the Rubik’s Cube – and the crowds flocked in their tens of thousands.

A BBC synopsis of the show reads: “The glory days may be gone but racing is still a way of life that demands total family commitment.

“Drivers are championed by wives, girlfriends, mothers and grandmas who are even more passionate than their men folk. Women take a leading role in the series where brutal on-track battles mirror the heated rows off-track.

“Crashes and tears at the trackside are the order of the day, as the episodes progress through a season that takes the competition between the two dynasties to fever pitch. It’s neck and neck all the way.

“Deliberate smashes, accusations of cheating and even a real life ‘Romeo and Juliet’ love story all build to the most Shakespearean of series conclusions.

“Over the nine-month season the film makers enjoyed unprecedented access to this world of everyday heroes, who come from all walks of life.”

Users of the Rochdale Online message board are happy with the programme.

A user by the name of Wizzard said: “Positive publicity for the town at last.” 

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