British Rally Cross Championships (Motorsport - Rally)

 

Latest News & Results

 

World Rallycross front-runner Andreas Bakkerud to compete at Croft

World Rallycross front-runner Andreas Bakkerud to compete at Croft

06/10/2015, England, Motorsport - Rally, British Rally Cross Championships, Article # 13618978
 
    
05/10/15
World Rallycross front-runner Bakkerud to compete at Croft
 
Fresh off the back of lifting the runner-up laurels in the World RX of Turkey, FIA World Rallycross Championship star Andreas Bakkerud is Yorkshire-bound to contest the 2015 MSA British Rallycross Championship season finale and blue riband MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix at Croft this weekend (10/11 October).
 
Bakkerud is a two-time winner in the fiercely-disputed FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy, and in joining the fray at Croft, the Norwegian will be following in the wheeltracks of his Ford Olsbergs MSE team-mate Reinis Nitiss, who made a guest appearance in the MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group at Lydden Hill at the end of August.
 
Like Nitiss, Bakkerud will take to the track in the Jelf Insurance-backed RX150 Buggy, and after the Latvian thrilled fans by pushing double champion and current title protagonist Marc Scott all the way at Lydden en route to a stirring second place, he knows there is plenty of intra-team pride at stake.
 
“[RX150 championship co-ordinator] Ollie O’Donovan and I were chatting at World RX in Barcelona recently,” the 23-year-old explained. “I love racing, especially in rallycross and when I looked at my schedule, Croft was a free weekend. I’ve played on the Croft track on ‘Colin McRae Rally’ a lot of times and it looks like fun.
 
“That said, I’ve never done anything like this before. I did one test in something similar in Norway and I drove another buggy on ice in winter for a couple of laps – that’s all – but it’s just like riding a bike. You learn to do it once and you have it forever. It’s the same thing with cars, whether it’s a Supercar or a buggy.
 
“Reinis finished second at Lydden but it was raining, so maybe it was easier then to get onto the leading pace. I just need to see in practice how my pace is, but I’m going into the racing without any big expectations.
 
“The World Championship is such a big focus that it is nice to sometimes race without any pressure, whatever the level, but I know that as soon as I put the helmet on I will want to win. I’m doing two days, so by the second day I should have more experience. I want to say a big thanks to Ollie for giving me this opportunity; I’m really looking forward to a fun weekend.”
 
Whilst Bakkerud is modest about his targets, O’Donovan – who himself remains in contention for the headlining MSA British Supercar crown – does not think it will take the two-time FIA European Rallycross Champion long to find his feet.
 
“It’s great that we can finish the season with another World Championship star in an RX150,” he enthused. “Andreas’ talent is obvious, and it will be interesting to see how he gets on against the regular guys. I think on Sunday, with a bit of experience under his belt, he will be able to challenge for the podium.”
 
Tickets are available at just £13 in advance or £15 on the gate each day, with weekend passes available for only £18. Accompanied children aged 15 and under will be admitted free of charge.

See http://www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/british-rallycross-oct or call 01325 721815 for further details.
 
Live streaming for the event can be found here (Saturday) and here (Sunday)
 
For more information on the BARC, visit www.barc.net
 
Further details about British Rallycross can be found at www.rallycrossbrx.com

Image Captions:
Above: World Rallycross Championship star Andreas Bakkerud will join the British Rallycross fray at Croft this weekend
Below left: The Norwegian is more used to campaigning a Ford Fiesta ST RX Supercar
Below right: Bakkerud's Olsbergs MSE team-mate Reinis Nitiss drove the same Jelf Insurance-backed RX150 Buggy at Lydden Hill last time out 
 
Click the images above and below to download hi-res versions
 
 
O'Donovan reigns in the rain at Lydden Hill

O'Donovan reigns in the rain at Lydden Hill

02/09/2015, England, Motorsport - Rally, British Rally Cross Championships, Article # 12671527
 
     
01/09/15
O'Donovan reigns in the rain at Lydden Hill
 
  • Former champ keeps title hopes alive with hard-fought victory
  • Three-way MSA Supercar scrap headlines action-packed day
  • World Rallycross star Reinis Nitiss wins fans in RX150 buggy
 
Ollie O’Donovan scythed through the spray to triumph in the penultimate round of the 2015 MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group at Lydden Hill, leading home Kevin Procter and Andy Scott in a thrilling finish.
 
In front of a packed Bank Holiday crowd who defied the inclement weather, Procter was on pole position for the MSA Supercar in association with Odyssey Battery final in his Ford Fiesta, joined on the front row of the grid by fellow Fiesta driver Julian Godfrey and the Albatec Racing Peugeot 208 of Andy Scott. O’Donovan was on row two in his Fiesta, with the Citroën DS3 of Lydden Hill owner and former British Champion Pat Doran alongside.
 
Row three was completed by Andy Grant in his Ford Focus, alongside Steve Hill in his Mitsubishi and ‘B’ final winner Mark Flaherty in another Focus.
 
With grip at a premium, O’Donovan made a great start to get the better of Procter on the run down to the first corner, with Doran moving into third place as Scott, Godfrey and Flaherty elected to take the ‘joker’ lap from the outset. Doran, Grant and Hill went for their jokers next time around, elevating Godfrey to third ahead of Scott.
 
Procter was the last of the front-runners to joker and emerged fractionally ahead of O’Donovan, but the Irishman had the momentum and snatched back the lead as the cars headed up the hill towards North Bend, with Scott similarly overhauling Godfrey for third.
 
Procter made a move on the outside down Hairy Hill on the last lap, but despite having picked up a puncture, O’Donovan held his line – and his nerve – to narrowly secure victory. Scott completed the podium to keep the title fight alive, ahead of Godfrey, Doran and Flaherty. Hill finished seventh with Grant eighth.
 
Following what was widely acclaimed as one of the most exciting races of the season, barely a second blanketed the top four at the chequered flag. O’Donovan said: “That was a great race to be involved in, no matter who won. Kevin pushed hard and so did Andy, but it is a nice victory to get.”
 
In the MSA SuperNational class, championship leader Daniel Rooke took the win in his Citroën AX, heading home Gareth Wood in his Ford Ka. Gary Simpson drove well to claim third in his BMW M3, with the day’s conditions making matters tricky for the rear-wheel-drive exponent. Mike Howlin made the long trip from Wales and took fourth, with Steve Cozens bringing his Renault Clio into fifth.
 
In the MSA Juniors, Drew Bellerby did her championship chances no harm at all by triumphing over Bradley Durdin. Thomas Constantine took third with Jennie Hawkes securing fourth.
 
The RX150s witnessed a great duel between FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy front-runner Reinis Nitiss and British title protagonist Marc Scott that went right the way to the flag. Scott got the better start, but Nitiss – who was one of the stars of the day at Lydden – pushed all the way. Championship leader Chrissy Palmer maintained a narrow advantage in the overall standings with third, with Kevin Feeney finishing fourth and Andrew Coley – normally behind the microphone covering World Rallycross – in fifth.
 
Swift Sport saw another captivating battle, with well over 20 cars entered on the day. Local favourite and champion-elect Tristan Ovenden just held off fellow Kent driver and title rival Darren Scott to win, with Aidan Hills taking third following a superb scrap. Dave Ellis was fourth with Nathan Heathcote fifth. MSA General Secretary Simon Blunt thoroughly enjoyed his day at Lydden in a Swift; saying: “It’s the best fun in racing I have had for a long time – so tricky to get right, but immense fun!”
 
The Super1600 category was won by Craig Lomax with Michael Boak second – both driving Citroën C2s – while in the BMW Mini class the spoils went to Keifer Hudson, with brother Kris taking second.
 
Tomasz Marciniak in his Citroën Saxo was the Hot Hatch king, heading home the similar car of John Lyne. Third went to Adam Trzonkowski as he completed a Citroën top three, whilst in Retro Rallycross, Rob Gibson took victory in his MG Metro 6R4.
 
For more information on the BARC, visit www.barc.net
 
Further details about British Rallycross can be found at 
www.rallycrossbrx.com

Image Captions:
Above: Ollie O'Donovan and Kevin Procter tussled tooth-and-nail throughout a thrilling MSA Supercar final
Below top left: Their superb performances kept O'Donovan and Procter in title contention
Below top right: Procter fought hard for his best finish of the 2015 campaign
Below second row: O'Donovan, Procter, Andy Scott and Julian Godfrey were the class of the MSA Supercar field
Below third left: Lydden Hill owner Pat Doran was a crowd-pleader as ever
Below third right: Scott closed back in on the championship lead with another podium finish
Below fourth row: Championship leader Tristan Ovenden powered to Swift Sport glory on home turf
Below bottom left: MSA General Secretary Simon Blunt described his day of competition as 'immense fun'
Below bottom right: World Rallycross star Reinis Nitiss gave it his all in the RX150 Buggy
 
Click the images above and below to download hi-res versions
 
 
O'Donovan reigns in the rain at Lydden Hill

O'Donovan reigns in the rain at Lydden Hill

02/09/2015, England, Motorsport - Rally, British Rally Cross Championships, Article # 12671529
 
     
01/09/15
O'Donovan reigns in the rain at Lydden Hill
 
  • Former champ keeps title hopes alive with hard-fought victory
  • Three-way MSA Supercar scrap headlines action-packed day
  • World Rallycross star Reinis Nitiss wins fans in RX150 buggy
 
Ollie O’Donovan scythed through the spray to triumph in the penultimate round of the 2015 MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group at Lydden Hill, leading home Kevin Procter and Andy Scott in a thrilling finish.
 
In front of a packed Bank Holiday crowd who defied the inclement weather, Procter was on pole position for the MSA Supercar in association with Odyssey Battery final in his Ford Fiesta, joined on the front row of the grid by fellow Fiesta driver Julian Godfrey and the Albatec Racing Peugeot 208 of Andy Scott. O’Donovan was on row two in his Fiesta, with the Citroën DS3 of Lydden Hill owner and former British Champion Pat Doran alongside.
 
Row three was completed by Andy Grant in his Ford Focus, alongside Steve Hill in his Mitsubishi and ‘B’ final winner Mark Flaherty in another Focus.
 
With grip at a premium, O’Donovan made a great start to get the better of Procter on the run down to the first corner, with Doran moving into third place as Scott, Godfrey and Flaherty elected to take the ‘joker’ lap from the outset. Doran, Grant and Hill went for their jokers next time around, elevating Godfrey to third ahead of Scott.
 
Procter was the last of the front-runners to joker and emerged fractionally ahead of O’Donovan, but the Irishman had the momentum and snatched back the lead as the cars headed up the hill towards North Bend, with Scott similarly overhauling Godfrey for third.
 
Procter made a move on the outside down Hairy Hill on the last lap, but despite having picked up a puncture, O’Donovan held his line – and his nerve – to narrowly secure victory. Scott completed the podium to keep the title fight alive, ahead of Godfrey, Doran and Flaherty. Hill finished seventh with Grant eighth.
 
Following what was widely acclaimed as one of the most exciting races of the season, barely a second blanketed the top four at the chequered flag. O’Donovan said: “That was a great race to be involved in, no matter who won. Kevin pushed hard and so did Andy, but it is a nice victory to get.”
 
In the MSA SuperNational class, championship leader Daniel Rooke took the win in his Citroën AX, heading home Gareth Wood in his Ford Ka. Gary Simpson drove well to claim third in his BMW M3, with the day’s conditions making matters tricky for the rear-wheel-drive exponent. Mike Howlin made the long trip from Wales and took fourth, with Steve Cozens bringing his Renault Clio into fifth.
 
In the MSA Juniors, Drew Bellerby did her championship chances no harm at all by triumphing over Bradley Durdin. Thomas Constantine took third with Jennie Hawkes securing fourth.
 
The RX150s witnessed a great duel between FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy front-runner Reinis Nitiss and British title protagonist Marc Scott that went right the way to the flag. Scott got the better start, but Nitiss – who was one of the stars of the day at Lydden – pushed all the way. Championship leader Chrissy Palmer maintained a narrow advantage in the overall standings with third, with Kevin Feeney finishing fourth and Andrew Coley – normally behind the microphone covering World Rallycross – in fifth.
 
Swift Sport saw another captivating battle, with well over 20 cars entered on the day. Local favourite and champion-elect Tristan Ovenden just held off fellow Kent driver and title rival Darren Scott to win, with Aidan Hills taking third following a superb scrap. Dave Ellis was fourth with Nathan Heathcote fifth. MSA General Secretary Simon Blunt thoroughly enjoyed his day at Lydden in a Swift; saying: “It’s the best fun in racing I have had for a long time – so tricky to get right, but immense fun!”
 
The Super1600 category was won by Craig Lomax with Michael Boak second – both driving Citroën C2s – while in the BMW Mini class the spoils went to Keifer Hudson, with brother Kris taking second.
 
Tomasz Marciniak in his Citroën Saxo was the Hot Hatch king, heading home the similar car of John Lyne. Third went to Adam Trzonkowski as he completed a Citroën top three, whilst in Retro Rallycross, Rob Gibson took victory in his MG Metro 6R4.
 
For more information on the BARC, visit www.barc.net
 
Further details about British Rallycross can be found at 
www.rallycrossbrx.com

Image Captions:
Above: Ollie O'Donovan and Kevin Procter tussled tooth-and-nail throughout a thrilling MSA Supercar final
Below top left: Their superb performances kept O'Donovan and Procter in title contention
Below top right: Procter fought hard for his best finish of the 2015 campaign
Below second row: O'Donovan, Procter, Andy Scott and Julian Godfrey were the class of the MSA Supercar field
Below third left: Lydden Hill owner Pat Doran was a crowd-pleader as ever
Below third right: Scott closed back in on the championship lead with another podium finish
Below fourth row: Championship leader Tristan Ovenden powered to Swift Sport glory on home turf
Below bottom left: MSA General Secretary Simon Blunt described his day of competition as 'immense fun'
Below bottom right: World Rallycross star Reinis Nitiss gave it his all in the RX150 Buggy
 
Click the images above and below to download hi-res versions
 
 
British F1 Heroes Rave About Rallycross After Lydden Hill Blast

British F1 Heroes Rave About Rallycross After Lydden Hill Blast

27/08/2015, England, Motorsport - Rally, British Rally Cross Championships, Article # 12525937
   
26/08/15
British F1 Heroes Rave About Rallycross After Lydden Hill Blast
 
  • Jenson Button and David Coulthard get the rallycross bug in Kent
  • I wouldn’t be F1 World Champion without rallycross, says Button 
  • Coulthard left waxing lyrical after ‘adrenaline-fuelled’ experience
  • Day serves as curtain-raiser for British RX’s return this weekend
 
Formula One World Champion Jenson Button took a drive down memory lane at Lydden Hill today, as he and fellow grand prix-winner David Coulthard got to grips with some flame-spitting beasts ahead of the British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group on Bank Holiday Monday (31 August).
 
Button and Coulthard made the trip to Lydden Hill – the sport’s spiritual home – just days before the crowd-pleasing British Rallycross Championship roars into Kent. The duo were filming for a feature to be screened as part of the BBC’s coverage of a forthcoming F1 race, transporting Button back to his childhood days when he used to watch his late father John competing in the discipline.
 
John Button was a leading protagonist in the 1970s and ‘80s, finishing as runner-up in both the British Rallycross Championship and Lydden Hill Rallycross Championship in 1976 in a Volkswagen Beetle.
 
After watching archive footage of his father in action, Jenson took to the wheel of a similar car, normally campaigned by James Harrold in the Retro Rallycross Challenge, which will form part of the British Rallycross bonanza on Monday and awards the John Button Memorial Trophy to its champion.
 
The experience marked the McLaren-Honda star’s rallycross debut, and after learning the Lydden Hill lines, he and Coulthard returned to the track in current day monster machinery.
 
Button climbed into the cockpit of a 500bhp JRM Racing Mini – as driven to the final by Guy Wilks when the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy made its annual trip to Britain back in May – with Coulthard attempting to tame Liam Doran’s 600bhp DS3.
 
“It’s been a very special day,” he reflected. “It brought back a lot of memories. I grew up with rallycross – it was where it all started for me when I was four or five-years-old. I used to watch my dad racing back in the mid-eighties and I loved hearing the car – it was so loud! I wouldn’t be F1 World Champion if it hadn’t been for my dad and the grassroots of rallycross – that was where I caught the motor sport bug.
 
“It was a mega experience today and completely different to what I’m used to. Both cars were great fun to drive – they’re a lot more powerful than when my dad raced, but the same principles apply and you need real skill to master them. On your own, it’s scary enough – imagine going up against five other drivers!
 
“Rallycross is unbelievably competitive now, very professional and a lot of fun. It’s a really exciting discipline and it’s growing again like it was in the eighties on both the British and World scene, which is great to see.”
 
Coulthard at least had some prior experience of driving a rallycross car – having gone head-to-head with reigning world champion Petter Solberg in last year’s Race of Champions in Barbados – but the Scot was nonetheless awestruck and full of praise for a discipline that is enjoying a prolonged period of resurgence on an international scale.
 
“My eyes were out on stalks all the time!” quipped the 13-time grand prix-winner and current BBC F1 commentator. “I thought there was a small murmur of someone screaming for help inside the cockpit and then I realised it was me! I was still shaking when I got out – it’s a hell of a ride! These cars really put a smile on your face.
 
“Rallycross is a very different form of motor sport to what I’m used to and it requires a high level of commitment, because the drivers have to deal with an ever-evolving mix of asphalt and gravel that changes from lap-to-lap which means they need to be extremely reactive. I have tremendous respect for them, because there are just so many variables.
 
“For Jenson, I think this was a little walk down memory lane – it was John Button giving up his own racing career to focus on Jenson’s that allowed him to fulfill his dreams – while for me, it was a fascinating, adrenaline-fuelled day. I’ve always enjoyed trying out different sports to appreciate how skilled their competitors are.
 
“Lydden Hill is a fantastic, family-friendly facility with a lot of history, top-class viewing and an accessible paddock that makes this discipline particularly appealing. It’s a great way to spend a day, and I would thoroughly recommend to anyone who hasn’t been here or has never watched rallycross to come along.”

Throughout the day on Saturday (29 August), British Rallycross cars will be on display in Canterbury High Street. Tickets will be available for Monday's racing priced at just £15, or can alternatively be purchased either online or on the gate. Accompanied children aged 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. See www.lyddenhill.co.uk for further details.

Live streaming for the event can be found here

For more information on the BARC, visit www.barc.net

Further details about British Rallycross can be found at www.rallycrossbrx.com

 
Click the images above and below to download hi-res versions
 
World Championship star to make British Rallycross bow at Lydden Hill

World Championship star to make British Rallycross bow at Lydden Hill

25/08/2015, England, Motorsport - Rally, British Rally Cross Championships, Article # 12478058
 
      
24/08/15
World Championship star to make British Rallycross bow at Lydden Hill
 
  • World Rallycross front-runner Reinis Nitiss joins British RX entry list 
  • Enthralling Bank Holiday Monday action at sport’s spiritual home
  • High-octane thrills, flame-spitting cars and local heroes complete the bill


One of the leading lights from the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy will make his debut in the MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group at Lydden Hill on Bank Holiday Monday (31 August), as Reinis Nitiss revs up for a blast in a buggy.

With the 2015 campaign racing towards a nail-biting conclusion across British Rallycross’ various classes, Nitiss’ appearance will inject further excitement into a sport that is already grabbing headlines on an international scale.

The Latvian – a World RX event-winner – will not be behind the wheel of his usual OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta ST Supercar, but rather will take to the track in an RX Racing RX150 Buggy for the first time. Nitiss has previous experience of competing at Lydden Hill in both World and European RX, and he is palpably pumped-up for the opportunity.

“I’m really looking forward to racing at Lydden Hill, but it won’t be easy because I have never driven a buggy and there will be no time for me to test before the event,” he reflected. “I’m sure the British guys are really fast, but I hope I can get up-to-speed quickly. I’m really pleased to have been invited to race.”
 
Nitiss will find himself pitched against no fewer than ten RX150 rivals as he prepares to go wheel-to-wheel around rallycross’ spiritual birthplace. BARC General Manager Ian Watson reflects that the 19-year-old’s participation is a real coup.
 
“It’s great that Reinis will be joining British Rallycross at Lydden Hill,” he affirmed. “RX Racing has worked hard to make this happen, and a lot of thanks must go to [RX150 championship co-ordinator] Ollie O’Donovan for his help in this too.
 
“To have someone from the World Rallycross Championship compete in British Rallycross shows the progress that we are making in the promotion of the sport, and I am sure that Reinis’ appearance will be a treat for everyone on Monday.”
 
Indeed, there will be action aplenty throughout race day at Lydden Hill, with battles brewing in every class as competitors face off in the seventh round of the 2015 campaign. With fast-and-furious racing guaranteed, the tension will be palpable as the season speeds towards a dramatic climax.
 
Nowhere is it more competitive than in MSA Supercar in association with Odyssey Battery, where five drivers are duking it out for title glory. World Rallycross wildcard Andy Scott triumphed in Kent back in April as he went on an early-season rampage in his Peugeot 208, but the Albatec Racing ace has since been overhauled by defending British Champion Julian Godfrey in his Ford Fiesta off the back of three victories from the last four outings.
 
Just 13 points separate the pair arriving at Lydden Hill, with O’Donovan – fresh from contesting the Norwegian round of World RX in Hell – Andy Grant and Kevin Procter all waiting eagerly in the wings and poised to pounce on even the slightest of slip-ups. There will also undoubtedly be a rapturous reception for former British and European Rallycross Champion Pat Doran in his Citroën DS3.
 
There is a similar bumper entry in MSA Supernational, with Daniel Rooke, Gareth Wood and Allan Tapscott embroiled in a tight tussle at the top of the standings and local heroes Stuart Emery (Faversham) and Vince Bristow (Hastings) eager to crash their party on home turf.
 
Craig Lomax is the man to catch in Super 1600, but the returning Mark Gamble will look to keep the runaway pace-setter firmly on his toes, whilst there is a tremendous entry in the Swift Sport category.
 
Canterbury’s Tristan Ovenden, Darren Scott from Sittingbourne and Deal’s Rob Maynard occupy three of the top four spots in the championship classification – with Jack Brown the sole interloper in the internecine Kent battle in second. MSA General Secretary Simon Blunt – more accustomed to racing a Jaguar XJS in the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club Championship – will also enter the fray as he makes his rallycross debut.

Sittingbourne’s Paul Maybourne is another local star in the BMW Mini / Hot Hatch class, whilst there will be further thrills ‘n’ spills from the MSA Junior Swifts, RX150 Buggies – boosted by the additions of Nitiss and World RX commentator Andrew Coley – and the ever-popular Retro Rallycross, bringing together some of the sport’s most iconic cars in the shape of an MG Metro 6R4, Porsche 911, VW Beetle and Escort BDA amongst other evocative machinery.
 
What’s more, throughout the day on Saturday (29 August), British Rallycross cars will be on display in Canterbury High Street. Tickets will be available for Monday's racing priced at just £15, or can alternatively be purchased either online or on the gate. Accompanied children aged 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. See www.lyddenhill.co.uk for further details.
 
Live streaming for the event can be found here
 
For more information on the BARC, visit www.barc.net

Further details about British Rallycross can be found at www.rallycrossbrx.com


Image Captions:
Above: World Rallycross Championship front-runner Reinis Nitiss will make his British RX debut at Lydden Hill...in a buggy
Below top left: Ollie O'Donovan in his Tony Bardy Motorsport-prepared Ford Fiesta Supercar
Below top right: Andy Scott came out-of-the-blocks flying at the beginning of the campaign but is now playing catch-up in his Peugeot 208

Below second row: Reigning British Champion Julian Godfrey leads the MSA Supercar pack arriving in Kent
Below third left: Nitiss with RX150 championship co-ordinator O'Donovan
Below third right: Lydden Hill owner Pat Doran duels with championship leader Godfrey

Below bottom left: Stuart Emery is the local SuperNational hero in his Peugeot 206
Below bottom right: Canterbury's Tristan Ovenden leads the fast-and-frantic action in Suzuki Swifts
 
Click the images above and below to download hi-res versions
 
Blunt at the rallycross sharp end

Blunt at the rallycross sharp end

22/08/2015, England, Motorsport - Rally, British Rally Cross Championships, Article # 12397926
      
21/08/15

Blunt at the rallycross sharp end

 

The 2015 MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group gets back underway with a return to Lydden Hill on 31 August, and joining the fray as a guest competitor is MSA General Secretary Simon Blunt.
 
Blunt will contest the highly competitive ‘Power Maxed’ Swift Sport Rallycross Championship, a class that has seen some of the most intense on-track duelling the series has had to offer this season.
 
Although the MSA man is a regular circuit racer, Blunt admits he is extremely excited to be making his rallycross debut at the home venue of the sport.
 
Simon Blunt said: “Without doubt I’m really looking forward to it. While rallycross is new to me, I have seen earlier this year at Croft the superb family culture that exists within the sport and the friendliness that emanates from everyone involved.
 
“I have to thank Sarah Watson at Swift Rallycross and Pat Doran at Lydden Hill for the chance to do this and take part, as well as the support so far from the rallycross fraternity. It is going to be a fantastic experience – something completely different for me – and I hope that I do my National A Licence justice.
 
“For the last three years I have competed in the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club XJS Championship in an XJS 3.6 – my Jaguar weighs more than a ton but the Suzuki Swift certainly does not come near that! Then there’s the loose to experience, which will also be new to me, but to be honest it’s not really about the results.

Sarah Watson said: “With Bank Holidays being such a busy time on the motor sport calendar, we are thrilled Simon is able to join us at Lydden Hill. We have new competitors joining our grids at most rounds and this one is no exception, with three new drivers making their Swift debuts.”
 
“For Simon it will be a totally different experience to his circuit racing. With it being so competitive out there, let's see if he can make it into the prize money! Either way, I’m sure he is going to have a fun day’s motor sport.”
 
The penultimate round of the 2015 MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group takes place at Lydden Hill on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August. Tickets are available for £15 while entry for kids 12 and under is FREE. See www.lyddenhill.co.uk for more details.

Image captions:

MSA General Secretary Simon Blunt (below left) will take to the track in a Suzuki Swift (above) to race in the Swift Sport Rallycross Championship at Lydden Hill - far removed from his previous racing experience in the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club XJS Championship (below right).

 
Click the images above and below to download hi-res versions
 
Godfrey extends advantage with Pembrey victory

Godfrey extends advantage with Pembrey victory

21/07/2015, England, Motorsport - Rally, British Rally Cross Championships, Article # 11650504
 
20/07/15

Godfrey extends advantage with Pembrey victory
 

  • Reigning champion maintains mid-season MSA Supercar momentum
  • Wild cards Kristian Sohlberg and Jann Mardenborough put on a show
  • Fans treated to wheel-to-wheel racing on sunny south Wales day

 

Defending title-holder Julian Godfrey extended his narrow advantage in the MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group by triumphing in the sixth round of the 2015 campaign at Pembrey – with spectators treated to non-stop, nail-biting action throughout.

Early morning rain gave way to a day of brilliant sunshine in south Wales, and following the conclusion of the heat races, the tension truly mounted ahead of the all-important finals.

In the MSA Supercar class in association with Odyssey Battery, it was Godfrey on pole position in his Ford Fiesta, courtesy of a hat-trick of good heat times. Alongside him was the Peugeot 208 of Albatec Racing team boss Andy Scott, with Ollie O’Donovan rounding out the front row in his Ford Fiesta. Andy Grant lined up on row two in his Ford Focus, with the Mitsubishi Evo 10 of Steve Hill completing the grid.

From the off, it was Godfrey in command, getting the jump to lead into the first corner. He was pursued by Scott and O’Donovan – both of whom, along with Grant, took their jokers immediately – with Hill in fifth.

By the end of the opening lap, Hill had overhauled Grant for fourth, but up front, Godfrey and Scott were already locked into a battle for victory of their own.

Of the leading duo, it was Scott who took his joker first, managing to rejoin still in second whereupon he set off in pursuit of Godfrey. Although on occasion he closed him down, Godfrey had a big enough margin to be able to joker on the fifth lap and stay in front right the way to the flag.
 
“Today was all about making sure we got a good finish, and that we did,” reflected a delighted Godfrey once the chequered flag had fallen. “It helps our title challenge.”
 
“It was always going to be tough to beat Julian here when he was on pole,” mused Scott, content with the runner-up spoils. “Pembrey is a difficult circuit but I drove well, and the team did a great job running the two cars we had.”
 
O’Donovan dropped back to fourth when he picked up another puncture in his Fiesta – having suffered a similar issue in an earlier heat – allowing Grant into third place, while mechanical issues meant Hill did not finish the race.
 
Engine dramas thwarted Kevin Procter, who was a non-starter for the final, as was Kristian Sohlberg in the second Albatec Peugeot 208. The Finn had impressed spectators with his style and speed, but issues with the car during some of the heats and fumes entering the cockpit spelled an early bath. Steve Mundy in the Ford Focus was another to non-start.
 
In the MSA SuperNational class, Gareth Wood in the Ford Ka cut the deficit to championship leader Daniel Rooke by winning the final ahead of local hero Mike Howlin in his Ford Fiesta. Steve Cozens drove well to take the glorious-sounding Renault Clio into third place.
 
Rooke had been on the front row of the grid for the final, but gearbox woes stymied his progress and restricted him to fifth at the flag, having managed to hold the car in third gear to ensure a finish. Todd Crooks had been on the front row along with Wood and Rooke and finished fourth, while Stuart Emery endured various engine problems throughout the day, and a morning engine failure in her Lotus Exige ended Paige Bellerby’s hopes for any kind of result.
 
The MSA Juniors saw Bradley Durdin head home Drew Bellerby after a closely-fought final, with Sam Jones taking third. Bellerby held onto her championship lead by just four points as the next round at Lydden Hill in August beckons.
 
In the Swift Sports, it was Aidan Hills who took another win, this time heading home championship leader Tristan Ovenden. Hills made a good start from the front row as did Ovenden, and they battled for the lead to the end of the race.
 
Jack Brown pushed Ovenden all the way through the final before settling for third, while Rob Maynard finished fourth with Darren Scott fifth. Although Ovenden holds a 25-point lead, the next four places are blanketed by just 24 points, ensuring that the fight is far from over.
 
Craig Lomax won the Super 1600 class, while in Hot Hatch it was Tomasz Weilgosz that prevailed in his Peugeot 106. He headed home the Citroën Saxo of Tomasz Marciniak, with the similar car of Robert Potyra placing third.
 
In the RX150 Buggies, there was a late entry in the form of Tony Bardy, who joined Nissan star Jann Mardenborough in a great final. Mardenborough impressed all day, and led the final for several laps. However, a series of spins by several of the front-runners allowed championship leader Chrissy Palmer to come through to assume control, which he retained to the flag. Stephen Jones finished second, as Mardenborough recovered to take third.
 
Retro Rallycross also provided some superb heats during the course of the day, and in the final it was the Porsche 911 of Barry Stewart that triumphed from the MG Metro 6R4 of veteran Rob Gibson. Ian Shelley took third overall in his Mini after a great tussle with Stewart Bowes, with Paul Smith winding up fifth. 

For more information on the BARC, visit www.barc.net

Further details about British Rallycross can be found at www.rallycrossbrx.com


Image Captions:
Above: Reigning champion Julian Godfrey maintained his mid-season momentum in the MSA Supercar class at Pembrey
Below top left: Godfrey is in a rich vein of form as he seeks to successfully defend his laurels
Below top right: Early-season pace-setter Andy Scott - here battling with Ollie O'Donovan - was Godfrey's closest challenger in Wales
Below mid-left: Fast-and-frantic action from the Suzuki Swifts as ever
Below mid-right: 
Haverfordwest's Mike Howlin was a popular draw and podium-finisher in MSA SuperNational
Below bottom left: Former World Rally Championship star Kristian Sohlberg put on a spectacular display in the second Albatec Racing Peugeot 208
Below bottom right: Nissan works driver Jann Mardenborough proved his mettle with a standout performance in RX150 Buggies
 
Click the images above and below to download hi-res versions
 
 
Championship title race heats up ahead of summer spectacular at Pembrey

Championship title race heats up ahead of summer spectacular at Pembrey

14/07/2015, England, Motorsport - Rally, British Rally Cross Championships, Article # 11480647
 
    
14/07/15

Championship title race heats up ahead of summer spectacular at Pembrey

 

  • Title battles poised to reach fever pitch in south Wales
  • Former WRC star makes British Rallycross debut at Pembrey
  • Flame-spitting Supercars headline action-packed programme

 

The MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group will travel to south Wales this weekend (19 July), as competitors prepare to race around the fast and challenging Pembrey Circuit for the second time this season.

In an action-packed double-header at Mondello Park in Ireland last time out, the resurgent British Rallycross Championship produced some thrilling battles across every class. There is little doubt that the mantle will be picked up at Pembrey in round six of the championship this weekend.
 
Following the trip across the Irish Sea, reigning champion Julian Godfrey leads the way in the MSA Supercar contest after edging ahead of World Rallycross wildcard Andy Scott, who had a torrid time by his impeccably high standards. Scott will be looking to reclaim supremacy before he leaves Wales and at Pembrey he will add further artillery to the Albatec Racing armoury. Former Mitsubishi works driver and World Rally star Kristian Sohlberg will gain his first taste of British Rallycross as he gets to grips with his Peugeot 208 ahead of European outings later this year.
 
After claiming his first win of the season in his new Ford Fiesta, series sponsor Ollie O’Donovan is back in the title hunt and will be eager to add to his victory tally at the Carmarthenshire venue this weekend. As well as the top three in the championship, other protagonists in the marauding pack of 600bhp monster machines will include Andy Grant (Ford Focus), Kevin Procter (Ford Fiesta), Steve Hill (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10), ‘Mad’ Mark Watson (Citroën Xsara T16) and Steve Mundy (Ford Focus). 

In the bumper MSA SuperNational field, the season-long ding-dong duel between Daniel Rooke (Citroën AX) and Allan Tapscott (Vauxhall Corsa) is set to enter another chapter at Pembrey while Gareth Wood (Ford Ka) and Paige Bellerby (Lotus Exige) sit in third and fourth respectively and continue to rein in the duo in front. One driver who will be looking for the support of the home crowd is Haverfordwest’s Mike Howlin (Ford Fiesta), who will hope to use local knowledge to climb the table from his current seventh place.

Craig Lomax is the runaway leader in the Super 1600 category in his ‘pocket rocket’ Citroën C2, while Tristan Ovenden remains on top in Suzuki Swifts with Darren Scott, Jack Brown and Rob Maynard in hot pursuit.

And if those series are not enough, the British Rallycross Championship round at Pembrey will be topped off with Hot Hatch / BMW Minis, Swift Juniors, single-make RX150 Buggies and the always entertaining Retro Rallycross legends. All will do battle on the gravel and asphalt of the Llanelli venue.

Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies is excited to be welcoming the British Rallycross Championship back to south Wales.

“The British Rallycross Championship has seen a genuine rejuvenation in 2015 and it is a real coup for Pembrey to host this short, sharp and thrilling racing spectacle," he enthused. "This weekend certainly promises to be a real classic.

“Rallycross cars are incredible, especially the 600-horsepower Supercars – they make light work of the gravel and are blisteringly quick on the Tarmac. They are phenomenal. For any petrol head, they have to been seen to be believed!”

Adult admission to the MSA British Rallycross Championship at Pembrey on 19 July is just £12 on the gate, with accompanied children aged 14 and under admitted free of charge.

For further information, see: http://www.pembreycircuit.co.uk/racing/british-rallycross-july
 
Live streaming for the event can be found here
 
For more information on the BARC, visit www.barc.net
 
Further details about British Rallycross can be found at www.rallycrossbrx.com

Image Captions:
Above: Defending champion Julian Godfrey edged past early-season pace-setter Andy Scott to snatch the MSA Supercar championship lead last time out
Below top left: Scott remains a consistent threat, however, as does Kevin Procter, seen pursuing him here
Below top right: Haverfordwest's Mike Howlin (left) is the local star in the MSA SuperNational class, going wheel-to-wheel here with Stuart Emery
Below mid-left: Ollie O'Donovan is firmly in the MSA Supercar title fight, and won the most recent round
Below mid-right: Tristan Ovenden remains the man to beat in Swift Sport
Below bottom left: MSA Supercar star Andy Grant is rarely far from the pace in his Ford Focus
Below bottom right: Super 1600 championship leader Craig Lomax in his immaculately-prepared Citroën C2
 
Click the images above and below to download hi-res versions
 

 
Godfrey and O’Donovan share the spoils at Mondello Park double-header

Godfrey and O’Donovan share the spoils at Mondello Park double-header

30/06/2015, England, Motorsport - Rally, British Rally Cross Championships, Article # 75
     
29/06/15
Godfrey and O’Donovan share the spoils at Mondello Park double-header


Round 4 Report
 
Reigning Supercar Champion Julian Godfrey won the fourth round of the MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group at Mondello Park last weekend (27/28 June). On the first day of the Irish double-header, Godfrey in his Ford Fiesta took a lights-to-flag Supercar final victory – claiming his second win of 2015 in the process.

Kevin Procter chased Godfrey hard over the course of the race but had to settle for second, with Geoffrey Dolan claiming his first British rallycross podium in third. The B final winner Andy Grant finished fourth with local hero Ollie O’Donovan finishing fifth. Supercar Championship leader Andy Scott had a disappointing weekend by his normally high standards. After starting on pole position, the Albatec Racing driver spun in the first corner after contact but managed to recover to finish sixth. Supercar regulars Steve Hill and Mark Flaherty both retired from the final race.

Padrig Leeson won the joint SuperNational / Irish SuperModified A final. Wigan based driver Tony Lynch started from pole position and finished the highest placed British Championship runner in fourth position. Tomasz Wielgosz won the HotHatch / BMW Mini final, crossing the finish line side-by-side with David Bell.

Marc Scott started on pole for the RX150 final but, after a race long battle, it was Chrissy Palmer who came out on top to win. George Tracey Jnr made his rallycross return and took the final step on the podium. RTE television presenter John Kenny raced in the class and got progressively quicker throughout the event. Aiden Hills led the Suzuki Swift final on the opening lap and when all the tactical joker laps had been played it was Hills who crossed the line first, ahead of Jack Brown and Tristan Ovenden. Bradley Durdin won the Junior final with Irish drivers Brian Martyn and Jake Dooley second and third.

In the Retro Rallycross final it was Porsche 911 man Barry Stewart who claimed the spoils.
 
 
Round 5 Report
 
Following Julian Godfrey’s victory in round four of the MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group, Irishman Ollie O’Donovan claimed his first win of the season in round five on Sunday at Mondello Park.
 
O’Donovan won ahead of pole position man Derek Tohill, who competed in last year’s FIA World Rallycross Championship. Julian Godfrey had another strong run to third with Steve Hill having his best event of the year finishing fifth. Kevin Procter and Andy Scott both took their joker lap on lap one, Scott spinning out after contact and Procter recovered to finish fourth.
 
In the joint SuperNational/SuperModified category, Willie Coyne won with Don Shannon producing a storming drive to second with Pat Ryan in third. Paige Bellerby was the top British Championship runner in round five; she finished fourth and collected maximum championship points. 
 
Super1600 driver Craig Lomax experienced numerous driveshaft problems throughout the two-day event but was able to qualify for the final in round five to take championship points home across the Irish Sea. Tomasz Weilgosz had won the joint BMW Mini / HotHatch class in round four after a close final with David Bell and in round five, Bell was last at the first corner but this time fought back to win.
 
Chrissy Palmer took his second RX150 victory of the season in round four after another close battle with double-champion Marc Scott, the positions though were reversed in round five, Scott taking the upper hand and victory. George Tracey Jnr finished third. Current MSA British Rally Champion Daniel McKenna was fast and spectacular on his rallycross debut and thoroughly enjoyed his rallycross foray. 
 
In the Swift Sport category, Aiden Hills won in round four ahead of Jack Brown and championship leader Tristan Ovenden. Hills retired from an early heat race in round five with broken front suspension but made it into the A final and finished second – the positions had reversed from round four as Brown took his first Swift victory.
 
In the MSA Junior Swift category, Drew Bellerby claimed victory in round five after championship rival Bradley Durdin had won in round four. Together with Junior Swift drivers Sam Jones and Jennie Hawkes, Irish competitors Brian Martyn and Jake Dooley, the Junior category provided close racing throughout the weekend’s events.
 
The Retro Rallycross Challenge took a flavour of the past across the Irish Sea and it was Barry Stewart who again dominated in his Porsche 911. Retro regulars Ray Morgan and Lance Foster battled with David Aitkin all weekend, the Irishman driving an ex Tony Bardy / Norman Beggs Vauxhall Astra.


 
 
Click the images above and below to download hi-res versions
 
 
loading