Procter claims victory in MSA British Rallycross Championship opener at Croft Circuit

Kevin Procter (Northallerton) won the opening round of the MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with Odyssey Battery at Croft Circuit (March 6). The Ford Fiesta driver came out on top of a race long battle with Supercar debutant Dan Rooke (Holsworthy), who won the MSA Supernational Rallycross Championship in 2015. Procter qualified second at the Intermediate Classification and won the second semi-final to line up on the front row of the grid between pole sitter Julian Godfrey (Heathfield) and Rooke. Procter took the lead on lap one, before Rooke passed the former European Championship event winner at Croft’s loose-surface hairpin at the end of the first tour. Procter regained the lead in the same place on lap two and held off the attentions of Rooke’s Citroen DS3 until the finish line.

“Today’s gone really well, the car’s performed faultlessly even if the driver was a bit rusty,” said Procter. “Young Dan went really well, we had a great race. The final was spot-on. This is a great start to my rallycross season.”

Rooke was delighted with second on his Supercar debut. “Wow, this is absolutely incredible. We really weren’t expecting this at all, but to be on the podium is just fantastic,” said Rooke. “Driving a Supercar is such an amazing experience, I want to get back in the car right now.”

Former British Rallycross Champion Ollie O’Donovan (Iver) finished third, ahead of Dave Bellerby (Northallerton), who made his inaugural start in an ex-Dermot Carnegie Ford Fiesta. Steve Harris (Hillbridge) finished fifth in a second LD Motorsports Citroen DS3, while another British Rallycross Supercar debutant, Jack Thorne (Tiverton), finished sixth in a Ford Fiesta. Reigning British Champion Julian Godfrey suffered from mechanical problems at the start of the final, he spun into the gravel at the first corner but recovered to finish seventh, ahead of Simon Horton (Clithero).

Former MSA British Touring Car Championship driver Dave Newsham (Inverness) qualified for the final on his debut Supercar appearance with the Power Maxed Racing team, but was unable to start the final due to a misfiring engine. James Grint also made it through the final before Albatec Racing had to withdraw its Peugeot 208 with technical problems. 

Bellerby opens 2016 Supernational account with victory

Lotus Exige driver Paige Bellerby (Northallerton) won the final of the MSA Supernational Rallycross Championship at Croft, by winning the second semi-final to qualify for the front row of the final, alongside semi-final one winner, Allan Tapscott (Umerleigh). Bellerby made the best start and led the final from lights to flag, ahead of Gary Dixon (Lincoln) and Guy Corner (Northallerton). Tapscott retired on the first lap with a broken driveshaft.

“Track conditions were tough today, but we got through it. I won the semi-final and the final, so it couldn’t be better,” said Bellerby. “There was a bit of pressure in the final but there was no contact, only pressure. I can deal with that. This is a great way to start the year, I hope it continues like this.”

The Supernational category was amalgamated with the BMW Mini Rallycross Championship, Hot Hatch Rallycross Championship and Super1600 Rallycross Championship for the opening round. Kris Hudson (Harrogate) finished fourth in the final and claimed the BMW Mini honours, ahead of Robert Potyra (Hounslow), who claimed the Hot Hatch victory. Craig Lomax (Knottingley) finished top of the Super1600 runners and scored maximum points.

Constantine fights back for home victory

The first round of the MSA Junior Rallycross Championship was won by Tom Constantine (Richmond), who fought back after suffering a broken gearbox and steering in two of the three Qualifiers. Sam Jones (Bexley) dominated qualifying to start on pole position for the final, from where he led until the end of lap five, when Constantine took the lead to score victory at his home event. Matt Rainbow (Stafford) finished on the podium after a race-long battle with Tom Middleton (Maldon). Cameron Hawkes (Stockton-on-Tees) finished fifth on his rallycross debut.

“We had a tough day, the mechanics really made it for me today. I wouldn’t have made the final if it wasn’t for them,” said Constantine. “I started on the back of the final but pushed hard and just got Sam round the outside. This will be a competitive season, there will be some good action I think.”

Hills claims Swift Sport Championship lead at Croft

Aiden Hills (Worthing) won the first final of the year in the Swift Sport Rallycross Championship. Hills led the race throughout having won the battle to the first corner. Jake Taylor (Retford) ran second in the opening laps but dropped to fourth by the finish. Jack Brown (Barnsley) finished second with Nathan Heathcote (Ashford) third. Reigning RX150 Rallycross Champion Chrissy Palmer (Chichester) dominated the buggy category in qualifying, and the final. Stephen Jones (Havant) finished second Jake Harris (Canewdon) completed the podium. In the Retro Rallycross Championship, Ray Morgan (Hastings) stormed to first round victory in his Ford Escort ahead of Middlesbrough pairing Terry and Neil Maynard.

Full event results can be found here.

Highlights of MSA British Rallycross Championship events will be broadcast on BT Sport. Round one is provisionally scheduled for Saturday March 12, check listings guides for details.

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