New look British RX event format for 2016
The MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with Odyssey Battery will feature a revised event format in 2016.
In a change from the traditional structure, the 2016 format will be more akin to that of the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Every competitor will compete in three heats with the top sixteen at the end of the heat stages, now called the Intermediate Classification, divided into two eight-car semi-finals. The top four from each semi-final will qualify for the eight-car final.
The existing championship points structure will remain, with points being awarded at the end of events. All three heat times will count towards the Intermediate Classification. Two bonus points will be scored by the driver in each category who sets the fastest time in the qualifying heats. Bonus points previously awarded for entering on time and for Supercar timed practice have been scrapped.
The MSA British Rallycross Championship will continue to be run by BARC and LHMC. Tim Whittington has been appointed as Championship Manager for 2016 and will be the first point of contact for competitors. “The FIA World Rallycross Championship has lifted the profile of rallycross in general, the MSA British Championship needs to capitalise on that now.” said Whittington. “There is a group of knowledgeable volunteers in the championship, it’s important to harness their enthusiasm together with the passion of competitors to improve the way in which events are presented and develop the championship.
Changes in format will make best use of track time and offer drivers and fans more track action. Fundamentally it has all the components of a very good championship, it's just a question of putting it together properly.”
To meet health and safety requirements refuelling in the MSA British Rallycross Championship will now be provided exclusively by Carless Fuel (Vital Equipment) from a single point in the paddock.
You can find the 2016 MSA British Rallycross Championship calendar in the events section of the website.
The awards ceremony to crown the 2015 championship takes place in Coventry this Saturday.