The dust may have settled at Lydden Hill but the outstanding and record breaking World RX of Great Britain will live long in the memory.

After the huge success of the new FIA World Rallycross Championship’s first ever visit to the sport’s spiritual home in Kent 12 months ago, last weekend’s return fixture (23-24 May) was an even bigger triumph.

Now roaring into its second season, the spectacular World RX served up a feast of fiercely-fought heats and semi-finals before fans’ favourite Petter Solberg won a nail-biting final. For rallycross’ first ever official World Champion to win at hallowed Lydden was a fitting end to a sensational weekend.

Solberg’s stirring victory brought the curtain down on an amazing two-days of high-octane entertainment that drew nearly 15,000 visitors to what’s known as the ‘friendly circuit’ – a figure significantly up on last year’s record attendance.

“It wasn’t just the size of the crowd that wowed us but the incredible atmosphere they created – it was real theatre,” enthused venue owner Pat Doran. “It made me so proud not only to see so many people having such a fantastic time at Lydden, but also to see just how my sport of rallycross has exploded in the last couple of years since the arrival of a proper World Championship.

“I talked to lots and lots of people who’d never been before, and they were just blown away but what they experienced. This sport is so exciting and now the calibre of drivers is just incredible. We had a World Rally Champion, national rally champions, national and international touring car champions, global rallycross champions… five years ago you could never have dreamt of that.”

Even though Doran’s son Liam – nicknamed the ‘British Bomb’ – failed to make it through the heats, there was plenty for the home fans to cheer. BTCC touring car ace Andrew Jordan raised the roof with a dazzling heat win on Sunday before being eliminated in the second semi-final. Rallycross rookie Guy Wilks, though, was the weekend’s major surprise package, overcoming the odds to edge the plucky new MINI RX into the top six grand finale.

While the Motorsport News World RX of Great Britain was the main attraction, the record crowd was treated to a full-weekend festival of spectacular entertainment. Rallycross legend Will Gollop was reunited with his iconic MG Metro 6R4, which has recently been restored to its famous Silkolene livery. He received a tremendous reception when driven round the circuit for two unforgettable laps of honour by David 'Dai' Llewellin, the former British Rally Champion.

Another rousing highlight was the appearance of a Spitfire in the skies over Kent, almost exactly 75 years after the celebrated fighter performed such a decisive role in the Battle of Britain.

“It was a memorable weekend for so many great reasons,” confirmed Martin Anayi, Managing Director of World RX. “Of course it was very special for Petter, our maiden World Champion, to win at Lydden, that though was just the crowning moment of what was a truly terrific event. This year’s crowd was noticeably up on last year and their knowledge and enthusiasm for this sport is truly inspirational. With both Andrew and Guy doing so well, they had lots to cheer, too. Roll on 2016!”

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