David Binks to drive Best Buy Ford Fiesta Mk7

[USRallycross]

In the biggest step of his career to date, Binks will drive an OMSE prepared Ford Fiesta Mk7 in all the remaining rounds of the British Rallycross Championship starting on August 29th at Lydden Hill where he will be joined by ‘team-mate’ Marcus Gronholm, the two time World Champion.

‘This is a fantastic opportunity” said Binks “I tested the car in Sweden recently and it is a step up in every area of performance – the brakes, the suspension, the torque – it is all absolutely incredible. After the test I knew I wanted to be in a Mk7 and began working toward 2012”

But everything changed when David attended X Games as a guest of Best Buy. “X Games was incredible” said Binks, “and it was there that Mark Williams (Best Buy) and Andreas Eriksson (OMSE) told me that they were going to put me in the Best Buy Ford Fiesta Mk7 for the rest of the season. To be honest I am not sure this is isn’t still a dream – but if it is I sure don’t want to wake up!”

Binks will drive the Ford Fiesta that Eriksson rolled in the ERC round in Sweden. Totally rebuilt and with all the latest upgrades this will be the most developed of the OMSE fleet. Eriksson himself will engineer and ‘spot’ for Binks on a track that OMSE know well but have never had great success. “Yes, Lydden has been tough for us in the past” said Eriksson, “but we have learnt a lot this year and having both David and Marcus will help the team”

There are others firsts too for the Lydden event. Firstly, will be the return of Haynes of Maidstone. A name synonymous with rally cross through their sponsorship of John Taylor and Trevor Hopkins, Haynes has been out of the sport for over 15 years and will return as secondary partner on the Best Buy Ford Fiesta. Secondly of course, two-time World Champion Marcus Gronholm will make his debut in British Rallycross.

“To be given the opportunity to work with OMSE for the remainder of the season is tremendous and I know I have to learn everything I can from their experience. It is also great for the British Championship to have a team like OMSE competing regularly in the series. Now I just have to deliver!”

[tbtstt]

In all the remained rounds of the year? Blimey, thats a good result for Binks, I thought it was just a one off for Lydden.

He's got no excuse not to win then!

[USRallycross]

Once he had driven the Mk7 there was no turning him back! So yes, the deal is for the rest of the season and that's why we are hoping that Mallory and Croft happen!

Of course we have no set-up's for those tracks so David will be at a disadvantage. Andy is without doubt the man to beat right now and not like Pat or Julian are going to move aside!

Mark

[MiniMadness]

Originally Posted by USRallycross

There are others firsts too for the Lydden event. Firstly, will be the return of Haynes of Maidstone. A name synonymous with rally cross through their sponsorship of John Taylor and Trevor Hopkins, Haynes has been out of the sport for over 15 years and will return as secondary partner on the Best Buy Ford Fiesta. Secondly of course, two-time World Champion Marcus Gronholm will make his debut in British Rallycross.

Any chance the Escort Mk2 and RS200 will be there as well.

[USRallycross]

The Mk2 will be there - not the pure rallycross car but the one that John used in the 1979 RAC Rally. The RS200 sadly will not be there as it is not owned by Haynes or the Hopkins family anymore.

There is an autograph signing session with both drivers and cars at Haynes of Maidstone on Sunday from 1-3pm with the chance to win free tickets for Monday.

Great chance to meet Marcus and David in a less stressful environment, get pictures, etc.

See you there!


Mark

[MiniMadness]

Originally Posted by USRallycross

The Mk2 will be there - not the pure rallycross car but the one that John used in the 1979 RAC Rally. The RS200 sadly will not be there as it is not owned by Haynes or the Hopkins family anymore.

There is an autograph signing session with both drivers and cars at Haynes of Maidstone on Sunday from 1-3pm with the chance to win free tickets for Monday.

Great chance to meet Marcus and David in a less stressful environment, get pictures, etc.

See you there!


Mark

I knew the Mk2 was still around. Shame about the RS200.

[Minicross424]

Originally Posted by MiniMadness

Any chance the Escort Mk2 and RS200 will be there as well.

Scott I have a pic of the mk2 escort for you from the county show

[rx-guru]

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/...type=1&theater

This one?

[rs 200]

yes that one ,its been out of sight for years now ,but this year back in showroom ,for haynes 200 years and 100 years of ford ,

[Lyddan1]

Originally Posted by USRallycross

Once he had driven the Mk7 there was no turning him back! So yes, the deal is for the rest of the season and that's why we are hoping that Mallory and Croft happen!

Of course we have no set-up's for those tracks so David will be at a disadvantage. Andy is without doubt the man to beat right now and not like Pat or Julian are going to move aside!

Mark

If Binks is having the OMSE Fiesta for the rest of the season then what is Eriksson going to drive in ERC?
Or have i missed something and eriksson is not finishing the season?
Great news for BRC though, cant wait for Lydden

[rx-guru]

Eriksson is concentrating on being the OMSE boss.

[rs 200]

Originally Posted by USRallycross

The Mk2 will be there - not the pure rallycross car but the one that John used in the 1979 RAC Rally. The RS200 sadly will not be there as it is not owned by Haynes or the Hopkins family anymore.

There is an autograph signing session with both drivers and cars at Haynes of Maidstone on Sunday from 1-3pm with the chance to win free tickets for Monday.

Great chance to meet Marcus and David in a less stressful environment, get pictures, etc.

See you there!


Mark

who owns the rs 200 now ,the last i heard Trevor's daughter was going to try and use it that must have been 5+ years ago if not more

[Minicross424]

Originally Posted by USRallycross

The RS200 sadly will not be there as it is not owned by Haynes or the Hopkins family anymore.

Mark

Are you 100% sure about that?
I spoke to some one today who knows the family and as far as he is aware its still in the barn.

[USRallycross]

No I cannot say I am 100% sure as I don't know the Hopkins family personally and haven't spoken to them. I had heard that it had sold recently and was going overseas.

Hopefully it is still around and you can bring it down!

Mark

[rs 200]

as we are on cars for lydden ,did no one get hold of mr endean to bring along his sachs g3 ,and just to finish put mr rallyx back in it for the day

[mivec]

- Now that's a car we want to see. He is Hill Climbing with it, correct?

- Good for David Binks, he must be in front now with this car.

- The problem is, getting to Lydden Hill for us, the unions at Eurotunnel want to strike, that's a major problem, as i don't want to get sick at a boat.

[rx-guru]

Mike Endean did Hillclimbs for many a year with the Schanche Mk3, but replaced it later with an 800+bhp Ford Puma. AFAIK the original Xtrac is only seen as exhibit these days.

[MiniMadness]

Tris ,

Can you get a few more photos of the Escort. Maybe front/rear views as well, I'll really appreciate it. I used to live in Maidstone as a kid and I remember the car being in the showroom years ago.

[Minicross424]

Originally Posted by MiniMadness

Tris ,

Can you get a few more photos of the Escort. Maybe front/rear views as well, I'll really appreciate it. I used to live in Maidstone as a kid and I remember the car being in the showroom years ago.

Will try mate.

If I get chance i'm going to go to Haynes on Sunday for a look and perhaps a chat with Mr Gronholm!

[Minicross424]

Popped along to Haynes today and had a great chat with David.
The car looks great and looking forward to seeing it in anger on Monday.
Saw Marcus too.

[Rallycrossfreak]

First heat Supercars:

1. Liam Doran
2. David Binks
3. Kevin Procter
(Marcus Gronholm Engine trouble)

source thanks to ERC24.com