British rallycross grandprix

[brett81]

only 15 weeks till the northeast premiere rallycross event, was wondering if any news on European interest for the event and how it will be made better than the last two years that have been very good events!

[Barrie]

Waste of time and money

[chunder]

Lol Barrie you sound like me!

[flagwaver]

Barrie, why do you think it's a waste of time and money?

[Barrie]

Originally Posted by flagwaver

Barrie, why do you think it's a waste of time and money?

Just a non event for me. I was fortunate to witness all the Rallycross GP's in the 80's early 90's, for me nothing will ever come close to those glorious events.

The GP should have been put all hold till rallycross is in a position to support such events again.

The basic ingredients are, drivers from all over Europe, plus an American or two. Big grids, eight if at Lydden. Same format as the old GP's, run over two days, practice, three heats, C, B and Grand Prix final with 10 cars. Maybe one day.

[rx-guru]

Second that, Barrie!
A pitty that the tag can still be used.
20,000+ spectators for each GP and the Crème de la Crème of Rallycross competing.
Brands Hatch in the winter cold was same league as Höljes and Lohéac ERC rounds in the summer heat.

[chunder]

It truly was

Perhaps my most enjoyable event ever, the sheer excitement of walking through the pits and not knowing who was going to be there, then you would see a North State van, a Sachs, Viking Dekk van, and everyone else and you would be so up for it

Such a shame UK rallycross is now in such a bad way.

Wouldn't be hard to get a similar event, the teams are up for it, but they need something to go for, and some travel money, otherwise they seem disinterested unless they want to sell their car

[schanche]

Will never happen again! End of!
If you want to get any kind of one off event with entries then stick an X in front of it in a Mickey Mouse car park. No one is interested in selling cars at the end of season like it used to be,with websites eBay social media why do they need to bother.
Sadly the GP days have long gone, yep I am one of those who regularly recall those days but alas one has realised cant keep living in the past "Dinosaur or Fossil" springs to mind..
Not just me but others have seen the light and get there kick elsewhere

[chunder]

Indeed, there re still some unlimited power things in the world, but not so often in the UK!

We were very lucky it seems

[Thundersports]

Originally Posted by schanche

Will never happen again! End of!
If you want to get any kind of one off event with entries then stick an X in front of it in a Mickey Mouse car park. No one is interested in selling cars at the end of season like it used to be,with websites eBay social media why do they need to bother.
Sadly the GP days have long gone, yep I am one of those who regularly recall those days but alas one has realised cant keep living in the past "Dinosaur or Fossil" springs to mind..
Not just me but others have seen the light and get there kick elsewhere

Agree with you and Chunder like alot of things sadly they have moved on and not for the better. I guess like you I was lucky enough to have been there at the time.

[ebby]

Is it worth going to Croft, I live near Lydden. What's the viewing like at Croft? Any Europeans venturing over?

[USRallycross]

I think its worth going especially if you remember back when Lydden had the competitive winter series. Dress warm because the wind cuts you in half but you can get good viewing of the track but you typically have to stand outside.

This is shaping up to a be a good old style rallycross event with everyone thrown together regardless of class, open paddocks, no-one hiding in awnings, etc.

So if you enjoy rallycross it is worth the drive.

Mark

[chasing cars]

Originally Posted by ebby

Is it worth going to Croft, I live near Lydden. What's the viewing like at Croft? Any Europeans venturing over?

Viewing is good at Croft, the whole circuit can be viewed from numerous places and not too much debris fencing, also the viewing bank at the first turn is steep which mean amateur photographers are not impeded by the fence. Its a week earlier than last year but I would still expect it to be pretty chilly especially for us southern softies!

Havnt heard any word on the entry but at least they are trying to promote it more this year. Previous years havnt had had great entries by any means but its always been a good weekend and theres plenty of other things to do and see up that way if you want to make a few days of it.

For more information check the website:http://www.rallycrossgp.com/

[Stephen H]

After "the crush of Loheac", Croft should be a breath of fresh air!

The biggest "plus" is no joker lap, so even if you only have two cars, you can get race long battles...so thats a big plus!!

And there is rarely a "dust" problem!

It's different than the old days, but that's not to say it isn't worth while, and if wet those with less power have a good chance of mixing it.

[leonidas]

Oddly there is no mention of retro rallycross running in the regs?

I may turn out as rallycross at Croft is always worthwhile but I agree that they should drop the GP title until it really is a GP again. Frankly the early Croft Superprix were better than the current offering. At least you had Hansen and a decent number of Scandinavian Supernationals. There also used to be a good turnout of minis which the family always enjoyed (whatever happened to those guys?). Watching dreary Swifts and offroad buggys isn't quite the same.

And please, please - NO drifting!

[retrorallycross]

Retro Rallycross will be running at the British Rallycross Grand Prix just as we did last year. Hopefully both days, but we will confirm that in a few days.

[TimRTC]

Last year was my first Rallycross GP, so I don't know how it was before, but I really enjoyed last year and look forward to being there again this year.

Yes Croft is cold as **** in the wind, it is very flat up there and not far from the coast, even had a sprinkle of snow at last year's event. Viewing is superb, the whole track can be seen from everywhere and you can stand right up to the catch fencing, or see over it from the banking for photography.

[tbtstt]

Just had this drop into my E-mail Inbox and I thought it might be an interesting read for anyone who hasn't seen it yet...

Originally Posted by British RX GP E-mail

Tuesday 24 September 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix in association with Star Radio

Croft Circuit – Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October 2013

Grand Prix Goes Back to Roots as Star Line-up Takes Shape

The MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix returns to Croft Circuit on the weekend of 19/20 October and is being billed as one of the most prestigious Rallycross events of 2013. Saturday will see the Monster Energy MSA British Rallycross Championship wrapped up and Sunday will be the Grand Prix event which for the first time since 2004 will be returning to its ‘original’ format.

Running as a dual permit MSA sanctioned event will enable the amalgamation of traditionally separated classes in what will become a 2WD and 4WD shootout ensuring full grids of intense Rallycross throughout the event. For the first time in nearly ten years the class structures will be mixed and will allow for the eventual overall winners to get their hands on the title and added to the hall of fame alongside three decades of European Rallycross legends such as Will Gollop, Martin Schanche, Kenneth Hansen and Pat Doran.

Last years GP winner, Julian Godfrey leading the pack at the hairpin

The Grand Prix event will also run support categories including Junior Rallycross, RX150 and the recently formed but highly popular ‘Retro’ Rallycross challenge and will serve as the final round of the year for the latter which is guaranteed to give Goosebumps to any die-hard Group B or Historic motorsport fans in the form of Rob Gibson’s Metro 6R4, Grzegorz Kallinecki’s Lancia Delta, Ray Morgan and his BDA Mk3 Escort and a whole host of serious but exotic classic machinery and renowned drivers delivering racing that modern day Rallycross cannot replicate.

Johny Bean, Event Promoter:

It’s great that we are back at Croft with this event for the 3rd year on the bounce, and this year we are pulling out all stops to put on a show that we hope people will talk about for years to come. We started planning the return to the ‘old’ format at the debrief following last year’s event, we think it’s what the spectators and drivers are up for and will deliver the most spectacular racing. We are still welcoming trade and sponsor enquiries to attend the event and anyone wishing to get involved can contact us via RallycrossGP.com or @RallycrossGP on Twitter.
Interest has been expressed higher than usual from international competitors who are keen to fight for the prestigious title and while other entries are being administered, confirmation comes from European ‘RallycrossRX’ permanent driver Andy Scott (Dumfries) who will be entering “at least one” of his Albatec Peugeot 208 SuperCars and will be a lead contender for the British charge.
Also confirmed is 2012 European Touring Car Champion and RallycrossRX permanent driver, Sweden's Anton Marklund who will be using his Marklund Motorsport VW Polo SuperCar. Anton has had a busy year of Rallycross competition which has seen him contest in the X-Games and a full European campaign after upgrading to the top category whereby he finished the series an impressive 7th place overall.

Anton Marklund in his VW Polo SuperCar at last weekends final RallycrossRX round in Germany - ©RallycrossWorld.com

Another RallycrossRX European regular with his sights set on the top prize comes from Jos Jansen (Belgium) who will once again be returning to Croft with his MK3 Ford Focus SuperCar.
Meanwhile a welcome return to last year’s outright winner, engine guru Julian Godfrey (Heathfield) will be throwing down the gauntlet once more with his fully sorted Fiesta SuperCar and will be joined by British regulars such as Pat Doran (Winkleigh – CitroënDS3) ‘Mad’ Mark Watson (Barnard Castle – Citroën Xsara) and Euro Challenge regular Kevin Procter (Northallerton – Ford Focus), who are all more than capable of leading the field to the ultimate title battle.

Star Radio North East have once again teamed up with the promoters and come on board as associate title sponsor who will be offering various promotions and competitions leading up to the event, Star will be present at the event and working alongside recently confirmed commentator David Addison to provide live interviews from the paddock. Other local event sponsors joining the force confirmed so far are Vasstech, Oak Tree Garage, Allerton Court, Coach2.com and RGPS.

Soap it up!

Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge contender and Emmerdale soap star Kelvin Fletcher, who plays Andy Sugden in the popular program, has confirmed his seat in the 2WD category in a British Rallycross Spec ‘d BMW Mini. Fellow petrol head Soap star Tony Hirst who plays Fireman Paul Kershaw in Coronation Street will be trying out his luck in the Retro Rallycross Challenge.
Kelvin Fletcher: "I've heard all the hype recently about Rallycross but hadn't actually seen any before I received an invitation to race at Croft. I've since watched it on the TV and it looks like the perfect combination of Rally and Racing! Can't wait to get in the car and give it everything I have, you never know I might enjoy it too much and be chasing (Petter) Solberg next year!"

Kelvin Fletcher (left) and Tony Hirst (right) will be sampling Rallycross for the first time

Family Fun Weekend

As the non-stop Rallycross action takes care of the serious on track shenanigans the weekend will also be blessed with plenty of off track fun to keep the whole family buzzing with excitement. Corporate Funfairs will be present with large funfair utilising a cost effective wristband system to allow the younger fans time to enjoy some fantastic attractions.

For the serious car enthusiasts there will be an array of car owners clubs displaying their pride and joy along with various genres of 2-wheeled and 4-wheeled motorsport static displays including Yorkshire Dales Autograss, Drift cars and Speedway motorbikes. Any owners or motorsport clubs interested a display can contact the promoters to register interest.

Paul Swift Stunts will be returning to the event with his amazing stunt display which will keep the crowds entertained during the lunch interval. Paul is a world record holder and one of the UK’s most experienced stunt drivers, his portfolio covers some of the most diverse names in television and alongside a string of TV Commercials he has provided service for Ford UK, BBC Top Gear and ITV’s ‘Britains Got Talent’.

Saturday evening will once again have a live band (Echo Town), disco, subsidised bar and hog roast for teams, clubs and exhibitors to celebrate closing the 2013 Rallycross season.

ENDS

Event Details:

Round 8 of the Monster Energy MSA British Rallycross Championship and the MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix in Association with Star Radio.
19/20 October 2013
Croft Circuit
West Lane
Dalton On Tees
North Yorkshire
DL2 2PL

Web: www.RallycrossGP.com
Twitter: @RallycrossGP
Facebook: /RallycrossGP
Advance tickets: £10 Saturday, £12 Sunday or £18 weekend available from Croftcircuit.co.uk
Gate admission: £10 Saturday, £15 Sunday or £20 for weekend ticket

Accommodation:

The official accommodation partner is Allerton Court Hotel , located 11 miles south of Croft, camping is available here too:

Camping (tent) - £5 per night
Camping (motorhome/caravan) - £10 per night
Includes use of bar/restaurant

Double Hotel Room (with Breakfast) - £60
Single Hotel Room (with Breakfast) - £50

Other recommended accommodation available at The Corner House Hotel, Leeming Bar .
Note to competitors: Although participation under a National B license is possible, the MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix Final will only be open to National and International A license holders, therefore please upgrade your license ahead of the event if you hold a National B license and believe you are capable of qualifying for the final.

For further information on the 2013
MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix
please contact the organising committee
Tel: 01609 765194 or by emailing info@rallycrossgp.com
Compiled and distributed on behalf of LHMC (01304) 830557 - by Ripla Ltd - 62 Thirsk Road Northallerton DL6 1PL

should you not wish to receive motorsport information from us in future
please insert 'unsubscribe' into the subject box and return

E&OE

[Distracted]

I'm tempted to go on the afternoon. I'm jumping on the morning (until about noon.) Do you think it would be worth it? Would there be room in the car park for a horsebox/truck and trailer?

[Hickey1]

I would have thought there would be more excitement on here with the news of the GP format (full 2WD and 4WD grids) as well as some European entrants including Marklund, Jansen and at least one Albatec 208.

Looks to me as though someone has been listening to the fans. I for one am very much looking forward to the mixed grids and a pretty healthy Supercar entry.

[AndyS]

Yes it looks good for this year, just a shame it looks like I may struggle to make it. Its good that they've got an RX regular on board. The format should be good as well. I couldn't make the GP last year either but did get there on the Saturday for the BRC bit and to be frank for the first time ever I was bored at a rallycross meeting due to the silly class structure. The format does away with that problem for the GP at least.

The local organising committee seem to be making sure this meeting grows bit by bit each year. The entry grew last year as did the number of overseas drivers, so hopefully that'll be the case again this year. There's quite a few Supercars kicking around to hire this year and it'll be interesting to see if any of them get used. There's one or two rally drivers with not much to do at the moment and a certain touring car driver showing interest in rallycross again. Will they be tempted to give it a whirl!

[chasing cars]

Great to hear some names entered, hopefully the second Peugeot seat will be filled too. Believe that Mark Scott should be making his supercar debut at this meeting, maybe in the second 208 or perhaps in the 306? And yes it would be great to see Andrew Jordan out there again, hes never made any secret of his desire to rallycross again, just need to find him a decent car and then who knows?

Usually there's plenty of room in the car park Distracted but I would check with the circuit first that you can take a trailer in.

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by Hickey1

I would have thought there would be more excitement on here with the news of the GP format (full 2WD and 4WD grids) as well as some European entrants including Marklund, Jansen and at least one Albatec 208.

Have to say I was expecting a bit more response after I posted the contents of that E-mail!

The "at least one" comment with regards to the Albatec 208 caught my eye. Be interesting to see if they do field a second car and, if so, who will be at the wheel. Jeanney perhaps after he sampled the car recently? Would like to see Meeke in the car again: he looked so fast at Loheac and it would be great to see him in action.

I assume Liam will be running, so a possibility of Bakkerud?

Irrespective, even with what we know already, I'm really looking forward to it.

[chasing cars]

I wouldn't bet on LD being at Croft, he didn't do it last year and the year before it was a last second twist of the arm that got him to fly back from the US for it and its not a Monster sponsored event.

It would be good to see Binks back out in a supercar and try to make up for 2011 where he came so close. Maybe Vitanen again, see if he can have some more luck and actually complete the meeting? Also some Irish would be good, isnt Christopher Evans meant to be returning to rallycross next year? Why not dust the cobwebs off at Croft, and maybe George Tracey to make a rare appearance? Ok getting carried away now!

[leonidas]

Originally Posted by Hickey1

Looks to me as though someone has been listening to the fans....

Wow - must check the BBC news... there is a rumour that Hell has frozen over!

Yes, mixed classes are very good news indeed - will certainly try to make it up there.

I thought Tracey had quit?