British Rallycross 2024

[tbtstt]

5 Nations calendar for the year revealed this morning:

30 March/1 April - Lydden Hill
25/26 May - Mondello Park
20/21 July - Lydden Hill*
17 August - Lydden Hill**
TBC - Pembrey
2/3 November - Lydden Hill

* Supercars and Juniors only, part of the Lydden Legend Festival
** 2WD classes only: joint event with BTRDA?

Great year for those of us in the South, but maybe not so great for those elsewhere. Shame to see the joint event with the French Championship dropped as well, though maybe not surprising given the reduction in attendees for Dreux this year.

And a joint event with the BTRDA? Has the unthinkable happened? Do we have peace in our time?

[AndyS]

Originally Posted by tbtstt

5 Nations calendar for the year revealed this morning:

30 March/1 April - Lydden Hill
25/26 May - Mondello Park
20/21 July - Lydden Hill*
17 August - Lydden Hill**
TBC - Pembrey
2/3 November - Lydden Hill

* Supercars and Juniors only, part of the Lydden Legend Festival
** 2WD classes only: joint event with BTRDA?

Great year for those of us in the South, but maybe not so great for those elsewhere. Shame to see the joint event with the French Championship dropped as well, though maybe not surprising given the reduction in attendees for Dreux this year.

And a joint event with the BTRDA? Has the unthinkable happened? Do we have peace in our time?

Very jealous of anybody who lives within striking distance of Lydden. I love rallycross but I'm not as engaged with it as in the past. Combination of the debacle the WRX etc has become, serious lack of available coverage and Croft having called time on it.

That looks like a good selection of meetings. Just need a decent European meeting at Lydden and you'll be in rallycross heaven!

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by AndyS

Very jealous of anybody who lives within striking distance of Lydden.

Yeah, living an hour away from Lydden I'm trying not to look too pleased about this years calendar, but it isn't easy...

I can see the calendar this year being a bit of a blow for rallycross fans in the North, but I think the Championship are doing their best with what is available to them and what is best (financially) for the competitors.

I loved the two trips to Dreux the last two years, but the dropping entry numbers for that event and the 2WD round in Belgium, indicated that wasn't what the drivers wanted.

Also really pleased to see the 5 Nations/BTRDA link up. More than ever I think the sport needs to be unified if it is to survive, I hope that the relationship there continues.

[AndyS]

Originally Posted by tbtstt

Yeah, living an hour away from Lydden I'm trying not to look too pleased about this years calendar, but it isn't easy...

I can see the calendar this year being a bit of a blow for rallycross fans in the North, but I think the Championship are doing their best with what is available to them and what is best (financially) for the competitors.

I loved the two trips to Dreux the last two years, but the dropping entry numbers for that event and the 2WD round in Belgium, indicated that wasn't what the drivers wanted.

Also really pleased to see the 5 Nations/BTRDA link up. More than ever I think the sport needs to be unified if it is to survive, I hope that the relationship there continues.

Good they are working together. A lot of classes between them though, catering for different budgets.

We haven't had rallycross in the North for a while now, so calender was no surprise. From my limited knowledge it looks dead and buried at Croft, certainly for the foreseeable future. No chance of any new venues. Blyton I've never taken to and Knockhill is the best part of 4 hours away, which isn't worth it for what are usually pretty poor entries. I'd love to go to Lydden but just way too far. Could have just about justified it when WRX was it's height but not now.

[geordiecriag101]

Yep its going to be an expensive time making the trips down to Lydden from Newcastle and back next year, tho ill try and get to as many as i can. The lack of venues that are available is a real problem and unfortunately I cant really see that changing any time soon, tho ill still hope that Croft will return one day

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by AndyS

We haven't had rallycross in the North for a while now, so calender was no surprise. From my limited knowledge it looks dead and buried at Croft, certainly for the foreseeable future.

I saw a few comments on Facebook talking about the return of a circuit rally event to Croft, so I live in hope that rallycross might return there at some point.

After seeing the connection established between 5 Nations and BTRDA, I'm ready to believe anything can happen now!

Originally Posted by AndyS

No chance of any new venues. Blyton I've never taken to and Knockhill is the best part of 4 hours away, which isn't worth it for what are usually pretty poor entries.

I was at Blyton earlier this year for the first time since 2014 and I forgot just how bleak the place is. I know the circuit doesn't have the required approval for Supercar but, even if it did, I just can't picture the circuit hosting a 5 Nations round.

I'd really like to go to Knockhill as I have heard praise for the layout of the rallycross circuit, but it is in deepest, darkest, Scotland and is pretty much the opposite end of the country to me.

Originally Posted by AndyS

I'd love to go to Lydden but just way too far. Could have just about justified it when WRX was it's height but not now.

The Legend festival might justify the trip? Obviously we are a long way off entries yet, but if they can pull in a good haul of European retro cars/drivers then it should be a decent weekend and could be worth the journey.

Originally Posted by geordiecriag101

Yep its going to be an expensive time making the trips down to Lydden from Newcastle and back next year, tho ill try and get to as many as i can. The lack of venues that are available is a real problem and unfortunately I cant really see that changing any time soon, tho ill still hope that Croft will return one day

Yeah. Again referring to the Facebook comments, I saw a few people asking for new venues like there is an abundance of them out there waiting to be found.

[AndyS]

Originally Posted by tbtstt

I saw a few comments on Facebook talking about the return of a circuit rally event to Croft, so I live in hope that rallycross might return there at some point.

The Legend festival might justify the trip? Obviously we are a long way off entries yet, but if they can pull in a good haul of European retro cars/drivers then it should be a decent weekend and could be worth the journey.

Yes rallying is back at Croft, but in an article I saw a while back, can't remember where, the circuit manager seemed to suggest they ended for separate reasons.

In his words 'it's not for us to support local rallying' or something along similar lines. The inference was support as in financially. Presumably it was a money thing, which has now been resolved.

Rallycross was due to dwindling meetings, which is a fair point and the resurfacing of the track, which cost 850k. After the demise of the Superprix the meetings for me had started to dwindle. The GP was OK for a couple of years but the format didn't really work I felt. All into together meant the 2WD stuff didn't have a chance and it was noticeable that numbers dropped off as did overseas entries. BTRDA offered something, particularly that one off 2WD masters they ran. Think it was this where they had a separate supercar class as well and a few top cars came out for fun or to test. Last British meeting I attended was pretty boring to be honest. Low numbers for Croft and very processional racing.

Legends might be an option if entry strong. Realistically though it will mean an overnight, which will shove the cost up. Only get to a few meetings every year but haven't decided what I'm doing next year yet, so could be an option. Always try and make one event further afield.

[flatlandsman]

That is not really a calendar is it, sorry but that is the most ridiculous things I have ever bloody seen/

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

That is not really a calendar is it, sorry but that is the most ridiculous things I have ever bloody seen/

They don't have many options really do they? Pembrey and Lydden are the only viable circuits in the UK - supercars can't run at Blyton, Knockhill always suffers with low entries and Croft isn't available. What other options do they have? A trip to Mondello is a good option as would be a trip to France / Belgium / netherlands - but in the interests of keeping costs down you'd not want more than one 'long haul' round.

On another note I see Colin Anson is advertising the ex Chris Evans Astra for sale (as well as his Ka).

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

That is not really a calendar is it, sorry but that is the most ridiculous things I have ever bloody seen/

As Bert has said, what other options are there? There is a lack of circuits in the UK and the trips to Europe the last two years have had dwindling numbers.

Originally Posted by BertMk2

On another note I see Colin Anson is advertising the ex Chris Evans Astra for sale (as well as his Ka).

I saw that. After seemingly spending so long getting the Astra running again I thought he might make more use of it... but maybe because of the time taken to get it running again that is why he is selling?

Wonder if the Astra and Ka are going to fund another rallycross car, or if he has other plans?

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by tbtstt

After seemingly spending so long getting the Astra running again I thought he might make more use of it... but maybe because of the time taken to get it running again that is why he is selling?

Wonder if the Astra and Ka are going to fund another rallycross car, or if he has other plans?

The Ka has been advertised for sale on and off for a few years now - maybe it's just similar with the Astra? If someone offers the money for it he'll take it otherwise carry on using it?

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

The Ka has been advertised for sale on and off for a few years now - maybe it's just similar with the Astra? If someone offers the money for it he'll take it otherwise carry on using it?

I could be remembering it wrong, but I'm sure he actually sold the Ka, then bought it back to use while the Astra was being rebuilt?

(Sure he said it on Facebook somewhere: but maybe I am getting my wires crossed!)

[geordiecriag101]

I'm sure he was planning on using the Astra last year but a long lead time in getting the correct parts force a re-buy of the KA to get back driving last year. Really hope to see it out soon ������.

Going back to the track selection, there really is no other viable UK tracks that could be used unfortunately. Most either have never had a Rx circuit or not interested in holding a meeting. For Croft, the loose section is still there, a little over grown with grass in places but still there. With the rallying, there used to be 2 rally's both organised by different clubs, Darlington District Motor Club and Northallerton Automobile Club. For 2022, they both worked together to help convince Croft to give rallying another go and it worked and so from 2024 it's being reinstalled in the calendar. On a side note, a local business man also helped massively to get it going and one who has Rx history, Kevin Proctor.

[tbtstt]

John McCluskey confirms full 5 Nations season:

5 Nations - McCluskey Returns to 5 Nations

Hopefully an Irish Fiesta (or two) joins the mix as well.

[BertMk2]

That's good news - looks like it should be a competitive field in supercar, hopefully get some more details around other entries soon.

[CS1]

Who has the Astra now?

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

That's good news - looks like it should be a competitive field in supercar, hopefully get some more details around other entries soon.

More Irish entries over the last few days, Gary Donoghue and Michael Leonard confirm partial and full season entries respectively in Fiestas. They join the list...

Nick Priddy - Citroen DS3 (full season)
Colin Anson - Mitsubishi Mirage (full season)
John McCluskey - Ford Fiesta (full season)
Michael Leonard - Ford Fiesta (full season)
Gary Donoghue - Ford Fiesta (partial season)

I also see Pat Doran is confirmed to be back in Retro in the Mk.2 Escort.

[BertMk2]

Interesting - that does at least answer the Colin Anson question! Supercar numbers looking pretty good, I suspect the same can't be said of Supernational. Hopefully we'll see some more cars out - it used to be such a healthy class with a varied entry, it's a shame to see it suffering.

If Pat is using the Mk2 Escort then can we assume that the RS200 won't be making any appearances (except maybe at the 'Legends' meeting?).

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

Supercar numbers looking pretty good...

I think it looks pretty promising so far. Presuming that a few of the regulars will be returning we could potentially hit double figures for competitive Supercars entries at every round?

Originally Posted by BertMk2

...I suspect the same can't be said of Supernational. Hopefully we'll see some more cars out - it used to be such a healthy class with a varied entry, it's a shame to see it suffering.

Agreed. I daresay the appeal of the class has been reduced when there are a few very rapid cars out there leading the class but, as you say, it would be great to see more cars out there and perhaps some other battles throughout the field.

Originally Posted by BertMk2

If Pat is using the Mk2 Escort then can we assume that the RS200 won't be making any appearances (except maybe at the 'Legends' meeting?).

I'd be disappointed not to see Rosie out for the Legend meeting; wonder if Pat will drive the Escort all year and Liam will be out for Legend?

[flatlandsman]

I think there needs to be more rule stability with Supernational, the cars have become very specialised, not helped by some woeful rules decisions many years ago and some ridiculous cars that removed what used to be fairly normal cars from being competitive, there is a reason Supernational in Scandinavia is a success and has been for decades and those rules should have been brought in over here in the early 00s, it doesnt matter of the cars are old, that means they are well sorted and less complex. spaceframes and allowing just about anything has totally ruined the class sadly.

[flatlandsman]

Supernational was ruined decades ago by utterly ridiculous spaceframe rules and attempts to make it more interesting when the rules in Scandinavia have been very similar for a long time, it is no shock it still works over there, those rules should have been bought in here. As usual the people running the sport are blinkered and think they know best.

AS for the Doran RS200, it will for sure be at Lydden, Liam is basically trying to reninvent himself as some sort of stunt man for goodness sake, and I am sure renny will drive it aswell as the replica of his 87 car.,

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by flatlandsman

Liam is basically trying to reninvent himself as some sort of stunt man for goodness sake

Yeah, I'm really not sure what this new approach from Liam is all about, he seems to be doing his career backwards. Some of the recent "content" has been cringe-inducing.

Hope he properly commits to something rallycross this year. I think his little stint in the i20 and the end of last year showed he is still capable of winning.

[tbtstt]

Godfrey, Flitney and Ian Barrett confirm full season entries, Oliver Bennett entered for the season opener at Lydden:

Nick Priddy - Citroen DS3 (full season)
Colin Anson - Mitsubishi Mirage (full season)
John McCluskey - Ford Fiesta (full season)
Michael Leonard - Ford Fiesta (full season)
Julian Godfrey - Citroen DS3 (full season)
Dominic Flitney - Volvo C30 (full season)
Ian Barrett - Volkswagen Polo (full season)
Gary Donoghue - Ford Fiesta (partial season)
Oliver Bennett - Mini Cooper (Lydden)

Also Crosscar has now added to the RX150 class. Must admit I was a bit sceptical when BTRDA added Crosscar, but there seems to have been a lot of interest and, given that RX150 has seemed to struggle the last few years, I think this is a good move.

[tbtstt]

Forgive the double post, but another release:

Mike Sellar switches to Polo Supercar for 2024

Bit surprised, as I thought Sellar said he was selling up last year: apparently not! Doesn't say if he is doing a full season.

Trying to figure out what Polo is what; seems this car is ex-Fucik, so I presume the Barrett Polo is the "Killer Pig"?

[leonidas]

I've been living outside the UK for a while so I've rather lost touch with British rallycross but... how has it got as bad as this?

The "main" GB championship seems to be a Lydden track championship. The BTRDA is barely getting about 40 entries. Entry fees are up to around £500 a round for Minis. Wow.

This looks like a sport that seriously needs a sustainability plan with a single championship and event structure. Having so many events in a small corner of the south east is just going turn off the rest of the country.

Is there a case for phasing in a change to make the Modified 4X4 class the premier category in British rallycross so that the national championship can go everywhere? Very few UK drivers seem to have serious European campaigns and I suspect very few existing drivers can afford to step up to a full spec Supercar. Existing Supercars could eventually go into an outlaw / Retro class to be run at the few venues that allow them.

At the other end of the scale, what about engaging with the large Autograss community and having a rallycross class to cater for class 1 and 2 production cars? There is a desperate need to get more into the sport and appealing to those who already have competition cars in their garage may be one way to do it.