Lydden Hill Rallycross 24th March 2012

Anyone going this Saturday? It's the first round of the British Rallycross Championship. I'm heading down to Lydden Hill myself. Gates open at 8.00 with free practice at 8.30, first heats starting 9-9.30 and running through the day. I expect the event could be quite popular given the exposure the sport got on Top Gear the other weekend.

The entry list is on this link:

http://www.rct-entry.com/entries_BC_20120324.php

There are plans for a new, Retro Rallycross' formula, but they are not going to be competing this weekend. There will be Retro Rallycross cars on display and demonstrating as they did last August Bank Holiday. Last time, there were a number of Mk 1 and Mk 2 Escorts, Minis, Beetles, Porsches and the biggies, RS 200s and 6R4s .

Rob Gibson demonstrated his 6R4 until a drive shaft went south, but I got plenty of piccies on my phone (wasn't expecting to need a camera) and I've based a model on it as it appeared that day .

Anyone else going? You know you want to! Steve

Just getting myself ready for a day of high-octane fun at Lydden Hill tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how much larger the crowd is than normal following the terrific exposure rallycross received on Top Gear the other weekend.

Anyone else going to watch or am I going to be the lone Rally Model Forum correspondent???!

Cheers, Steve

Greetings!

Have only now recovered from a superb day's rallycross racing at Lydden Hill on Saturday. Arrived in the mist at 9.30 as the free practice was underway. Three rounds of heats followed by finals over 62 races through the day. The 62nd race was red flagged as a Polish driver parked his Peugeot on its roof and there wasn't time to re-run the final before the 6pm close down.

Yes, a handful of the races were a bit strung out, but the majority (which were 3 laps for heats, 4 laps for finals) were very exciting. In some races, I didn't know where to look next as events rapidly unfurled before me. Access close to the track is very good, you can see most of the circuit from most places and it really is a top day out.

I even managed to track down Rob Gibson, show him the model I have made of his MG Metro 6R4 and got him to sign the display case. I will try to get a photo uploaded.

Here's brief report of the Supercar Final. Doesn't quite catch the pace of the racing - I was gasping for breath at the end of it! http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentish_gazette/sport/2012/march/26/rallycross.aspx

Cheers, Steve

Here's a video of the action from Saturday's rallycross. Hold onto your seats!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnCVABWTFmo

Apologies that there is music on the soundtrack. The video was edited by James, the son of my old school friend Jason, and being 13, he's keen on his music. An interesting choice, 'Bonkers', which is appropriate for the rallycross boys.

Cheers, Steve

Hi All,

Back here after a few days away and no internet access!!

Some great news: The Lydden Hill rallycross is being shown tomorrow (Saturday) on Channel 4, 7.25-7.55 in the morning. There was stacks of close racing and action throughout the day so it will be interesting to see how they've edited things down to 30 minutes with a commercial break!?

Plenty of Mk1 Focus WRCs, a Xsara, a C4 amongst the supercars and lots of Escorts, Swifts and Minis (proper ones and BMW ones) too.

Set your recorders and enjoy! I know I will.

Cheers, Steve