Emery and Ovenden claim major 5 Nations BRX 2WD spoils at Valkenswaard
The two-wheel-drive categories within the Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy roster headed to the historic circuit of Valkenswaard [August 29-30] to get the second half of the season underway.
In the Super Retro Rallycross Championship, four-time British Rallycross Champion and current points’ leader Pat Doran (Ford Escort) claimed first honours with the best time in Q1, but it was Stuart Emery (Volvo 242) who set the best times in Q2 and Q3, before reigning Retro class champion Dan Swayland (Ford Escort) went fastest in Q4.
In the final, Doran led in the opening laps, but a minor mistake mid-race gave Emery an opportunity at the circuit’s hairpin, Emery taking a lead he wouldn’t relinquish en route to a maiden Super Retro win. Swayland ran third early on, but was passed mid-race by Allan Tapscott (Ford Escort) and Vincent Bristow (BMW E36) following a stall at the hairpin. While Swayland recovered to re-pass Bristow, Tapscott passed Doran in the final corner for second, but following a jump start penalty for Tapscott, it was Doran and Swayland that completed the podium.
In the Motorsport UK Cross Car Championship, returning James Black (Mygale XC01) took the top qualifier position thanks to fastest times in Q3 and Q4, but it was Ovenden Motorsport team mate Will Ovenden (Mygale XC01) who would claim final victory from third on the grid. Black finished second ahead of championship leader Bradley Turner (LifeLive TN11), while Teddie Macpherson’s (Mygale XC01) race ended with a spin into the gravel at the circuit’s chicane.
Tony Lynch (Toyota MR2) claimed victory in the Retro Rallycross Championship category for up to 1600cc machines, ending the unbeaten run of points’ leader Jon Wood (Ford Escort). Lynch had won three of the qualifiers ahead of the final, only Wood beating the multiple rallycross champion in Q2, before Lynch led the final from the front. Wood finished second with Peter Christmas (Toyota Corolla) third.
Philip Seath and William Hands claimed maximum points in the Swift Sport Rallycross Championship and Motorsport UK Junior Rallycross Championship respectively to extend their championship advantages.