Foster Takes First

The 2013 Rallycross season got off to a flying start at Lydden Hill 16/17 March, on what was a very cold and wet weekend. The Retro Rallycross Challenge attracted a strong entry and the Retro Arena once more played host to an array of guests who joined the team for lunch.

Retro staff served tea, coffee and refreshments to the Team, who are now so used to the luxury of being waited on during their race weekend, as they swapped stories of rebuilds and new builds that had kept them busy over the winter break. Bill Watson gave an update of the RS200 that is currently under construction for his own use in the Retro series at his RS motorsport workshops. Bill’s news did not stop there as he confirmed that he has secured an order for an Audi Quattro to be built, and that this car will also be seen on the Retro grids in the future.

Lance Foster on his way to his first victory of 2013

Lance Foster had taken the initial lead by securing the fastest time in the first heats with Ray Morgan finishing a close second just pipping Rob Gibson to the post in third. Reigning Champion Grzegorz Kalinecki broke a Driveshaft and recorded no time whilst Barry Stewart brought his Porsche 911 to a respectable 4th place with Marc Griffin and Mark Thomas finishing off the pack clearly showing that Retro Rallycross is back in force and ready to provide excellent ‘on track’ entertainment for the rest of the season.

It was Ray Morgan’s turn to set the fastest time in the second heats managing to hold off Lance Foster at the chequer flag. Rob Gibson had failed to make the start line, leaving the way clear for Barry Stewart to take third, followed by Marc Griffin and Ian Biagi. Grzegorz Kalinecki, who had repaired his Lancia Delta in time for the 2nd race coming in behind the group that saw Mark Thomas come to a halt in his Ford Anglia when he suffered Ignition problems. It was the first outing for Thomas who said that he had ”really enjoyed his first taste of Retro Rallycross” and hopes to have his car back in the pack for Round 2 at Knockhill.

The third heats brought about another change at the top, with Rob Gibson scoring fastest time of the day. Second and third places couldn’t have been closer with just 2 tenths separating Ray Morgan and Lance Foster as they battled to beat each other to the finish line. Grezgorz Kalinecki brought the remainder home, with Ian Biagi ‘s Mini finishing in front of Barry Stewart and Marc Griffin bringing up the rear in his Haynes of Maidstone liveried Ford Fiesta.

Rob Gibson made a poor start in the final which resulted in him being thrown wideat the first corner, Ray Morgan stormed into the lead closely followed by Barry Stewart and Lance Foster as they charged into Chessons, a spin by Stewart gave Lance Foster the advantage. The race heated up as Morgan and Foster continued to do battle only to allow Grezgorz Kalinecki through to take first place after Foster spun his Green and White Mini coming down ‘Hairy Hill’. Kalinecki’s lead was short lived however when he suffered his second Driveshaft problem. Rob Gibson who had recovered from his first corner incident had worked his way through the field to challenge the now leader Lance Foster.

The little Mini was able to keep first spot by shutting the door and blocking the path of the 64 year old veteran, who said afterwards ”Lance is not an easy bloke to pass, the little Mini seemed to grow by 10 feet in width each time I tried to pass. I have had a fantastic weekend and a great Birthday”.

With Ian Biagi taking third place in the final ahead of Marc Griffin, Grzegorz Kalinecki, Barry Stewart and Ray Morgan, there is everything to play for as we reach round 2 at Knockhill on 12 May.