Retro Rallycross Returns to Mallory

As Retro Rallycross arrive at Mallory Park for round 3 of the Ripla.co.uk Retro Rallycross Challenge, they do so off the back of a very successful Knockhill event three weeks ago that saw a record level of entries. It was the first time that the Retro Rallycross team had competed at the Knockhill circuit where, despite the cold and wet weather conditions, spirits were high as the team welcomed four new members.

Mark Williams raced his new MK1 Escort for the first time at Knockhill last month

Travelling from his home in America, Mark Williams‘ Mk1 Ford Escort caused quite a stir as he approached the start line for the first time in the pre 1982 class. The car is a replica of John Taylor’s MK1, in which Taylor became the first ever European Rallycross Champion in 1973 in the days of his partnership with Haynes of Maidstone. Haynes remain very much part of Rallycross today through their association with Retro Team Principal Shirley Gibson, and are proud to be associated with Lydden Hill Race Circuit in Kent

Lance Foster continued his title challenge by scoring the fastest time in all 3 heats with Ray Morgan and Ian Biagi giving good chase behind. Marc Griffin started the day on good form in his rear wheel drive Ford Fiesta, a replica ‘look alike’ of yet another John Taylor car, that also runs the Haynes of Maidstone livery.

It was a mixed weekend for Griffin with consistent times that put him on the front row of the grid in an A final that came to an abrupt halt when he rolled his car. Back on all 4 wheels Griffin made his way back to the paddock in the hope that he could take part in the re-run. Unfortunately the deteriorating weather brought the day’s racing to an end, poor visibility had left the track too unsafe to continue. The final positions being decided at the fall of the red flag resulted in Lance Foster taking his second outright victory of the season with Ian Biagi and Ray Morgan finishing second and third. Shirley Gibson remarked afterwards how Marc Griffin, who is renowned for always smiling, was still doing so despite his troubles at the end of the day.

In the 82/87 class seasoned veteran Rob Gibson and ‘Irish Pole’ Grzegorgz Kalinecki were joined on the grid by the additional 3 newcomers bringing to an end the amalgamation that had previously seen the pair run with the pre 1982 brigade under a handicap.

Rob Gibson was the eventual winner, giving the Cheshire driver his first win in the series. Gibson’s main rival Grzegorz Kalinecki in the Lancia Delta Integrale, despite having missed out in obtaining a time in the third heats, was never far behind. Brother’s Jim and Dave Black, each in Vauxhall Astra’s, reportedly enjoyed their first outing as full members of the Retro Team, that saw Dave take his place on the podium by finishing in a very respectable 3rd position, where he was presented with his first Retro trophy and prize money. Paul Smith took 4th spot on the day, in his Volkswagen Polo.

Paul Smith claimed 4th at Knockhill

Mallory Park is the local circuit for Paul Smith, a Volkswagen Vehicle Technician who has closely followed others in VW machinery within Rallycross since he first became interested in the sport back in the 1970’s. As a spectator Paul supported the likes of John Button, Geoff Thomas, the late Peter Harrold and fellow midland driver Brian Betteridge.

Paul was tempted to get involved as a driver himself following the introduction of the Stock Hatch class that offered an affordable way to get into the sport. He set about converting his then road car, a VW Polo Coupe, with his first race coming one year later at Blyton circuit in Lincolnshire.

Instantly attracted to the Ripla.co.uk Retro Rallycross Challenge following its launch in 2012, Paul contacted the Retro Rallycross office and competed as a Retro entry at the British Rallycross Grand Prix at Croft in October of that year. The winter months were spent making the ‘face lift’ changes required for the car to fit in with the Retro eligibility rules, enabling him to register for this year’s challenge series in his Polo that runs a 1300cc engine developing 78bhp at the wheels. Running in Ripla.co.uk colours, Paul has already become a valued member of the team.