Stewart Victorious on Retro Rallycross Return

Stewart Victorious on Retro Rallycross Return

Porsche 911 driver Barry Stewart won both rounds three and four of the 2016 Retro Rallycross Championship on his return to the series, as the MSA British Rallycross Championship ran a double-header Bank Holiday event at Pembrey, South Wales (May 1 – 2).

Stewart was forced to miss the opening two rounds of the year due to component supply problems, but was able to borrow a clutch for his iconic machine to enable him to race at Pembrey.

In round three on Sunday, for the first time the circuit was run in the reverse direction to the traditional Pembrey layout, and it was Retro Rallycross points leader Ray Morgan and the returning Rob Gibson who each set a fastest time in the qualifying races, in a day of treacherously wet conditions. Stewart qualified on pole thanks to two second fastest times and led the final throughout to claim victory. Gibson finished second in his MG Metro 6R4 and Morgan completed the podium with his Ford Escort.

Barry Stewart (Porsche 911) claimed victory at Pembrey – rounds 3 and 4 ©Trev Coulson/Retro Rallycross

Lance Foster twice set third fastest time in the qualifying races with his Mini Clubman and finished fourth in the final, ahead of the similar machine of Stewart Bowes. Paul Smith rounded out the order with sixth place in his Volkswagen Polo.

Stewart again qualified on pole position for the final in round four, and led the race from lights to flag under severe pressure from Morgan behind, the Ford Escort driver setting the fastest lap on the second tour. Foster finished third, over seven seconds behind the leading duo who set a blistering pace at the front of the field, while Bowes came home fourth and Smith finished fifth.

“I won twice in Ireland last year, and once here. I borrowed a second hand clutch to be able to do this event, from a guy called Richard Chamberlain who’s got a Porsche 935, which I really appreciate,” said Stewart. “It was a really good race in the final on Monday, Ray fought me all the way – I had a fantastic time. Ray could have tapped me out if he wanted to but it’s not in his nature to do that and that’s not what Retro is about. I’ll hopefully race at the next round at Maasmechelen and then to Lydden.”

Lance Foster claimed valuable championship points ©Trev Coulson/Retro Rallycross

Retro Rallycross will next be in action at the British round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship (May 27 – 29), where a number of drivers will be in attendance, alongside a Group B demonstration extravaganza. The next round of the Retro Rallycross Championship takes place at Maasmechelen, Belgium (July 17).

Retro Rallycross Championship Round Three, Pembrey – Final Result:

Retro Rallycross Championship Round Four, Pembrey – Final Result:

2016 Retro Rallycross Championship Calendar: