Gibson wins in Belgium while Morgan extends advantage

Gibson wins in Belgium while Morgan extends advantage

The fifth round of the Retro Rallycross Championship took place at Maasmechelen in Belgium, where it was fitting that former FIA European Rallycross Championship competitor Rob Gibson claimed victory at the former European championship venue in his iconic MG Metro 6R4.

Gibson dominated the MSA British Rallycross Championship supporting category in Belgium, leading the final from lights-to-flag. Behind the infamous yellow 6R4, two-time John Button Memorial Trophy winner Ray Morgan battled with Barry Stewart throughout the weekend, Morgan eventually coming out on top driving his Ford Escort BDA following a brave move around the outside of the first corner in the final. Stewart had to settle for third, piloting his former Rallycross Grand Prix winning Porsche 911. Morgan continues to lead the Super Retro points table.

Rob Gibson took victory in Belgium ©Trev Coulson/Retro Rallycross

“Maasmechelen was always one of my favorite circuits,” said Gibson. “It suits most rallycross cars, but to be able to open up my 6R4 on this iconic track was a great experience, reminiscent of the Group B era when I was chasing greats of the sport such as Martin Schanche and Matti Alamaki around there.”

The Bowes family were also in action in Belgium and it was Jordan Bowes who ended the event highest in the results, classified fourth overall despite having to overcome fuel pressure issues with his immaculate Volkswagen Golf in the qualifying races.

Bowes’ father Stewart did hold the upper hand of the pair in the first running of the final, but rolled his Mini Clubman at the start of the second lap, causing the race to be red flagged. Fortunately Stewart was unhurt in the incident and his Mini will live to fight another day. By qualifying for the final, Bowes Snr secured enough points to move into the lead of the Retro Rallycross points table.

Stewart Bowes rolls his Mini ©Trev Coulson/Retro Rallycross

Retro Rallycross Championship Manager Shirley Gibson enjoyed the action in Belgium. “I had been looking forward to returning to Maasmechelen – a circuit I visited regularly in the 1980’s and 90’s – and to present Retro Rallycross to the Belgian spectators,” said Gibson. “The event didn’t disappoint, and with the Retro drivers in relaxed mode we had a great time. The technical issues with some of our cars plus Stewart rolling his Mini couldn’t dampen our spirits; we leave Belgium on a high as we move on to round six at Lydden Hill next month. This is the first season the drivers have been chasing points and there’s no clear indication of who the victor might be at this stage, it’s very much an open race.”

The next round of the Retro Rallycross Championship takes place at Lydden Hill (August 29).

Retro Rallycross Championship Round Five, Maasmechelen – Final Result:
1: Rob Gibson – MG Metro 6R4
2: Ray Morgan – Ford Escort BDA
3: Barry Stewart – Porsche 911
4: Jordan Bowes – Volkswagen Golf
5: Stewart Bowes – Mini Clubman

Super Retro Rallycross Championship standings:
1: Ray Morgan 128
2: Barry Stewart 78
3: Jordan Bowes 69
4: Rob Gibson 52
5: Terry Maynard 25
6: James Harrold 25
7: Neil Maynard 24
8: Darren Grimston 23
9: Dave Black 0

Retro Rallycross Championship standings:
1: Stewart Bowes 126
2: Lance Foster 108
3: Paul Smith 95
4: Ian Biagi 48

2016 Retro Rallycross Championship Calendar: