Group B Rallycross Returns to Lydden Hill

Retro Rallycross will present a line up of historic Group B Rallycross to deliver some classic action at the FIA World RX weekend 28/29 May.

Group B cars that were a regular feature, battling against each other in the British and European Rallycross Championships, will join forces once more, turning the clock back 25 years, as we welcome on to the world stage original Rallycross cars and drivers that for many represent the greatest era in the sports history.

As the 1980’s came to a close British stars; Steve Palmer, Pat Doran, Rob Gibson, Will Gollop, Mark Flaherty and Vic Moyce were amongst those who took on the might of Martin Schanche, Per Eklund, Matti Alamaki, Pekka Rantanen, Bengt Wiklund, Tommy Kristoffersson and countless others, as the Group B bug took hold, presenting  the most amazing Rallycross spectacle throughout Europe.

We were privileged  here in the UK by hosting two such high profile events each year that saw fans flock in their thousands to the British round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship at Lydden Hill and the British Rallycross Grand Prix at Brands Hatch.

Group B Rallycross golden era, set to make a return to Lydden – © Eddi Laumanns (1987)

The Lydden WRX  event will include the two Bi Turbo Metro 6R4’s, once owned by Will Gollop and Bengt Wiklund,  they will return to the track alongside Adam Keeler in his 6R4 once driven by Tiff Needell in the 1989 British Rallycross Grand Prix.

An Audi Quattro will be thrown into the mix  joining  Rob Gibson, who is sure to entertain; the ever popular and talented Pat Doran in his British Rallycross Grand Prix winning RS200; Ian Rowlance and Mark Flaherty will be in a pair of 6R4’s. Preparation is ongoing to the ex-Gary Baker RS200 and is hopeful of being finished in time for the event.

Pat Doran’s Q8 liveried RS200 will be at Lydden Hill – © Eddi Laumanns (1992)

The Wiklund  Bi-Turbo 6R4 will be driven by Ian Rowlance who is no stranger to Rallycross. Despite having spent recent years involved in Rallying where he organises the 6R4.com ‘Three Sisters Rally Challenge’,  Rowlance is looking forward to returning to Lydden Hill and recently told us “I am grateful to Retro Rallycross for giving us this chance to be able to use the Group B cars once more at a Rallycross event. We are looking forward to using the cars as intended  powering them up and down Hairy Hill.”

Mark Flaherty, who’s recent exploits have seen him appearing at British and World RX events, has been wanting to find a Metro 6R4 to use in Retro Rallycross for a couple of years. His recent purchase of Lawrence Gibson’s car has kept the Dom Buckley Motorsport team busy, their preparation will include finishing it in the recognisable Flaherty ‘Hallmarks’ livery. Having been heavily involved with the development of 6R4’s for decades, the Dom Buckley crew are familiar with this particular car from its early  Rallying days.

On his return to Group B Flaherty said “I can’t wait for the lydden event, I am really excited, I intend to race against Rob (Gibson) in the Retro Rallycross Championship and will be taking the car to the next round at Maasmechelin  I hope to see Pat (Doran) there as well.”

Mark Flaherty will be present at Lydden in his recently acquired ex-Lawrence Gibson 6R4 returning to his former Hallmarks livery – © Rallycross World

Full details of the World RX event can be found on the Lydden Hill website.