Retro Rallycross makes first trip to France with Rallycross Legends Show

This weekend Retro Rallycross will make its first visit to France, as Group B and Retro Rallycross cars will be in action at the Mayenne Circuit, alongside the seventh round of the French Rallycross Championship (September 24 – 25).

Following the success of the Group B demonstration races that accompanied the British round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship at Lydden Hill earlier this year, three British drivers will venture across the English Channel to take part at Mayenne this weekend.

Multiple British Rallycross Champion Pat Doran will compete in the Ford RS200 fondly known as Rosie, that carried him to victory in the French round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship in 1992, at Bergerac. Former regular European Championship racer Rob Gibson will campaign his familiar yellow MG Metro 6R4 at Mayenne, which marks his first appearance at the circuit in over twenty years. British and European Rallycross competitor Mark Flaherty, who returned to the sport in 2014 after an absence of two decades, will also drive an MG Metro 6R4 in the event. A pair of French drivers will join the Group B celebration. Philippe Wambergue will drive a rare Peugeot 205 T16 Evolution, while Claude Millet will be in action aboard an Audi Quattro A2.

Pat Doran at Lydden Hill last May ©Trev Coulson/Retro Rallycross

In the Retro Rallycross category, six French drivers will campaign a range of iconic rallycross cars from yesteryear, including experienced French Rallycross Supercar racer Philippe Tollemer, driving a Ford Escort Mk2. French rallycross regular Michel Gambillon will campaign a Simca 1000 Rallye 3.0 and 1970s Porsche rallycross star Jean-Luc Le Duigou will be in action in an iconic Porsche 911. Gustave Tarriere will drive a stunning version of Renault’s Alpine, with Christophe Jacob and Michel Crespel also in action in a Ford Escort MK2 and Renault 5 Turbo respectively.

Mark Flaherty will make the trip Mayenne this weekend ©Trev Coulson/Retro Rallycross

“To have been given the opportunity to get Group B cars out for the second time this year is very exciting. Lining up in Mayenne will be some fabulous examples that are being provided by both British and French owners and drivers. I am working hard with organisers in Europe and if we can make our plans into reality then fans can expect to see more of these fabulous cars in the future,” said Retro Rallycross coordinator, Shirley Gibson. “The Retro Rallycross class will be equally as exciting as the Group B category this weekend, with cars that are also to be included in our future plans. Spectators at Mayenne will witness a fabulous line up that will no doubt provide a spectacular sight and are all worthy of the title for the event, Rallycross Legends Show.”

Rob Gibson and his Iconic 6R4 ©Trev Coulson/Retro Rallycross

Mayenne Group B Start List
1: Rob Gibson (GB) MG Metro 6R4
2: Philippe Wambergue (F) Peugeot 205 T16 Evolution
3: Claude Millet (F) Audi Quattro A2
4: Pat Doran (GB) Ford RS 200
5: Mark Flaherty (GB) MG Metro 6R4

Mayenne Retro Retro Rallycross Start List
1: Michel Gambillon (F) Simca 1000 Rallye 3.0
2: Jean-Luc Le Duigou (F) Porsche 911
3: Philippe Tollemer (F) Ford Escort Mk2
4: Gustave Tarriere (F) Renault Alpine
5: Christophe Jacob (F) Ford Escort MK2
6: Michel Crespel (F) Renault 5 Turbo