Simpson continues amazing run at Pembrey to set up Retro Rallycross final round decider

BMW E30 driver Gary Simpson scored his sixth straight two-wheel drive final victory in the 2019 obp Motorsport Retro Rallycross Championship at Pembrey Circuit (September 22) to secure the Super Retro category title and set up a final round decider for the overall crown.

Simpson claimed fastest time in all three qualifying sessions at Pembrey in South Wales, in an event run in mixed weather that meant constantly evolving track conditions. He fended off the close attentions of Ford Escort driver Brian Hardman in Q1 and Q2, but the 2019 Retro RX newcomer would be sidelined during Q3 with a broken gear lever, leaving Tony Lynch to take second best time behind Simpson.

In the final, Lynch chased Simpson hard as the BMW racer stormed to his sixth win of the year, and Lynch pushed hard to score his best Retro RX career result so far, having been forced to withdraw from the previous round at Lydden Hill with an oil leak issue.

“It was nip and tuck all day between me and Brian until he broke his gear lever, so it kind of made life a bit easier, although I would liked to have raced him until the end of the final. You couldn’t make this season up really could you, I certainly didn’t expect to have this run, we just need to keep the old girl reliable and stay out of trouble,” said Simpson. “I can’t wait for Croft, I like the track there. It’s a nice quick circuit that suits the car and I’m looking forward to the challenge of trying to win the John Button trophy.”

Further back, Paul Smith ran third for the opening two laps of the final with his Volkswagen Polo, fending off a challenge from Steve Cozens, the Devon driver racing a Peugeot 205 in the event after his regular Citroen AX was damaged in an accident at Lydden Hill. Cozens eventually came out on top, while Smith finished less than a second behind in fourth, in what was arguably a popular career-best performance for the Retro RX stalwart. Simon Hart also got involved with the battle for the final podium position with his Ford Escort, and eventually finished fifth.

As Lynch took the Retro Rallycross (under 1600cc) honours at Pembrey, Cozens enters the final round at Croft next month separated from Simpson by eight points in the battle to win the coveted John Button Memorial Trophy.

Sadly for John Cross and Phil Collard, neither were able to compete in the Pembrey event, Cross due to technical issues with his Lancia Stratos and Collard after the Renault 5 driver injured his knee. Both plan to return to the grid as soon as possible.

“We were a little down on entries with some of our regulars unable to compete for various reasons but nevertheless had a good weekend in South Wales. The rain that was forecast didn’t really materialise which was a benefit and led to some close racing. Steve Cozens made a small mistake at the start of the final which cost him time, and some points, so it will be exciting to see what happens at the final round at Croft next month,” said Retro RX promotor Shirley Gibson. “Gary Simpson got the job done though coming away with maximum points in his class as did Tony Lynch and I’m pleased to see that the ongoing development to his Toyota MR2 is beginning to bring results. Everyone all did a great job so very well done to all of the teams and of course the Retro Rallycross working group for their  work at events as well as behind the scenes. Croft will be another good weekend for us and one that will finally see a new champion crowned.” 

Find full results and championship standings via the Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship website here.