Sterkens Takes a Double win as Nick Swift Returns to Dominate

A bumper turnout for Retro Rallycross as the season got off to a great start at Lydden Hill Race Circuit over the Easter weekend.

Round one on Saturday 16th April produced some excellent racing. In the Super Retro Category Vince Bristow (BMW) stormed off the line in the first heats, ahead of a determined Jos Sterkens  (Ford Escort) then John Cross (Lancia Stratos) worked their way through the pack from the back row. Ahead, luck ran out for Steve Pascoe when his Ford Sierra came to a halt halfway up the hill. Cross capitalised closing the gap to Sterkens with Ray Morgan challenging behind in his MK3 Escort BDA. Bristow stayed in front to take the win in the opening race of the season.

John Cross had a better start in Q2 ahead of Sterkens who collided with the banking at Chesson’s leaving the way clear for Cross and Bristow to battle for the top spot. Bristow took his second win ahead of Cross. Allan Tappscott, who had moved up to third, could do nothing about the leading duo with Nigel Davey, Steve Pascoe and Richard Maroney bringing up the rear to the flag.

Q3 saw a similar battle to that of earlier in the day but this time without Jos Sterkens who was a non starter.

Back in the mix for the final, Jos Sterkens proved unstoppable despite the efforts of strong opposition, romping home to take the first overall win of the season. Vince Bristow, who had dominated qualifying, came away leading the points table ahead of Nigel Davey in his Peugeot 205.

The Retro Rallycross class created some great racing where in Q1 Tony Lynch (Toyota MR2) took the initial advantage with Terry Moore (Austin Mini) taking the lead by Chesson’s ahead of Steve Cozens (Citroen AX) with Lynch behind in third place. Simon Hart (Escort MK1) was challenged by Rob Buckmaster (Fiesta MK1 XR2) in a move that didn’t stick, leaving the Escort driver to finish in fourth.

It was Lynch who again took the initial lead off the start in Q2 with Cozens moving ahead coming down Hairy Hill, widening the gap between the Toyota and the Citroen. Cozens remained ahead with Moore taking second spot ahead of Lynch, Hart, and Paul Buckmaster in his Vauxhall with Brother Rob, having recovered from an earlier spin, bringing up the rear.

In the final Cozens took the initial lead with the Mini of Moore on his tail making a daring move around the outside of the Citroen at the top of the hill, a move he didn’t make stick. The pair came down the hill side by side, Cozens remained in front pulling out a sizeable lead. Moore had closed the gap at the flag with Rob Buckmaster and Simon Hart taking the last two spots in a race that saw retirement for Lynch with a broken gearbox.

Round two on Monday 18th April provided similar action with a determined John Cross storming off the start line in the first race of the day for Super Retro, only to retire at the start of the second lap leaving Sterkens to open the gap between himself and Vince Bristow. Nigel Davey was breathing down the neck of Ray Morgan as they worked their way to the chequered flag. Sterkens took the win ahead of Morgan and Bristow with Davey taking fourth.

The second heats of Q2 produced a great battle once again. Cross, Bristow and Morgan briefly raced side by side with Cross pulling off a move to get ahead of his two rivals. It was Sterkens though who pulled off the win.

Jos Sterkens was first off the line in Q3, strongly challenged by John Cross’ Lancia. There was nothing separating the pair by the time they arrived at Chessons for the second time. Bristow and Morgan having their own close battle behind. John Cross finally took the lead away from Sterkens on the third lap coming down the hill, finishing first at the end.

Jos Sterkens had to work hard from his pole position to take his second win of the weekend, with John Cross menacing all the way round threatening to stop him at every opportunity. John Maroney finished third whilst a disappointed Vince Bristow retired with Engine failure.

In the Retro Rallycross category circuit racer Nick Swift made a welcome return to rallycross following a break of many years to take over the wheel of Terry Moore’s Austin Mini proving he hadn’t lost his touch as he took on Steve Cozens Tony Lynch, Simon Hart, and Rob Buckmaster.

In the second qualifying heat Swift showed again that he hadn’t lost his touch. Despite being chased hard by Cozens, who had his best chance to overtake in the last lap of the race, it was Swift who took the flag from Cozens, Lynch, Buckmaster and Hart.

Tony Lynch made an awesome start in the final with Cozens failing to make his first challenge stick as the leading trio headed into Chessons despite a close battle at the front it was Swift who eventually crossed the finish line first ahead of Cozens, Lynch and Hart. Steve Cozens heads the points table going into round three with Tony Lynch lying in second.

The next two rounds of the Retro Rallycross Championship take place on 14/15 May at Pembrey Circuit.

Ends.