Sterkens takes the win as Stewart takes the Title

Porsche driver, Barry Stewart came out on top after a consistent point scoring season to take the championship crown in a thrilling Lydden Hill finale.

The Super Retro Rallycross cars lined up on the grid stirring memories of days gone by with yet another impressive turn out bringing with it a hard chased battle between Stewart, Sterkens, John Cross, James Harrold, Ray Morgan, and Phil Collard. Vince Bristow was expected to be the strongest threat to Barry Stewart but with problems that halted his race weekend, putting him out of the final, that battle will be put on hold for another day.

The final race of the day saw John Cross left sat on the line with Gearbox issues as James Harrold stormed off to take the initial lead into the first corner, under pressure from a close challenge from Sterkens, Morgan and Collard all grouped together ready to make their move. Coming off Chesson’s Drift the wheel suddenly flew off the Beetle bringing it to a halt, ending the first appearance of the season for Team Harrold. This left Sterkens to pull clear of the group with an impressive Collard doing all he could to keep the leader in his sights who himself had to keep an eye on the challenge coming from Morgan behind. At the flag it was a delighted Sterkens who shared the end of the day podium with Collard second and Morgan a very close third.

‘’It’s an awesome feeling to win the last race of the year’’ said an excited Jos Sterkens. ‘’ I leave very satisfied and ready for my holiday in Algorfa, Spain. I thank Shirley and the Retro team for taking good care of us, as always’’.

The Retro Rallycross category final didn’t fail to disappoint either as the smaller engine class had their own close battles to contend with. The 2020 Retro Rallycross Champion Steve Cozens fluffed his first attempt as the light turned green, resulting in him being sent to the back of the grid for a false start, leaving the way clear for Terry Moore and Tony Lynch to pull away, before gaining back control and taking second place away from Lynch.

Breathing down the neck of an unfazed Moore, who was giving an impressive demonstration of how to drive a Mini round Lydden Hill, the pair kept up a thrilling battle to the flag with Cozens eventually coming out on top ahead of Moore, Lynch, Paul Smith, and Simon Hart. The class title was won by Simon Hart, who had fought hard against an impressive opposition all season.

A delighted Simon Hart said, ‘’2021 has been a great season for me and the Mk1 Escort, it has been pretty reliable as it is possibly the oldest car on the track, I had some close racing with Rob Buckmaster and Paul Smith over the season. Paddock support between all the teams was outstanding everyone helping each other out with tools and parts. We have done a few miles this year travelling around the Country, but it has been well worth it to experience the different tracks. The final round at Lydden Hill had some fantastic racing and the Retro teams put on a spectacular showing in all classes. I am thrilled to win the 2021 Retro Rallycross 1600cc Championship and to have had the opportunity to race and enjoy a great motorsport championship, especially after having tied for the Championship in 2019 and getting second on count back. Thanks to Shirley and her Retro Team, the 5 Nations Rallycross Championship and everyone who helped me, fed, watered me and to the Marshals who kept us all safe. Don’t forget that the 2021 5 Nations Prostate Cancer calendars are now available online.

In the 4WD category it was very much Andy Grant V’s Steve Harris for most of the weekend. Sharing the front row in the final with Mitsubishi driver Bradley Sampson, it looked set to be a cracking race which didn’t disappoint as the top pair set about entertaining the crowd. Storming off the grid to do battle once more Grant looked comfortable in front, despite the determination of the fabulous Group B RS200 of Harris biting from behind and that is how it remained for the rest of the race leaving Harris to settle for a close second with Sampson in an impressive third place bringing the rest of the field home.

In his first Retro Rallycross season Andy Grant took the 4Wd crown and top step of the podium bringing the 2021 championship to a close saying ‘’ What a great championship to be part of. Steve wanted the win yesterday day and so did I but I drove the socks off my Focus and the car got away a few times but what a race win. The car might be the great ex Will Gollop car, but it has got my engineering now as well. The pace the focus is on now it would be in the middle of super car pack. Don’t forget the driver is now 60 and my Focus will be 20 years old next year. What the future is for myself, and my rallycross Focus, I’m not sure.’’

Retro Rallycross organiser Shirley Gibson rounded off the season saying ‘’ I didn’t think we could improve on earlier season’s until now, what an incredible turnout. Everyone did a fantastic job in keeping the Retro Flag flying during the year. Our grids were impressive with racing fast and hard all season long producing a closely fought battle once again where our champion could have come from either the Retro or Super Retro categories. I couldn’t fail to be anything other than proud and impressed with performances from a great selection of period rallycross machinery driven by iconic and talented drivers recreating the action of years gone by. Overall, it was a job well done by all involved, we have a dedicated team who have kept the flag flying for us all year and I cannot thank them enough for the great work they do at events and behind the scenes. We are not done yet; we have more news to bring you in the coming months about the cars and the stars that are set to join us in 2022.’’

Quote from Barry Stewart, the 2021 Retro Rallycross Champion.

‘’Really really pleased to win the super retro class and an absolute honour to win the John button memorial trophy. It’s been a very busy season with its ups and downs but couldn’t ask for a nicer bunch of guys to race with. A very big thank you to my girlfriend Mandy for all her help and support keeping me hydrated and fed and the support I’ve had from friends throughout the season. Also grateful for the help from the organisers for a fantastic championship. Hopefully the championship will continue to go from strength to strength’’.