Thomas splashes to Lydden Hill victory in bumper Retro Rallycross line-up

Racing an iconic Group B MG Metro 6R4, Welshman Roger Thomas splashed to victory in the second round of the Retro Rallycross Championship at Lydden Hill, on Easter Bank Holiday Monday (April 2).

Making his first appearance of the season at Lydden Hill, competing in the four-wheel drive Retro sub-category, Thomas set the fastest time in Q1 but was beaten to first overall at the Intermediate Classification by round one winner James Harrold with his Volkswagen Beetle, who was fastest in Q2 and Q3.

The pair each won their respective semi-finals at the oldest rallycross circuit in the world to qualify for the front row of the final. But, in worsening wet conditions it was the traction of Thomas’ four-wheel drive machine that came out on top to score victory, with Harrold running alone in second to claim his second maximum points haul of the year in the over 1600cc sub-category.

“The conditions were difficult in the final, it was quite hairy but really good fun,” said Thomas. “I don’t mind racing in the wet, I’m quite inexperienced compared to a lot of the other guys here so it’s just about getting experience. I’ve done about six events in the Metro, it’s brilliant fun. We used my Clubman-Specification Metro here but we’re working hard to get the ex-Lawrence Gibson car ready so hopefully we will be out in that soon.”

Another four-wheel drive campaigner, Derrick Jobb, ran third on the opening lap of the final but spun at the start of lap two and dropped down the order. Former John Button Memorial Trophy winner Ray Morgan then took up the chase of the leaders, but was passed by both Mark Finch and Stewart Bowes, before Bowes’ Mini was later slowed by a misfire, Finch moving into third with an accomplished drive on his Retro Rallycross debut in a front-wheel drive Ford Fiesta. He also picked up the British Rallycross ‘Driver of the Day’ award for his efforts.

In the latter stages of race, Morgan became embroiled in a battle for fourth with Vauxhall Astra racer Gary Dixon, the pair racing hard but fair to the finish, Morgan just claiming the position. Ian Biagi finished sixth which his Mini Clubman, having travelled from the Scottish borders for the event, ahead of Jobb and Bowes.

Contesting his second-ever Retro RX event, Steve Bowie just missed out on a place in the final. Driving his Vauxhall Chevette he finished fifth in semi-final two, the same place held by Ford Escort racer Simon Hart in semi-final one. Sadly, neither Porsche 911 driver Barry Stewart or Toyota MR2 racer Paul Easterbrook were able to take their place on the semi-final grid due to mechanical problems that forced them out in the qualifying stages. Making his return to the rallycross paddock, Terry Moore also had a difficult day, he crashed out in Q1 after the engine in his Mini died, causing him to lose control of the car.

“The word brilliant doesn’t seem to come close to summarising out day at Lydden. To be back at the Kent circuit was as amazing as it always is and to go there with such a fantastic entry consisting of a great selection of cars has to mean it has to be one of our best ever events,” said Retro Rallycross Championship Manager, Shirley Gibson. “Our new drivers fitted in so well, telling me throughout the day how much they enjoyed the Retro Rallycross experience and that they are already looking forward to their return. The driver of the day award went to a Retro driver for the first time which was of course the icing on the cake; Mark Finch deserved it completely, he drove his heart out in his Fiesta and got out of the car after each race with a huge smile on his face. I can’t wait for the next round at Croft.”

2018 Retro Rallycross Championship: Round Two, Final Result:

1 Roger Thomas          MG Metro 6R4 (Retro 4WD)
2 James Harrold          Volkswagen Beetle (Super Retro)
3 Mark Finch               Ford Fiesta (Retro)
4 Ray Morgan             Ford Escort (Super Retro)
5 Gary Dixon               Vauxhall Astra (Super Retro)
6 Ian Biagi                   Mini Clubman (Retro)
7 Derrick Jobb             Ford Escort (Retro 4WD)
8 Stewart Bowes         Mini Clubman (Retro)

Retro Rallycross (under 1600cc) standings:

1 Stewart Bowes         Mini Clubman             52
2 Ian Biagi                   Mini Clubman             50
3 Steve Bowie             Vauxhall Chevette       48
4 Simon Hart               Ford Escort                  42
5 Mark Finch               Ford Fiesta                  30
6 Steve Cozens            Citroen AX                   30
7 Terry Moore             Mini                               0

 Super Retro (over 1600cc) standings:

1 James Harrold          Volkswagen Beetle     60
2 Gary Dixon               Vauxhall Astra             52
3 Ray Morgan             Ford Escort                  50
4 Paul Easterbrook      Toyota MR2               46
5 Barry Stewart           Porsche 911                23

Retro 4WD standings:

1 Roger Thomas          MG Metro 6R4            30
2 Derrick Jobb             Ford Escort                  27

Round three of the 2018 Retro Rallycross Championship takes place at Croft Circuit on May 6