CARTER MAKES RALLYCROSS RETURN IN PGM SUZUKI SWIFT AT CROFT

 

Former BTRDA SuperModified 1600cc Rallycross Champion, Larry Carter, returns to action this weekend at his local Croft Circuit for the final round of the Autosport International BTRDA Rallycross Championship which takes place on Sunday 6^th November.

However, the motorsport broadcaster and journalist from Northallerton, North Yorkshire will not be using his trusty Peugeot 206 rally car in which he took the title in his debut season in the sport back in 2014, instead he’ll once again be at the wheel of a British Championship-specification Peter Gwynne Motorsport Suzuki Swift Sport.

Due to business commitments, Carter hasn’t been able to contest the BTRDA Championship for the past couple of seasons and hasn’t raced in Rallycross since the corresponding meeting last year when, in another PGM-backed Suzuki Swift, he battled to second place in the SuperModified ‘C’ Final before a bruising encounter in the ‘B’ Final saw him placed ninth in the 1600cc car against much more powerful opposition.

This time it will be an even taller order as a capacity entry has been received for the Darlington & District Motor Club-organised event which will see a total of 84 cars in action, including 26 in the SuperModified class.

The Suzuki Swift Sport is the car used recently by Ginetta GT4 racer Fraser Robertson at the final round of the British Rallycross Championship by Odyssey Battery and the MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix by Procter’s Coaches last month and will see Carter enjoy backing from sponsors Yorkshire Van Lease, Fuchs Titan Race, Design Bi-folds, Swift Signs, RWS Bodyworks, Peter Gwynne Motorsport and 7/10 Oils as well as www.cartersport.com.

Carter said: “Watching everyone else having fun whilst I did the commentary at the Croft British Rallycross Grand Prix made me even more determined to race at the final round of the BTRDA series! Thanks to Peter Gwynne Motorsport, I’ve been offered the chance to race a competitive Suzuki Swift once again and following last year’s experience, hopefully we can have a good, clean run and improve on our results from 2015.”

Practice starts at 9am with the first of three sets of heats getting underway from around 10.15am. Adult admission is just £10 on the gate with accompanied children aged 15 and under admitted free. There is free parking and free paddock access also. Croft Circuit is located on the A167 just five miles south of Darlington and for further information, please visit www.croftcircuit.co.uk

Image courtesy of Tony Todd 

Ginetta GT4 Supercup's Robertson Ready for Rallycross!

 Fraser Robertson - Ginetta G55 GT4

Joining the Peter Gwynne Motorsport team for the final round of the Swift Rallycross Championships at Croft Circuit this weekend, Fraser Robertson will swap his Ginetta G55 GT4 for a Suzuki Swift Sport to make his rallycross debut at the final round of the British Rallycross Championship.

Having just completed his 2016 season in the Ginetta GT4 Supercup, where he finished fourth overall, ‘The Van Centre’ proprietor from Brompton-On-Swale is keen to explore different motorsport challenges ahead of the 2017 season.

Whilst no stranger to a one-make championship, swapping his 355 bhp 3.7 V6 Ginetta G55 GT4 for the modest 1.6 front wheel drive little pocket rocket and taking to the gravel sections of his local motorsport venue, for the adrenaline-fuelled, quick-fire races, is sure be a different experience for him.

Pop by and wish him good luck and watch for that smile as he returns to the paddock after Q1!

Deal Driver Don Macleod set for Swift Rallycross at Croft

Making the long journey north from Deal, Kent, Borderforce officer Don Macleod is set to compete in the Swift Sport Rallycross Championship season finale at Croft Circuit, Darlington.  

Wanting to fulfil a dream, the football referee hired a PGM Swift for the second round of the Swift Sport Rallycross Championship when they headed to his local circuit, Lydden Hill during the Easter weekend. 

After a successful debut, the Scotsman was left wanting more and took to the track once again when the swifts returned to 'The Home of Rallycross' in August for Round 6 of the British Rallycross Championship.

Having embraced the spirit and camaraderie of the Swifts, progressing steadily in both heats and the semi finals, with his highlight so far being a third in heat three at Lydden Hill, Don says “Despite being a complete novice, the fellow competitors have accepted me and their knowledge and advise has given me the impetus to push harder and harder in each race I have competed in.”

Now wanting to experience a new circuit, Macleod heads to Yorkshire for the Swift season finale at Croft Circuit with the ambition to continue racing in the Swifts in 2017, work permitting.

Highlights of Ben Tuck's first experience of Swift Rallycross at Pembrey

Normally used to driving rear wheel drive on a sealed surface, we send Ben Tuck Racing straight out in the Swift Rallycross ultra-competitive Swift Rallycross Championships at Pembrey Circuit in the pouring rain courtesy of the free drive offered by Lumena Lights Ltd!

Impressive performance by the Motor Sports Association (MSA) Academy Student who qualified for the final and finished a very respectable sixth overall in his first ever British Rallycross Championship event.

Watch his highlights here:

Testing Terrain for Trio on Trackrod!

The sun shone as three Swifts swooped into Dalby Forest service park on the first day of October ready to take on the BTRDA Trackrod Rally.

First to take to the stages was British Rallycross Supernational driver Todd Crooks and girlfriend Jordine Wadge making their debut in BTRDA Rally.  Waiting for this day to finally arrive, an anxious Jordine had an even longer wait for her first taste of codriving when reaching stage one there was a thirty minute delay.

There were smiles as the two returned to service after SS3 however, and after a close encounter with a deer that jumped into the stage in front of them in Langdale, the pair realised what a real adventure rallying is.

Finding good pace through SS4 Crooks settled into his stride with the swift until reaching a collection of cars retired on the side of the stage.  Avoiding the cars put him in line with a large deep pot hole which caused damage and explained the parked cars.  Nursing the Swift back into service the crew got to work replacing the severed strut and bent hub just in time for Crooks to continue to SS5, where unfortunately their rally would end when a ball joint let go during a tight chicane.  

Jonathan Hodgson and codriver Gary Baker were next out and due to the delays queuing for stage start, there was concerns of the clutch overheating although they managed to made it though the morning stages until they too found the pothole on SS4 causing them to limp into service with a puncture.  New rubber on, the Yorkshire boys continued incident free to complete their third rally in a row.

Droitwich driver Tom Delaney and codriver Matt Walk were not so lucky.  Having had a steady run though their first stage learning grip levels,  the MSA Student encountered a rock in the middle of the road resulting in a cracked sump which ended play at SS3.

Whilst the Dalby Forest terrain got the better of two of the swifts in this occasion, congratulations to Jonathan and Gary on completing the day.

Well done to Todd and Jordine who worked well together and made a great team.   Hope to see them having more 'quality time' together or rally stages in the future. 

Finally thank you to everyone who came and offered help and support to the new couple on their rally debut and to all the organisers, marshals and everyone who made the event possible. 

The Swifts will be back out in force on Grizdale Stages - 26th November 2016

Crooks set for BTRDA Rally Debut

For Todd Crooks Motorsport is his passion!  Competing in both the British Rallycross Championship and also the BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship series, this year Crooks  is keen to sample different forms of motorsport enthused  by the @BTRDA All Rounders championship.

Whilst a regular in the Rallycross paddock, Crooks tried his hand at Sprinting, supporting the MDA when they visited Blyton Race Circuit earlier in the year where he won his class. 

Also conscious of his other passion in life,  girlfriend of six years Jordine Wadge, who herself has grown up in the rallycross paddock attending her first event at only three days old, Crooks suggested a weekend away in Yorkshire....Rallying! 

What better way of spending some quality time together than heading off into the Dalby forest strapped in a rally car together? 

The couple will make their rally debut in a PGM Swift competing in the popular BTRDA Trackrod Rally Yorkshire car #125 this Saturday (1st October).  

If visiting the service park pop by and wish them luck. 

Peter Gwynne:  Having done a coaching day with Todd at the Sweet Lamb Complex, sat beside him, he was smooth and progressed well with good speed.   He certainly has the ability to do well but it will be interesting to see how he gets on this weekend.  It is a a totally different discipline for him and also with it being Jordine's first time on the notes, either way I think it will be a real adventure for them both. 

Todd Crooks:  After winning the BTRDA Super modified Championship last year I was keen to stretch my legs and try something new. The BTRDA all rounders Championship seemed the perfect way to do this, so we could continue with the Rallycross and do a bit of something else as well. With competing in two Championships our weekends are quite busy, so finding something to fit was the first priority.  When I noticed that the Trackrod was on a free weekend I was immediately drawn to it, and this was only enhanced after the practice with Peter at Sweet Lamb. I'm really looking forward to this weekend and seeing  whether Rallying is the thing for us!

Jordine Wadge:   Motorsport has always played quite a big role in my life, right from three days old. Mum and Dad were keen on their Rallycross, but we spent many a weekend at different forms of circuit racing too. 20 years on and Motorsport is still at the top of my hobbies. Not only did Todd and I meet at Rallycross some 6 years ago, but it also plays a part in my part time job too as a first aider. When I was given the opportunity last year to compete in my first Rallycross in memory of my mum it's fair to say I caught the bug.  I've done a sprint this year too, and with the Rally I'll have tried 3 different sports in less than 365 days. I'm really locking forward to seeing how Todd and I get on as a team, and whether I can keep up in the notes! Big thanks to Peter and Sarah for the opportunity, and Richard too for the training!

Sunshine and Supercars!

Sunshine and Supercars here at Silverstone circuit today.

Aurigny Inflight Feature on Guernsey driver Hainsworth

Great feature in the Aurigny.com inflight magazine of our Swift Rallycross Championships Sport driver Christian Hainsworth.

It highlights how despite living in Guernsey he is still able to compete at the rounds of the British Rallycross Championship and we are pleased that between us and the team at Aurigny we are able to help him achieve this. 

Next Stop the Trackrod Rally Yorkshire!

The Swifts are out in force for the BTRDA Trackrod Rally Yorkshire.  Fun weekend ahead with these guys:

Swift No: 125

Driver:  Todd Crooks

Codriver:  Jordine Wadge

Swift No: 144

Driver:  Jonathan Hodgson 

Codriver:  Gary Baker

Swift No: 161

Driver:  Tom Delaney

Codriver:  Matthew Walk

Trackrod Motor Club | Brian James Trailers | Yokohama UK | KRU Rally | SVP Motorsport | BTRDA Rally

Tarmac Coaching available Tuesday 31st May 2016 at Blyton Race Circuit.

Suzuki Swift Sport or junior options available.

For more information please PM or email info@petergwynne.com

Driver Coaching Day in the Welsh Mountains

Cracking day with Tom Delaney Rallying and Ed Fossey Motorsport yesterday gravel coaching in the Welsh Mountains.

Motor Sports Association (MSA) Academy Student Tom Delaney's level of car control is improving all the time, along with showing consistency in his lines.  Delaney certainly enjoys the car sliding on the gravel, not to mention getting some airtime!

Ed Fossey made the trip over from Jersey for his first session experiencing a gravel surface and after proving he listened and was confident enough, it was straight up onto the stage to see what he could do.  

A big step for the former Junior 1000 Rally Championship driver, getting used to the movement of the car on a loose surface, whilst being aware of the big drops where there is little room for error!

His speed improved everytime out and it was not long before he was looking very comfortable out there in the Welsh countryside.

Great job by the lads, despite the varied weather conditions with snow and hail, it was a successful day for both drivers with no dramas and the superb little Swifts performed brilliantly all day.

Scotsman Samples Swift Rallycross!

Look out! Look out!  There's a Scotsman about!!  

Don Macleod joins us this weekend at Lydden Hill Race Circuit for his first taste of the Swift Rallycross Championships for Round 2 of The British Rallycross Championship.

World RX Dream for Doran back in MINI with JRM Racing

The announcement of Liam Doran joining the JRM Racing Team to contest a full season in the FIA World Rallycross Championship has to excite Rallycross fans across the world.

There is no doubt the Devonshire driver Doran has talent, with his flamboyant style and all out 'flat out or fail' attitude that have graced our social media feeds across the years and earnt him four X Games medals. 

Plagued with reliability issues in recent years, as the 29 year old attempted to drive and run his own team from a remote region of England, not to mention commuting to the US to be with his family.  Frustration set in when the flame throwing DS3 continued to fail and results seemed unachievable.
Despite only joining the World RX scene recently, JRM Racing chose to assess the world stage for the 2015 season, opting for specific events with selected drivers, in which Guy Wilkes made eyebrows rise as he got the 1.6 litre super mini to the final at Lydden Hill, despite talks of it being underpowered in comparison, at what is considered to be a quick circuit.

The new two-litre engine and further winter development by the elite engineering JRM Racing Team, coupled with the driving force of Doran, this looks to be an ideal pairing for a full assault on the World RX 2016!

Liam Doran:“This is something I’ve been working towards for the last couple of years – being able to go at the championship professionally as a driver and with a capable and successful team,” 
“It’s exciting for me to have the chance to do that. Being able to focus on my driving is the most important thing for me in 2016."

JRM Managing Director, Jason King: “It’s great to have Liam on board for the 2016 World RX season and for him to be at the heart of an all-British team. We learned a lot about the series last year and we’re ready to make our mark as a full season entrant in 2016.

“We’ve done a lot of work on the MINI to meet the new two-litre engine regulations and marrying the car’s chassis – which handles superbly and gives the driver great stability and feedback – to a more powerful engine is an exciting prospect.

“Liam’s pedigree in World RX is undoubted and he’s the sort of driver we really wanted to work with in 2016 so we can make the performance step that we know the car is capable of. We know he will extract every bit of performance out of the car and create a spectacular show out on track.”

Three In A Row For PGM Instructor Alexander

Congratulations to PGM instructor Paul Alexander who took another class win in the Agbo Stages Rally​ held at Weston Park​ near Telford on Sunday. 

Alexander has now taken three consecutive class wins in his immaculately prepared 2.0 Mk2 Escort and claims he is still leaving time out there!

Paul Alexander:  "I’m really pleased with the result.  We don’t have any recent experience of the venue, and were using the same set of used tyres that we did the last rally on – so to be near the sharp end and take a third consecutive class win was a real bonus.  I think I enjoyed it even more because we had to work hard on the latter stages to hold the chasing crews off.   We’re now going to develop the CAM Auto Developments and PGM-supported car further and will hopefully be back out again soon – ideally when the Flanders International Rally Challenge commences on the ORC Canal Rally in Belgium"

Sponsors:  Amillan,  Cam Auto Developments, Goodridge Ltd, SBD Motorsport

Seeing as its World Poetry Day...why not!

 

Not got a race car, a trailer, or a van,
No need to worry, compete you still can,
We're here to support, with cars you can hire,
If it's the next Petter Solberg of which you aspire.

Whether it's rallying or rallycross you want to try out,
Turning dreams into reality is what we're about,
So don't stand by the fence, dreaming away,
Give us a call to discuss, let us make your day.

As you line on the grid, pull your harness down tight,
A quick look to the left and then to the right,
The 5 second board and the engines all roar,
Then into first gear as your foot hits the floor.

All heading for Chessons, barely an inch either side,
Hit the gravel and turn, as the back starts to slide,
Bouncing and banging, feel the adrenaline flow,
As you check the mirror, reaching Devils elbow.

Down into second to pull up Hairy Hill
Watching out for a pass, leave a gap and they will,
Down past the crowds and the cheers can be heard,
Flags are all flying as your chasing for third.

As you reach paddock bend your bottom is clenched,
Then hitting the puddle, the photographers drenched,
Window wiped clean as you make the chicane,
Ready to do it all over again. 

To joker or not, check the mirror, need a gap,
Maybe you'll leave it, just one more lap,
Then panic sets in, must now count the laps out,
A missed joker means penalty, of that there's no doubt.

Relief sets in as you stay left, joker done,
Over the jump, back on track, number one,
A check on the mirrors, there's carnage behind,
Your heart starts to race, time to focus your mind.

On the last lap, heading down Hairy Hill,
See the chequered flag flying, O what a thrill,
The excitement, the emotion as you cross the line,
The realisation 'The 1st trophy is mine!'

As you return to the paddock to cheers and all clapping,
Other drivers jump out, theres plenty of back slapping,
Respect had been earn't, a competitive win,
Feeling chuffed with yourself is really no sin.

As the awards are given, third and then second,
They call for the winner, of which you are beckoned,
You take the top step, hold your cup to the sky
Shortly before champagne hits your eye.
You think 'what the hell, I'm here, bring it on!
The feeling of achievement is second to none!

So if this is your dream, don't think you can't race,
We help drivers all ages, whatever their pace,
It's all about fun and making it happen,
So join us next time the Swifts are at Lydden!

Tom Delaney''s first event of the season, The Lee Holland Junior Stage Rally - Anglesey

 

Best of luck to Tom Delaney Rallying and the SVP/Rallynuts Team on the Pendle & District Motor Club Lee Holland Junior Stage Rally at Anglesey Circuit / Trac Môn today for the Junior 1000 Rally Championship.

Crooks Claims Third in Clubmans Rallycross Championship

 

 

Superb drive by Todd Crooks today in the BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship at Blyton Park.

First time driving the Swift at got 2nd in class!

Congratulations to Phil Chicken for the win in his #S1600 C2 and the MB Motorsport Team for getting Phil back out on track after a mechanical issue earlier in the day.

MSA Junior Rallycross Champion Durdin continues with PGM Team

The PGM Team are certainly looking forward to a fun season ahead with Motor Sports Association (MSA) British Rallycross Championship Junior Champion Bradley Durdin taking the step up to Swift Rallycross Championships.

MSA British Rallycross Juniors Pre-Season Testing

Great day with the Swift Rallycross Juniors today at Blyton Race Circuit in preparation for British Rallycross Championship Round One at Croft Circuit next Sunday.

Step Up To S1600 for Swift Champion Ovenden

Double Swift Sport rallycross Champion Tristan Ovenden will race in the MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with Odyssey Battery this season in the Super1600 category.

The reigning Swift Sport title holder will race a Suzuki Swift Super1600 car, built and run by Peter Gwynne Motorsport. The Lydden Hill local tested the car for the first time in a test session at the circuit in January and will contest a full eight-round British RX campaign this season. “I've had great support in Swift Sport for many years I am pleased to continue my relationship with Peter Gwynne Motorsport,” said Ovenden. “Having been given the opportunity to test the car at Lydden earlier this year, I think it has real potential and am looking forward to the new challenge.”

Peter Gwynne Motorsport will continue to develop the Super1600 machine through the 2016 season. “Tristan has progressed well in the Swift championship over the years and with him taking the title for the second time, it’s time for him to take the step up,” said Peter Gwynne. “He enjoyed the test and the grin when I opened the door after he returned to the paddock was huge. With further development planned through the year, I’m looking forward to us working together to take this to the next level in British Rallycross.”

Ovenden contested his home round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship in the supporting RX Lites Cup at Lydden Hill in May 2015. He finished fifth in semi-final two in the single-make division.