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!

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!

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.”

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!

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.

CARTER MAKES SWIFT PROGRESS AT CROFT

After eight months out of action, defending BTRDA SuperModified 1600cc Rallycross Champion, Larry Carter, was back behind the wheel of a rallycross car at Croft Circuit for the final round of the Autosport International BTRDA Rallycross Championship on Sunday and gave a good performance in difficult conditions.

Driving the British Championship-specification Peter Gwynne Motorsport 1600cc Suzuki Swift Sport, the motorsport broadcaster and journalist from nearby Northallerton, North Yorkshire was hoping to improve on his championship placing having only contested one round in 2015 due to work and business commitments, but with Croft counting as double points, he was confident of doing that, despite the very competitive entry.

With just three laps of practice on a very wet and muddy track available, the former motorcycle racer got a great start in the opening heat to run third in the early stages, but an optimistic move at the Hairpin on the opening lap saw him run wide and eventually finished sixth.

Heat two saw the www.cartersport.com, Yorkshire Van Lease, RWS Bodyworks, Swift Signs and Fuchs Titan Race-backed driver get a better run and Carter finished second before a star-studded heat three saw him only manage eighth place. Despite that, the classification after the heats put him on pole position for the SuperModified ‘C’ Final in a class that featured some of the top British and European competitors with very powerful machinery.

From there, he enjoyed a race long dice with the two-litre Toyota MR2 of Welshman Marc Jones and despite a couple of attempts to grab the lead, Carter had to settle for second placeby less than half a second which still promoted him to the ‘B’ Final.

The ten car ‘B’ Final proved to be one of the races of the day with action right the way through as drivers in the various sub-classes battled it out with their own championship agendas. Outgoing 1600cc champion Carter held onto the tails of new incumbent Nick Potter (Citroen Saxo) as the pair traded places with each other whilst challenging Suzuki Swift Sport regular Andy Hawkes and the mighty Audi TT of Brian Jukes whilst multiple BTRDA Champion Gary Cook battled back into contention after a spin in his MG-ZR.

It all got a bit physical  going into the Hairpin on the third lap of the four lap race when Jukes and Cook nearly came together and resulted in in Hawkes and Potter making contact. With nowhere to go, Carter ended up tapping Hawkes and then collecting Potter, who spun out but rejoined. At the chequered flag, Carter was placed ninth, just a second behind Jukes  with just ten seconds covering cars placed third to ninth.

The result saw Carter elevated to fourth place overall in the Fuchs Lubricants BTRDA SuperModified 1600cc Championship despite just contesting two rounds.

Carter said: ​“Despite the very tricky conditions, I had a great day and to come away with a couple of second places and fourth in the championship is great.  The Suzuki Swift is a wonderful little car to drive and I’d recommend anyone thinking about having a go in the sport to certainly consider this option.  The racing was really clean and it was unfortunate that a couple of us got tangled up in the ‘B’ Final but that’s what happens when the racing is so close. I really enjoyed it and a big thanks to my whole team, my sponsors and the friends who came along to support me. A big thankyou to Peter and Sarah from Peter Gwynne Motorsport for supplying the car and hopefully we can do it again in the future.”

Advanced Winter Coaching Schedule

Carter Returns to Rallycross at Croft in PGM Swift

Defending 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 15^th November. 

Larry Carter interviewing Carl Fogarty

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 last year, instead he’ll be at the wheel of a British Championship-specification Peter Gwynne Motorsport Suzuki Swift Sport.

Carter registered for the 2015 series and did the opening round at Blyton in Lincolnshire back in March but since then, his weekend commitments have limited his outings, but with the Croft meeting counting as double points, whilst retaining the 1600cc title is not possible, a top three placing in the final standings is a possibility, although with 23 SuperModified cars entered, including another half dozen competitive 1600cc cars, it’s a tall order.

Rob Pickard in action previously at Croft

The Suzuki Swift Sport is the car used recently by Swift Sport series newcomer Rob Pickard and latterly by Drew Bellerby whereby the teenager won the D Final at the MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix at Croft on her debut in the car last month.

Carter said:         “Watching everyone else having fun whilst I did the commentary at the Croft British Championship meeting made me even more determined to race at the final round of the BTRDA series! I’ve invested a lot of time and money into sorting the 206 this year and it’s not a Rallycross car at the end of the day, so that will just do rallies from now on. But thanks to Peter Gwynne Motorsport, I’ve  been offered the chance to race a competitive Suzuki Swift which I’ve always wanted to do so hopefully we can have a good, clean run to end the season on a high.”

The car will be backed by www.cartersport.com, RWS Bodyworks, Yorkshire Van Lease, Swift Signs and Fuchs Titan Race in the meeting which features a mammoth 80 car entry. 

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

Junior Coaching Sessions

It's all about the youngsters this weekend! Junior coaching sessions.

Battle for Yapp in BTRDA B Final

Competing for only his second ever time on gravel, piloting the Peter Gwynne Motorsport S1600 Hire Swift, former BTRDA AutoSolo Challenge Champion Jamie Yapp gained pace in every heat of the Round 2 of The BTRDA Clubmans Rallycross Championship held at Pembrey Circuit, Wales. 

 Jamie Yapp takes a win in Heat 3

 

A win in heat 3 secured pole position for the B Final however, the chance of an A final promotion slipped away after losing out at the hotly-contested first corner.  Whilst left at the back of the pack, Yapp managed a finish to complete the days event although was left unable to compete in Round 3 of the double header event.

It is a quick turnaround for the PGM Team as the S1600 Swift makes its first trip across the water this weekend for Belgian Driver Kris Fruru to contest a National event at Eurocircuit, Holland in preparation for the start of the Rallycross Challenge Europe in which he came fifth in 2014.