Local stars aim for British glory at Croft

By the time the contenders in the Kumho Tyres MSA British Rallycross Championship take to the track at Croft on Sunday (October 21) to start the final round of the series they will have covered seven events in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Back at the start of the championship on Easter Monday, Kevin Procter (Northallerton) was marked out as one of the leading contenders in the title race. But, after engine problems halted his Ford Puma Supercar in both of the first two championship rounds, Procter has endured a frustrating season sitting on the sidelines.

With the car now back in top shape, Procter is aiming for victory at Croft to end the year on a high and put down a marker ahead of the 2008 season.

“I’d love to win something just to finish the year on a good note,” said Procter who has been encouraged by a recent test outing with his revamped car. “I’m getting used to the car again and as long as it is reliable I’m sure I can be there or thereabouts. You never know what will happen in a race, as long as I’m close to the front there’s a chance to go for the win.”

Barnard Castle hotelier “Mad Mark” will also return to the championship at Croft. The points leader in the early stages of the BRC, “Mad Mark” dropped out of contention after a steering failure in round four, the problem also keeping him out of round five while new parts were manufactured for his Citroën Xsara.

Locally-based competitors will also be chasing victory in the SuperModified category where Dave Bellerby (Northallerton) is close to winning the championship for the second year, and in the Bill Gwynne Junior Rallycross Championship. Ben Rennison (Richmond) is virtually assured the Junior title, while Matt Thompson (Darlington) and Chris Anderson (Bishop Auckland) will each be looking for a strong run on home ground at the end of their first year in Rallycross.

Event details
Sunday October 21
Croft Circuit, off A167 near Darlington, County Durham
Practice starts at 0930, racing from 1030
Admission: Adults £10, children under 15 free
For more information, visit croftcircuit.co.uk