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Europe's Best Descend On Croft For Rallycross Superprix |
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Monday, 23 October 2006 |
The country’s biggest Rallycross meeting of the year takes place this forthcoming weekend when the Shannon Holdings Rallycross Superprix roars into action at Croft Circuit, North Yorkshire.
Featuring the very best drivers from Europe taking on their British and Irish counterparts, it will be the only time that British fans will see the cream of Europe’s drivers in action in their various cars and with a number of added attractions, it certainly is not one to be missed.
Heading the Division One entry list once again is 13 times European Champion Kenneth Hansen (Citroen Xsara) from Sweden who will be looking for revenge after being narrowly beaten by Irishman Christopher Evans (Opel Astra) in last year’s epic final. But Evans, who has recently clinched the British Championship, plans to keep hold of the trophy despite a strong field of no less than twenty Supercars, all of which put out in excess of 500bhp each.
Polish Champion Jacek Ptaszek returns to Croft where he won the English Masters earlier in the year and brings with him fellow countryman and Toyota Corolla WRC driver Mariusz Krolikowski whilst Ireland is well represented with the likes of John McCluskey (Citroen Xsara), Helmut Holfeld (Ford Escort) and George Tracey.
With English drivers Steve Hill (Mitsubishi Lancer) Kevin Procter (Ford Puma), ‘Mad’ Mark Watson (Citroen Xsara) and Tony Bell (Toyota Corolla) expected to feature well; there is added spice with some top additional drivers in action in unfamiliar cars.
Swedish rally legend Per Eklund will be bringing his pair of autonomous Saab 93s over for 17 year old rising star Andrew Jordan and event sponsor Ollie O’Donovan to drive whilst Chris Cake has done a deal to drive the SEAT Cordoba WRC of Dane Torben Muller.
But many eyes will be on the surprise entry of 2005 ANCRO MSA National Rally Champion Paul Bird who makes his Rallycross debut in the Ford Focus WRC normally driven by Belgian driver Edwin Geraerts and is expected to feature well.
With over 100 cars in action, the battles for Super National, Super Series 2000, Stock Hatch, Revivals, Juniors and Minicross will be just as intense with a very strong Scandinavian challenge expected to be every bit a match for the British Isles drivers.
The mighty Volvo S40’s of Urban Bergstrom, Stian Haugan and Ola Froshaug will take on British Champion Dave Bellerby (Peugeot 206) from nearby Northallerton as well as Julian Godfrey (Ford Escort) and Tynesider David Binks (BMW Mini) whereas other star names include Norwegian Rune Engersvoll (Volvo), Holland’s Willem Veltman (Citroen) and Belgian Jos Sterkens (Ford Fiesta). Local teenagers Ben Rennison and Joe Cunningham renew their battle in the Junior Rallycross class in their venerable Minis.
The action commences at 9.30am on Saturday before the first heats at 11.00am and on Sunday, the first action takes place from 9.30am, the pit lane walk at 11.00am and racing from 12.00 noon. Ticket prices for the event are as follows: Saturday - £8, Sunday - £12, Grandstand - £5. Prices are per adult and accompanied children 15 or under are admitted FREE. More information available from Claire Jones at Croft Circuit on 01325 721815 and further official information is available at www.RallycrossSuperprix.co.uk
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 12 December 2006 )
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