The first round of the 2010 BTRDA Rallycross Championship took place on a dry but bitterly cold day at Lydden Hill on Saturday.
Also a round of the Lydden Hill Winter Series, the event attracted a range of competitors.
The Supermodified class was dominated by Julain Godfrey as he tested his Ford Fiesta ahead of his British and European Championship aspirations. Second place in the Supermodified A final, and the first regular BTRDA runner home was Ray Morgan in his Ford Escort, ahead of Nick Mcadden in the Vauxhall Corsa. Highest placed Modified 2000 runner was Shelley Wakeling, finishing second in the B final after class favourite Stuart Emery’s engine expired on the last lap.
The Stockhatch category was won by Gordon Rogers, although as his Suzuki Swift is not part of the championship first BTRDA blood went the way of Darren Clarke in his Citroen Saxo. Bob Hardie made a good start to the year finishing third on the road ahead of reigning champion Dave Martin. Making his debut in the class, James Coney beat Rogers off the line in the A final and lead until the last corner, but following a spin, finished fifth.
The Minicross A final was easily the most entertaining race of the day, the lead being exchanged throughout. George Edwards made up for a poor start by claiming the victory at the flag, ahead of brother Tom. 2009 Champion Kris Hudson finished third, just clear of Ben Clarke. Kelly Bird finished 7th in her first event in the senior category, but Keifer Hudson failed to make the start of the A final after an electric fault.
Brad Bailey won the Junior A final, but star of the race and driver of the day was Paige Bellerby. Clearly a chip off the old block, Paige kept the experienced Bailey in sight all day and is clearly a star in the making. The third and final runner in the class was another debutant Shauna Baxter.
Next Round – Rd – Lydden Hill April 4th/5th
Hal Ridge