The ferociously fast world of Rallycross comes to Knockhill this weekend (Sunday 11th May) for Round 3 of this year’s British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group. If it’s thrill-a-minute, racing action you are after; then this weekend’s event will have that in abundance. Short, sharp races are the order of the day, with qualifying, heats, semi and finals all taking place on the same day.
The profile of Rallycross is set to explode in 2014 with the creation of the new FIA World Rallycross Championship. Former F1 Champion Jacques Villeneuve has already committed to the series, as has 2003 World Rally Champion Petter Solberg. The Championship also boasts a distinctly British flavour with Andy Scott and Liam Doran names you may recognise from the British Rallycross scene. Even, current BTCC Champion, Andrew Jordan will compete in the series when it travels to Lydden Hill for Round 2 of the 2014 World Championship.
So what is Rallycross? It is a mixed surface racing series that competes on both tarmac and gravel circuits. Drivers need to be incredibly quick on the tarmac section before switching to rally-mode for the loose gravel section, before eventually retaking to the track, often sideways or airborne; to complete the lap. Races are only six laps long, with a similar number of competitors; and in the Supercar class, some of these vehicles can out accelerate an F1 car, so there is plenty of speed on show too. The action is intense, fast, often action-packed and always entertaining. Rallycross also offers a touch of strategy in the shape of the “Joker Lap” or “Loop”. Simply, one lap of greater distance to the other laps in the race, that must be used once (decided by the driver) during the race. Use this too early and your rivals could open up and unbreachable gap; likewise, use it too late, and your rivals could be making their way back to their awning by the time you are crossing the finish line.
This weekend’s event will see a multitude of classes and vehicles take to the Knockhill Rallycross Circuit – utilising a proportion of the main Knockhill track, a gravel circuit that cuts through the centre of the venue and the Hairpin for the “Joker Laps”. Over 50 competitors from all over the UK will make their way to Fife to sample the twists, dips and jumps of Knockhill’s unique Rallycross track – a firm favourite with all the teams and drivers.
Action will come from the MSA British Championship, MSA Super National, MSA Junior, Swift Sport, RX150, BMW Mini, Hot Hatch, Super 1600 and the Retro Rallycross Championships.
Just a few names to look out for this weekend include Julian Godfrey (reigning Supercar Champion) and former British Rallycross Champion Ollie O’Donovan, making a return to the Supercar class following the purchase of Kevin Proctor’s rapid Ford Focus. Elsewhere, Border’s based Marc Scott, son of World Championship competitor Andy, will look to extend his lead at the top of the standings in the RX150 class. Whilst, there should also be some very exciting racing in each and every class this weekend.
Action starts at 9am and will continue throughout the day, concluding around 5pm. We have reduced the entrance fee for this weekend and tickets for the event can be purchased on the day at Knockhill or in advance via the Knockhill website. Gate admission costs: Adults £10, Concessions £6, Family £26 and kids under 12 receive FREE entry. All tickets pre-booked via the Knockhill.com website, will be subject to advanced discounts.
So, if you want to see more racing-action than you can shake a stick at, head on over to Knockhill this weekend.