LOCAL STARS AIM FOR BRITISH RALLYCROSS 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, Leeming driver Kevin Procter 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 Watson will also return to the championship at Croft. The points leader in the early stages of the BRC, the larger than life character 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 from Northallerton clinched the title at Mondello Park yesterday and in the Bill Gwynne Junior Rallycross Championship, Richmond's Ben Rennison did likewise whilst Matt Thompson from Ingleton and Bishop Auckland driver Chris Anderson will each be looking for a strong run on home ground at the end of their first year in Rallycross.

Northallerton shopkeeper Darren Grimston makes his debut in the sport this weekend when he drives the Procter's Coaches Lotus Exige and Middleborugh's Martin Peters will be in action in his Citroen Saxo.

Leading contenders for Supercar honours include Irishmen Dermot Carnegie (Ford Fiesta), Ollie O Donovan (Peugeot 306), Andrew Jordan (Ford Focus) and Steve Hill (Mitsubishi Lancer) whilst Ben Power's Ford Ka and the Renault Clio of James Bird will be front runners also.

Event Details
Sunday October 21st
Croft Circuit, off A167 between Darlington and Northallerton, North Yorkshire.
Practice starts at 09.30, racing from 10.30
Admission: Adults £10, children under 15 free
Info: 01325 721815, www.croftcircuit.co.uk

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