Retro Rallycross Signs Off In Style at Croft…

Filed under: Classic News,Racing |
Rob Gibson in the Metro 6R4

Rob Gibson in the Metro 6R4

The Retro team gathered together for their last race of the season in high spirits and ready to entertain the crowds at Croft, the chosen venue for the final round of the Ripla.co.uk Retro Rallycross Challenge.
Russ Swift in the Escort Mk2

Russ Swift in the Escort Mk2

Veteran Rob Gibson stamped his authority down from the start in the 1982/87 category to show that he is still a force to be reckoned with. Gibson stormed off the back row of the grid in the first heats, taking the lead by the first corner, in a race that saw his main rival Grzegorz Kalinecki remain in the paddock as he struggled to lower the exhaust noise on his Lancia Delta Integrale. Ashley Davies who was invited to join the team in his Peugeot 205 gave chase, finishing a respectable 2 seconds behind Gibson, on a slippery track that saw Retro cars spinning in the wet conditions. The weather gradually improved which resulted in faster times being recorded in the second and third heats. With Kalinecki finally getting his car past scrutineering, the class continued the day without too much drama. Coronation Street Star Tony Hirst took part in his first Retro Rallycross event in the Astra GTE that was lent to the Team by owner, John Mooney. It was Gibson, who continued to take charge taking victory in the 2 heats that followed, with Kalinecki, Davies, Paul Smith and the Astra's of Brothers Dave and Jim Black, giving chase from behind. The Final saw yet another Rocket Rob Gibson Start, a lead that he kept to the finish line, despite the efforts of Kalinecki who was, by the end catching the 6R4, Ashley Davies finished a respectable third ahead of Paul Smith, Dave Black and Tony Hirst.
Barry Stewart in his Porsche

Barry Stewart in his Porsche

Soap star Tony Hirst in John Mooney’s Astra

Soap star Tony Hirst in John Mooney’s Astra

The pre-1982 category were joined on the grid by Stunt Driver Paul Swift in his Escort MK2, Swift secured the fastest time in the first and second heat. Despite finishing second in the first two heats Ray Morgan could just not get it together enough to seriously challenge for the lead. With third heat victory going to Lance Foster in the Green & White Mini it was all to play for in the Final where Barry Stewart showed he was in determined mood, taking an early lead that he kept to the chequer flag. Ray Morgan was hot on his heals with Foster nibbling from behind, as the pair came to the final corner it was close, but Morgan held on to take the second place position from Foster with Paul Swift, Marc Griffin and Ian Biagi bringing the pack home. It had been a busy weekend for the Team off the track as they launched their much awaited clothing and merchandise range. The Retro Rallycross Paddock Shop was officially opened by Actors' Tony Hirst and Kelvin Fletcher, both of whom look forward to returning to Retro Rallycross in the future.Tags: