The 2004 MSA British Rallycross Championship gets off to a busy start next weekend when the Stena Line Ulster Rallycross Festival forms the first two rounds of the championship.
The two-day festival, organised by the British Rallycross Drivers Association (BRDA), comprises events at Kirkistown on Saturday March 27 and Nutts Corner on Sunday March 28.
Having successfully reintroduced Rallycross to Northern Ireland (after a two-year absence) by running a championship event at Nutts Corner last year, the BRDA has this year re-commissioned the Rallycross course at the Kirkistown race circuit in order that both of Ulster's Rallycross tracks may be used for the festival.
Northern Ireland's oldest Rallycross track, the first event took place in 1970, Kirkistown has not hosted an event since 1990 and has never previously been included in the British championship. The loose-surface sections of the track have been renovated and Kirkistown is ready to host the prestigious opening round of the British Rallycross Championship.
"The track is quick and flows nicely. There are a couple of good overtaking place so it should produce some good racing," said Supercar Peugeot driver John McCluskey (Dublin) after being the first driver to drive the revamped circuit.
Nutts Corner was the scene of a thrilling tussle between eventual British champion Dermot Carnegie (Dublin) and event winner Will Gollop (Canterbury) last year, and the compact Antrim venue is certain to deliver some more close racing this year.
Following events at Lydden, Knockhill, Croft and Mondello Park, the championship will conclude with the high-profile championship finale at Brands Hatch on October 31.Sharing the same calendar as the MSA British Rallycross Championship, the Junior Rallycross Championship is set to build on the solid foundations laid in its inaugural season and develop into a key part of the event package in 2004.
Moving into its second season the only certainty in Junior Rallycross is that there will be a new champion as 2003 winner, 16-year-old Grant Rees (Llanybydder), is moving up to race with the adults this year.
Favourites entering the championship include Jason Pritchard (Builth Wells) who, as the highest placed driver from last year's championship returning for another crack at the title, will be aiming to improve on his third place in 2003. Tommi Walmsley (Wetherby) is another with a year of experience under his belt while Ash Davies (Cwmbran) won an event last year and Andrew Jordan (Sutton Coldfield) has set the pace in the winter events.
British Rallycross Championship 2004Saturday March 27 Kirkistown, County Down Sunday March 28 Nutts Corner, County Antrim Monday April 12 Lydden, Kent Sunday May 30 Knockhill, Fife Sunday June 20 Croft, North Yorkshire Monday August 30 Lydden, KentSaturday October 9 Mondello Park, County KildareSunday October 10 Mondello Park, County KildareSunday October 31 Brands Hatch, Kent€ up to two events may be added to this schedule
Kirkistown, Saturday March 27:Event starts 0900Admission £8. Children up to 10 free, 10 to 16-years £4, Family ticket (two adults, two children) £18Information: 07710 805070
Nutts Corner, Sunday March 28Event starts 1000Admission £8. Children up to 10 free, 10 to 16-years £4.Family ticket (two adults, two children) £18
Information: 07710 805070
