to drive British Rallycross into the fast lane

BARC to jointly promote British Rallycross with Lydden Hill Motor ClubSport aims to leverage the popularity of World RallycrossComprehensive TV deal one of the key early focuses

Subject to a formal contract with the Motor Sports Association (MSA), the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) and Lydden Hill Motor Club (LHMC) have been jointly appointed to spearhead the promotion and operation of the MSA British Rallycross Championship and MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix.With its intoxicating blend of circuit racing and rallying, rallycross is currently the hottest ticket in motor sport – as evinced by the sky-rocketing popularity of the new FIA World Rallycross Championship, which continues to go from strength-to-strength in its debut season.Eager to achieve similar success for the British Rallycross Championship and season-ending British Rallycross Grand Prix – which will take place at Croft Circuit in Yorkshire this weekend (18/19 October) – Britain’s motor sport governing body the MSA has jointly tasked the BARC and LHMC with co-promoting both the championship and GP as part of a minimum three-year deal.Given rallycross’ spectacular nature, one of the key early focuses will be to secure a comprehensive television package. BARC Business Development Manager Ian Watson is quick to point out the inherent potential in the Club’s new undertaking.“We are delighted that the MSA has selected us from the tender process to negotiate a contract for the promotion of the British Rallycross Championship and British Rallycross Grand Prix in partnership with LHMC,” he said. “You only need to look at the manner in which World Rallycross has taken off this year to see how popular the sport is, and there’s no reason why the British Championship should not follow suit.“The combined experience and expertise of the BARC and LHMC – allied to the fact that between us, we already operate three of Britain’s premier rallycross venues – means we can truly hit the ground running as we work together to enhance our offering for all of the partners involved in the championship, from teams, drivers and sponsors to the lifeblood of our sport, the fans.”“We are thrilled to be joining forces with the BARC on this successful bid,” echoed LHMC Chairman Steve Hill. “The BARC brings a wealth of motor sport experience and will greatly enhance the organisational team, which means we can build upon the significant investments of the past five years with confidence.“The introduction of Retro Rallycross, Suzuki’s one-make championship, Junior Rallycross and the support class of RX150 Buggies has proven to be extremely popular. These have complemented the pre-existing Hot Hatch, Minis, Supernational and Supercar categories to create something for everyone from an affordable entry-level right up to the top flight.“Rallycross was made for television and this remains our prime source of promotion, providing a genuine boon for those seeking sponsorship or those wishing to get involved for the first time. This is a sport that is very much in the ascendancy.”Speaking about the new agreement, MSA Chief Executive Rob Jones acknowledged that rallycross is entering an exciting era in its illustrious history – and that with two such qualified partners now on-board, the British Rallycross Championship and British Rallycross Grand Prix are set to reap the benefits.“Rallycross is enjoying a real surge in popularity, particularly with the success of the new FIA World Rallycross Championship and the exposure it has generated for this discipline,” he underlined.“As such, we are delighted to entrust British RX (LHMC) and the BARC with the organisation and promotion of the MSA British Rallycross Championship and Grand Prix by offering them a contract for the next three years. We are confident that by working together, we will be able to create the best possible championship for everyone involved, whether competitors, teams, volunteers, venues or fans.”