Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Heathcote targets podium spot
Rallycross
The fight to become British Rallycross Supercar champion will continue at Lydden Hill on Bank Holiday Monday as the season reaches its final stages.
Five-time title winner Julian Godfrey holds a three-point advantage over Oliver Bennett ahead of round six, with Irishman Ollie O’donovan in third.
Kevin Procter is just 20 points shy of Godfrey with four rounds remaining – 13 points clear of Pluckley’s Nathan Heathcote in fifth.
Heathcote, who will drive his exLiam Doran Citroen DS3 at Lydden for the first time on Monday, is looking forward to competing at his home circuit.
“I would like to get a podium at Lydden but I haven’t driven the DS3 there before,” the 20-year-old said.
“There are still four rounds left and I am still definitely fighting for the championship. “A mistake cost me a podium finish at the last round which was annoying but I still came away with some decent points.” In the supporting classes, Tristan Ovenden will be keen to score his second win of the season in his newly-acquired Renault Clio V6. The Canterbury racer – who is 18 points shy of Lotus Exige campaigner Paige Bellerby – suffered suspension failure in the final at Lydden earlier in the season. “The car ran well all weekend at the last round and we have got good pace at Lydden,” Ovenden said. “We had a few front brake issues with a broken disc last time out but the car is great and it suits me well.
“We have been chipping away at the championship points and I still think we can win it.”
Tristan’s brother, Simon, holds the Swift Sport Rallycross Championship lead ahead of Lydden, seven points clear of Rob Shield.
Deal’s Rob Maynard will be looking for a better result at his home circuit as he currently lies sixth in the series standings.
Action starts at 9am. Tickets cost £20 on the gate, with under-12s going free. Visit www.lyddenhill.co.uk for details.