Gollop’s Peugeot 309 being returned to race condition for next year

Last meetings at the Grand Old Lady to be ticket only showpieces

The Peugeot 309 T16 that 1992 European Rallycross champion Will Gollop used to defend his title will be restored to its former glory having been bought by former rally driver Adam Keeler.

The Yorkshireman recently sourced the unique bodyshell after lengthy searching for the car. Keeler already owns an ex-gollop MG Metro 6R4 that was raced by Tiff Needell in the 1989 MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix, and will begin work in the New Year on restoring the 309 to the same specification that it was raced with in European Championship events.

“This is an absolute piece of rallycross history, it’s the original bodyshell with all the original panels. I’m working on finding all the bits and pieces now,” said Keeler. “It took months negotiating to buy the car, but I’m really happy to have got it.

“Unfortunately, the original colour scheme was changed a couple of years ago, but I’m going to try and get everything as close to original as I can. We’ll probably use an Mi16-based engine, the T16 engines that Will raced with are rare and very expensive.”

The car has been recently adapted to suit Honda S2000 suspension and running gear, but Keeler will return it to original specification.

Following his title at the end The final three big events at Wimbledon Stadium before it has to be vacated by short oval promoters will be ticket-only meetings.

Organisers have announced that the Unlimited National Banger World Series (January 29), the One Last Time BRISCA F1 event (March 5) and Farewell Wimbledon meeting, which will feature National Hot Rods, on March 26 will be restricted due to the limited space remaining at the track.

The circuit is due to be pulled down to make way for a new football arena and business park.

Organisers have said: “There are capacity restrictions, and these events are likely to be highly popular and we have to make sure that it is not overcrowded. They are likely to be very popular events.

“These will be great send-offs for the circuit itself, and people should act quickly if they want to make sure they can be part of the celebrations.”

Tickets are available at spedeworth.co.uk/incarace/tickets. php. Alternatively, fans can call 01252 322920 and provide details over the phone. These are the only ways to get tickets.

The Banger World Series tickets cost £18 for adults. It is £20 for the BRISCA F1 meeting and £17 for the National Hot Rod meeting.