Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Emery hopes to build on Belgium success
MOTORSPORT
The ever popular British Rallycross championship returns to Lydden Hill this bank holiday weekend and Faversham-based Stuart Emery is looking forward to his local meeting, writes DAN WRIGHT.
The Peugeot 206 driver, part of an 80-car line-up for the Sunday and Monday event, is hoping to overcome mechanical issues which have blighted his season so far.
Emery scored his first win of the year in the previous round in Belgium, and is heading into this weekend with confidence.
He said: “I’m looking forward to Lydden after winning in Belgium but it’s been a bogey track for me in recent years. If the car is reliable, I can get a good result.”
Reliability has certainly been an issue for the ‘UKBS Rallycross Team’ driver, who said: “Driveshafts keep breaking this year – it’s been our Achilles heel. I’ve retired more than I’ve finished, so that has not been good.”
Currently sitting third in the standings, Emery aims to chase down the championship leaders this weekend.
He said: “My car is quick now. It has good pace and produces great lap times compared to the others.
“My sponsors, family and friends are all coming down – it’ll be a busy weekend.”
Emery’s Super National class is just one of the championships heading to Lydden.
Also on the
bill are the headlining Supercars, which reach 0-60mph in under 2 seconds, the Swift Sport class, RX150 bike-engined buggies, old-school Retro Rallycross, BMW MINIs, Hot Hatch, Super 1600, and Junior Swifts.
The Lydden event has also attracted some star names.
European Rallycross favourite Liam Doran will race his Citroen DS3; Boyzone singer Shane Lynch will make his rallycross debut in the RX150 class; Jos Jansen, Koen Pauwels and Will Teurlings bring a European flavour to the Supercars along with the unmissable ‘ Mad Mark’ Watson in his pink Citroen.
Supporting the rallycross action will be the tyreshredding Drifting, motocross stunt riders, a Terry Grant Stunt Show and the new Retro Rallycross village.
Action starts at 12.30pm on Sunday and 9.00am on Monday. Sunday adult ticket £12, Monday £15, children 12 and under free.