JORDAN BOWES’ GOLF TO RACE THIS YEAR
German hatchback will be run in the hands of late racer’ s brother
A Retro Rallycross Volkswagen Golf built and raced by the late Jordan Bowes is set to return to the British Rallycross Championship category in the hands of his brother, Jason, next month.
The car is currently undergoing development to its engine and installation with the help of Newcastle-based rallycross specialist MB Motorsport, which is owned by rallycross racer Michael Boak.
Crowdfunding by colleagues and friends following 19-year old Jordan Bowes’ death in a road accident last October will help support the programme.
“Michael messaged me and said rather than put money into the fund, he very kindly offered his time and expertise to help sort the car,” said Bowes’ father Stewart.
Jason Bowes plans to race the Golf Mk1 as a tribute to his brother in selected events starting at his home circuit, Croft, on May 6.
Stewart added: “We just want to get the car reliable really because it would be such a shame not to see it driven after all the time and effort that Jordan put into it. The idea is to race it at Croft, it’s our home track, we’ll have loads of Jordan’s work colleagues and friends there.
“People just want to see the car driven. I wanted to see it driven by him but he just didn’t have the time sadly, so it would be a shame to lock it away. We’ll do a few events this year and see about a full season next year to keep the car out there.”
Boak’s main task is to iron out troubles with the car’s two-litre 16-valve turbocharged engine. “I contacted Stewart not long after we heard about Jordan passing away and offered to help with Jordan’s car,” said Boak. “I didn’t know if he wanted to race it again or not, but just so it was just one thing less for him to worry about. We’re having a look at the engine to start with, then at the whole engine installation. The car is testament to Jordan because he’s definitely been the sort of person that thinks a lot about what he’s doing.
“A lot of the things he’s done have got a lot of good ideas in them, just if they’d been done a little differently they’d be perfect. I was quite good friends with Jordan, so I already felt a bit of connection with the car anyway, and having raced a Golf myself I know how temperamental they are.”