Motorsport
RALLYCROSS racer Mark Watson says he is “praying for rain” for his next outing in the Toyo Tires MSA British Rallycross Championship at Croft on Sunday, July 29.
Mr Watson, who runs the Jersey Farm Hotel on the outskirts of Barnard Castle, said: “Rain’s a great leveller for racers and I’ve always done well in wetter conditions.
“The last time I was at Croft it was really dry and the dust it throws up can be a problem.”
It has been a disappointing year so far the Mend-a-Hose sponsored racer.
Repeated engine problems have blighted previous outings, however, he is hoping to see his fortunes change for round six of the championship following a complete overhaul of his 550 BHP Citroen Zara Supercar the engine. Mr Watson, a three-time winner of the British Open Rallycross Championship, said: “I’m one of the last independently maintained teams and we don’t have a massive budget.
“But it really helps driving in front of a home crowd.
“It’s always great to have people come along and watch.”
He added: “Rallycross is so much more spectator friendly than other forms of motorsport, especially at Croft where you can see the entire circuit.
“The cars are quicker than F1 with the ability to go from 0-60mph in 1.9 seconds.”
There is bound to be a lot of sideways action as ten supercars battle it out on the part Tarmac, part gravel, one mile circuit.
The action kicks off at 9.30am on Sunday, July 29.
