Ibbotson and James in Cross Country return

Phil Ibbotson will compete in the Britpart British Cross Country Championship this season, his first full championship as a driver since 2013.

Ibbotson raced his Wolf Joinery-supported Metro 6R4 Evo in the championship for several years before navigating for Andy Powell in 2014 and 2015. He entered a couple of rounds in the Metro in 2016 and 2017, winning the Clubman class at Ceri in 2016.

In the navigator’s seat will be Karina James who previously navigated for Paul Harris.

“I’m looking forward to racing in the BXCC,” said Ibbotson. “It looks like there will be some good events and it’s great that we’re going back to Sweet Lamb.”

“The car is pretty much the same as it was when I did some events in 2016 and 2017, we’ll be out to enjoy ourselves.”

Powell plots BXCC challenge

Andy Powell will give his Gamber Logistics and Suttons (Ross) Limited-supported Caze Peugeot 306 Cosworth its British championship debut this season when he contests the Britpart BXCC.

Powell tested the car last year but the BXCC will be the first time he has used it in a championship. He competed in the British championship in 2017 in a Walker-Adams Revolution and before that he had several seasons in a Simmbughini, with a best finish of second overall in 2015.

"The car is a massive change from what I've been used to," said Powell. "I'm hoping I've got the talent to compete against a good field of drivers. I'm glad the championship is up and running again with new blood and I'm positive that Jon and his team will do a great job. Mason Kershaw will be navigating for me and we're both hoping for a great season."

The entry list for the Britpart BXCC is already over 50% full even though entries have only been open for two days. Any crew wishing to enter can do so via http://crosscountryuk.org/competitors/.

Bool and Vaughan set for BXCC

Rob Bool and co-driver Victoria Vaughan have announced plans to race in the Britpart British Cross Country Championship this season.

Bool raced in the full British championship for the first time in 2017 in his AT Challenger and he'll be using the same car this year, with support from Rob Bool Plant Hire and Windwhistle 4x4.

"I enjoyed the British championship in 2017 and it's great that the championship is back this year," said Bool. "Victoria and myself are really looking forward to racing in the BXCC."

Entries for the BXCC open at 7pm on Monday 11th February, please visit http://crosscountryuk.org/competitors/ for regs and entry details.

BXCC entry system to go live on 11th February

Entries for the 2019 Britpart British Cross Country Championship will open at 7pm on Monday February 11th.

Regulations for the championship are available to download from http://crosscountry.org/competitors/ and entries can be made via the https://my.thats-motorsport.com website.

The entry system is the same as that used for the Welsh Hill Rally so if your details are in the system you can log-in and check them ready for entering the BXCC.

If you don't already have a log-in you can register on the site ready for next Monday. You will receive an email with a link to your password, log-in and fill in all your details so you get green lights in all parts of the dashboard.

If you're registered and all your details are correct you'll be able to enter the BXCC as soon as entries open. There are a maximum of 40 championship entries available.

Degiulio commits to BXCC campaign in Milner R5

Andy Degiulio has joined the list of drivers who have announced plans to race in the Britpart British Cross Country Championship this year.

Degiulio will be using the same Milner R5 that he used to contest his first British season in 2017, a season of mixed fortunes which was rounded off with a second place finish at the final round.

"I'm planning on entering the BXCC and supporting the new management team," said Degiulio. "The car is currently in the workshop being prepared and I'm hoping to continue the support I've received from Prolinx specialised suspension and Insa Turbo tyres."

"We had a few reliability problems last time we did the British championship so I'm hoping for a more successful season this year. I'm looking forward to racing in Scotland as I've never been to that venue."

"As well as the BXCC we've also been invited back to the Goodwood Festival of Speed so all in all it's going to be a busy and exciting year."