The second half of the Britpart MSA British Cross Country championship starts next weekend with round 4 taking place in Hafren forest near Llanidloes in Wales. The championship, which has technical support from Ravenol, has not used the Hafren venue before so it will be a new challenge to the crews.
Warrington driver Mike Moran heads the leaderboard on 252 points in his Lofthouse Motorsport-prepared AT 4x4 Indy Challenger and, with two wins and a second place so far, he’s in a good position to defend the title he won last year.
“My strategy for Hafren is to aim for a podium finish and try and be ahead of our main championship rivals,” said Moran. “The car survived the last gruelling round at Forrest Estate in Scotland although we’ve sent the gearbox back to the manufacturer to be checked over following a few abnormalities that were likely caused by heat or water. We had a great first half of the season, hopefully the second half will be just as successful.”
In second place, on 216 points, is Andy Powell who finished runner-up to Moran at the last round in his bright green Simmbugghini.
“We’re in a great position in the championship at the moment and I’m looking to maintain that at round four,” commented Powell. “I’ve had a bit of work to do on the car since the previous round but we’re all set for the event. It'll be great to race at a new venue and hopefully we can have a good battle with the leaders again.”
Jason Sharpe in the Jewson D-Max Rally Team Isuzu is third in the championship standings on 208 points but he has Mark Jacques and Richard Green just behind him on 206 and 204 points respectively.
Nick Pritchard heads the BCC Trophy competitors in his Goka Buggy with Sian Rogers in second and Steve Anning in third.
Team Sheepie’s Ian Linford has built up a good lead in the Freelander Challenge, heading the way by 38 points over Andy Price, while the second Team Sheepie car, driven by Louisa Felice, is in third place.
“Louisa’s car is away having a new clutch fitted but mine is ready to rock,” said Linford. “We’re looking forward to racing in Hafren. We’re also making plans for both cars to contest Wales Rally GB if funds allow.”
Price rolled his car at the last round but he has managed to repair it in time for Hafren.
Price commented: “My car has a couple of new doors, bonnet, bumper and rear subframe as well as a new radiator and suspension leg so it should be fully sorted after the roll. Bring on Hafren!”
At the time of writing there was one entry for the Clubman class with Jeff Fletcher looking to build on his win at round two. However, there is a possibility of some former BCCC crews putting a late entry in if their cars are ready.
The action will start at 10am on Saturday with a full day of competition. Day two starts at 9am with the event finishing early on Sunday afternoon. The venue will be accessed from the Dolydd entrance, please follow the orange arrows. Spectator information is available on www.marches4x4.com.
