The Race is on! The Goodyear British Off Road Championship is on! Many of the country's most talented drivers have already signed up, and some interesting vehicles are due to appear on the startline. Amongst those who are taking part are numerous previous champions. The most successful driver in the championship history, Bruce Tigwell (Tigwell 4x4), with his five outright championship victories is lining up against the reigning double champion, Paul Choat and his Simmbugghini. These established competitors will not have it their own way, many other names both new and old will push them to the limits. Trevor Milner leads the chasing pack, with his new Lexus V8 powered Race Truck already proven in the latter half of 2001. The Northern contingent is led by Richard Kershaw, who has shown he has the raw speed in his Mattseratti and established names such as Julian Mendelsohn or Chris and Ryan Cook could still spring a surprise. On his day Julian Mendelsohn has the ability to challenge at the front of the field, but has often lacked the consistency to mount a serious attack on the championship. We have never seen Julian in a stronger position though, his new Bowler Wildcat 200 is a serious piece of kit and is well prepared. Julian could well be good for an outside bet. Julian is one of handful of drivers who have taken the opportunity of trying out the new Goodyear Wrangler MT/R control tyres in the few events that there were in 2001. Bruce Tigwell, too will arrive at the first event in Tunbridge Wells with some mileage under his belt on the MT/Rs. Whether this experience will make a significant difference at the first event remains to be seen, but with talent this broad in the championship don't expect any advantage, however slight, to last for long! In the production classes, it is Simon Dowdeswell who has put in the testing on the new tyres. Last year in preparation for the Goodyear British Off Road Championship, Simon's 4.6 Land Rover Defender 90 underwent a severe diet. A T45 roll cage, the removal of the cab and dash, have all helped the Land Rover take on a more slimline attitude and Fox Racing Shocks will help it deal better with the bumps. Simon is serious about winning the mod-prod class, but will have is work cut out to win. Previous runner up in class Paul Clackett (Range Rover) and previous class champion Richard Hopkins (Discovery) are fast and reliable competitors who will pile on the pressure from the outset. In the standard production classes Owen Timms will want to continue on his winning way with his Land Rover 110 and experienced Suzuki Vitara proponent and previous class winner, Nik Ward, will want to show that he and his ageing mount can still mount a serious challenge to the newer Mitsubishi Shogun Pinins. Colin Read with the backing of Mitsubishi in the UK is leading the Pinin pack with a newly built version, bringing the total to 2 prepared Pinins in the UK so far. Although the official closing date for entries has passed, unforeseen demand has persuaded the organisers to extend the deadline. It is not too late to enter the 2002 Goodyear British Off Road Championship, indeed many more big names have shown an interest in the championship, but have yet to sign on the dotted line. Each of the British Championship rounds are high mileage two-day competitive safaris, which will combine the fun of a weekend long event with the intense competition that you would expect from the premier off road motorsport challenge in the UK. Check www.britishoffroadchampionship.co.uk regularly for more details, or call Chris or Wendy Tomley (day) 01686 626641 (eve) 650430
Website The official website for the Goodyear British Off Road Championship, www.britishoffroadchampionship.co.uk has been updated with the details of all the competitors that have signed up for the championship. Each competitor gets their own "competitor profile" which gives background information on all the teams, a pundits view of how they will do, technical details about the car, and sponsor information. This "competitor profile" is useful both to the competitors and their sponsors and also to those who want to follow the action at the Goodyear British Off Road Championship throughout 2002. The website will be updated regularly during the year, and will include event previews and reviews and all the news from the competition. Marshals What better way to get close to the action than to volunteer your services as a marshal for the Goodyear British Off Road Championship. Marshals are still required for each of the Goodyear British Off Road Championship rounds. Not only do marshals get the opportunity to taste, first hand, the courses used by the championship for free, but they will also be able to join in with the festivities in the evening. Each round will have excellent catering and a licensed bar. The organisers are looking at a series of incentives for marshals, including various goodies from Ford Ranger and Goodyear tyres. Training will be available throughout the year. For more information check the website www.britishoffroadchampionship.co.uk or call Terry Day on 01635 864833. Spectators Spectators are welcome at all the Goodyear British Off Road Championship rounds. For more information on location or how to get there check the website www.britishoffroadchampionship.co.uk or call Henry Webster on 0777 5655256. Competitors To do the entire Goodyear British Off Road Championship and be in with a shout of lifting one of the MSA's prestigious British titles, it costs only £300, for the whole year. That equates to just £30 entry fee per day. All events count towards the championship, with no dropped scores and you must be registered prior to the first round. An MSA National 'A' Rally licence is required. If you cannot commit to the whole championship or would like to build up your experience for next year then the individual events are open to clubman competitors at £50 per day (or £100 per weekend) or if you commit, in advance, to doing all the clubmans events the fee is half price at just £500. Goodyear MSA British Off Road Championship
For any further information, a copy of the regulations or for an entry please contact Wendy Tomley, Cwm Cochen, Bettws, Newstown, Powys. SY16 3LQ. (w) 01686 626 641, (h) 01686 650 430, (fax) 01686 628 618 or email info@britishoffroadchampionship.co.uk
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