XR CHALLENGE SET TO PROVIDE AN EASTER SURPRISE


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Over 20 cars are expected to turn out for Bank Holiday Monday's races – Photo: Bourne Photographic

While the first BRSCC race meeting may not be until next weekend, one of our championships is already raring to go and set to get underway this weekend. The newly renamed Lee Bowron Ltd XR Challenge kicks into life this Easter Weekend at Oulton Park, with a pair of races set to take place on Bank Holiday Monday.

The XR Challenge is one of the longer standing championships on BRSCC’s roster with its roots as the original one make series for Ford. Once the Fiesta XR2 was superseded by the next generation model, it was retained as a club championship which has run strong to this day, allowing fans and enthusiasts of Ford’s XR division cars a chance to see them compete in the same way they did more than 20 years ago. This championship caters for both the Fiesta XR2 and Escort XR3i, each with their own individual class, while a separate category for the Fiesta 1800 Si was added two years go.

Last year’s champion Michael Heath is back for more, wishing to defend his championship with his preferred #18, rather than taking the #1. His nearest competition from last season came in the form of both Alistair May and Lee Shropshire, who ended up 2nd and 3rd in points respectively. Shropshire managed a string of top 5 finishes to help him grab a consistent tally of points. Also along for the ride are the likes of Steve Poole and Justin Roberts, who completed the top 5 in XR2 points and should also be considered formidable threats.

In the XR3i class, Mike Taylor is set to return as are Ryan and Lee Bowron, the latter lending his name as the title sponsor of the championship. Veteran Ron Loffstadt is back once again, while drivers such as Jimi Hughes, Paul Brettel and more will look to give them plenty of headaches.

Two drivers to keep an eye on will be Tony Mumford, who has a history in the championship as well as racing pickups, Avon Intermarques and single seaters, and Mario Sarchet who is usually found at the wheel of a Formula Ford 1600, however for this weekend preferred to gain some extra track time at Oulton Park ahead of his FF1600 season, which starts in a couple of weeks.

It’s sure to be a fantastic day’s racing for the Lee Bowron Ltd XR Challenge, who will be glad that their off season has come to an end. No more waiting – it’s time to do battle once more!

You can follow the weekend’s live timing by clicking this link here – http://tsl-timing.co.uk/event/161351

Scott Woodwiss


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