Tony Lynch confirms Retro Rallycross title defence

Wigan racer Tony Lynch will get his defence of the Retro Rallycross Championship underway this weekend after confirming his return to the grid for the 2023 season.

The Team Geriatric driver will once again do battle at the wheel of his Toyota MR2, which has undergone several improvements during a busy off-season.

Suspension partner AVO has been hard at work on upgrades that will improve the car’s handling, whilst Paul Waldron Motorsport has carried out a raft of revisions to the engine to improve both performance and reliability during the season ahead.

Tony’s title defence will now get underway at Lydden Hill, the spiritual home of rallycross and the place where he wrapped up the 2022 championship title back in November.

The upgrades to the car should provide Tony with the opportunity to start the campaign with a strong result as part of a nine-car field in the Retro class, which includes long-time rivals Simon Hart and Terry Moore.

Ahead of the opening round, Tony has been able to conclude new deals that will see him retain the support of his many long-standing partners – with fresh agreements in place with the likes of Lucas Oil, Pemberton Tyres, SignTec and Landsail Tyres; the latter once again taking up a title sponsorship role.

Tony is also proud to confirm a new partnership with Motordrive, which manufactures world-class FIA-approved race seats and accessories from its base in Leyland – less than half an hour from the Team Geriatric workshop.

This weekend’s Lydden Hill meeting will see Tony in action across two rounds, with the opening round scheduled to take place on Saturday before round two on Easter Monday.

Tony Lynch, Team Geriatric Toyota MR2, said:
“It feels like an age since we were at Lydden Hill for the 2022 finale, and we’re delighted to be heading back this weekend to get our title defence underway. It’s been a busy winter working to improve the Toyota to give us the best chance possible on track, and I’m excited to see what impact the work has had when we get out on track.

“As ever, we wouldn’t be able to go racing without the support of our sponsors and partners, and we are extremely grateful to have retained the backing of those people who were key to us having such a strong season in 2023.

“We’re also proud to welcome Motordrive onboard and look forward to flying the flag for a hugely successful local business during the year ahead.”

Darren & Julie Meadows, Motordrive Ltd, said:
“There’s nothing more exciting than seeing our competition seats being put through their paces. and especially in this case with a champion from the North West of England. 

“We understand that rallycross is fast and furious, and so a fitted Motordrive FIA-approved seat for Lynchy is a key part of his safety package. There really is no need to compromise in terms of safety and comfort, and with that in mind we hope that being in a Motordrive custom seat means that Lynchy can focus on the job in-hand. 

“Our best wishes go to him and Team Geriatric for the season ahead.”