Tony Lynch switches to RX150 for Lydden Hill finale

Wigan racer Tony Lynch will take up a fresh challenge during the final weekend of the Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy season after confirming a switch into the RX150 class for the Lydden Hill event.

Tony has been competing in the Retro Rallycross Championship this season with his own Landsail Tyres Team Geriatric outfit and successfully wrapped up the 2023 title with two rounds remaining – the second successive season in which he has secured the Retro crown in his Toyota MR2.

Having already taken the decision to sit out the event at Valkenswaard with the title secured, Tony has now elected not to contest the final Retro Rallycross round of the year and will instead try out an RX150 buggy at the spiritual home of Rallycross.

The lightweight RX150 machines are powered by a 200bhp, 1000cc engine that drives the rear wheels and have been a popular addition to the rallycross scene and have also appeared at major events such as the Race of Champions.

As a result, Tony joins an impressive list of drivers who will have competed in an RX150, which includes the likes of F1 champions Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel, Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen and multiple WRC title-winner Sebastien Loeb.

Tony’s entry into the season finale in early November will see him join forces with the RX Racing team and will mark his return to a one-make formula for the first time since 2013, when he secured the BMW MINI Rallycross Championship title.

“I’ve always fancied a go in the RX150 but with our own championship battles to consider, it’s never been something that was actually possible,” Tony said. “Winning the Retro title with two rounds to spare this season means that I have the luxury of being able to sit out the final round, and it means I’m able to make an entry in the RX150 instead.

“Racing a buggy will be a lot different to the MR2 but I can’t wait, and there is no better place to do it than at Lydden Hill given it is the home of rallycross. There’s no expectation when it comes to results, so I’ll just aim to have as much fun as possible and enjoy the experience.”

News of Tony’s outing in the RX150 comes on the back of an appearance with the Toyota at his local circuit Three Sisters, where the title-winning MR2 was on show during the final rounds of the Drift League GB season.

It provided Tony with the chance to show off the car to the new audience, whilst also offering the opportunity to get up close to a vastly different form of motorsport.

“Drifting isn’t something I’m very familiar with, so it was interesting to see what it’s all about,” he said. “I’ve always been a fan of getting a car sideways in both rallying and rallycross, but they took things to a different level and there is certainly some skill involved with that they do!

“It was also good to show off the car and our partners in the paddock across the weekend, and hopefully some of the fans will come along to a rallycross event in future.”