Unfortunate end to RX150 outing for Tony Lynch

Wigan racer Tony Lynch suffered a disappointing end to his one-off outing in the RX150 class as the Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy season drew to a close at Lydden Hill.

Tony swapped his Landsail Tyres Team Geriatric Toyota MR2 for an RX150 buggy operated by the RX Racing team, with the opportunity to switch classes coming after he successfully secured the Retro Rallycross title with two rounds to spare.

Tony was on the back foot from the outset having not had the chance to drive the buggy prior to the weekend, and after a solid run through free practice, was drawn on pole for the opening heat of the weekend.

Unfortunately, a spin on the opening lap resulted in a DNF when he could not get his buggy back underway but he bounced back to secure fifth place in heat two to round out Saturday’s running.

Sixth and fourth in the remaining two heats meant Tony qualified fifth out of the seven drivers present for the final.

Having shown improved pace throughout the heats as he acclimatised to his new machine, Tony headed into the final hopeful of a solid finish but an unfortunate technical issue on the second lap would instead see him forced to park the buggy and retire as his 2023 season drew to a close.

“Of course it was a disappointing way to end the weekend but I had an absolute blast in the RX150!” Tony reflected. “I didn’t really know what to expect from the buggy given it was like nothing I’ve raced in the past, and it was so much fun.

“It was like jumping in a big off-road go-kart and I don’t think it could have felt any different to the Toyota. Given I’d not even sat in one before the weekend, I think I was doing a good job of getting up to speed going into the final and it was just unfortunate that we weren’t able to get a finish.

“I’d love the chance to have another go in the future but for now, the focus turns to putting things in place for next season so we can look to build on the success we have enjoyed as a team in 2023.”