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2008 Rallycross News (01/11/08) Blown engine ends season on low note but big plans for 2009
Croft Circuit played host to the final round of the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship, part of the 2008 Get Connected! SG Petch Rallycross Superprix weekend. It was to be a bad day at the office for the team when engine failure in the second round of the heats put Bob out of the event and cruelly deprived him of what would have been a well deserved second place in the overall Championship standings. As a result Mike Manning leapfrogged Bob into second position, leaving Bob in a tie for third place with Chris Langley. On the tie breaker Langley came out on top as he had scored two second place results to Bobs one.
The engine failure also put Bob out of the premier event in the British Rallycross calendar - the 2008 Get Connected! SG Petch Rallycross Superprix. It was a sad way for his Ford Escort Supercar to end its competitive career, as the car is being replaced with a brand new Division 1 car which will be launched at the 2009 Autosport Show, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC between the 8th and 11th January.
Bob said: "We will be launching our brand new car at the 2009 Autosport Show, on the Rallycross Open Championship stand. My goal for 2009 is simply to win the Rallycross Open Championship with the new car and support and work with PSM Motorsport to develop the fantastic Championship that has been established. It was a sad way for the Escort to say goodbye at Croft, which was like an end of an era but we are moving forward with the Championship. We claimed the Revivals A Championship this year so we have still had a successful season despite missing out on second place in the Division 1 Championship." A preview of the new car can be found below.
The team also took part in Rallyday 2008 at Castle Combe in September along with a whole load of regulars from the Rallycross Open Championship. Congratulations must go to 'Mad Mark' for winning the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship and Christopher Evans for winning the 2008 Get Connected! SG Petch Rallycross Superprix. The team would also like to thank all of our sponsors for their support this season and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with them throughout 2009.
Further updates on the progress of the team’s new car can be found here online throughout the winter. Don’t forget to come and say hello to the PSM Motorsport Ltd team at the 2009 Autosport International Motor Racing Show. (15/09/08) Bob wraps up Revivals A title and moves into second place in Div 1
Blyton Circuit (Lincolnshire) played host to rounds five and six of the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship sponsored by Hi Spec Motorsport. Bob finished third overall in round five and went one place better in round six to move himself up into second place in the Championship standings with one round remaining. By finishing the A final on day one this also ensured that Bob wrapped up the Revivals A title. The weekend wasn't without dramas though, as a wheel fell off in the A final on day one and then the engine suffered turbo failure on day two in the A final.
All of this left the team with a busy week to get the car prepared for Rallyday 2008 which takes place at Castle Combe (Chippenham) this weekend. With the turbo rebuilt Bob is looking forward to a fantastic weekend of action representing the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship sponsored by Hi Spec Motorsport in front of a large audience.
The next Rallycross event that the team will be taking part in is the 2008 Get Connected! SG Petch Rallycross Superprix which takes place at Croft Circuit (Darlington) on October 25th & 26th 2008. For more information on this event please visit www.RallycrossSuperprix.co.uk The team would also like to congratulate 'Mad Mark' on retaining his Rallycross Open Championship title in Division 1 and say a big thank you to the MDA, Blyton Circuit, all of the Marshalls at Blyton and PSM Motorsport Ltd for a fantastic weekend of Rallycross. (07/07/08) Fantastic event for Bob as he closes in on Revivals A title
Croft Circuit played host to the fourth round of the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship sponsored by Hi Spec Motorsport last weekend. A day which started dry turned to torrential rain by mid afternoon, making the Division 1 category very open. A fourth fastest time in the first round of heats left the team very optimistic for the rest of the day - this was a heat that Bob could have easily won. A seventh fastest time in the second heats left him seventh on the grid for the A final.
As the lights turned to green for the A final, Bob made a great start. Binks went off into the gravel trap at the first corner, with Bob emerging in fifth place ahead of Simon Horton, a position he would hold until the end of the race. The result moved Bob up into joint third place in the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship points standings, with three rounds remaining. Another victory in the Revivals A category further extended his points advantage over Steve Bussey, something which also means that two top three finishes at Blyton in September should also be enough to clinch the 2008 Revivals title.
The team would like to congratulate both 'Mad Mark' for winning the Open Championship event and Tony Bell for being crowned the Best of British Rallycross Champion. A big thank you must also go to all of the DDMC marshals, officials and PSM Motorsport for a fantastic event. Round 5 and 6 of the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship takes place at Blyton on September 13th and 14th. See you all there! (04/07/08) Gooding heads north for Best of British After a troublesome event
at Pembrey last month, Bob and the team are pinning their hopes on a
new turbo for Croft. Bob commented, "We have spent the last three
weeks frantically driving to and from Essex, to replace the damaged
item following the last meeting. We have also made a few alterations
to the waste gate which should make it more reliable. The new set-up
is being completed and tested on Friday, so with luck we should be in
good shape for Croft on Sunday." (09/06/08) Blown turbo wrecks Bobs weekend
Pembrey Circuit (Carmarthen) in North Wales hosted the third round of the 2008 Rallycross Open Champioship sponsored by Hi Spec Motorsport last weekend. It was a frustrating event for the team after the Escort blew it's turbo in the first round of heats. With no spare turbo at the circuit, there was little choice for Bob to sit out the second and third set of heats and then go out in the final to collect some valuable Championship points.
Despite this Bob claimed victory in the Revivals A category and also finished fourth in Division 1, moving him up into fourth place in the Overall Division 1 points standings behind Mad Mark, Mike Manning and David Binks. His lead in the Revivals A Championship was also extended, as the team look to wrap up the title over the three events.
Bob would like to congratulate 'Mad Mark' on winning the Division 1 final and Mike Manning on claiming the first Welsh Rallycross Superprix title. The team will now focus on getting the Ford Escort ready for the Best of British Rallycross event at Croft Circuit on Sunday July 6th.
(03/06/08) Bob goes west The team will be taking part in Round 3 of the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship sponsored by Hi Spec Motorsport this weekend at Pembrey (Carmarthenshire). We hope to have a good days racing and take home a podium in Division 1 and another win in Revivals A. (27/05/08) Bob shows his 'star' quality at Blyton
Bob took his first win of the season at Blyton circuit yesterday. The event which included round 3 of the 2008 Revivals A Rallycross Championship saw Bob move to the top of the Revivals A points standings, following his lights to flag victory from pole position. The only problem during the day came in the opening two heats when the Escort suffered a rear wheel bearing failure. With the track being watered before the Revivals heats, Bob decided to take it relatively easy to conserve the car for the next round of the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship sponsored by Hi Spec Motorsport at Pembrey on Sunday June 8th.
The weekend got the big thumbs up from the team and thanks must go to the MDA for putting on a great event and all of the marshals who helped out during the weekend. The team would also like to wish the MDA a Happy 31st Birthday. (23/05/08) Bob back on track this weekend at Blyton
Following the controversy of the last few weeks, Bob is back in action on Monday taking part in round three of the MDA Revivals A Rallycross Championship. Bob currently lies second in the point’s standings but is confident of a win to overhaul Championship leader Steve Bussey. The team are looking forward to a political free weekend which will see the start of a busy couple of weeks, as Bob will also race in Round 3 of the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship sponsored by Hi Spec Motorsport on Sunday June 8th.
(15/05/08) Controversy explained Following an article published in this week’s edition of Motorsport News, Bob Gooding today made the following statement to clarify the circumstance surrounding the story: "I had
entered the second and third rounds of the MSA Kumho Tyres British Rallycross
Championship at Pembrey on May 3rd and 4th, and after having my entry
confirmed by the entry secretary, on the Wednesday evening prior to
the event I was sent a letter by email from BRDA Chairman John Horton.
After spending the day at work and then loading my car for the event,
I read the letter at 7pm on the Thursday evening. We were planning to
leave for Pembrey early the following morning. I asked the BRDA chairman to explain himself and at first he said that the Directors wanted to know whether I was going to pay the TV levy from last year's championship. I had deducted the levy from entries after the Knockhill round, and had already explained to him on three previous occasions (during August 2007 Bank Holiday meeting at Lydden, at the AGM and during a telephone conversation before Lydden Hill 2008 meeting) the reasons for this. The reason was that I felt other drivers, and myself, had been excluded from TV. I felt it unfair that as although every Supercar and Supermodified Driver paid an additional amount for TV, the same Drivers were always patronised by the TV crew. In addition to this, at the beginning of the 2007 MSA Championship, all Supercar Drivers were given a name-plaque by the organisers for in-car camera identification: all drivers, except myself. The television levy was never an issue throughout 2007 and it is petty for them to bring it up now. I feel I am being victimised. During the telephone conversation I had with the Chairman, I was accused of trying to persuade drivers to not enter the first round of 2008 MSA Championship at Lydden Hill. At no time have I ever actively discouraged any person not to participate in a BRDA event. All I can add is that they should practice what they preach, as a BRDA director has actively tried to discourage competitors from racing in other Championships in the UK. I was also asked by the BRDA chairman if I was a director of any other company – the answer to which is no as I am not a director of any company. When I was the
BRDA Supercar representative last season, I was informed by email that
I was required to attend a meeting held by the BRDA committee on the
Sunday (August 25th 2007) before the Bank Holiday event at Lydden. This
meeting was to take place offsite at a hotel in Dover. On the Saturday,
I asked a representative if the meeting was still going ahead. I was
told that it had been rescheduled, and would be informed of the new
arrangements. On the Sunday afternoon, I dropped my car off at Lydden
Hill and then ran into drivers who were also scheduled to attend the
meeting, but nothing further was mentioned. The following day I was
told that the meeting had taken place without me that same afternoon
at Lydden circuit. I was then taken to one side by the BRDA Chairman
who was clearly embarrassed by the situation. He knew that I had been
lied to, explained to me that the meeting was to discuss the future
of the Championship and then asked me if I would join a handful of other
Supercar drivers in investing a sum of money (around £7000) in
the BRDA. Apparently there had been a financial shortfall for the MSA
British Rallycross Championship. I declined this offer as a Championship
should not be funded by drivers and I do not want to be part of the
so called 'Clique'. During my telephone conversation with the BRDA Chairman
last week, this matter was brought up again and I was told that I was
not wanted at the meeting. I feel sorry for BRDA members, as the committee are making decisions by themselves without consulting it's members. An example of this is that the Championship was attempted to be offloaded behind the backs of the BRDA members. And they question my loyalty? I feel that the route of this problem is due to my media and marketing working relationship with another Championship. I've always stated to everyone involved in Rallycross that I have no preference in racing with either the BRDA or the Open Championship (I competed in both last year), but considered that the two should work together for the sake of the sport. At the end of the day I just want to race, but I will help out anyone to promote our fantastic sport of Rallycross. Last November, I was awarded the Tim Milner Trophy by the Rallycross Trust for being an ambassador to the sport. In 2007 I was BRDA Supercar Drivers' representative, but it now appears elements of the committee did their best to prevent me from carrying out my duties efficiently. In conclusion, I believe that there is a vindictive element within the BRDA committee who are determined to stop me from competing in this year's MSA Kumho Tyres British Rallycross championship. The timing of the email received from the BRDA Chairman left me with no alternative but to withdraw from the event at Pembrey. I also consider that his remarks, "a yes or no will suffice" was meant as an ultimatum, in that if I were to answer "yes", probably my only chance of being included, I would also be agreeing to their accusations without an opportunity to defend myself. A copy of the emailed letter from the BRDA Chairman can be found on my website. Yours in sport Bob Gooding" ---BRDA Chairman email letter starts CONFIDENTIAL. ---BRDA Chairman email ends 05/05/08 - MSA British Rallycross Championship - 'Force Majeure' withdrawal Bob was entered for the second and and third rounds of the 2008 MSA British Rallycross Championship at Pembrey last weekend, but following a letter from the BRDA Chairman and Directors, Bob was forced not to race at the event. More news on this will appear shortly here online.
14/04/08 - Rallycross Open Championship - Round 2 Report - Blyton
The run up to the meeting saw us, yet again, frantically trying to improve the braking system, updating the front brakes to a new Hi-Spec system didn’t show the drastic improvement that we’d hoped for. So after consultation with a number of specialists, Hi-Spec included, Bob decided that installing a smaller master cylinder would provide the solution. Friday night arrives, and the new cylinder refuses to bleed. Why does everything happen (or in this case, not happen) last minute before a race meeting? Assisted by Bob’s brother, Gerry, we resorted to removing the brake pipe from the callipers and pumping like fury on the pedal to get rid of the air. The only member of the team who seemed to show enthusiasm for this late-night procedure was Bruno, the boxer dog! Our thanks go to Gerry and Bruno for all their help.
We awoke to blue skies in Blyton on Sunday morning – surely this can’t last? Well, actually no, it didn’t. By the time we left the hotel it had already started spattering with rain! We didn’t get anything like the downpours we were promised though, so apart from a quick, heavy shower late morning, it did stay reasonably dry, if not, dull, for most of the day. Thanks to ‘Mad Mark’ and Anna for offering to share their awning with us. No real dramas to report, apart from a broken driveshaft after the first heat. Another suspected damaged driveshaft at the beginning of the B-final was Bob’s excuse for only reaching 3rd. - that and the fact that he was a little “rusty” (must be something to do with his age!). When the car returned to the paddock, closer inspection showed that a rear CV joint was broken, so 3rd position with only three-wheel drive wasn’t too bad after all! Despite this disappointment, the team thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Congratulations to ‘Mad Mark’, the winner of the Division 1 A-Final, and Steve Bussey, Revivals A winner, in his splendid Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth. Additional congratulations must go to Kevin McCann, who despite a few minor setbacks, including a damaged power steering pipe and a hole in his intercooler hose, managed to have an enjoyable day’s racing and went home with a smile on his face!!! Our thoughts are with John Kennedy. Hope you’re okay and back racing very soon.
05/04/08 - Rallycross Open Championship - Round 2 Preview - Blyton Bob Gooding Motorsport have confirmed that they are fitting a new Elite Racing Gearbox to Bob's Division 1 specification Ford Escort in time for round two of the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship which takes place at Blyton (Lincolnshire) on Sunday April 13th.
(Picture above taken by Carolyn Drage) The new gearbox has been built for the new Division 1 car that the team are in the process of constructing, but the Escort will provide the ideal test bed prior to the completion of the car in September. Bob commented: Following the conclusion of the opening round of the Championship last month the team also noticed that the car was down on power, due to a problem with the ecu. With full boost restored to the engine, Bob is hoping for a better run at Blyton. "We had a few problems with the car at Croft, including a number of broken driveshafts, but hopefully these gremlins are now behind us." added Bob. 18/03/08 - Race Retro Show - Stoneleigh Park The 2008 Rallycross Open & MDA Rallycross Championship's exhibited at Race Retro show, which took place at Stoneleigh Park (Coventry) between Friday March 14th & Sunday March 16th. Representing the two Championship's was Bob's Ford Escort, the Metro 6R4 of Ian Rowlance, Shelley Wakelings 2007 MDA Championship winning Mini and Rod Stanniland's brand new Hillman Imp.
Bob Gooding also confirmed at the show that he will be using a new gearbox in his Division 1 Ford Escort at Blyton Circuit on Sunday April 13th. Following the suspension upgrade over the winter the car is continuing to be developed prior to the completion of the new car later in the season. Bob added "Although the new car is progressing, we will also continue to develop the Escort throughout the season. The Escort had been prepared for Lydden Hill, but due to circumstances outside of my control our next event will be Blyton on April 13th." The second round of the 2008 Rallycross Open and MDA Championship takes place at Blyton Circuit on April 13th, which is set to welcome a number of European drivers who plan to use the event to test for the European Rallycross Championship. 02/03/08 - Rallycross Open Championship - Round 1 - Croft Circuit
It was a lackluster start to the 2008 season for Bob as the 2008 Rallycross Open Championship got underway at Croft Circuit last weekend. The team had worked hard preparing the car for the event during the week, including the complete replacement of the front braking system. Bob has always complained bitterly of the lack of braking ability on the Escort, and we have made several attempts to improve it. This was the last and most expensive finalstraw!
As time was short, we decided to bed the brakes in on Saturday at Teesside Autodrome. At the end of the session, Bob noted a slight improvement in the brakes, but unfortunately also managed to incur a broken rear driveshaft. We drove the short distance back to Croft, where we were lucky enough to have a garage waiting for us. Accompanied by the soft, melodious notes of ‘Mad Mark's’ music, Carol changed the driveshaft with the 'dis'-abled assistance of Bob, who was still suffering from his fall earlier in the week (bet you thought the earthquake originated in Lincolnshire).
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