Old is the new new

The first Retro Rallycross event will take place next Sunday (July 22) within the third round of the Monster Energy MSA British Rallycross Championship at Mallory Park, and even before the even has run the idea is proving attractive to other organisers and a Retro section will be run within the fifth round of the Austrian championship at Greinbach on September 2.

PS Racing Center boss Erich Petrakovits said that the idea was, “An attempt to explore the interest in former assets, the enthusiasm of the audience for historic vehicles is definitely there and if this works I think we can add a retro class to the Austrian championship from next year.”

The trial event has attracted a strong entry list, former European champion Andy Bentza bringing his unique three-litre Lancia Stratos while his contemporary Günther Spindler will drive the Porsche 911 in which he made his reputation. Gerry Pfeiffer will start his MG Metro 6R4 and event organiser Petrakovits will take part in his MkII Escort. Representing slightlty more recent times, Ronnie Irschik will drive his Audi Quattro, a brace of S1 versions for Hans Holzmüller and Jürgen Stoitzner and a VW Golf G60 for former Austrian champion Alois Forstenlechner.

The event forms the penultimate round of the Austrian championship that is currently led by Ford Focus driver Alois Höller. Challenger Tristan Ekker is on home ground with his VW Polo Supercar. Local fans will also cheer Christian Petrakovits in the Super1600 class which has been dominated this year by Klaus Freudenthaler’s Skoda Fabia. The Supernation class is as diverse here as in most countries; Markus Köberl (Peugeot 206), Gerald Woldrich (Mercedes C-Class) and Andreas Geschelen (Mazda 323) leading the title race. The new for 2012 1600cc national class has a lead battle featuring the Daihatsu Charade of Sven Forster and Thomas Strobl’s Citroën Saxo.

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