Pemberton Tyres-backed racer Tony Lynch has his sights set on a winning start to the new Swift Sport Rallycross campaign when the opening event of the 2011 Quaife MSA British Rallycross Championship season takes place this coming weekend at Lydden Hill (26/27 March).
Tony goes into the new season seeking to go one better than 2010, when he finished second behind Dave Bellerby in the inaugural season for the Suzuki series.
Tony and his team, Team Geriatric, head into 2011 buoyed by a major sponsorship deal with Lucas Oil, who will feature prominently on the new look Suzuki seen in public for the first time at the Autosport International Show back in January.
With a bumper field set to take part in the opening round of the year, the Suzuki’s will run with three qualifying heats as normal before an A and B final are held.
Having taken two victories last year, including in the final round of the campaign at Pembrey, Tony now heads into the season opener keen to make a winning start to his title challenge although competition will be fierce with no fewer than six drivers with championship titles to their name on the entry list.
“I believe I can start the season with a victory, although I know it isn’t going to be easy against the field that will line up at Lydden Hill,” he said. “Dave [Bellerby] will certainly be the man to beat as the defending champion but after our performance last year, I’d like to think that people will also see me as someone who will be right in contention at the front.
“I always feel nervous when a new season draws closer but I’m also excited about getting back behind the wheel and starting our championship challenge. The boys have worked hard on the car over the winter and with Lucas Oil onboard alongside all of the sponsors who have backed us so well in recent years, I’m hoping to start the season with a good result for all of them as much as for myself.
“The target for the season is to improve on last year and having finished second in 2010, there can only be one target!”
