Media Release: Andy Scott Does The Double At Croft
Croft, North Yorkshire – Saturday, October 27, 2012: Andy Scott made a dominant return to the MSA British Rallycross Championship at Croft circuit, with double race wins in the first and second round heats on Saturday, October 27. The Dumfries rallycross star, however, was unable to repeat his 2011 outright win due to a broken right rear suspension unit and right rear driveshaft, yet Scott still salvaged a fifth place finish.
Cold and damp conditions following light snow showers overnight and early morning greeted the first day of racing action at the North Yorkshire circuit for the final round of the MSA British Rallycross Championship. Scott joined proceedings for only his second British Rallycross event of the year and immediately set the bar by topping the timesheets in official timed practice aboard his 550bhp Ford Focus ST T16 4X4.
The scallop trawlerman carried his undisputable pace through to the first round heat, a storming start from the second row helping to secure the lead at the first turn. The Scott Trawlers-entry was never headed and romped to victory by an astonishing five seconds.
Lining up on the damp pole position slot of the pre-drawn grid for heat two, another lightning getaway saw the 2011 MSA British Rallycross Vice Champion slot into second place at the first turn. In a masterful drive Scott pressurised Julian Godfrey for three laps, while staving off the charging Ford Focus of Kevin Procter, perfectly biding his time to snatch the lead at the top bend to take his second win of the day, his 13th of the season.
The multiple FIA European Rallycross Championship race victor was looking promising to take the hat-trick until contact in the first and second turns knocked the 55 year-old out of the running on the opening lap of heat three. Thanks to a blistering recovery charge back through the pack, the Scotsman took two places on the run out of the back chicane on the last tour to still finish fourth.
With sterling work from the Tony Bardy Motorsport crew to replace the right front suspension, Scott took his front row grid slot ready for the Final. Although clean away and running a strong third into the first turn, by turn three it was clear that the 4x4 Ford Focus had struck a problem.
A broken right rear suspension unit immediately hampered his progress, which in turn caused right rear driveshaft failure, yet the #17 Supercar still managed to hold onto third place until the final lap when, with no drive, he was unable to power around the top bend. Still, Scott managed to get going once again to crawl across the line in fifth place.
Scott commented: “Of course I’m a little disappointed with today’s result, but overall it’s been a pretty good day. With the fastest time in qualifying and two convincing heat race wins, we certainly proved that we were quick enough to take outright victory today, but that’s rallycross.
“As soon as the right rear suspension went at the beginning of the Final, I knew we’d be lucky to make it to the finish let alone keep hold of a podium place, but I had to give it a shot. But not to worry, the Tony Bardy Motorsport team will continue their fantastic work and get the car back in good shape for tomorrow’s MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix.”
Scott will be back on-track at Croft Circuit from 9.30am tomorrow morning in his bid to take the MSA British Rallycross Grand Prix title.
-Ends-
Andy Scott Press Office:
Emma Spearing: +44 (0)7736 341828 | emma@hazelpr.com
Cathy Metcalfe: +44 (0)7802 332398 | cathy@hazelpr.com
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