FIA World RallycrossGymkhana GRiD

Doran set to return to driving duties at Gymkhana GRiD

2 Mins read

Liam Doran will make a welcome return to the Monster Energy World RX Team as a driver at the upcoming Gymkhana GRiD European Gauntlet finale in Madrid this weekend before heading on to Argentina for round twelve of the FIA World Rallycross Championship in Argentina at the end of November.

Doran was force to take a step back from driving duties due to a temporary licence suspension following events that occured in the Group B showcase at the World RX round at Lydden Hill earlier this year.

Liam’s father Pat Doran was trapped inside his 1989 Ford RS200 while it suffered a serious engine fire.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult year, and I’m glad that we have now reached a stage where I can be back racing the car. I will have my FIA race licence back on the 14th November which will let me compete in the final round of the WorldRX championship in Argentina.

“What happened at Lydden earlier in the year was massively frustrating and distressing. We had a tough start to the season, and I put a lot of pressure on myself to get things back on track with a strong home result. I drove as hard as I could all weekend, but even with a heat win I unfortunately didn’t make it into the finals.

“To top things off my Dad [Pat Doran] was driving Rosie [the RS200], as part of the Group B demo. It had already been a difficult weekend from my point of view, so when he got trapped in the fire during the demo, it tipped the balance. When I saw my Dad’s car in flames on the start line, with him stuck inside, all I wanted to do was get him out.

“It was a completely freak set of circumstances, and while I can’t go back at change it, I do regret the way things went down. I lost my temper, and that wasn’t the way I wanted things to happen. But my Dad’s life was in danger, and I’d like to believe that anyone would do the same under equal circumstances.

“As a result of what happened I had my licence taken away, and with the legal proceedings, I was advised not to comment publicly. Like I said it was massively frustrating. I want to take the opportunity to thank all of my team and sponsors for standing by me during incredibly difficult circumstances.

During the temporary ban Henning Solberg has been on driving duties for the World Rallycross team and put in some impressive performances, some that have linked him to a drive for 2015 in some media outlets.

“Henning [Solberg] has done a great job jumping into the car and adapting to it, but it’s going to be really good to have the seat back, and not have to stand by while someone else drives my car out of the pit garage.

“Contrary to what has been published in the press, we haven’t made any decisions about line-up in the team for next year yet. At the moment, the focus is on putting on a great show for the fans at Gymkhana in Spain, and pulling together the best result possible in San Luis at the end of November. I can’t wait!”

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Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Checkered Flag who grew up visiting race circuits around the UK also a freelance motorsport PR officer. Outside of motorsport a lover of music, photography, NBA and NFL.
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