British Rallycross

Rooke Extends SuperNational Lead At Mondello Park

2 Mins read

2015 MSA SuperNational class leader Dan Rooke extended his class lead in the British Rallycross Championship double header encounter at Mondello Park.

Rooke, who pilots a Citroen AX in the SuperNational Class of BritishRX, took on the best from the British series and Irish Series to have a successful weekend. In round four, he managed to set good heat times in the small Citroen, despite competing against more powerful rivals and Rooke went on to qualify for the B Final. During the B Final, he had a wonderful scrap local driver Patrick Ryan, which ended with Rooke infront by just under a second at the finish line.

This result gave Rooke a spot on the back row for the A Final and after some clever passing on track, the Citroen driver took his joker lap and would go on to finish in fifth place on the road, second to BritishRX SuperNational winner Tony Lynch. Dan Rooke explained how he built up his speed over the day’s action.

“I was a bit slow in the morning, I couldn’t quite get to grips with the track but qualified for the B final against some much more powerful cars and I started to feel myself. The A final was a lot of fun, there was some great racing. Mondello’s a brilliant circuit, hard to overtake on and really fast. It’s exciting, especially with the extended joker lap because it’s takes quite long. It took me some time to get used to the new gearbox but it got better and better,” said the Devon based driver.

Round five on Sunday saw the young SuperNational driver looking to repeat his Saturday glory and he started off in style with more competitive heat times, but this would qualify him in the middle of the B Final grid and despite battles with Gareth Wood and Paige Bellerby, Rooke would not progress through to the A Final. However he was content with his haul of points from the weekend.

“We had a really good run in heat three on Sunday and I was sixth fastest. We struggled on the straight, and I just couldn’t quite get into the A final. We scored good points though and I didn’t want to do anything stupid. It’s been a good weekend for us. The changes we’ve made to the car have paid off, I think we would have struggled a bit here if we hadn’t made those developments. I have to thank Gordon Rogers for his help and advice, it’s been invaluable,” explained Rooke, who is looking forward to the final three rounds of the championship, all on circuits that he now has experience of.

“I’ve raced at all of the circuits that we’re going to for the rest of the year now, so that should help rather than having to learn something new every time, compared to the others who have been doing rallycross much longer than I have. I really can’t wait for the next round.”

Round six of the 2015 MSA Brtish Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group takes place at Pembrey next weekend.

892 posts

About author
I have been a very passionate fan of Motorsport for over 30 years with Touring Cars as my favourite form of Motor Racing. I cover The TCR UK Series, The TCR Europe Series and The FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) as well as following various TCR Series around the world.
Articles
Related posts
British Rallycross

Patrick O'Donovan challenges the French to close in on Thorne's championship lead

2 Mins read
In an electrifying Rallycross France finale, Patrick O’Donovan claimed the top British spot, while Jack Thorne held strong in second. O’Donovan’s fourth-place overall sets the stage for a thrilling British Rallycross Championship showdown at Lydden Hill.
British Rallycross

Patrick O'Donovan wins Round 5 after schedule changed overnight

2 Mins read
Patrick O’Donovan was confirmed as the winner of Round 5 of the 5 Nations British Rallycross Championship after the schedule was amended…
British Rallycross

Patrick O'Donovan leaves Irish duo in his dust at Lydden Hill

2 Mins read
Patrick O’Donovan claimed a Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy victory yet again at the World Rallycross Championship weekend making it win…