MSA SuperNational driver Tony Lynch will launch a fresh challenge for the 2016 MSA British Rallycross SuperNational Title after confirming that he will use the Ford KA campaigned by Gareth Wood in the 2015 season.
Lynch’s original plan was to continue to develop the MINI Cooper that he drove last year, which saw a constant development programme improve the car’s performance on a round by round basis. However, when the chance came to agree a deal with Wood to purchase the KA, the Wigan Racer has now prepared the car and will use it to try and secure the 2016 Supernational Title.
Lynch is excited about his chances ahead the season opener at Croft this weekend.
“Our original plan had been to continue with our MINI this season as we know there was still more to come from the package,” he said. “However, when the opportunity came along to acquire the KA, it was simply too good to turn down and a deal that made perfect sense for us as a team.”
Lynch has tested the car recently and is impressed with it straight away, adding: “Our Achilles heel last year was that we were down on power compared to our rivals in the SuperNational Class but the KA has a much better power to weight ratio than the MINI and is already proven at this level, it’s the first time we will be competing with a car that isn’t based on a production model, and I truly believe it will provide us with the chance to shine this season.”
However, he is well aware that he needs more time to get used to the KA:
“There were a few little niggles with the car that we were able to sort out, and hopefully that means we can then hit the ground running when we get to Croft, whilst it is going to take me a little bit of time to get used to the car and things like having a sequential gearbox for the first time, the early impressions are that it’s a fantastic bit of kit and there is no doubting the fact that it’s quicker than the MINI,” explained Lynch.
“Whilst we got some good results last year, it tended to be when the conditions weren’t at their best and our power deficit didn’t matter as much. With this car, I feel confident that we will be in a position to challenge for at least the podium whatever the conditions are on track and hopefully that will be the case this weekend and we can start our season with a positive result.”
Tony Lynch will continue to drive for Team Geriatric in 2016 and has also confirmed that the team has retained title sponsorship from Lucas Oils.
