The Chesterfield-based XS Racing team was split between the Caribbean and Mid-Wales last weekend (May 31/June 1) as they fielded cars on both Rally Barbados and the Seven Valley Stages, round three of the 2008 Dunlop/Gambia MSA British Historic Rally Championship.
 
A dominant category two victory for the Porsche 911RS of Steven Smith and John Nichols was the headline result for the team in Wales as they headed the five-car team.

With a 100% finishing record, it was a good event for the team and a fine performance from Drew Wylie and Neil Ewing put their Ford Escort into fifth in category two and third in class. Peter Smith and Russ Langthorne took fifth in class in their Escort on only the driver's second rally after a 20-year lay-off from the sport.
 
With Philip Wylie and Jamie Edwards also scoring a good finish in Wales and Andrew Siddall/Colin Thompson bringing their freshly prepared car home, team boss Jon Cropper was pleased with the day's work. "They all went well and it's always good to get a 100% finishing record," he said.
 
Meanwhile, on Rally Barbados, the team entered a Porsche 911SCRS on behalf of Steve Perez and the car was driven by former World Champion Bjorn Waldegard. Unfortunately it didn’t start too well, with a roll on the opening stage, but some hard work by the team had the car running again and it duly finished the historic section of the rally.
 
Earlier in the spring the team was busy in France preparing an Alfa Romeo TZ1 for an American customer on the five-day Tour Auto classic race and rally event. An excellent 18th place finish was a fine reward for the team's efforts in preparing and running the car.
 
This weekend (June 7/8), the team will be busy at the Chatsworth Rally Show, a very local event. As well as a spectacular Audi Quattro for Steve Perez and the Porsche 911RS of Steven Smith, XS will also be entering a Ford Escort RS2000 to be shared by Jon Cropper and Philip Wylie.
 
Then, Peter Smith will contest the Dukeries Rally in Nottinghamshire on 14 June to build his experience ahead of the next BHRC round.
 
The next round of the Dunlop/Gambia MSA British Historic Rally Championship is the Mid-Wales Stages on 28/29 June and should see the biggest XS squad of the season to date, with six cars due. Regulars Steven Smith, Philip Wylie, Andrew Siddall and Peter Smith will be joined by Jonathan Gale (Lotus Cortina) and BTCC racer Mike Jordan (Ford Escort RS2000).
 
XS Racing specialises in all types of historic rally preparation and parts supply across a wide range of cars. XS Racing can be contacted on 01246 233777.