The Chesterfield-based XS Racing team maintained its challenge for the overall title on the 2008 Dunlop/Gambia MSA British Historic Rally Championship with another perfect run on round six, the Harry Flatters Rally (2/3 August).
 
Driving the XS Racing-entered Porsche 911RS, Steven Smith and Howard Pridmore had a trouble-free run over the daunting asphalt roads of the Epynt ranges in Mid-Wales to score maximum BHRC points and keep up a challenge for the coveted British championship title.
 
The Porsche was one of four cars entered by XS Racing on the rally and the other three – all Ford Escort Mk1s – were handled by drivers having their first taste of the notoriously difficult venue. However, a tremendous team performance got all four cars to the finish and it was the car of Drew Wylie/Neil Ewing that took maximum championship points in class C3. Meanwhile, Peter Smith/Russ Langthorne finished less than a minute behind Wylie to take the points for second. Unfortunately, an ignition pack problem cost Andrew Siddall/Captain Thompson time late in the day and they dropped to seventh in class.
 
"All of the crews did a fine job on a really tricky event," said XS Racing boss John Cropper. "Steven had no problems at all, apart from a heavy landing after a jump, and did exactly what he needed to do for the championship."
 
This weekend (Saturday 16 August), XS Racing will be fielding the Metro 6R4 of Stewart Larbey on the Neath Valley Stages, a forest event that uses the famous Walters' Arena and takes in some of the special stages used on Wales Rally GB in November.
 
Then, in early September, the team will enter two Porsche 911s on Tour Britannia, the unique three-day classic race and rally tour that combines races with asphalt special stages. Sean Lockyear's 911RS will be counted among the pre-event favourites, while Peter Egerton will campaign his 911 with Cropper as his co-driver for the hugely popular event.
 
Less than a week after the finish of Tour Britannia, the team will head to Belgium for the penultimate round of the Dunlop/Gambia MSA British Historic Rally Championship, the Tour of Flanders on 13/14 September. Smith will continue his bid to win the overall title for a second time, while the team will also include the Ford Escorts of Peter Smith and Andrew Siddall along with the Porsche 911RS of James Sutherland.
 
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.
 
Issued by Paul Lawrence on behalf of XS Racing (www.xsracing.net).
For further details, call 01952 510382.