Thursday 24th July saw 'Mad Mark' the current championship leader and 2007 British Rallycross Open Champion, 2008 English Masters Champion took his awesome Citroen xsara T16 Rallycross Car to Bellevue stadium as part of a the television shoot for Fifth Gears new series.

After tuition and demo from Mark Tiff Needell drove the Xsara in a race against A world champion speedway bike. Tiff also raced Frankie wainmans Formula; one stock car and a rage buggy to see if he could beat the speedway rider.

Obviously we cant tell you the outcome as you will have to watch the new series to see. All we can say the the Rallycross xsara came out as the fastest challenger and handled extremely well on the Avon Diamonds that was used on the Speedway Oval.

Mark and Tiff were very pleased with the handling, acceleration, and performance of the Tony Bardy prepared Citroën.

From the Brink of Disaster to his second Open Title

After two days of sunshine and high adrenaline racing at the Lincolnshire venue in front of a large crowd, it was 'Mad Mark' who walked off with the headlines, as he retained his Division 1 Rallycross Open Championship with two wins. The Citroen Xsara driver started the event with a healthy points lead over Mike Manning, but a high attrition rate before and during the event ensured that the Barnard Castle based driver left Blyton with the title signed sealed and delivered.

Tony Bell (Toyota Corolla) to dominate proceedings taking all three heats wins on the Saturday to claim pole position for the first of the weekends A finals. 'Mad Mark' completed the first heat in third place with a miss fire, but as the Xsara came across the finish line, the car was to suffer a bonnet fire, which prevented the Barnard Castle driver from taking part in any of the remaining heats. Chris Langley (Ford Escort RS2000) and Bob Gooding (Ford Escort RS2000) emerged as Bell's closest challengers, but the high attrition rate continued when Bell also suffered a blown engine in the Toyota after the conclusion of the third round of heats. This handed the title on a plate to 'Mad Mark', meaning there would be no repeat of the 2007 title showdown.

With the car repaired, 'Mad Mark' cruised to another victory on the Saturday ahead of Chris Langley, a feat he would also repeat on day two. Bob Gooding finished third overall in round five and went one place better in round six to move himself up into second place in the Championship standings with one round remaining.

If you want to see many photos of Mad Mark and the xsara in action why not visit
www.rallyxpics.com

See crash highlight at www.amgtv.co.uk/images/webvideo/openrxintro.wmv

Mad Mark Motorsport contact e: mark@madmark.co.uk m: 07977 542140
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