The 2013 British Rallycross Season kicked off in March and Kent based team UK Battery Sales Rallycross were on the grid.

With Faversham based driver Stuart Emery at the wheel it promises to be another good season for the local boys, especially if the opening round at local circuit Lydden Hill is anything to go by.

Stuart won all three of his qualifying heats, which meant that he was not only in the A final but he was on the front row of the grid for it too. He went onto finish second in the race behind rival Ash Simpson.

Giving his exclusive reaction to Kent Sports News about the opening weekend of the season last month, he said: “I was very pleased with my start to season at Lydden Hill. Winning all three of my qualifying heats and fastest overall in the first round of qualifying meant a front row start for the final.

“In Rallycross the start is so important, so good qualification is key. Finishing second was a fantastic result for my team after all the time and effort in getting the car ready for the start of the season.”

Despite being on the front row of the grid, Stuart knew that he would be in for a tough race especially with faster cars lining up around him.

He added: “I knew the A Final would be tough, with two Lotus Exiges and a host of other quick cars to contend with. Being one of few front wheel drive cars in my division, I am at a slight disadvantage from a standing start, so I knew I’d have to have a bit of a different strategy!

“I decided, even before the start that I wanted to take my joker lap straight away. I managed to be the lead car into the joker section and knew I could then get my head down for the rest of the race, while those in front would need to take theirs. Once I had caught up to Mike Howlin in the RWD Fiesta and Steve Couzens in the Supercharged Lotus Exige, I knew that second was looking good. Ash Simpson in the Lead Lotus was already a long way up the road and I knew he was going to be difficult to catch, but overall, I think I did as much as I could.”

It was a fantastic start to the season especially given that Lydden Hill is not just his home track but one that holds so many memories for Stuart.

He said: “Lydden Hill is a special track for me, not only because it’s my home track, but it was also where I took part in my first ever Rallycross meeting in 1999. I also have a lot of friends and family supporting me at Lydden, so it always a great atmosphere.”

Checkout part two of our exclusive piece with Stuart where he talks about round two at Mallory Park this weekend and much more later this week.