Stuart Emery finally got back to winning ways last time out as he finished top Brit in the Belgium round of the MSA British Rallycross Championship.

It has been a tough season so far for Stuart with mechanical issues having haunted him for the best part of the season, finishing top Brit in a European race was just the confidence he needed.

Speaking after the last round, he said: “Competing in Belgium was a good experience. The Belgians are certainly laid back and there was quite a different feeling around the paddock. Very much a social event as well as the racing.

“The circuit in Maasmechelen is very tight and twisty, nothing like any other circuit in the UK. I’d received some great advice from Derek Tohill who competes in the European Rallycross Championship and is currently leading the touring car class. But even with that inside info, it wasn’t until the second heats that I really started to get more confident with the track and the lap times started to come down.

“Although the Super National entry was quite small in Belgium, finishing as top Brit was a massive relief. After so many mechanical gremlins this year, I was beginning to wonder if I would ever win an event.”

It isn’t just a victory for Stuart but for his friends and his family as well who support him and help him every race weekend and in the evenings.

He added: “Absolutely, as I’ve said before, I get to do the exciting bit driving the car, but it really is a team effort. My Brother Andy and friend Mike are always there to get the car ready and sort any problems out. And of course, without a VERY understanding family, going racing would be extremely difficult. So this first win in Super National is really down to all of them too.”

Stuart has had drive shaft issues for most of the season but that looks like it is well behind him now.

He added: “Yes, we have really struggled with driveshaft issues this year and I think we have finally sorted it out now. It’s been so annoying, but with a bit of luck I can drive flat out now without breaking them!”

It is back to Stuart’s local track next time out as the season moves back to Lydden Hill and he is already looking forward to it, after having a well-earned rest.

“I only have 5 days between getting back from holiday and the next round at Lydden, so I’ve had to get the car sorted out before I go. Luckily, Belgium was good for us and we had no damage, just a small oil leak on the turbo to sort out. All done now, so I can enjoy my holiday!”

“Most definitely! I finished second last time out at Lydden and will be trying as hard as ever to go one step further and make it a second win.”

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Lydden. It always lives up to its name as the home of rallycross and with lots of family, friends and my sponsor UK Battery Sales coming down to watch, it should be a great weekend!”