The long-awaited start of the very first Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship under the new guise of 5 Nations Trophy finally got underway over the August bank holiday at the spiritual home of the sport Lydden Hill.

The event was not only run in its new format but also adhered strictly to the governing body’s Covid protocalls.

It was even more of a challenge for Canterbury based driver Tristan Ovenden as it was to be his first in the topflight of British rallycross.

However the weekend didn’t start quite as planned as Ovenden’s Goody Demolition backed Citroen DS3 supercar was experiencing turbo difficulties which effectively saw him sit out the first days free practice sessions and first qualifying heat.

In stark contrast Monday saw the Kent based driver hit the ground running in the second qualifying heat, which saw Ovenden keep guest driver Chris Hoy at bay to claim the race win and secure fifth place for the heat overall the third heat.

Then a further sixth and fourth in qualifying three and four respectively. A solid third place in his semi final was enough to secure sixth spot on the grid but allowing him a clear run behind the pole sitter, Mark Donnelly.

Ovenden didn’t disappoint in his first supercar final thrilling the home crowd by taking the flag in forth place, narrowly missing out on a podium finish.

The paired down championship is due to hold its second event north of the boarder at Knockhill in Scotland. The first time the championship has visited the Scottish circuit for nearly 6 years! Racing will take place over the weekend of 26th and 27th September 2020.

Speaking after the weekend, Ovenden, said: “Our first weekend running a Supercar has been an exciting roller coaster, just as we thought it would be. And not just in the car, although it is such a thrill to drive!

“We unfortunately couldn’t run on Day 1, which meant missing Q1, due to a turbo issue, to then go through Q2, Q3, Q4, a semi-final and claim 4 th in the Final is truly down to the amazing work our team put in. And then to reward them all, our Junior Driver goes and takes his first win! It’s such a big deal for the team and Tom, of course.

“He fully deserved it, drove very well all weekend and peaked just when it mattered most. It’s been emotional!’ We have had so much support from a lot of people leading up to this weekend, It is so much appreciated and we thank them all very much. Particularly Goody Demolition, Morris Lubricants and WWM Civils for their continued commitment during this time. We hope you enjoyed it.”

Images and report courtesy of Matt Bristow Photography