Kent based rallycross driver Nathan Heathcote headed to his home event at Lydden Hill on the August bank holiday Monday to contest Round 6 of the Toyo Tires British Rallycross Championship.

The Channel Commercials backed young driver was looking to get back on the podium to strengthen his championship hopes. However, during pre-event testing his LD Motorsports Citroen DS3 developed engine problems after just a single lap.

The team worked overnight to fit a new engine and Heathcote was to start the day with a brand new engine, however in a cruel twist of fate the new engine developed a problem during practice. The LD Motorsport team then produced what can only be described as a miracle and managed to fix the engine and get Heathcote back out for the remaining qualifying sessions.

He didn’t disappoint and recorded a second and a fifth overall. A well timed joker lap during his semi-final saw Heathcote secure a front row grid place for the final certainly giving him an advantage over the 6 lap race which wasn’t to disappoint with the lead changing between Heathcote and team mate Warren Scott over the first 2 laps.

Heathcote took the checkered flag in a well-deserved second place and in doing so strengthening his fifth place in the championship standings.

The championship now heads back to the Welsh circuit of Pembrey for a double header for rounds 7 and 8 which will be held on 23rd and 24th of September. Racing will get underway at 09:00.

Speaking after the weekend, Heathcote said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better result after the shocking start to the weekend. I scored some good points and have now got my championship hopes back on track.

“Thanks to all my sponsors The Channel Commercials, WaterDirect, Countrystyle Recycling, FGS Plant, Greenshields JCB and DUO.”

Images courtesy of Matt Bristow