The Irish are coming to Sandocross

SUNDAY sees the 49th Sandocross to be held on Weston sands since the 1960s.

This year the event has nearly 50 competitors, including Ian Burne and David Fallon, who will be coming over from Galway in their very fast Specials. Ian and several other Irish competitors used to come over to Weston many years ago and it’s great to welcome them back again to challenge some of best of the British autocross drivers around.

Richard Davies from Haverfordwest was British champion in 2012 and he will be driving his Honda-engined Special and ones to watch as are Mark Tredwell from Witney in his Mini Special and Stephen Spears in the awesome 2.5 litre Special that has won this event in the past in the hands of Colin Anderson.

More than 15 competitors are Weston Motor Club members and include Chris Butler from Locking in his amazing MG Maestro, Tony Miller from Kewstoke in his 306GTi, who is a regular class winner and it is good to see Alan Holly back after a few years in his recently acquired Lancer Evo.

Another driver to watch out for is 16-year-old Daniel Rooke in his extremely quick Citroen AXGTi. Daniel is capable to upsetting many of the established drivers with his smooth, but rapid style.

The Weston Sandocross is the first round of the Southern Counties Autocross Championship. This Championship is the biggest Autocross Championship in the country and this year will see 17 rounds between now and early October with most events taking place in the West Country.

Several Weston MC members have registered for this championship this year including the aforesaid Chris Butler, who has won this championship in the past on more than one occasion.

There is no charge to watch this event and access is probably best from the Royal Sands entry onto Weston sands and then walk along the edge of the dunes to find a good viewing point for spectacular sight op up to four cars hurtling round four laps of this 1,100-metre course just a few metres from the edge of the sea.