BRC: Control tyre dropped for 2010

The British Rallycross Championship has abandoned its Kumho control tyre for 2010 at the request of competitors.

For the past three seasons Kumho has provided title sponsorship to the series and has supplied a control tyre for all competitors. That agreement ends this year as transmission specialist Quaife takes over as the series’ main backer.

BRC rights holder the Lydden Hill Motorsport Club said it has listened to competitors before making its decision.

“We have a good relationship with Kumho and have enjoyed a successful period for the championship with its involvement,” said club boss Amy Doran.

“However, a large number of our competitors would prefer not to have the control tyre in the British Rallycross Championship and that was the only reason we sought a new sponsor.”

While control tyres are common in circuit racing, it is a little-used concept in Rallycross. The move may also attract more competitors from other series such as Rallycross Open.

“If there’s no control tyre I will definitely have a go at some British events next year,” said reigning Rallycross Open Supernational champion Jamie Lea.

“You can’t just change the tyres on a car to do a different event. With a car like mine you need to change the set-up and there’s a lot of time involved in that.”

Watch the British Rallycross Championship on Motors TV.


Andy Wilkinson