Roberts Vitols to Compete in 2WD Rallycross Superprix at Lydden Hill

Latvian rallycross driver Roberts Vitols will return to the 5 Nations British Rallycross Championship this Saturday, September 6, taking part in the 2WD Rallycross Superprix at the well-known Lydden Hill circuit. Vitols, who competed in the RallyX championship this season and finished third overall in the Supercar Lites class, will this time line up in the Motorsport UK Cross Car category.

Roberts will drive a Lifelive TN11 Cross Car, run by Lifelive UK and Ireland, the official Lifelive distributor in the UK and Ireland. While this will be his first outing in a Cross Car of this level, the setting is very familiar – the British Championship is where Vitols spent several successful seasons, collecting victories in the Junior and Supercar categories and winning the British S1600 title.

I’m happy to return to the 5 Nations British Rallycross Championship and to be on the grid at Lydden Hill. This is a great chance to be back here, show myself, meet people and also have conversations that may lead to plans for next year. As for the challenge of this race, I’ve never driven such vehicle in this Cross Car category before. When I was younger, I competed in the Northern European Championship with a 125cc crosskart, but I never reached this fastest Cross Car class as I moved on to racing cars. This class has always seemed very interesting to me, and I’ve wanted to try it for a long time. Now the chance has come and in a championship where I’ve had some of my best years. The 5 Nations British Championship has always been close to me, so I’m glad to use every opportunity to race here. Even during the RallyX season, friends told me that people in the UK were following our races in Europe, which gives extra motivation and joy to be back again, said Vitols.

Provento Racing team manager and Roberts’ father, Ugis Vitols, adds that this entry carries special meaning for the team:

First of all, it’s a pleasure that Roberts has once again been invited to compete in this championship and try machinery he hasn’t raced before. Although the RallyX season has ended, our season continues with a new challenge. Returning to Lydden Hill is always enjoyable – this place is linked only with good memories. And maybe this appearance will also open some new doors for future conversations and plans.

With a smile, Ugis also noted that spotting will not be part of the weekend, since the British Cross Car category does not allow radio communication: “Roberts will need to rely entirely on his own race strategy skills, just like back in the Junior Swift days.”

The Cross Car field in the 5 Nations British rallycross championship is a competitive one, attracting champions from other categories, including Swift Junior and Swift, as well as well-known rally and circuit racing drivers. Since a move up to Supercars requires significant financial and organisational resources, many of these top drivers end up in Cross Car as the next step, offering similar speed and competition.

The race will be in a one-day format, and I’ll drive the Cross Car for the first time on Saturday morning practice. The goal is to enjoy the event and use it as a great training opportunity – to quickly learn the new car, feel its details, drive consistently and improve speed. But of course, as always, the target is also to fight for a strong result, Vitols underlined.

The 2WD Rallycross Superprix will take place for the second time, bringing together all two-wheel-drive categories from the 5 Nations BRX and BTRDA championships. The event will be held at Lydden Hill, considered the birthplace of rallycross, where exciting battles for victories and valuable points are guaranteed.

Roberts Vitols competes in RallyX with the proud support of Provento (www.provento.lv) – a company with over 30 years of experience in agricultural, forestry, garden, and construction machinery, equipment, and spare parts.

Prepared by: Provento Racing Team

Cover photo by Ray Lawrence Photography