October 2018

Albatec NCME and Mark Higgins prepare for BRX season finale

Dumfries, Scotland (UK) — 26 October 2018: Albatec Racing and Mark Higgins are geared up for the season finale, round nine of the Toyo Tires MSA British Rallycross Championship on Sunday 4 November. The final round of BRX returns to the scene of the season-opener, Silverstone, Northamptonshire for what looks set to be a classic showdown.

Among a 14-strong Supercar entry, only three drivers are in contention to lift the crown including the #34 Eddie Stobart NCME-supported Peugeot 208 RX Supercar of Higgins. Mark leads the table on actual points, however, the series regulations dictate a driver must discount his two lowest scores. His consistent form throughout the season goes against the Manxman, having to drop two high scoring results (fourth and fifth) dropping him back to third.

Next weekend though it’s all still to play for. Rival team tactics are sure to come into play when track action gets underway on Sunday morning, but the rallycross ‘rookie’ has shone in his first season in the discipline and won’t give up his title aspirations without a fight. Mark knows he needs to win Sunday’s Final to stand any chance of claiming the title, but with two victories already under his belt, together with two second and two third places, he’ll be gunning for victory.

Albatec Racing’s collaboration with the National Centre for Motorsport Engineering at the University of Bolton has proved a success in 2018. Next weekend six motorsport engineering students will once again work closely with the Albatec personnel in their bid to lift the crown.

Andy Scott, Team Principal, Albatec Racing:

“Once again, the season has come down to the final round. Mark has driven incredibly well all year; he’s proved consistently quick even on unknown circuits, such is his undoubted skill behind the wheel. The team as always has worked hard to prepare a race-winning car for him, and although we appreciate it’s going to be a challenge, we’ll do everything in our power to end the year with another victory.”

Mark Higgins, Driver #34, Albatec Racing:

“It’s been an interesting first season in rallycross and now it all comes down to Silverstone. The team has given me a great car and it’s a shame that we are not in a stronger position going into the final round after some interesting luck and on-track incidents. It’s still very possible to win the championship and anything can and normally does happen in this sport. I hope we can have a fair, clean race, and with such a strong entry it will be very interesting to see the outcome of the final points.”

Dr Mark Busfield, Director, National Centre for Motorsport Engineering at University of Bolton:

“What a season it’s been for our students and the entire Albatec Racing team. The students have been fortunate to experience every emotion possible in motorsport while learning all elements of engineering and indeed other aspects of the sport thanks to the collaboration with Albatec. We will continue to work with the team this weekend, where collectively we’ve done everything in our power to produce a race and hopefully championship-winning car.”