By Paul Evans
Reigning MSA Junior Rallycross champion Tom Llewellin claimed the runners-up spot at Lydden Hill to continue his Swift Sport Championship challenge at round seven of the MSA British Rallycross Championship in Kent.
Race day didn’t start too well, with a technical problem ruling the 17-year old Haverfordwest driver out of the first heat. Superb work by the Peter Gwynne Motorsport team soon had the little black car’s problems fixed, enabling Llewellin to finish second and third in the next two heats to qualify for the semi-final, where he finished second.
Starting the final from row two, the Pembrokeshire teenager took an early joker lap and was battling for victory until a slow puncture scuppered all hopes of a race win. He did extremely well to hold onto second place, finishing behind series leader Morgan Bailey.
The result maintains Llewellin’s second place in the championship in his rookie season in the senior Suzuki Swift class. But with just two rounds remaining, he needs to get the better of arch rival Bailey at both Pembrey next month and Silverstone in November to stand a chance of lifting the crown.
“The day didn’t start too well when we split a gearbox housing in practice which meant we also missed the first heat,” said Llewellin. “The mechanics did a brilliant job to get a new gearbox and clutch in the car and get us out for the second heat, which we finished second in. We claimed third in the final heat, which put us on the second row for the semi-finals where we went on to finish second. This put us in third spot on the grid for the final which I was really happy with after missing the first heat.
“I made a good start and did the joker first lap to stay out of trouble, which paid off and put me in a strong second position. But we had a scare with two laps to go, picking up a slow puncture and putting us under pressure, but we still managed to hold onto second place.
“Thanks to the whole PGM team, my sponsors and family for their support. Nothing short of wins will do from now on.”