OVER the years, the region has always had its fair share of motorsport competitors with some pretty impressive titles to their names, with many of the successes coming at Croft Circuit in the various disciplines.

But last weekend at the North Yorkshire track, it was the turn of the new generation to take centre stage when the BTRDA held their final rallycross meeting of the season in front of another decent sized crowd taking advantage of the bright and dry conditions.

The name of Procter is synonymous with success and following dad Kevin’s victory in a rally at Oulton Park the day before, Sunday saw his 15-year-old daughter Matilda make her debut in a 1300cc Peter Gwynne Motorsport Suzuki Swift in the Junior Rallycross class which comprised a tricky mixture of gravel and asphalt surfaces.

Having supported her father during the season on events, including watching cousins Paige and Drew Bellerby perform well in the MSA British Championship, Matilda decided she’d like a go herself so after gaining some experience in a road car around a field at the family home near Scruton, it was decided she could enter the meeting at Croft.

“I was quite nervous at first but once I got a few laps practice in, I felt a lot more confident,” said Matilda. She navigated her way through the heats without too many problems, gradually picking up speed throughout the day and showing plenty of skill behind the wheel. Comfortably qualifying for the final, Matilda made a good start and kept out of trouble to bring the car home in a superb fifth place, much to the delight of her many supporters who had ventured to Croft to cheer her on.

“I really enjoyed it as the day went on and I got faster with every race. I was pleased with fifth place in the final and I’d very much like to do it again and if the opportunity arises. I’d like to do a full season next year in the British Junior Championship, but I’ll have to speak with my dad about that!” concluded the teenager.

Also in action at Croft was 16-year-old Eleanor Corner from East Harlsey who was making her rallycross debut too. The daughter of leading driver Guy Corner, who won the SuperModified final at Croft, she was also in action in the Junior Rallycross class, but her day didn’t get off to a great start when she was involved in a collision during practice after spinning off and being hit by another competitor.

Despite missing a heat whilst repairs were undertaken to the Suzuki Swift, Eleanor bounced back in fine style and recorded a battling sixth place in the final, much to her credit.

The junior final was won by Richmond’s Tom Constantine after a day of domination in his Suzuki Swift with cousin James Constantine from Dalton on Tees finishing third. And if you’re wondering about those names ringing familiar, their respective fathers are Mark and Andrew Constantine who are leading lights in the rallying world.