The Return of a BTCC Legend
A one-time British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) pole-sitting Mazda Xedos 6, affectionately known as ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ for its distinctive livery, is set to make its first appearance on UK soil in over three decades. This iconic vehicle, which last raced in 1993, will be a highlight at the third edition of Super Touring Power, scheduled for 28-29 June at Brands Hatch. Formerly driven by Patrick Watts, the car was built by Roger Dowson and achieved the fastest qualifying time at the season’s third round at Snetterton. However, Watts’ race was marred by a spin at the first corner, and despite leading several laps at Knockhill, he finished 15th in the standings due to multiple non-finishing results.
A Journey from New Zealand
The Xedos 6, powered by a V6 engine, has had a fascinating journey. After Mazda’s expanded two-car BTCC squad folded in mid-1994, the car went on to win the Nordic title with ex-Formula 1 driver Slim Borgudd. It then contested the Touring Car World Cup at Donington Park before finding its way to North America. Current owner Paul McCarthy acquired the car in 2016, drawn by its unique history. “When I looked at its history, it appealed to me that it was a little bit odd. It wasn’t one of 30 or 40 cars built. It was one of three, and I love the paint scheme,” McCarthy told Autosport. Over the years, he has worked to restore the car’s engine reliability, and recent success in historic races in New Zealand has convinced him to bring it to the UK. “It’s the strongest it’s ever felt. And it just ran faultlessly all weekend,” he said.
Other International Contenders
McCarthy’s Xedos 6 will not be the only international entry at Super Touring Power. Fellow Aucklander Conrad Timms will ship his 1995 Ford Mondeo, a veteran of the first Super Touring Power, across the globe. Additional entries are expected from New Zealand’s South Island, adding to the event’s international flavor. Among the UK entries is former BTCC racer Rick Kerry, who will join the grid driving an ex-Tim Harvey Peugeot 406 Coupe. This BTC-T car, built by Vic Lee Racing in 2001, saw Tim Harvey achieve a single podium finish during the 2002 season under the Team Halfords banner. Kerry, who won the Gen 1 Cup in TCR UK last year, is planning a full season in Super Tourers and may even contest further European races with the EDF Motorsports-run car.
A Nostalgic Experience
For Kerry, the opportunity to race alongside his childhood heroes is a dream come true. “I loved touring cars in the ’90s and the early 2000s. The challenge to race with some of them, what I would call my heroes of when I was first getting into racing, sounded like a really decent thing to do while I still can,” he said. Kerry has also acquired a second shell, originally raced by Kiwi Superbike star Aaron Slight. “We’re going to be restoring that one back into the Aaron Slight colours to have it available later in the season,” he added, with a target for it to break cover at Super Touring Power.
The Appeal of Super Tourers
The Super Touring Power event, organized by the Classic Touring Car Racing Club (CTCRC), has quickly become a beloved fixture on the historic racing calendar. It celebrates the golden era of touring car racing, a period characterized by intense competition and iconic cars. The event not only provides a platform for veteran racers to relive their glory days but also offers a unique opportunity for younger enthusiasts to experience the thrill of Super Touring cars. The return of the Mazda Xedos 6 and other international entries promises to add a new dimension to the event, making it a must-see for touring car fans.
Looking Forward
As the third edition of Super Touring Power approaches, anticipation is building. The event is expected to draw large crowds, eager to witness the return of these legendary machines. For the drivers, the event represents a chance to reconnect with the past and compete in some of the most iconic cars in touring car history. For the spectators, it offers a nostalgic trip back to a golden era of motorsport, filled with the roar of V6 engines and the sight of beautifully livery-clad cars. The inclusion of international entries like the Mazda Xedos 6 and the Ford Mondeo ensures that this year’s Super Touring Power will be a spectacle to remember.
