Gibson in control for the latest in DiRT series

Codemasters, the makers of the Colin McRae games, have once again asked for the car to appear in the new DiRT 3 edition of the series.

"We were in their last game, DiRT 2, and it appears that our car was a very popular choice for the gamers so they approached us again to get our permission to use the car again in the new game," Lawrence told the Leader.

"It is an honour to be chosen because these games are marketed worldwide. Up until June they had sold 1.7 million copies of ‘Dirt 2’ so there are a lot of people out there know about our wee car from Banbridge.

"I see it as an excellent payback and bonus for our sponsors as it gets their name out to a bigger audience than I can achieve through the British Championships and local television."

Lawrence and his 6R4 are usually seen competing the length and breadth of Great Britain from Lydden Hill down near Dover up to Knockhill in Scotland and a few circuits in between.

There are now no rallycross events in Northern Ireland but Lawrence has told us of a special opportunity for fans to see the famous car in person.

“We take part in a few local shows and do a few demonstration runs when we get the opportunity," he said.

"For instance there is a big motorsport show on October 24 in Belfast and they have asked me to bring the car and do a few demo runs in the arena. There will be rallycross cars, rally cars, drift cars, autotest cars and I believe motorbikes performing as well. There will be a large static motorsport car show as well.

"We are also told that television may be involved too and one of my sponsors Red Bull will be there with me in support. I know that it will be a great event and they expect 1000’s of spectators at it.

"It is good also for my local Banbridge sponsors like Ryan International and Thompson Tyres who get greater exposure at events like this as a lot of people take interest in the car and see their names as well."

Lawrence added, “Drew Gregg who looks after my sponsorship always guarantees plenty of exposure for me and the car and between us we try to give a good return to the businesses who have supported me over the years.

"The car is going well at present, we have just been doing a few selected events this season instead of a complete championship and enjoying the experience as there is no pressure on to gain championship points.”