Junior 1000 Rally Challenge Ireland set to expand in 2013

Plans for the 2013 series of the Junior 1000 Rally Challenge Ireland, co-sponsored by Yokohama are progressing well, with more rounds included and more competitors expected to sign up for next year.

This year’s inaugural running of the all-Ireland rally series for 14, 15 and 16-year olds saw a total of five rounds and seven registered drivers, with organisers delighted that the season surpassed expectations in terms of competition, driving standards, public profile and status. Boosted by its success, it is anticipated that 2013 will see as many as eight rounds, with competitors counting their best six results.

Whilst Kirkistown, St. Angelo and Bishopscourt will be visited again – in some cases more than once – Shackleton near Derry will provide a fourth venue in Northern Ireland. And, in a move that will increase the learning experience for young drivers even more, the 2013 calendar will include a trip to Scotland for the Solway Coast Rally, where the Ireland Junior 1000 series competitors will meet their Scottish counterparts for the very first time.

Having proved a hit with the teenagers that have taken part this year, organisers anticipate that competitor numbers will rise significantly next season. And, with youngsters from the Republic of Ireland now able to gain a junior licence via Motorsport Ireland, it is predicted that entry numbers will reach double-figures in 2013.

“I am delighted to admit that the success of 2012 took us by surprise and we are therefore aiming for an even bigger and better season in 2013”, said series coordinator Jim Crozier. “Taking into account what our competitors say they want and the opportunities that are out there for junior drivers, we aim to increase the learning experience and the overall appeal of the series for them, with more events and an even higher profile. We are therefore expecting that drivers who are still eligible (not too old) will return next year and we’ll see a similar number of new entries joining up too.”

Draft regulations for the 2013 series are currently with the MSA for approval. Confirmation of the rounds, dates and further details regarding the technical and sporting regulations – which will be based on 2012 – are to be announced in the next few weeks.