next round of Latvian Rally Championship
British junior rally driver Tom Cave has opted not to contest the next round of the Latvian Rally Championship, this weekend’s Cesis Rally. The 16 year-old feels that to do so would potentially compromise his chances of success as he takes his GCSEs and therefore will resume his campaign at the Kurzeme Rally in July.
Like most 16 year-olds around the country, Tom is in the midst of the most important exams of his life so far. While his family, friends and school have been incredibly supportive of his rally activity to date, he has decided that the added pressure and time demands this weekend would impact on his preparation for his final few exams and his priority must be on his education.
Tom has the full support of his father and family, as well as his school in this decision. He also has the support of the Latvian Automobile Federation as well as Junior Rallying, the scheme to develop young British rally drivers which was inspired by Tom’s rallying in Latvia and for which he remains the figurehead.
Speaking from his home in Aberdovey, Tom said: “Of course I’m disappointed not to be competing on the Cesis Rally, as we retired from the last event, the Talsi Rally and I want to get back into the car and get some results under my belt. However, my GCSEs have to be the highest priority and by taking part in the Cesis Rally, these could be compromised and I cannot risk that.
“The support I have had for my rallying since I began, most importantly from my father and family and of course, from the school has been fantastic. I know that they all support me in this decision, as the worst thing to happen now would be to fail in my exams and potentially compromise my future.”
Tom’s next event will be the second running for the Kekava Rally, the next round of the Latvian RallySprint championship over the weekend of 28/29 June. While not forming part of the National Rally Championship which is his focus this season, Kekava will give him a chance to get back into competition after a six-week break and ensure that he is prepared for the following weekend’s Kurzeme Rally.
