The reception to the launch of Junior Rallying, the scheme to aid the development of the next generation of British rally drivers, has been exceptional, according to the organisers. Debuting for the first time at the recent Autosport international show at the Birmingham NEC, the scheme drew critical acclaim from all the right places, including the media, members of the rally community but more importantly, prospective rally drivers.
The Junior Rallying stand was located close to the exit of the famous Live Action arena and therefore, foot traffic past the area was enormous. Scheme manager Gemma Price estimates something in the region of 10,000 people would have passed the stand over the course of the four days of the show.
“We’re very pleased with the response to the scheme so far,” said Gemma. “The industry has been very supportive, from the top level of the sport down to grass roots, understanding completely what the objectives are and how we plan to go about it.
“What’s even more encouraging is the response from the potential participants. Just a few days after the show itself and we are already half-full, in terms of the intake for the first test day, which is fantastic.”
In addition to the publicised phase one of the scheme, where drivers with no experience begin to learn car control as well as other crucial aspects of rallying, there has also been high interest from those who already have some car control skills and who could potentially leapfrog elements of the first phase and proceed direct to competition.
Price explains; “We have had a lot of interest from people who already have some car control experience, from driving on private land so we are now putting together an assessment day to gauge their skills and abilities. We will be able to see whether there is the possibility for them to effectively bypass some of the fundamental coaching we are providing during Phase 1 and fast-track into competition in Latvia itself.”
Also in attendance at the recent show was a delegation from the Latvian Automobile Federation, which is supporting Junior Rallying by actively encouraging British youngsters to compete in the nation. The delegation included the President of the LAF and the Chairman of the Rallies Commission, himself an accomplished competitor in the national series.
Both the President and the Chairman were impressed by not only the response to the Junior Rallying presence but also, the steps the organisers are taking to promote the sport of rallying and encourage drivers to begin their careers from 15 years of age.
The nation of Latvia has a long and rich heritage of rallying – this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the national championship. The importance of Latvia in rallying has been recognised by the media and the full 2008 season will be shown exclusively in Motors TV in the UK. A review of the 2007 series has already begun screening and there will be reviews of each of the rounds in 2008 shown on Motors TV, which can be found on Sky channel 413.
