BRCL, the promoters of the Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship, (BRC), have announced a new Championship for the 2005 season - The BRC ‘Stars of the Future’. Each of the nominated six rounds of the BRC will run an accompanying ‘Stars of the Future’ event, over one day, offering at least 60 stage miles.

Designed to produce close competition and identify future rallying talent, the winner will be given free entries on the respective BRC rounds of the 2006 Formula Rally Championship. The events will be for National B licence holders in any 2-wheel drive, homologated and non homologated 1400cc or 1600cc cars, except modern Kit or Super 1600 cars. It is also hoped to secure major sponsorship, so that substantial prize funds can be offered, to give the winners a further hand-up into the UK’s premier rally series.

MG have already confirmed that their ZR one make series for 1400cc cars will be joining the inaugural BRC Stars of the Future.

BRC Manager, Mark Taylor comments, “We have created this Championship with the aim of delivering high value, per stage mile, to drivers in cheaper, smaller capacity cars. Competitors will be allowed to count their top five scores from a maximum of six ‘Stars of the Future’ rallies.

“The BRC ‘Stars of the Future’ will give competitors the opportunity to drive many of the UK’s classic stages, use route notes and experience the terrific atmosphere of the BRC. The emphasis has been on keeping entry fees down, and costs as low as possible, and I believe the formula will deliver some fantastic rally action and act as a platform to develop raw talent in the UK.”

BRCL Chairman, Ian Coomber said, “It has always been our aim to provide a logical path for competitors to progress in the UK sport, and the BRC ‘Stars of the Future’ delivers on that objective.”

Details of the BRC ‘Stars of the Future’ and the 2005 regulations will shortly be published on the BRC website, brcweb.co.uk

The 2005 BRC ‘Stars of the Future’ qualifying rounds are:

23 April - Wales Stars of the Future Rally

21 May – Pirelli Stars of the Future Rally

11 June – Scottish Stars of the Future Rally

9 July – Jim Clark Stars of the Future Rally

8 October – Trackrod Stars of the Future Rally

5 November – Tempest Stars of the Future Rally