Members of the Todds Leap Ulster Rally Organising Team collect the
'Rally of the Year' Award at the BRC Awards night in Manchester. Paul Biggerstaff, Philip Murray, Lewis Boyd & Ian Connolly.
2013 Todds Leap Ulster Rally wins Rally of the Year.
Posted: November 14, 2013 12:07 PM
MEMBERS of the Todds Leap Ulster Rally's organising committee were left speechless at the British Rally Championship's (BRC) end of season awards night in Manchester on Saturday when Rally NI was again named Rally of the Year.
The BRC Rally of the Year award was first presented in 2003 with the Ulster Rally taking the honours in 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2012. This year the same Todds Leap Rally N.I team had cause for double celebration on Saturday, Clerk of the Course Lewis Boyd accepting the award on behalf of the organisers and hundreds of volunteers for the fifth time on his 50th birthday.
2013 threw up a new set of challenges for the Ulster Rally team as the entire five-event rally shifted across Northern Ireland to Fermanagh and South Tyrone for the first time.
Clerk of the course, Lewis Boyd, was taken aback with the award, but he was keen to pay tribute to his fellow volunteers.
“We were very surprised to receive the award for the event in its first year in Fermanagh," he beamed “but none of it would be possible without the hard work and support from our 800 volunteers, Fermanagh District Council, Todds Leap, Sport NI, the Fisher Foundation, Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the many local businesses who helped us deliver such a high quality enjoyable event. Everyone involved should give themselves a massive pat on the back."
McKenna wins BRCLIVE Media Trophy
Posted: October 25, 2013 10:20 AM
Daniel McKenna is the inaugural Prodrive-supported BRCLIVE Media Trophy winner following the finalists’ final challenge of the 2013 British Rally Championship season, held at the company’s Oxfordshire HQ.
Jon Armstrong, James Ford, Harry Threlfall, Daniel McKenna, Ben McKay, Steve Røkland and Garry Pearson all started the day in the impressive Prodrive museum, surrounded by cars and images from some of the greatest names in motorsport. Most started the day by sitting in cars like Colin McRae and Richard Burns’ Subarus or the Dani Sordo’s Mini JCW WRC.
After a tour of the facilities, all finalists met the judges and were involved in an open question and answer session with Prodrive’s Business Development Director, Richard Taylor and Head of Engineering David Lapworth. They, along with the judges; Prodrive’s Ben Sayer, The Sun’s Paul Evans, Stagetime Rally Group’s Neil Cloughley and VIPR Media’s Rebecca Prosser were able to give the finalists an insight into just what it takes to be a career rally driver, with some invaluable advice for their 2014 campaign plans.
Each finalist then began one-to-one interviews with the judges and each faced questions about their media and marketing activities for this year and their plans for next year. They all did a superb job, making the judges’ choice extremely difficult, but there was only one driver able to win the test-session drive in a Prodrive Mini JCW S2000.
Daniel McKenna topped an incredible year by scooping the final trophy of the 2013 season by a fraction from his co-finalists. The Irishman set a superb standard in all aspects of his 2013 rally programme, the 2012 Billy Coleman Award winner further proving his credentials.
He said of his year: “At the start of the year, I could never have imagined that we could win the RallyTwo category, Fiesta SportTrophy, the BRCLIVE Media Award and the Pirelli Star Driver Shootout. It’s a dream come true. A lot of hard work and determination has been put in by me, Arthur and the team all year and it has been all worthwhile with the fantastic opportunities we have ahead of us.”
The judges would like to thank all the competitors who entered this year’s competition encouraging them to carry on their marketing and PR development for next year’s championship. Finally thanks must also be given to Prodrive for their hospitality and generous prize.
Irishman Daniel McKenna wins Pirelli Star Driver shootout
Posted: October 24, 2013 3:12 PM
Daniel McKenna is this year’s coveted MSA British Rally Championship Pirelli UK Star Driver shootout after wowing a panel of five judges during a two-day competition, based at the iconic motorsport complex of Sweet Lamb in Wales.
McKenna and regular co-driver Arthur Kierans were also crowned the new BRC RallyTwo champions at the weekend and beat off stiff competition from five other finalists to win a full British Rally Championship campaign courtesy of tyre supplier Pirelli. McKenna, who hails from County Monaghan, will compete on all seven rounds of next year’s BRC at the wheel of a Citroën DS3 R3T supplied by DGM Motorsport.
Now in its seventh year, the Pirelli Star Driver programme has helped a number of promising drivers in their quest to become an international rally star. Previous winners include the recently-crowned British Rally Champion Jukka Korhonen and WRC Academy Champion Elfyn Evans, perfect examples of drivers who has used the support and guidance from Pirelli to progress their careers.
Focusing on the lower categories and providing a leg up the ladder, Pirelli Star Driver selections this year came exclusively from the new BRC RallyTwo and Junior Rally Championships. This year’s finalists included Jon Armstrong, Ruary MacLeod, Steve Røkland, Daniel McKenna, Alex Parpottas and recently-crowned British Junior Rally Champion, Ben Mckay.
The six finalists were assessed on their abilities to drive their championship car on a two-mile stage at Sweet Lamb: the same complex that is used as a rally stage in the FIA World Rally Championship in November. The drivers were also tested on their skills behind the wheel, media awareness, technical nous and future potential.
A panel of five judges including BRC Managing Director Mark Taylor, motoring journalist Evan Rothman, Finland’s Risto Laine, Citroën Racing’s Jean-Francois Lienere and former Subaru World Rally Team member John McLean assessed the finalists and agreed that McKenna was the most worthy prize winner.
26-year-old McKenna said:
“At the start of the year, I could never have imagined that we would have won both the BRC RallyTwo category and also the Pirelli Star Driver shootout. The conditions were tough as it was slippery on the stage but we knew that we’d done the best we could. I was a finalist at the Pirelli shootout in 2010 and I was really disappointed when I lost out but it just means that I appreciate this win more than ever.
“I’d like to thank Pirelli, Citroën and DGM Motorsport for this fantastic opportunity and I can’t wait to get stuck into next year’s championship now. I’m determined to make the most of every moment.”
Pirelli UK Motorsport Operations Manager Matthew Corby added:
“I know we say this every year but the level of competition is the highest we have ever witnessed. Despite the tough conditions, everyone performed extremely well on the driving element which made it even harder to reach a decision. After we announced the winner, we gave each runner-up a thorough debrief in order to help them progress in their careers.
“Daniel was speechless for 20 minutes – he has put in a lot of effort this year and really deserves this opportunity. He was a candidate at our shootout in 2010 and took on board the advice we gave him - it’s been excellent to see Daniel back again this year and stronger than ever. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our other finalists for all their hard work: they can leave Wales with their heads held high but unfortunately there can only be one winner.”
BRC Manager Mark Taylor said:
“Thanks to Pirelli’s support over the years, we have seen many great drivers at the now-traditional end of season shootout. The quality and commitment just gets better every year and we know that Daniel will make the most of the Pirelli Star Driver prize in next year’s British Rally Championship and beyond.”
Daniel Mc Kenna the Billy Coleman Award Winner Wins the Pirelli Star Driver Shootout and the BRC Live Media Award
Posted: October 24, 2013 11:15 AM
Daniel, co-driver Arthur Kierans and his team are delighted to announce that they have secured the highly coveted Pirelli Star Driver Award with the Scanbitz Ltd and Ravenol Motoroil supported Ford Fiesta R2 in the Sweet Lamb complex in Wales. This brilliant opportunity gives Daniel a fully funded drive in the 2014 British Rally Championship using the latest specification Citroen DS3 R3T. Also with a second competition in three days, the BRC Live Media Competition held at Prodrive in Banbury, Daniel once again impressed a panel of judges to become the winner and his prize is a test in a Mini JCW S2000 car early in 2014.
For the Pirelli shootout Daniel impressed a panel of five judges including BRC Managing Director Mark Taylor, motoring journalist Evan Rothman, Former Finland world Rally Clerk of Course Risto Laine, Citroën Racing’s Jean-Francois Lienere and former Subaru World Rally Team Engineer John McLean over a series of challanges designed to test all six nominees on key skills required to progress and be successful in their future rallying careers.
The first days tests were a Recce of the four mile timed stage to be used with WRC Co-Driver Chris Patterson aboard to examine each crews pacenote making, next was the Judges interviews where the drivers where grilled on their motorsport C.V.’s, followed by a TV camera interview for both Driver and Co-Driver with renowned rally commentator and presenter for the BBC, Mark James.
The second days test started with the drivers randomly choosing their running order for the timed stage they where to tackle before reversing the running order for a second run on the same test. This was followed immediately by a wheel change challenge on the Citroen DS3 R3T that was present from Davy Greer Motorsport with the final test consisting of a questionnaire exam for driver and Co-driver on their knowledge of motorsport regulations and technical details
The judging panel found Daniel to be the deserving winner despite the very high standard shown by all of the nominees throughout the intense competition. Daniel, Arthur and the teams preparations where well thought and meticulous on the approach to the competition and the judging panel said that this was evident throughout all of the tests the competition threw at the nominees.
After receiving the fantastic news Daniel then made his way to Banbury in Oxfordshire to prepare for the BRC Live Media shootout where all nominees got a fantastic tour of the world famous Prodrive Museum as well as look at all of the facilities both for the racing and rally teams.
This was then followed by an interview in front of a panel of five judges which again included BRC Managing Director Mark Taylor, Neil Cloughney of SRG Media and BRC Live Radio, Paul Evans motorsport editor with The Sun, Rebecca Prosser Prodrive racing Media and PR and Paul Evans Prodrive Rallying Media and PR. They grilled all of the nominees on their Media and PR exploits throughout the season and in the future, their approach to enticing new sponsors and retaining current ones and their future plans and aspirations. Again the judges found Daniel to be the worthy winner and he can now look forward to the amazing opportunity of working closely with a world class team as he test the latest spec Mini JCW S2000 car in early 2014
A clearly ecstatic Mc Kenna had this to say, “At the start of the year, I could never have imagined that we could win the Rally Two category, Fiesta Sporting Trophy, the BRC Live Media Award and the Pirelli Star Driver Shootout. It’s a dream come true. A lot of hard work and determination has been put in by me, Arthur and the team all year and it has been all worthwhile with the fantastic opportunities we have ahead of us. I would like to thank Pirelli and the Judges for the fantastic opportunity they have given me for my future career and also the BRC Live media team, Prodrive and the judges for the chance to test the Mini JCW S2000. Special thanks to Arthur, the service crew, sponsors, friends and families for all of the support throughout the season”
Daniel has Wales Rally GB to look forward to now in his Fiesta R2 in mid November as well as availing of his prize for winning the Fiesta Sporting Trophey UK, a test in an R5 specification Ford Fiesta in early December. Daniel will let you all know how these events unfold with pre-event press releases so keep an eye on his website, danielmckenna.net. In the meantime keep up to date on Daniel’s Twitter and Facebook pages for any updates over the coming weeks.
Pirelli confirms details of annual Star Driver Shootout - 21-22 October 2013
Posted: October 14, 2013 11:27 AM
Italian tyre firm Pirelli has confirmed details of its annual Pirelli Star Driver UK shootout: a yearly initiative run by Pirelli which supports one up-and-coming rally driver in their quest to become an international rally star. The shootout will take place from 21-22 October, two days after the British Rally Championship’s season-closing Rallye Sunseeker International.
The Pirelli Star Driver Scheme has been running since 2008 and each year it aims to support one driver as they take to the wheel of a fully-funded car for the duration of a British Rally Championship season. Previous winners include reigning WRC Academy champion Elfyn Evans and flying Finn Jukka Korhonen, who is on track to securing the 2013 British Rally Championship title.
Focusing on the lower categories and providing a leg up the ladder, Pirelli Star Driver selections this year came exclusively from the new BRC Rally Two and Junior Rally Championships. A panel of judges selected one finalist from each round of the six-round series, as they now all prepare to go head-to-head at the famous end of season shootout.
During the two-day shootout, the finalists will be assessed on their abilities to drive the car they used to compete on this year’s BRC on a two-mile stage at Sweet Lamb: the same complex that is used as a special stage on the FIA World Rally Championship. The drivers will also be tested on their driving skills, media awareness, event strategy, technical ability and future potential.
This year’s Pirelli Star Driver nominations include Jon Armstrong, Ruary MacLeod, Steve Røkland, Daniel McKenna and Alex Parpottas. The sixth finalist will be announced following next weekend’s Rallye Sunseeker International.
A panel of four judges including World Rally Championship co-driver Chris Patterson, South African motoring journalist Evan Rothman, British Rally Championship Managing Director Mark Taylor and Finland’s Risto Laine will assess the finalists.
Pirelli UK Motorsport Operations Manager Matthew Corby commented: "Last year’s shootout proved to be extremely competitive and I don’t expect this year to be any different as we have some extremely talented drivers taking part. We have always been particularly keen to help new drivers entering the BRC to progress, so this season we focused our nominations on those competing in Rally Two and the Junior rally championships.
“Pirelli is committed to British rallying – our famous Star Driver programme has already helped six drivers, including last year’s Star Driver Jukka Korhonen, who has gone on to excel in this year’s championship. I am confident that whoever wins this year’s shootout has the capability of winning British – and possibly international – titles in the future.”
BRC confirmed on Sky Sports
Posted: May 16, 2013 7:51 PM
The delayed coverage of round one of the MSA British Rally Championship, the Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally, will air on Sky Sports 4 & 4HD tomorrow (17th May) at 02:30hrs.
So either set your alarms really early, or set Sky Plus to record the action from the notorious Kielder forest as Jukka Korhonen powers to victory – sorry, spoiler alert! As usual, the programme is repeated, so if you miss this showing, go to www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-guide and search for British Rally Championship.
As some compensation for its delay and unsociable broadcast time, production company Greenlight Television has managed to slot the main BRC programme into its Max Power magazine programme in the next two weeks, so keep an eye on schedules.
BRC TV statement
Posted: May 15, 2013 8:12 AM
"On behalf of the Championship and Greenlight TV, I would like to apologise for the last minute change to the broadcasting of the first round of the MSA British Rally Championship, the Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally. The original postponement and subsequent delay in broadcasting of the programme reviewing round one, which was due to be shown last night and again today, was outside of the control of the championship organisers.
We are currently in close communication with our TV production team and as of today (Tuesday 14th May), we have not yet received any formal notification from Sky detailing the new schedules. I want to assure you that as soon as they are made known to us, we will communicate them.
Again, we are sorry for any inconvenience that this may have caused.
Kind regards
Mark Taylor
Managing Director (UK Rally Limited)
MSA British Rally Championship"
Armstrong takes first BRC LIVE Media Trophy nomination
Posted: May 13, 2013 12:59 PM
Jon Armstrong became the first finalist selected for the brand new BRC LIVE Media Trophy in association with Prodrive on the Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally, the opening round of the 2013 British Rally Championship.
The 18 year old Fiesta R2 driver from Northern Ireland, along with his co-driver Martin Brady, had impressed the judges with their commitment to this new trophy and the pre-event PR and marketing coverage they achieved, handling much of the promotion themselves rather than a specific PR agent.
Having had a difficult first morning in the Kielder Forest stages, he was informed that he had won the first finalist position live on air by trophy judge, Neil Cloughley at the first interview point for BRC LIVE by SRG, after the event’s first three stages.
The pair seemed over the moon to have won the opportunity to go before the Media Trophy judging panel at the Prodrive HQ in Banbury at the end of the season. The news came as a sweetener to what was a difficult weekend and proved that any registered BRC competitor has the opportunity to compete on an equal basis.
The prize for the winner of this trophy is a much-sought-after opportunity to test a works specification Prodrive built Mini John Cooper Works S2000 rally car at the company’s Warwickshire test facility.
BRC competitors had been tasked with generating PR about themselves, their teams and the championship, resulting in the BRC Media office receiving more marketing and PR information than ever from competitors and their PR representatives.
The next round of the BRC is the Jim Clark Rally on May 31st to June 1st and the crews will be tasked with gathering as much local newspaper and local radio interview coverage about their first round experiences and their hopes for the next round. The driver and team seen by the judges to have achieved the most coverage up to May 30th will be selected as the next finalist to face the judges at Prodrive later this year.
BRC on Sky Sports and online
Posted: May 13, 2013 12:58 PM
Coverage from the opening round of the 2013 MSA British Rally Championship, the Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally, will air on Sky Sports 3 & 3HD on Monday 13th May at 6.30pm. The one hour programme will once again be produced by the vastly experienced Greenlight Television.
There’s a change afoot though, as the programme is now designed to be more readily syndicated around the world. To make this process easier, there are no on-screen presenters, something that overseas broadcasters have always found difficult to incorporate. With the broadcast now a week later than in previous years, the Greenlight team also has more time to showcase the best of British rallying.
But if you really can’t wait or haven’t yet subscribed to Sky Sports, you can catch the highlights of both the battle for overall British Championship honours and the new BRC RallyTwo title fight online.
The new player is embedded on www.rallybrc.co.uk homepage
Renault UK will continue its partnership with the MSA British Rally Championship in 2013, supporting the Twingo Renaultsport Trophy UK (Twingo Trophy) and as official vehicle suppler to the BRC.
The Twingo R1 Trophy UK has attracted new competitors for this season in the form of total BRC newcomers Harry Threlfall and Benjamyn McKay, ably co-driven by Andy Bull and Jason McKay respectively. They will fight it out for a fantastic prize-drive on the final round of the French Rally Championship along with the battle for the British Junior Rally Championship crown.
Renault’s unique position in offering cars in R1, R2 and R3 categories for the British series also continues, with the return of 2012 Twingo R2 Trophy Champion Chris Ingram, with new co-driver Jack Morton, who will stay with his awesome sounding Twingo R2 pocket-rocket and Joe McGonigle/Ciaran Geaney who will try to stem the tide of Citroëns with their newly acquired Clio R3.
On event support from Monster Sport Europe means that the Renault village will continue to be prominent in the service areas of all rounds, the Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally now counting as the season opener in two weeks time.
Renault UK will supply the British Rally Championship with vehicles throughout the season, enabling transportation of the infrastructure that helps raise the series’ profile on events.
Championship Manager Mark Taylor:
“It's fantastic to retain the support of Renault UK both in a sporting prospective with the R1 Twingo Trophy and also in assisting us logistically with the kind loan of vehicles.
"Every year we try to improve the look and feel of the championship on and off rallies, attending non championship events and exhibitions. The upshot of this though is that we have more and more kit to carry around with us. We are therefore very pleased that Renault has generously agreed to supplying support vehicles for the season.”
2013 BRC will be best five from six
Posted: April 23, 2013 8:58 PM
Following today’s announcement that Rally North Wales will not run in 2013, organiser's of the MSA British Rally Championship and the NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge have confirmed that they will not seek to replace the event and the series will be decided on the six remaining rallies.
Mark Taylor, Manager, MSA British Rally Championship:
“It was always going to be difficult for such a well supported rally, hosting four major championships, to find a replacement date at relatively short notice. It's a real shame the rally won't run this year, as it is one of the more popular events in the rally calendar.
“It's also a blow to the organising team, who have worked tirelessly over the past nine months preparing for the event. To find an alternative date at this stage would have been an almost impossible task; rather than go off half-cocked, I think this is a good decision. I have spoken to the organising team and have assured them that Rally North Wales will be a counting round of the 2014 BRC and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the club in preparing for next season."
The new opening round in the 2013 BRC calendar, the Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally has confirmed that the recent change in weather, which forced Rally North Wales’ original postponement, means that the Kielder stages are in pristine condition for the event in two weeks time.
DESI HENRY SECURES NEW SPONSORS FOR BRC CAMPAIGN
Posted: April 13, 2013 8:03 AM
Up-and-coming Northern Irish driver Desi Henry will challenge for victories in this year’s revised MSA British Rally Championship with the backing of two new team sponsors.
The young title hopeful from Portglenone unveiled his new-look Citroen DS3 R3 on Thursday – just three weeks ahead of the season opening Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally.
Having accrued a year’s experience at the wheel of his John McKillop-prepared car he is looking forward to pitting himself against the likes of Jukka Kohonen, Alastair Fisher, and fellow countryman Mark Donnelly, all of who will feature in identical Citroen DS3 R3 cars.
Helping the 23-year-old along the way will be Kilrea-based SJC Hutchinson Engineering Ltd, and Ireland’s leading online value bathroom specialist, Bath Shack.
And in keeping with the new-look theme, Henry will join forces with former Citroen co-driving champion Phil Clarke, who is regarded by many as one of Britain’s top navigators.
In readiness for the new season Henry tackled the Fivemiletown Spring Rally, setting a fastest stage time en route to winning his class – form he will look to reproduce in the BRC.
“The car has been completely re-built during the close season. We’ve made a lot of changes to it so I’m confident it’s as good as it can be,” said the former Citroen Racing Trophy driver.
“The aim this year is to be in a position to challenge for the drivers’ title. I know it’s a very difficult championship, but there are a lot of rallies, a lot of stages and a lot of miles ahead. Points make prizes, so on every round the goal will be to finish somewhere on the podium.”
On his decision to join forces with Phil Clarke, Henry explained: “He has a lot of experience and anyone will tell you that to win the British Rally Championship you need experience.
“Phil has been there and done it before, he knows what it takes, and hopefully as the season progresses his experience will pay dividends. I’m very optimistic about our chances.”
Commenting on his tie up with Henry for the 2013 season, Mark Hutchinson, from SJC Hutchinson Engineering, said he was “delighted” to be able to support home-grown talent.
“I’ve been keeping a close eye on his progress during the course of the last 12 months and I’ve been very impressed by a number of his performances. Hopefully this will be his year.”
He added: “With the British Rally Championship being held in England, Scotland and Wales, and back home here in Northern Ireland, it’s a great opportunity for us to publicise the business. By doing so hopefully we will get the chance to export more of our expertise.”
Bath Shack’s Connor Dunlop said: “I’m very pleased to give Desi my backing for the 2013 British Rally Championship. I wish him and the team every success for the year ahead.”
Posted: April 6, 2013 11:21 AM
Posted: April 6, 2013 11:21 AM
Jon Armstrong Introduces his Roofie Scheme!
Posted: March 26, 2013 12:13 PM
British Rally Championship Driver Jon Armstrong his launched his “Roofie scheme” This gives rally fans a chance to have their name, or company name or even slogan on the roof of a rally car, all for only £10.00, that’s right, £10.00 pick your own colour and design.
But that's not all, everyone that enters the scheme will have their name placed into a draw where 7 lucky winners will receive a high speed passenger run with Jon in the Fiesta R2 on a gravel test stage in Ireland and also some Jon Armstrong Rallying goodies later in the year. It’s an exciting prize and so easy to enter! A winner will be chosen at the end of each event and will be published on Jon's official website: www.jonarmstrong.co.uk, and twitter: @JonArmstrong84 and also Facebook fan page.
It’s a prize that rally fans would really enjoy, so enter as often as you like for you or a friend, that is if you can handle the speed!
A winner will be drawn after each round but the names will be carried throughout the season
To enter head over to Jon's website and click on the "Roofie Scheme" page where more details can be found.
BRC announces BRC LIVE Media Trophy in association with Prodrive
Posted: March 26, 2013 12:01 PM
The team behind ‘BRC LIVE’, the new live broadcast service for the MSA British Rally Championship (BRC), has created the ‘BRC LIVE Media Trophy in association with Prodrive’; a new-for-2013 award specifically focused at the development and recognition of the media efforts made by drivers and their teams during their 2013 BRC campaign.
At each of the seven rounds of the BRC, drivers will be set specific media-related tasks and the most successful will be put through to the final, which will be judged at the end of the season by a panel of industry experts.
The prize for the winner of this trophy is a much-sought-after opportunity to test a Prodrive Mini John Cooper Works S2000 rally car at the company’s Warwickshire test facility.
Neil Cloughley, Managing Partner of Stagetime Rally Group LLP, who has been responsible for the creation of this new Media Trophy and the partnership liaison with Prodrive for this super prize comments:
“We wanted to give something back to all competitors that make the effort with their media communications and especially for those who are serious about making rallying their career.
The opportunity to work with Prodrive, one of the most iconic brands in rallying, with a prize that offers the chance to impress individuals that worked with and developed the likes of Colin McRae and Richard Burns, is incredible.
“Most importantly though, the opportunity to test one of the very latest specification Mini JCW S2000 cars in a focused day of activity, is something I am sure all rally drivers would love to have a crack at! I am thankful to all those at Prodrive and to the judges who have agreed to be part of this Media Trophy, especially for the time they are giving to support this fantastic prize for our rally talent within the British Rally Championship.”
Richard Taylor – Business Development Director at Prodrive comments:
“We believe the BRC LIVE Media Trophy is a great new initiative that will encourage up and coming BRC competitors to develop positive PR for themselves and their sponsors. This is a critical part of professional motorsport today and we are confident that in supporting this new trophy, we will make a small contribution to developing the WRC stars of the future and to communicating the excellence of the MSA British Rally Championship.”
The trophy’s first finalist will come from the opening round of the BRC, Rally North Wales, which takes place on 6/7 April and starting in Welshpool town centre at midday on the Saturday.
For all enquiries about this trophy and for all drivers interested in registering for this award, contact the British Rally Championship Media Office; email – media@rallybrc.co.uk or telephone +44 1772 842095
The Road to Wales
Posted: March 26, 2013 11:00 AM
The far-reaching collaboration between the UK’s round of the globe-trotting FIA World Rally Championship and this country’s premier national rally championship will form an integral part of IMS’s latest the ‘Road to Wales’ initiative – a targeted activity promoting Wales Rally GB including special displays at major events such as the renowned Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (14-16 June) and Castle Combe’s popular Rallyday (21 September).
As well as providing a raft of mutually beneficial marketing and publicity benefits, the partnership with the MSA British Rally Championship will offer no fewer than six front-runners with free entries into Wales Rally GB (14-17 November).
The top three finishers in the overall BRC championship as well as class winners in both British Junior and RallyTwo Rally categories will all be offered free entries into the concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship. Additionally the winner of the NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge will be awarded a free entry into the National Rally that runs alongside the WRC event in the legendary Welsh Forests. These free entries will be transferable to the next highest finishers should the winning crews not be able to attend Wales Rally GB.
“It’s every rally driver’s dream to compete on the world championship stage and we are thrilled to be helping the top performers from the British Rally Championship to make that step up into the big time,” explained Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of IMS. “While there are, of course, other significant costs involved, hopefully the provision of these free entries will be a big incentive as we’d like to see all the front-runners from our top national championship furthering their careers by competing in what’s the sport’s biggest event in this country. After all that’s how future champions such as Colin McRae and Richard Burns earned their spurs and came to prominence.”
Coe is keen to emphasise that the provision of free entries into Wales Rally GB is just one aspect of a wide-ranging new affiliation between IMS and the BRC.
“By working together we can really make a difference in promoting rallying within the UK,” continued Coe. “The exciting partnership includes a comprehensive programme of joint advertising, database, social media and other marketing schemes that will benefit all involved in the sport as well as forming a key component in our overall ‘Road to Wales’ campaign.”
Mark Taylor, Managing Director of the MSA British Rally Championship, also welcomed the new partnership. He said: "I want to commend the Wales Rally GB team; they are determined to make the 2013 event a real success and we are resolute in our support of the Road to Wales campaign. The WRGB roadshow will be attending some of the BRC events taking the opportunity to talk to marshals, officials as well as competitors and fans.
“Let's not kid ourselves, the winning drivers will still need to find some more budget to enter Wales Rally GB, but thanks to Pirelli and Citroën who have kindly assisted in support with cash prizes and tyres, the additional costs are much less than what they would normally be.
“The Road to Wales leads to an end of season finale, an aspirational pinnacle for our champion drivers and co-drivers. I hope the rally community gets behind the scheme – let's showcase and celebrate the very best of our home grown talent to the rest of the world."
+Battery Energy Powers BRC
Posted: March 21, 2013 9:11 AM
Energy Drinks Ltd (EDinc) has been appointed as the Official Energy Drink Supplier to the 2013 MSA British Rally Championship promoting the +Battery range.
+Battery has been synonymous with the likes of Latvala, Solberg and Mäkinen, iconic rally legends that have been associated with the Energy Drink's name historically over the years.
+Battery Energy Drink is brewed in Finland, a country renowned for high tech, functional and practical products. Available worldwide in many countries since its launch in 1997, Battery Energy Drink has been introduced for the first time in UK by Energy Drinks Ltd.
In addition to providing BRC and NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge competitors with energy drinks, +Battery will provide "Power to the Marshals" by handing out cans to the hundreds of volunteers and officials who marshal on each of the seven rounds of the Championship.
Championship Manager, Mark Taylor:
"We are delighted that Energy Drinks have chosen to join us as an official supplier and use the British Rally Championship to promote their range of +Battery products. We look forward to working closely with the Energy Drinks team, raising awareness of the brand and products. I am particularly pleased that they have found additional support for the marshals and event officials.”
EDinc Managing Director Howard Edwards:
“We are extremely proud to be the Official Energy Drink supplier to the 2013 British Rally Championship, the ability to re-introduce the premium Battery Energy brand to the rallying world and also to show support for all the marshals who help make these events happen. EDinc will be Powering the Marshals with Battery Energy Drink.”
+Battery Energy Drink is rapidly being introduced into stores nationwide, look out for the distinctive black and gold 330ml can in the fridges. It is also available to purchase directly on-line at www.buyenergydrinks.co.uk and at every round of the BRC.
Tom Cave welcomes Morris Lubricants for 2013 British Rally Championship campaign
Posted: March 21, 2013 9:08 AM
Welsh rally driver Tom Cave is delighted to welcome Morris Lubricants as a major partner as he returns to the MSA British Rally Championship in 2013. The 21 year-old from Aberdovey aims to become the youngest-ever British Rally Champion, an honour held by the late, great Richard Burns and one of Tom's rallying heroes.
Burns won the title in 1993 at the age of 22 and although Tom came close in 2012, claiming the runners-up spot to triple BRC Champion Keith Cronin, he has set his sights on going one better in 2013. The final round of the series takes place before his 22nd birthday so if he is able to clinch the title this year, he will find himself in exceptional company.
Tom's year will begin before the first round of the BRC though, with a two-day test ahead of his first appearance for Morris at its annual sales conference in March. He will then take part in the BRC Media Day before travelling to the far end of the country to complete in the Border Counties rally as a final preparation for the start of the 2013 BRC season.
He will be using his Citroen DS3 R3 again in 2013 but one major change will see Ieuan Thomas joining him as co-driver. Tom felt that he needed a new challenge to push him on for the year and selected Ieuan to join him in the car. This is part of the reason that he and Ieuan will contest the Border Counties, to ensure that they have all their systems ready for the first round of the BRC.
Calendar changes from previous years mean that the first round of the 2013 BRC will be Tom's home round and the event he claimed his first international rally win on in 2012, the Rally of North Wales. And with the absence of Cronin, Tom should start his favourite event of the season with the coveted No. 1 on the doors of his Citroen.
The support of Morris Lubricants will be crucial in his campaign; not only will the support allow him to undertake a comprehensive testing programme ahead of every event, Morris lubricants technology promises to provide a performance edge. The faith placed in him by Morris has also given him a boost in confidence ahead of the start of the season.
The company has also indicated that it would like Tom to become an ambassador for the Morris Lubricants brand, which has an enviable reputation in the industry. This is a role which Tom relishes and is looking forward to working with a company with a rich heritage and values which match his and those of the Trefeddian Hotel, another notable supporter.
Tom's partnership with Morris will see him form part of the Morris Lubricants marketing and promotional campaigns as the company fully recognises the opportunities that the relationship offers. It is already planning trips to several rounds of the BRC while it has also confirmed that Tom and his Citroen will be present at various company activities throughout the year.
Morris Lubricants was formed in 1869 and today, offers a wide range of lubricants for automotive, agricultural and industrial uses. Based in Shrewsbury on the England/Wales border, the family-owned company offers exceptional products and customer service not only to the UK but also, to 65 global markets.
Commenting, Tom said; "I am delighted to welcome Morris Lubricants on board for our campaign in the 2013 MSA British Rally Championship. The support from the company and the endorsement it signals are crucial elements of our campaign as I look to progress in the sport and in this year's goal of winning the BRC.
"It certainly looks like it's going to be a busy year; seven rounds of the BRC, the Border Counties Rally as a shakedown event and what looks like a lot of very exciting and interesting activity with Morris. Add into that a new co-driver and the possibility of one or two international events towards the end of the season and it's going to be fantastic.
"We have already carried out our first test in the Citroen and like last year, it feels great. We've made a few set-up changes based on what we learned in 2012 and will be continuing to develop the car as we go through the season.
"Coming into this year as runner-up in last season's BRC gives me a good level of confidence but I know that winning the title this year isn't going to be easy. Last year was incredibly competitive - just look at the result on the Rally of Yorkshire [Tom won the event by 0.1 seconds on a countback] and you'll see that it won't be a walk in the park. But with Ieuan in the car with me, the Davies Motorsport Services team once again running the car and support from Morris Lubricants, I think we have the best chance we have had of taking the title."
Jan Trocki, General Manager of Marketing & Technology at Morris Lubricants, whose experience spans Formula 1, Le Mans and winning the World Rally Championship with Toyota, said: "We are delighted to be working with Tom this year. He shows great potential and he is learning from previous experience how to approach this year's Championship. Morris Lubricants will provide technical support to maintain reliability and performance of the car."
Video: Culina Palletforce Racing Unveils 2013 British Rally Challenge
Posted: March 17, 2013 4:59 PM
Posted: March 17, 2013 4:49 PM
BRC App gets fruity
Posted: March 1, 2013 11:10 AM
The MSA British Rally Championship’s mobile app designers YNiL have been keeping up with the latest trends, with a new version now available for Blackberry’s recently launched BB10 software.
Already available for the Blackberry Playbook, Apple iPad/iPhone and Android mobile phones and tablets, this launch of the new version will allow users of the Blackberry Z10 to download the popular BRC app.
With over 8,500 downloads across all platforms already, more people than ever are keeping up to date with the news, videos and live on-event results, quotes and images. To be sure that everyone is ready for the opening round in April, the BRC’s press officer Simon Moss has some advice:
“We are always looking for ways to improve the app and it is important that you have the latest versions of this and your mobile device’s software. Take a little time to check your phone or tablet is up to date from time to time or you might miss the action.”
Once again the BRC App WiFi Hotspot will be located around the British Rally Championship’s area in the rally service parks. Keep an eye out for the big red “BRC App Hotspot” signs to take advantage of the service. You won’t require a specific login for those using the app, but hotspot will be restricted to allow download of results, news and driver quotes.
To download the app simply browse online for "British Rally Championship app"
Competition Car Insurance continues BRC association
Posted: March 1, 2013 10:43 AM
Competition Car Insurance (CCI) has announced its continued support of the MSA British Rally Championship as its official insurance provider for 2013.
CCI is a specialist broker and an adviser to companies and individuals involved in the motorsport industry. Proud of its reputation as a quality provider of motorsport insurance, the company has expanded this expertise into the commercial insurance sector.
For motorsport enthusiasts CCI can offer a wide range of products including Event Cover, Track Day Cover and Personal Accident Insurance as well as Commercial Insurance for Teams, Preparation Garages and Motorsport Motor Traders.
As part of Towergate, Europe’s largest independently owned insurance intermediary, CCI can also offer many other insurance products including household, private motor and travel.
As the Official Insurance provider for the BRC in 2013, Competition Car Insurance is pleased to present an exclusive free road section offer to all BRC competitors who take out road cover on their rally car. The offer will be Free Annual National A Road Section cover only when purchased as part of our road rally car product – this is Third Party Only Road Cover for road sections between the competitive stages used on stage rallies up to a National A MSA permit. Road section cover will only be valid for the vehicle and driver insured, for an unlimited number of events in any 1 period of insurance cover.
Also new in 2013 CCI can now also offer On Event Damage and Fire quotations on request.
M-SPORT REVEALS BONUS SCHEME FOR 2013 BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
Posted: February 25, 2013 12:05 PM
Following the success of the Ford Fiesta SportTrophy series in the British Rally Championship (BRC), this year will see M-Sport launch a new bonus scheme for all competing Fiesta drivers.
In association with Competition Car Insurance, M-Sport will reward Ford Fiesta R2, Fiesta R1 and Fiesta ST competitors in the BRC with redeemable parts vouchers. The highest placed Fiesta from each event will be granted £500 worth of vouchers with the second and third highest placed crews receiving a voucher to the value of £250 and £125 respectively. Crews will also battle throughout the seven-round series for the opportunity to test drive the latest model on Ford and M-Sport’s ‘Ladder of Opportunity’ – the Ford Fiesta R5 – on a UK test at the end of the year.
M-Sport will also be continuing their support of the BRC Challenge with Ford Fiesta MS1, Fiesta R1 and Fiesta ST drivers eligible for parts vouchers. The highest placed competitor from each event will be awarded a voucher to the value of £125. Additionally, Challenge crews will fight throughout the season for the opportunity to test drive the 2014 upgrade of the Fiesta R2 in the UK.
The Ford model has proven itself to be a worthy competitor in the BRC – Elfyn Evans jointly leading the series in his R2 specification Fiesta up until the final round of the season last year – and this year’s championship is set to be just as competitive as crews do battle for the prizes on offer.
BRC secures Stena Line deal for crews and fans
Posted: February 22, 2013 2:20 PM
The MSA British Rally Championship have signed up Stena Line Ferries as an official partner and as a result have secured a fantastic 20% saving with Stena Line ferries for all participants wishing to travel to rounds of the 2013 series.
The partnership with Stena does not just benefit BRC crews, but any team and competitor travelling to participate in the Challenge, Historic, National and Clubman sections of the host rallies. Safety and rescue crews, as well as marshals and fans are also eligible.
This excellent offer is valid for any of the five Stena Line Irish Sea routes in both directions. There is then the option of booking Stena Line’s Economy, Flexi or Premium motorist fares (terms and conditions vary for each). Full details and access to booking can be made via the Championship office and website.
Stena Line is no stranger to rallying, having sponsored last the Ulster Rally in 2002
BRC Manager Mark Taylor:
“We are very pleased to be able to announce this official partnership with Stena Line who in return has agreed to provide a major discount for all participants. This isn’t just a welcome boost for the BRC and Irish competitors, but also for the sport as a whole, as the deal is open to anyone involved in any way travelling to any of the seven events.”
The deals are only valid around the period leading up to and immediately after each round of the Championship dates below and current on the Stena Line Irish Sea routes listed:
Valid dates:
19-24 March (BRC Launch)
1-9 April (Rally of North Wales)
29 April - 7 May (Pirelli RBF Rally)
26 May - 3 June (Jim Clark Rally)
24 June - 1 July (Scottish Rally)
18-26 August (Ulster Rally)
23 Sep - 1 October (Rally Yorkshire)
13-21 October (Rallye Sunseeker)
Sailings from:
Cairnryan – Belfast
Liverpool – Belfast
Holyhead – Dublin
Holyhead – Dun Laoghaire (operates 22 March – 10 September)
Fishguard – Rosslare
BRC Media Day kicks off the season - (Fri) 22 Mar 13
Posted: February 14, 2013 2:23 PM
The MSA British Rally Championship and NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge will hold a pre-2013 Media Day on Friday 22nd March, giving an opportunity for manufacturers, teams, competitors, press and sponsors to get together two weeks before round one kicks off the new season with Rally North Wales.
The BRC’s Media Day has been a popular addition to the calendar since the inaugural “BRC Live” event, 2013 marking ten years since its first incarnation on an industrial estate near Nuneaton.
Instead of the traditional asphalt surface, this year’s location will be much more akin to the forest stages that make up the first two rallies, with Park Wood based near the village of Tong hosting the event for the very first time. The venue, equidistant from Leeds and Bradford is well served by motorway and airport. Used as a rally school in the summer, the venue allows teams and competitors a chance to host their own media and sponsors, offering passenger rides providing a real forest experience.
Championship Manager Mark Taylor:
“The purpose of this event is for teams and competitors to launch their own 2013 campaigns. We provide the marshalled infrastructure free of charge with the express purpose of encouraging competitors to invite their own press, sponsor guests and entertain them with a ride in the rally car, ahead of the new season. We aim to capture plenty of media content, interviews, stills and moving images to use in the run up to the first event and throughout the season.”
The event is restricted to teams/competitors and their invited media and sponsor guests, but photos and footage will be available afterwards via the MSA British Rally Championship website.
Entry applications are now open to registered teams and competitors. Space is limited to ten BRC and five BRCC crews and allocated on first come first served basis.
Daniel Mc Kenna the Billy Coleman Award Winner Announces Plans for the 2013 Season
Posted: February 9, 2013 11:28 AM
Photo: Flashpointpix Motorsport Photography
The 2012 Irish young rally driver of the year and recipient of the Billy Coleman
Award prize fund of €50,000, supported by Motorsport Ireland and the Irish Sports Council, will be competing in the 2013 British Rally Championship (BRC). Daniel and co-driver Arthur Kierans will commence their assault on the 7 round championship using a Ford Fiesta R2, with the goal of securing a good haul of championship points and trying to lay claim to a nomination for the coveted Pirelli Star Driver Shootout Competition (PSD). They will continue with this plan until such time as they secure the nomination for the PSD and from that point forward they will then upgrade to an R3 Class car in order to make an assault at the championship overall.
Daniel has recently completed an extensive gravel test in the Fiesta R2 and has adapted to the car quite quickly getting onto a good consistent pace with the new package and is feeling very confident on the approach to the championships first round in North Wales in April. Daniel plans on competing in an Irish gravel rally in the coming weeks to improve his pace in preparation for the championship and is also planning a full days testing in the rented Fiesta R2 he will be using in North Wales prior to the event.
Daniel has a few different options for the R3 class car he will compete in for the remainder of the championship, which will be announced in due course. Also he would like to say that tickets for the fundraiser to help support the crew in their BRC championship endeavours are still available and anyone interested in being Daniel’s Co-Driver for the day in his Trusty Escort Mk2 can get information on purchasing a ticket on Daniel’s website www.danielmckenna.net or on Daniel’s Facebook page.
Daniel is also seeking new sponsors for the BRC campaign and anyone that may be interested in promoting their business by getting their name on the car can contact Daniel via his website or Facebook page where all of his contact details are available.
You car may be able to compete on the BRC .........
Posted: February 9, 2013 11:14 AM
The new MSA British Rally Championship allows manufacturers and motorsport teams to submit currently available cars for eligibility using its new passport system. But there are also dozens of cars that are still homologated and therefore still eligible to compete in Britain’s premier rally championship.
The Fédération Internationale d’Automobile (FIA) produces a list of homologated vehicles which is updated regularly. It also produces a list of vehicles which have run out of FIA homologation, but which are still eligible for national championships for four more years.
For example, the model of Renault Clio in which both Simon Moore and Russ Thompson contest the BRC’s support series, the NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge, is still eligible in the main BRC until the end of 2015.
Similarly the Ford Puma and Ka, once used in successful one make series, are still eligible until 2014 and 2015 respectively. And as a one-make series car, the Peugeot 206 was one of the most successful ever - also still eligible until 2017.
Maybe you have a high revving Honda Civic EK4 or class winning MG ZR lurking under a sheet in the garage. You do? Then dust them off immediately, as 2013 is their swansong year!
Why not put a big smile on your face and wheel out something different for a change, Citroën Saxo, Daihatsu Sirion, Suzuki Swift or Ignis, Fiat Stilo, Toyota Auris or VW Polo, they are all still eligible for the British Rally Championship.
The MSA British Rally Championship’s R1 category will benefit from a guaranteed maximum entry fee on all seven rounds from 2013. All events have set a maximum of £10 per stage mile for cars which conform to the R1 regulations, making it amongst the best value stage rallying in the British Isles.
Not only are the entry fees guaranteed to be value for money, but the cars are probably the cheapest to run at this level of the sport. Modern chassis design with standard engines, gearboxes and very few modifications allowed, provide close competition and easy to maintain motor sport.
With next season’s Pirelli Star Driver competition focusing on the lower classes, the R1 car also provides an opportunity for some giant killing and outstanding performances amongst more powerful cars, which will stand out from the crowd with the judges when deciding who gets the coveted yellow jersey.
Four makes of car are currently eligible in the R1 category, the Ford Fiesta, Citroën DS3, Renault Twingo and Toyota Yaris. But with the BRC’s passport system effectively allowing one-offs to be converted, many more cars could eventually benefit from this most inexpensive top level rallying.
It will be from R1 that the British Junior Rally Championship will once again emerge at the end of the season, Scotsman Garry Pearson taking the honours in 2012 and collecting his award at the Motor Sports Association’s Pall Mall headquarters alongside a galaxy of motorsport stars.
R1 cars which will run in Classes 9 or 10, the category which also allows Group N up to 1600 cc which are, of course, also eligible to score points in the new BRC’s RallyTwo championship.
Championship Manager Mark Taylor:
“We are constantly striving to keep the cheque book out of rallying in the BRC and the R1 category certainly ticks all the cost-cutting the boxes. The cars are an ideal place to start and great fun to drive, perfect for anyone wanting to learn their craft too.
"They have proved to be very reliable, consume very few parts and are easy to maintain. Last year Garry (Pearson) and Steve (Røkland) proved that the cars are capable of beating more powerful cars and with event support for the Ford, Renault and Citroën it is a great way to start in the championship.”
Twingo Trophy returns to BRC in 2013
Posted: February 1, 2013 11:47 AM
The Twingo Renaultsport Trophy UK will follow all seven rounds of the MSA British Rally Championship in 2013, joining the UK’s premier rally series for the second year running.
The Twingo R1 Trophy provides the winner with a fantastic Renault Sport Technologies-funded prize drive in a Twingo R2 Evo on the final round of the French Rally Championship. The R1 crews also benefit from an on event prize fund with parts vouchers of £500, £300 & £200 going to 1st, 2nd & 3rd respectively on each of the seven rounds.
There are some updates to the Twingo R1 for 2013 too, with the facelifted shape, new competition dampers and an ECU upgrade to increase torque being homologated for the start of the new season, it makes an ideal car in which to fight for the British Junior Rally Championship title. Also new for 2013, right hand drive versions will be permissible with donor cars being sourced in the UK, it should make it even cheaper to build a car with second hand low cost examples being readily available.
Scotsman Garry Pearson won the 2012 Twingo Renaultsport R1 Trophy UK
Competitors using the Twingo R2 will be recognised with their own Renaultsport awards relating to their overall position in the new RallyTwo Championship. Running alongside the R1 cars with parts and technical support on all BRC events, the eventual R2 winner will be presented with his or her trophy at the prestigious British Rally Championship Awards Ceremony.
In addition to being eligible for the new BRC RallyTwo Championship, both versions of the rapid little Twingo will be vying for a yellow jersey nomination and a place in the Pirelli Star Driver competition to win a prize drive in the 2014 BRC.
All users of Renault rally cars will benefit from the presence of Monster Sport Europe who will attend all of the rounds with a parts supply vehicle, hospitality area and support.
Competitors running Twingo and Clio should contact MSE direct to make them aware of any parts requirements they have ahead of the new season.
Official oil and lubricants partner to the MSA British Rally Championship, RAVENOL Oils will be supporting a new award in 2013 which is aimed at first time competitors to the BRC.
The RAVENOL Oils BRC Newcomers Trophy is open to drivers who are registering for the very first time and are competing in the BRC RallyTwo Championship. There are no age limits, the eventual winner will be the highest placed driver (and regular co-driver) who will receive the “RAVENOL OILS BRC Newcomers Trophy” and £2,000 of product sponsorship for their 2014 campaign at the end-of-season BRC Awards Ceremony (The Bash).
RAVENOL will continue to provide an end of season award in the BRC
David Mott, Sales Director of RAVENOL’s Oil UK said:
“RAVENOL is committed to supporting the grass roots of British Motorsport, so this award should help those taking their first steps with additional profile and our support for the winner in 2014.”
For further information on RAVENOL’s high performance oils and lubricants, which meet the highest international specifications and carry the approval of many of the world’s leading motor manufacturers, visit www.ravenol.co.uk
Following an extremely successful maiden season in 2012, the MSA British Rally Championship is pleased to announce that Citroën will once again contest the series, entering as an official manufacturer for the 2013 season.
Citroën stormed to victory in the Manufacturers’ Championship in 2012, amassing a total of 240 points, with Keith Cronin (Ireland) and Marshall Clarke (Northern Ireland) also winning the Drivers’ Championship in a DS3 R3 at the final rally of the year.
The new-for-2012 rules overhaul saw the MSA British Rally Championship place greater emphasis on driver skill as the world’s most highly respected national rally championship continues to grow in stature. With the rallying powerhouse keen to further develop its blossoming young driver programme, Citroën – now eight-time FIA World Rally Champions – sees the championship as the ideal training ground for the world champions of the future.
A number of drivers have already signed up to drive a Citroën DS3 R3 – the 210bhp customer rally car developed by Citroën Racing – in the 2013 MSA British Rally Championship as the manufacturer sets its sights on its second successive manufacturer title.
2013 will see the championship return to a seven-round format, with the Scottish Rally making a comeback after a seven-year absence. The North Wales Rally will play host to the 2013 curtain raiser on April 6/7.
Northern Ireland's Mark Donnelly crowned Pirelli UK Star Driver
Posted: December 8, 2012 2:24 PM
Mark Donnelly has won this year’s prestigious Pirelli UK Star Driver shootout after impressing a panel of four judges during a two-day showdown based at the iconic motorsport complex of Sweet Lamb in mid Wales.
Donnelly, who won the opening round of this year’s Pirelli-supported MSA British Rally Championship, beat off stiff competition from six other finalists to claim one of the most coveted prizes in British motorsport. The 21-year-old from Omagh in Northern Ireland wins a once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in a full British Rally Championship campaign courtesy of the series’ official tyre supplier, Pirelli. Next year he will compete on all seven British rounds at the wheel of a Citroen DS3 R3 from David Greer Motorsport.
Due to run for its sixth consecutive year, the Pirelli Star Driver programme has helped a number of promising drivers in their quest to become an international rally star. Previous winners include recently-crowned WRC Academy champion Elfyn Evans who is a perfect example of a driver who has used the support and guidance of Pirelli in order to compete on the world stage.
Tom Cave, Matthew Cathcart, Mark Donnelly, Desi Henry, Jussi Kumpumaki, Osian Pryce and recently-crowned British Junior Rally Champion Garry Pearson were all competing for the ultimate prize.
The finalists were assessed on their abilities to drive a Citroen DS3 R3 on a two-mile stage at Sweet Lamb: the same complex that is used as a rally stage in the FIA World Rally Championship. The drivers were also tested on their driving skills, media awareness, event strategy, technical ability and future potential.
A panel of four judges including World Rally Championship co-driver Chris Patterson, renowned motoring journalist Jerry Williams, Finland’s Risto Laine and Citroen Racing’s Jean Francois Lienere assessed the finalists. The panel reached a unanimous decision that Donnelly deserved to win this year’s shootout based on his speed, technical knowledge and overall potential.
Following the presentation Donnelly said:
“I’m over the moon to have won here today, I really didn’t expect it. It’s been a really tough couple of days with some very slippery conditions and I honestly think that it could have gone any way. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Pirelli, the British Rally Championship, Citroen Racing and David Greer Motorsport for this fantastic opportunity. If you look at some of the people who have won with Pirelli before, it is a real honour to be chosen as this year’s Pirelli Star Driver.”
Pirelli UK Motorsport Operations Manager Matthew Corby commented:
“On behalf of Pirelli, I would like to congratulate Mark on being crowned the new Pirelli Star Driver. We feel he is a very worthy winner and we’re looking forward to working with him over the next 12 months. The level of competition at this year’s shootout was extremely high and none of our finalists should leave Wales feeling disappointed: any one of them would genuinely have been fit for winning the prize.
"Unfortunately there can be only one winner and Mark impressed the panel of judges due to his skill behind the wheel, motivation and overall ability. The Pirelli Star Driver prize has proved itself as an excellent stepping stone for promising drivers to further their rally career and I am in no doubt that Mark will be in with a strong chance of winning next year’s British Rally Championship.”
2013 Pirelli Star Driver competition to focus on RallyTwo and Juniors
Posted: November 30, 2012 10:10 AM
Pirelli Star Driver selections from next season's MSA British Rally Championship will come exclusively from the new BRC RallyTwo and Junior Rally Championships.
Focusing on the lower categories and providing a leg up the ladder, the popular Pirelli-funded initiative which enters its seventh year in 2013, will select one finalist from each of the seven championship qualifying rallies choosing drivers who are competing in classes 6 to 10 (Rally1 and 2) only.
Pirelli UK Motorsport Manager Matthew Corby said:
"Pirelli is committed to rallying in the UK and is particularly keen to help new drivers entering the BRC to progress. The Pirelli Star Driver concept has already helped five drivers including the 2010 winner Elfyn Evans, who now has the WRC Academy title to his credit.
“Last year’s winner Jukka Korhonen will use his 2012 prize season as a basis for an assault on the BRC title next year and this year’s winner will drive a Citroën DS3 in 2013.”
The 2013 MSA British Rally Championship will once again feature just two wheel drive cars, with a class structure that allows progression within the championship from R1, through the high revving R2 category cars, right up to the top-flight R3 cars.
Championship Manager Mark Taylor said:
"The British Rally Championship’s Pirelli Star Driver competition is known worldwide for providing a focal point for talent. In this new era it will continue to do that but now rightly, it will focus on those competitors in the lower classes rather than those already winning the rallies and Championship outright.”
RallyTwo Championship for 2013 BRC
Posted: November 8, 2012 3:36 PM
Recognising that Rally 3 cars are likely to dominate the MSA British Rally Championship, the 2013 series will benefit from its own RallyTwo Championship for competitors in classes other than R3.
The new BRC RallyTwo Championship will provide a focal point for competition amongst crews in BRC classes six to ten, providing their own event and TV podium, separate media coverage and end of season awards. The new Championship will also benefit competitors in these classes by providing other key initiatives which will be announced ahead of next season.
The MSA British Junior Rally Championship, promoted as the series entry level category will continue to be limited to Classes 9 & 10 (R1) machinery exclusively for drivers under the age of 23.
Championship Manager Mark Taylor:
“Recognising that the overall British title and events will probably be won by the more powerful R3 cars, it is time to create a standalone championship and focus for the other categories. Grouping the cars into R1 and R2 makes perfect sense as longer term, the new breed of car will supersede the older Group N and A variants.
”These two Championships should provide competitors within them with two bites of the cherry. Not only will they be vying for individual class wins but they will now have a promoted and relevant encompassing Championship title to aim for.”
The 2013 BRC titles will be:
MSA British Rally Championship for drivers (open to all)
MSA British Rally Championship for co-drivers (open to all)
MSA British Manufacturers Rally Championship (for registered manufacturers)
BRC RallyTwo Championship (classes 6-10)
MSA British Junior Rally Championship (under 23's, classes 9 & 10)
BRC Teams Cup (for registered teams)
RAVENOL OILS Privateers Cup
BRC Ladies Cup
BRC Classes 5-10 (Each individual class will continue to have own its title and awards)
British Rally Championship announces new BRC Live radio deal for 2013
Posted: September 25, 2012 10:12 AM
The MSA British Rally Championship (BRC) has appointed Stagetime Rally Group (SRG) to develop and deliver live online radio for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Within the partnership, SRG will launch ‘BRC Live’ a new radio service that is hosted on the existing BRC website and smart phone app, with a new presenting team soon to be announced. SRG promises to deliver interesting, exciting and engaging content, a quality and innovative online radio service drawing on experience gained in the world and regional championships.
Part of a longer term strategy, both the BRC and SRG aim to find solutions which will enhance the spectators trackside experience providing them with live access to stage times, results, crew interviews and ultimately moving images.
Championship Manager Mark Taylor:
“We are really looking forward to working with the SRG team who bring lots of experience, professionalism and energy. We share a joint vision to enhance the experience for the spectator out on the stages as well as the huge amount of fans at home or around the world which follow the British Rally Championship online.”
Neil Cloughley, Managing Partner at SRG:
“SRG’s role will be a lot more than just the delivery of live radio, we aim to be part of the team helping to deliver innovative ideas and ways to help competitors, teams, manufacturers and sponsors get the most from their involvement and participation in the British Rally Championship.”
Work will commence on the new live radio service after this weekend’s final round of the 2012 championship, Rally Yorkshire.
2013 BRC calendar announced
Posted: September 21, 2012 12:42 PM
The MSA British Rally Championship will move back to a seven-round format in 2013, with the Scottish Rally back in the calendar after a seven year break.
The new-look calendar will also see Rally North Wales back as the opening round of the series, with Rallye Sunseeker playing host to the season finale in October.
The inclusion of the Scottish Rally plugs the summer gap in the calendar and with the start of the season in Wales in April, the events are spread relatively evenly across the season with plenty of time early in the year to prepare cars and finalise budgets.
The Pirelli Rally, Jim Clark Rally, Rally NI and Rally Yorkshire remain, the BRC visiting England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a good geographical spread across the UK and a points system that allows the two worst scores to be dropped towards the overall and class title fights.
The NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge will also increase to the same seven events, but the trip to Northern Ireland will still allow crews to take two sets of maximum points on this double header. The support series to the main BRC will also count the best five scores from its eight rounds, Rallye Sunseeker having a 50% bonus for both series.
MSA British Rally Championship’s Mark Taylor:
“We are delighted to welcome the return of the classic Scottish Rally which is also a successful round of the Scottish Rally Championship. It has always been our intention to run a seven round series, particularly as our teams found events to fill their summer break. The overall cost of the extra event is balanced by the reduction in per-event budgets through changes in regulations and formats.”
Championship Rounds
Posted: September 21, 2012 12:41 PM
Round 1: 6/7 April – Rally North Wales, Welshpool, (Gravel)
Round 2: 4/5 May - Pirelli Rally, Carlisle, Cumbria (Gravel)
Round 3: 30 May /1 June - Jim Clark Rally, Duns, Scottish Borders (Asphalt)
Round 4: 29 June – Scottish Rally, Dumfries (Gravel)
Round 5: 23/24 August - Rally NI, Northern Ireland (Asphalt)
Round 6: 28/29 Sept - Rally Yorkshire, Scarborough, North Yorkshire (Gravel)
Round 7: 19 October – Rallye Sunseeker*, Bournemouth/Poole (Gravel)
Best 5 scores from 7 rounds to count. Rallye Sunseeker scores x 1.5 points.
BRC creates a stir
Posted: September 11, 2012 2:57 PM
Following the announcement last week of proposed new technical regulations for the 2013 MSA British Rally Championship, the interest from manufacturers, their representatives and professional motorsport teams has been unprecedented.
Prodrive is the first company to publicly announce its intention to take advantage of the new rules. The Banbury firm’s Business Development Director Richard Taylor was reported in Motorsport News (29/08/2012), confirming that it is evaluating an R3 car based on the Mini Cooper.
The new regulations provide an opportunity for cars to be brought to the 2013 championship and run alongside currently homologated cars under a controlled passport system, which will serve as a reference in a similar way to FIA homologation papers.
Championship Manager Mark Taylor:
"It's incredible; my phone has rung off the hook with calls of congratulations on the new concept and interest in new cars across all of the classes.
"We see the changes as a real positive, providing a shot in the arm for the sport during these difficult economic times. It provides car manufacturers and professional motorsport companies with a route to market; an opportunity to promote and develop their products without the hefty commercial upfront investment required by current homologations.
“These rules could be adopted in other championships around the world. We have also made this move to encourage manufacturers to experience the sport, to compete with their products that are akin to those that are being sold in their showrooms and in the longer term may ultimately increase the amount of cars being officially FIA homologated."
MINI FOR THE BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP?
Posted: September 11, 2012 2:49 PM
New regulations for the British Rally Championship from the beginning of 2013, mean that competing rally cars no longer need to have full manufacturer homologation.
As a result Prodrive are able to develop an R1, R2 or R3 based car that would receive a BRC passport approved by the MSA to enable it to compete.
Prodrive is looking at the possibility of developing a new front wheel drive MINI rally car based on the MINI Hatch (R56), so we are looking to see what interest there would be for such a car and whether it would be commercially viable.
Following the innovative move to a two-wheel-drive only format in 2012, MSA British Rally Championship organisers are pleased to reveal the next phase of developments for 2013. This ongoing evolution of the BRC is part of the championship’s continued commitment to provide a sustainable and highly competitive arena for the pinnacle of rallying the in UK.
MSA British Rally Championship Manager Mark Taylor:
“The ongoing economic climate is still having an impact on motorsport and the championship has recognised it must play a leading role in cost reduction by instigating changes to ensure the top level of the sport in the UK remains viable.
“Following extensive consultation with rally organisers, the MSA and manufacturers, the Championship will introduce a range of initiatives to enable events, competitors and manufacturers to reduce their financial commitment and increase the opportunities to become involved. We also intend to introduce features that will enhance the BRC experience for spectators.”
The headline points are as follows
Reduced costs for competitors and events
Removing the need for international fees and sporting calendar listings, plus running the constituent parts of the events under one National A permit will provide significant savings for each of the rallies. These changes will mean competitors can take part without having to hold an international competition licence and thereby reduce costs and ease criteria for entry. At the same time, the key elements that make the BRC a multi-national, high profile and dynamic championship will be retained.
The reduction in operational costs for events will have a knock-on effect in reducing competitors’ running costs. Teams will benefit from more compact rallies and the consequent reduced entry fees. To encourage participation at entry level, special focus will be put on the R1 class.
On selected events, new weekend formats will see provision for Saturday morning scrutineering, early afternoon starts, Saturday evening stages and Sunday morning/early afternoon finishes. In certain cases, this will eliminate the need for Friday attendance and provide some competitors with the opportunity to enter two rallies in one weekend.
Increased opportunities for manufacturer involvement
Focusing on the UK market, the BRC has embarked on a strategy of encouraging manufacturer dialogue and involvement. Consequently, the Championship is aware that some car manufacturers would like to be involved, but see the investment required to achieve FIA global homologation as a barrier to entry.
It is a BRC’s objective to create a platform to engage manufacturers with the championship, its events and importantly, its competitors. To achieve this, it has secured an agreement with the MSA to implement an alternative to FIA homologation for new cars. Therefore, the 2013 Championship will permit new vehicles to compete alongside current homologated two-wheel-drive cars.
The technical regulations will retain the principals of Appendix J and Article 260 for R1, R2 and R3 cars. All new-system submissions for entry, either by a manufacturer or appointed professional motorsport company, will be put through a stringent BRC inspection and a documentation exercise that will result in the creation of a Championship ‘Passport’.
The Passport will replicate traditional homologation papers and provide a full technical and accredited point of reference. This approach will ensure parity between Passport and FIA homologated cars, with the aim of providing a stepping-stone for new manufacturers to enter 2WD categories prior to considering full FIA certification.
Improvements for spectators
Nowadays events cannot be financially sustained by entry fees alone and, as important stakeholders, rally fans have a vital role to play in helping their sport survive. In return for their contribution, BRC organisers recognise that the spectator experience must be enhanced. The Championship has recently made significant investments with the introduction of smart phone apps and new media – but even more needs to be done.
A new working agreement with event organisers will create changes to event structures and endeavour to improve viewing points in order to provide even better spectator facilities. Alongside this, the Championship is investigating the streaming of live data, results and images, which will be accessible in spectator areas.
In response to these proposals Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association, said:
“The MSA has become particularly aware this year that clubs and events have been facing more financial difficulties than ever before. We must always remember that motor sport events are organised by motor clubs and usually staffed exclusively by volunteers who dedicate much of their year to making the event as enjoyable as possible for competitors and spectators alike.
“It therefore makes sense to reduce the burden where possible and we believe that the move to a National A permit will have a number of benefits for organisers. The MSA will continue to work closely with the BRC to make sure that the pinnacle of British Rallying is as strong as possible for the wider benefit of the sport.”
Further details about the enhancements scheduled for the 2013 MSA British Rally Championship will be announced before the end of the year.
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