Seven co-drivers chosen for MSA Academy programme

Seven co-drivers chosen for MSA Academy programme

Posted: November 2, 2017 12:00 PM

Seven promising young rally co-drivers have been selected for exclusive coaching on the 2017 MSA Academy development programme, led by Nicky Grist and Paul Spooner.

The initiative aims to support the next generation of UK co-drivers and help ensure that they remain the best in the world. It is primarily workshop-based but the tailored approach to development means that individual support is also available.

The latest seven selected for the programme are:

Chris Sharpe-Simkiss (23)
Harry Thomas (21)
Jon Hawkins (25)
Osian Wyn (22)
Peredur Davies (24)
Sinclair Young (26)
Tom Murphy (19)

Sharpe-Simkiss has competed in over 150 events and aims to contest national championships in 2018.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to develop my co-driving further and has reassured me that all the hard work I’ve put in since starting out has paid off,” he said. “I can’t wait to get started and tap into Nicky and Paul’s vast knowledge and experience.”

Grist, a 21-time WRC rally winner, added:
“We had an unprecedented volume of applicants for the 2018 MSA Academy co-driver programme. Choosing the final seven was not an easy task but we have a great group of up-and-coming youngsters who will benefit massively from this unique experience to take them to the top of the sport. Both Paul and I are really looking forward to working with them, starting at Dayinsure Wales Rally GB in just over a week’s time.”

Meanwhile 2016 members Aaron Johnston (22) and Keaton Williams (22) will continue on a graduate programme, with on-going access to Grist and Spooner’s expertise.

Co-drivers sought for MSA Academy programme

Posted: September 12, 2017 3:09 AM

The MSA Academy is looking for promising young British rally navigators to fill new places on its co-driver development programme, led by 21-time WRC rally winner Nicky Grist and international competitor Paul Spooner.

Forming part of the governing body's talent development pathway, the syllabus caters for the needs of the individual, so each co-driver’s support programme is bespoke. It is primarily workshop-based but the tailored approach to development ensures that individual support is also available.

Twenty-five-year-old Ross Whittock is one co-driver who has already benefited from the programme. Whittock said:
“The MSA Academy has helped me become a more complete co-driver, understanding every aspect of what it takes to become a world championship standard competitor. Nicky and Paul provide a money-can’t-buy level of knowledge and experience that puts you one step ahead of the competition. If you're striving to become a top co-driver, the MSA Academy is the first step towards achieving that goal.”

Competition is high, with a limited number of places available. Only co-drivers demonstrating potentially exceptional abilities and qualities will be considered for the programme, which will consist of a minimum of six events throughout the year aimed at developing co-driving ability.

Applicants must be aged 18 to 25 at the time of application and:

Hold an MSA Competition Licence
Hold (or be eligible to hold) a British passport
Compete regularly in National level events or above
Demonstrate the potential to achieve excellence within their chosen field
Demonstrate high levels of compliance and desire to develop and progress in the sport.
Successful applicants will be required to attend Dayinsure Wales Rally GB on 27 October 2017 for the first programme event. They will then be expected to attend all programme events, communicate effectively with Academy staff and coaches, and represent the MSA Academy and the co-driver programme appropriately.

The deadline for applications is 12.00 on 6 October 2017 and applicants will be notified by no later than 13 October 2017.

More details and application form:

Motorsport UK