Budding Irish rally driver to compete in ProSpeed Scholarship Trials

Posted: October 2, 2003 9:28 PM

Tom Rafferty, Four-Mile-House, Co Roscommon travels back to Blyton Park, Gainsborough, North Lancashire where he will compete against some of the top young rally drivers from Britain in the penultimate stage of the competition. Tom (24), who is a qualified motor mechanic, and huge rallying enthusiast, came through the large, first round, qualifying school back in August, when he impressed the judges with his driving skills on tarmac and gravel.

During the intensive course, Tom underwent an intensive day of driving instruction in the classroom, and then had to handle a VW GTI and a Peugeot 206 out on the course.

The second round, which takes place on Friday, October 10, will see Tom compete against those good enough to be invited back, when he will undergo more tuition, a demanding physical test, and a stern driving examination. He will also be assessed on his overall knowledge of motorsport through an interview.

The best six from Friday's session will then be invited back for the final assessment, with the winner being deemed the driver showing most ability, aptitude and potential. The winner will be chosen by panel that includes Jonny Milner, the 2002 British Rally Champion.

The scholarship winner will pilot a Group A Peugeot 206 in the three events of the 2003/2004 Peugeot 206 Winter Cup, with the combined cost of car, navigator, service crew, fuel, tyres, insurance and fees totalling over Stg £20,000. Tom has been a rallying enthusiast for many years, and has competed in several rally events around Ireland over the past few years.