Raymond Munro Dream Drive Scheme

Posted: March 12, 2006 6:39 PM

In a generous act Raymond has put £100,000 of his own money in to run it. “I decided at the end of 2004, that it didn’t feel right to spend another £100,000 updating my WRC car just to be at the front of the Scottish Championship. I suppose I dug my heels in really and said to myself that I would much rather spend that money on helping out some young drivers.” Registration to the scheme was totally free and over thirty registrations were received. The drivers performances where then judged by a panel consisting of Raymond Munro, Subaru STI Group N project manager and former World Rally Team co-ordinator George Donaldson, and marketing expert Alan Oliver who was involved in Colin McRae’s early rallying adventures. A fourth driver over thirty years of age was to picked, but no unanimous decision could be made so that prize drive has yet to have a decision made on it.

The three drivers chosen may each have different programmes. 22 year old Luke Pinder shone in a 1400cc Peugeot 206 in 2005. “We chose Luke because he virtually dominated that championship last year, and I know that people may think that the leap from the Peugeot to WRC is great, but if you look at Kris Meeke and Guy Wilks and their first forays in four-wheel drive, they’re talent shone though. We’ll see how things go and we may do other things later in the season with Luke.”

“I was absolutely gob smacked” commented Luke. “You usually go for these things and get no feedback at all, but to win this really is a dream come true.” Luke has already been to John Haughland’s rally school in Norway last week as part of the prize and came back with a very favourable report and record times around the lake. Now he has to tame Raymond’s 1999 Subaru Impreza WRC on the Border Counties Rally. “It’ ll be a new experience for me, as I will only get a short drive in the car before hand, but I’ve John alongside as well to keep me in check.” John Bennie is Raymond’s regular co-driver and multiple champion at National level. Last year he was competing in the PWRC.

27 year old Emma Gilmour from New Zealand is perhaps less known in the UK. “Emma has been competing in Group N in New Zealand, and she has some pace, as she was very close to matching times with Production World Champion, Toshihiro Arai on last years Rally of Rotorua. She is not known here yet, but she is very quick and very promotable.” quipped Raymond.
Emma started rallying just five years ago and her impressive C.V. Emma’s prize programme has yet to be announced, but she was chosen as she has the potential be the most competitive female on the scene since Michele Mouton.

Also yet to be announced is 23 year old Phillip Morrow’s programme. The British Rally Elite member has welcomed this opportunity. Raymond also rates Phillip Morrow highly. “I think Phillip’s speed and results speak for themselves last year, and he was keeping it all together last season.” “It’s such a great boost for me” commented Phillip “I’m not sure what I’m going to do with the prize yet. I would like to do a World Championship rally in Group N to get experience, but we are still thinking about it.”

The Raymond Munro Dream Drive Scheme is something which Raymond dearly hopes to keep going. “It’s something that I will get a lot of satisfaction out of. I remember when I was young and rallying and wishing someone would help me out. You know I’m really looking forward to going down to see how Luke gets on in the Border Counties, and really what we can give is a car, some advice, and use John’s knowledge and input. I would like the scheme to continue, for example if one of the drivers did make it that they would re invest a bit into the scheme to help another young driver in the future.” At present the scheme is totally funded by Raymond’s generosity, with some product support from Pirelli, but any help from manufacturers or sponsors alike would be greatly welcome.

More information on the plans for all three drivers will be released soon.