The 2009 MSA Pirelli Gravel Rally Championship gets underway with Rallye Sunseeker in Bournemouth next month and already interest is high for the ANCRO-organised series.
A number of former champions including Paul Bird and Steve Perez are planning a return to the series in 2009 and with the championship classes being restructured and the series increased to eight rounds, the scene is set for one of the best championships in the UK.
The latest incentive is the announcement of The Mintex Two-Wheel Drive Championship whereby the winners of each round will receive a totally free entry into the next ANCRO event of their choosing.
Open to any 2WD car, front or rear-wheel drive, as well as the prize value of around £500 per event, there is a £1000 cash award to the winner at the end of the season.
All eight events will be included in the championship of which a competitor's best five results will count and each competitor must be registered for the 2009 MSA Pirelli Gravel Rally Championship.
What it all means is that mathematically, a crew would not have to pay an entry fee for a whole year if they were successful on each event as the winner of the final round on the Trackrod would receive a free entry in next year's Rallye Sunseeker.
Indeed, such a beneficiary already are the winners of the 2008 Two-Wheel Drive Challenge, Nathan Crewe and John Connor, who will receive a free entry onto Rallye Sunseeker 2009 as part of their prize from last year, should they so wish.
Championship Manager Lyn Jenkins said: "The two-wheel drive competitors are just as important to us as everyone else so we want to encourage them as much as possible. There are not many prizes out there where the driver of a Ford Escort or Vauxhall Astra could benefit to the tune of around £5,000 this season so we're hoping that a good number of crews will take up this challenge, thanks to our sponsors Mintex. We have some classic and exclusive stages on some of the country's best events so it really is a great opportunity."
Regulations are available now from Lyn Jenkins as follows: Oaklands, North Lodge Close, Penllergaer, Swansea SA4 9GP Tel: 01792 893323. Mob: 07974 432788. Email:lyn@lynjenkins2.wanadoo.co.uk
Further information is also available at www.gravelrally.co.uk
The 2009 Mintex Two-Wheel Drive Championship
Round 1 - 27/28th February - Rallye Sunseeker, Bournemouth
Round 2 - 21st March - Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally, Jedburgh
Round 3 - 18th April - Tour of Cumbria, Carlisle
Round 4 - 8/9th May - RBS International Manx Rally, Douglas
Round 5 - 30th May - Severn Valley Rally, Builth Wells
Round 6 - 18th July - Swansea Bay Rally, Swansea
Round 7 - 5th September - Woodpecker Rally, Ludlow
Round 8 - 26th September - Trackrod Rally, Pickering
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