London Irish Motor Club launches initiative to attract young rally drivers

London Irish Motor Club launches initiative to attract young rally drivers
London Irish Motor Club (LIMC), under the leadership of Chairman Mick Smith, has announced a new initiative aimed at attracting young people to rallying.
Recognising the difficulty young enthusiasts face in getting started, the club has purchased a Nissan Micra for building to Junior 1000 challenge regulations.
The plan is to restore the car to current safety standards and make it available to youngsters interested in competing. Part of this initiative will be to allow the young people to participate in the build process.
Chairman Smith explains the Initiative
“At recent meetings, the committee and members pooled ideas on how to encourage youngsters into motorsport,” Smith said.
“We all know how tough it is for them to get started. We’ve decided to get involved in the one-make Micra Junior Challenge. These cars are a great starting point, allowing entry into everything from grassroots autotests to rallying. The whole idea is to get kids involved and help them progress.”
There is a wealth of knowledge within LIMC, from drivers and co-drivers to service crews, making the club well-placed to coach newcomers.
Smith called for broader club support, seeking sponsorship for the build and eventual competition expenses.
“We’ll need help from all the members and companies please ” Smith added, “Any ideas or any form of help, however small, so that we can progress this new initiative.”
He said that initial consideration would be given to youngsters connected to LIMC members, encouraging members to put forward potential candidates. However this will not be restricted to LIMC members only as we want to encourage youngsters both male and female who have an interest in motorsport but don’t know where to start.
Progress and early interest:
“I’ve done a lot of PR since we came up with the idea,” he said. “I’ve been in touch with all the one-make championship organisers and I’ve spoken to many parents and kids, and already got some real interest.”
He confirmed LIMC’s purchase of two Micras – one for the Junior challenge, which the youngsters will be involved in building from a bare shell, to challenge spec ready for the stages and a second, already a clean ex junior Micra Challenge car ready to go.
Smith will be in attendance at this weekend’s RaceRetro historic motorsport show in Stoneleigh near Coventry where he will answer more queries on this exciting initiative.
For further information contact Mick Smith on micksmith0@icloud.com

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