A new scheme aimed at identifying and nurturing young drivers in Rallycross will begin a pilot season at the second round of the Monster Energy MSA British Rallycross Championship, in association with MaKTraK at Knockhill on May 12 where ‘Rallycross Academy’ driver Rory Dening will make his first appearance in the Swift Sport Championship.
The new scheme has pulled together support from many within Rallycross. The Suziuki Swift Dening will race has been provided by Supercar racer Liam Doran and re-prepared and setup by Swift Sport Championship promoter Peter Gwynne Motorsport. The car will be run by Rallycross legend Gordon Rogers who will also mentor Dening. “It was easy to go racing when I was a youngster, you just got an old car and had a go, but it’s all different these days and I think that a young driver who is going to try and make a name for himself needs to have a team around him as well as support and guidance for what he is doing,” said Rogers who nominated Dening as the first driver to benefit from the Rallycross Academy. “I’ve watched Rory driving in autocross over the last couple of years and he’s impressed me greatly; sometimes you see a driver and just know that he’s got what it takes and that’s how it is with Rory. He’s also willing to learn, listens to advice and can act on it so he’s a great choice for the Rallycross Academy.”
Dening, 17, from Barnstaple in Devon, has been driving in autocross since he was 14. Racing a junior class 1400cc, eight-valve, Vauxhall Corsa, he was Junior champion in the Association of South West Motor Clubs championship in 2010 and third in the adult class of the championship driving the same car in 2011 when he also gained top three results in British championship events. “Gordon has given me some tips and help at autocross events but I can’t believe that he’s managed to make this happen,” said Dening. “It’s a great opportunity and something that I could not have done without the help of everyone who is involved in the Rallycross Academy. I’ve driven the car once and got used to it quite quickly. It’s a left-hand drive which is new for me but I felt comfortable with it and we’re planning to get out and have another test before the event at Knockhill. This is going to be a learning year for me but I hope that the results are good enough to repay the faith that everyone has shown in me.”
The event starts at 1pm on SATURDAY 12th of May with action all the way through to 8pm for the Supercar finals. Adult admission £15, dicounted tickets available in advance.