The first round of the C2R2 Cup 2007 will commence this weekend with the Pirelli International Rally. Among the eager competitors keen to make their mark on this inaugural series, will be Mid Wales driver Jason Pritchard.
The C2R2 Cup will be Jason’s first full championship campaign and the Builth Wells driver is relishing the year ahead and although extremely enthusiastic is well aware of what lies ahead as the C2R2 Cup is part of Britain’s premier rally series, the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship (BRC).
“We have put together a two year plan to contest the championship, with our main aims to gain as much experience of the events and learn more about the Citroen C2 rally car. As the year progresses I am sure we will see an increase in pace.”
Jason followed in his fathers footsteps when he started rallying back in December 2005. During 2006 Jason did several rallies as part of his preparation for a full season this year, getting used to the gravel and asphalt type surfaces that rallying encounters. His efforts in 2006 did not go unrecognised, having been selected to join 2007 MSA British Rally Academy. The aim of the Academy is to train drivers and co-drivers to aid their transition from British Rallying into the World Rally Championship.
Jason will be partnered by the vastly experienced Brecon co-driver Martin Jones. Martin has been a long term family friend having been co-driving for Jason’s father Eian, for many years and was the logical choice to help Jason embark on his first full championship campaign.
Both driver and co-driver attended the recent BRC launch, which was held in the centre of Birmingham and Jason certainly found the day worthwhile.
“It was a good experience to attend the launch and to meet lots of new people and put some faces to names. The launch also provided our Birmingham based Corporate Partners FCS Lasermail the opportunity to get first hand experience the BRC on their doorstep.”
Jason will also spend a day testing his Quick Motorsport prepared C2 in the week leading up to the first round.
“I have done some minor tests in the car, but this will be our first proper test and will be another good experience for me to get as much time in the car as possible.”
The Pirelli International Rally will start from Carlisle City centre on the evening of Friday 20th April with a compact two day format of fourteen special timed stages on loose gravel roads in North Cumbria & Kielder forest.
Along with FCS Lasermail, Jason and Martin will also be supported in their 2007 campaign by North Road Garage, Builth Wells and in addition to the C2R2 Cup the pair will contest several events to help develop Jason’s driving technique. The events most likely will be the RBSI Manx (May), Severn Valley (June), Donegal (June), Quinton (July) and Cork 20 (September).
