A young racing driver from Dunmow has helped his college land a spot in the British Trial & Rally Driver Association Rally Championship

Myerscough Motorsport will compete in the R2 Cup of this year’s championship, running a Fiesta R2, built and maintained by students, over eight rounds of one of the UKs most well-known and prestigious rally events.

The deal was confirmed by Alfie Hammond after a very successful test at the Three Sisters Circuit in Wigan and completing the Brands Hatch Winter Stages competition.

Motorsport lecturer, and part time co-driver Phil Boyle will join Hammond in the new challenge and will be guiding him through the forests of Cumbria, when the pair tackle the Malcolm Wilson Rally on March 11, round one of the championship.

Hammond is excited to take on the challenge, especially know he has come to grips with his new steed.

He said: "I have now developed a good knowledge and understanding of the car and how to set it up to my style of driving.

"It is always difficult to learn a new car but the feeling is coming and the support I am getting from the team is making the transition very simple.

"The team are fantastic and the level of professionalism in the set-up rivals some professional rally teams.

"I am really looking forward to the season and working with the team more and hope we can bring home some trophies."

The deal offers the college to give a huge opportunity to students, of whom four will be chosen to work on each of the eight events as the technicians and service crew.

A spokesman for the north-west-based institution said: "This hands-on experience is vital when progressing into industry and it is an attribute potential employers admire.

"New for 2023 is the experience for a student to enhance our planning and digital exposure when on events.

"The new role has been trialled on both of Alfie’s previous events and has seen an increase in social media exposure and interactions.

"Myerscough Motorsport are keen to offer as many student opportunities, in various roles and are happy to keep developing this new role within the rally team."

 

BTRDA Rally Championship 2023 calendar:

Malcolm Wilson Rally – March 11

Rallynuts Stages Rally – April 15

Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally – May 6

Kielder Forest Rally – June 17

Nicky Grist Stages – July 8

Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Rally – September 9

Trackrod Forest Stages – September 23

Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally – October 28