BRC Challenge 2011 preview

2011 BRC Challenge unveiled

The Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship's support series, the popular BRC Challenge, returns in 2011 following six of the main series' seven rallies between early April and late October.

While the majority of the BRCC format remains unchanged, the main addition is that of the Super 1000 category, part of the successful and popular Formula 1000 concept instigated and managed by Tristan Dodd.

The category will form the next step for youngsters who have graduated from Junior 1000 and Formula 1000, or even for the more mature crew to prove him or herself against the expected crop of under 20s.

The ever-popular Kick Energy Fiesta SportChallenge will continue to count the BRC Challenge as its home too; M-Sport keen to give the Fiesta ST a high profile arena for its reliable and ultra competitive series.

Starting on Bulldog Rally North Wales, competitors in the 2011 BRCC will have eight opportunities to score points, with the Ulster and Isle of Man Challenge rallies counting as double headers. Unlike in 2010 it will not be necessary to pre-register an "overseas" event in advance, but with only five of the eight scores going towards the final standings, it gives crews more flexibility as the season progresses.

An excellent mix of gravel and asphalt events allows drivers to hone their skills on both surfaces, while giving co-drivers a chance to have even more input than usual on asphalt. The three sealed-surface rallies allow reconnaissance and pace-note making, a vital skill for those who wish to progress in the sport, while the BRCC will run ahead of the International field on the gravel events.

The BRC Challenge has gone through several improvements since its inception as the "Stars of the Future" in 2005, a title which remains for the highest placed junior driver at the end of the season. What has remained though, are events that represent amongst the best value for money rallying in the UK for those who want great competition and a stepping stone for those wanting to sample the BRC.

The series is split into five categories with class bonuses and since any two wheel drive car registered after 1st January 1989 that fits into the class structure is eligible, the winner could come from anywhere in the field.

A substantial prize fund will reward both the overall BRC Challenge champion as well as the BRCC Star of the Future, assisting in their progression to the 2012 British Rally Championship.

Regulations for the 2011 BRC Challenge will be available by the end of November.

2011 BRC Challenge calendar of events

2nd April Bulldog Challenge Rally Gravel
30th April Pirelli Challenge Rally Gravel
27th/28th May Jim Clark Challenge Rally Asphalt
19th August Ulster Challenge Rally 1 Asphalt
20th August Ulster Challenge Rally 2 Asphalt
24th September Trackrod Challenge Rally Gravel
28th October Isle of Man Challenge Rally 1 Asphalt
29th October Isle of Man Challenge Rally 2 Asphalt

-source: brc