August 23, 2023
Featuring on the bill as part of the 5Nations British Rallycross Championship, the Motorsport UK Swift Junior Rallycross Championship headed to Pembrey last weekend for a double header round.
Photo credit www.mattbristow.net
Launched in 2010, the Swift Sport Rallycross Championship was created to provide a tightly controlled one make championship designed to highlight talented drivers. The competitive championship offers a level playing field for drivers to develop their car control and showcase their driving skills.
New to the Junior Rallycross Championship for 2023, Tyler McAlpin led the Championship standings heading for Rounds 3&4 at Mondello Park in Ireland, after an outstanding performance at the series opener at Lydden Hill. McAlpin stunned crowds when he collected not one, but both victories at the Easter bank holiday meeting.
At Mondello, Will Ovenden wasted no time in getting down to work, clocking the fastest time for the opening qualifying heat. With the advantage of having competed at the Irish circuit last season, he replicated his performance in the following two qualifying sessions before leading the pack in the final, from the lights to the line, to take his first win of the year.
Despite Ovendon's efforts, McAlpin's second place gave him two podium positions at Mondello, to stay two points clear of Ovenden at the top of the championship table heading for Rounds 5&6 at Pembrey.
Of the chasing pack, Ryan Smith headed to Wales lying third overall in the championship, and narrowly heading Irish racer Tighe Wratten by just two points.
Essex racer Cayden Harris was looking to continue the momentum following his second place finish at Mondello, whilst fourteen year old Amaan Ganatra from Kenya joined the Junior Rallycross Championship as a wild card for the Welsh weekend.
Photo credit www.mattbristow.net
The 14 year old currently competes in Rallycross and Autocross in his own country, typically piloting a Toyota Sprinter. Sadly missing a local Rallycross event back home this weekend, the Kenyan rising star was keen to grab the opportunity to experience competing internationally, here in the UK.
"I’m really excited for the upcoming Swift Junior Rallycross! Ready to embrace the adrenaline and take on this thrilling challenge!" said Ganatra.
Photo credit www.mattbristow.net
Once again, action packed qualifying heats and superb races showcased the amazing talent of the junior drivers with a blistering drive from Will Ovenden to secure the Race 1 win from Ryan Smith and Cayden Harris, with UK debutant Ganatra in 4th place. Tyler McAlpin's hopes for the Championship suffered a blow when the best he could manage was 8th.
Photo credit: 5NationsTrophy
Race two saw McAlpin come back to form with a third win of the season, however Ovenden's second place means he moves to the lead of the championship. Both Smith and Harris' consistent performances at the weekend keep them in contention with two race weekends to come.
Photo credit www.mattbristow.net
Carbon Positive Motorsport Co-Founder, Steve Smith, commented "We're delighted to be backing these fiercely competitive Junior drivers and it's great to see them fighting for the championship.
"Reaching the newest generation of drivers is key for Carbon Positive Motorsport, as they will be racing for years to come, and they understand that they need to take action on climate change to protect the sport we all love.
"As the future generation of both race and rally drivers, we hope they will help to lead the way in making motorsport more sustainable."
Carbon Positive Motorsport will be offsetting every single drop of competition fuel for the Junior Rallycross Championship this season.
Photo credit: 5NationsTrophy
Series organisers, Sarah Watson and Pete Gwynne commented, "It's fantastic to have Carbon Positive Motorsport on board supporting our junior drivers. We've had great feedback from people saying what a positive thing it is, not only educating the juniors but also hearing how others are beginning to reduce their own carbon footprint."
Photo credits www.mattbristow.net
To become Carbon Positive yourself, visit our website www.carbonpositivemotorsport.com where we have set up a friends and family discount code, which all competitors can use if they wish to offset their personal fuel usage to and from events, for both petrol and diesel.
Log onto www.carbonpositivemotorsport.com/purchase-offsets and use JuniorRallyX23
For more details on the Swift Junior Rallycross Championship visit:
swiftrallycross.com facebook.com/swiftrallycross twitter.com/SwiftRallycross instagram.com/swiftrallycross It only costs a little to make a big difference for the sport, so whether you're a competitor or spectator, why not join us to help make motorsport sustainable.