 The eighth consecutive season of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge gets underway next weekend with its now traditional season-opener, the Bournemouth-based Rallye Sunseeker, which takes place on 22nd & 23rd February.
So far, 15 crews have signed-up for the popular one-make series for Group N Lancer Evolutions and, with a driver line-up comprising top names from the UK, Ireland and overseas, there’s no doubt that the Evolution Challenge will continue to live up to its reputation of being a highly-competitive and fiercely-fought championship.
Top Mitsubishi seed is last year’s Evo Challenge runner-up Seb Ling, who is out for nothing less than victory this time round. He is followed by the talented young Scot David Bogie, who also impressed in 2007.
Others returning to the series are last year’s third-placed Nik Elsmore, reigning Icelandic Rally Champion Daniel Sigurdarson, last year’s Evolution Cup winner Miles Johnston, Evo Challenge winner on the Isle of Man Neil McCance, plus two Evo drivers who get quicker each time out, Tom Naughton and Jonathan Sparks.
As in previous years, the Evolution Challenge has attracted a crop of up-and-coming Irish drivers - and this year is no exception: Daniel Barry, who finished in fifth place last year rejoins for a full assault, as does series regular Connor McCloskey who also makes a welcome return.
There’s some fresh faces too, including Billy Coleman award winner Keith Cronin, 2007 Fiesta ST Champion Jonny Greer and the extremely rapid Richard Cathcart, all three young Irishmen set to make a name for themselves in the Mitsubishi series.
Also new to the Evo Challenge are Welshman David Meredith and the hotly-tipped Simon Harraway, both of them drivers to watch this season.
PIAA are once again supporting the award for junior drivers, five falling into the category for under 25-year olds this season.
“We are delighted with the quality of the Evolution Challenge entries this year”, said Championship Coordinator Simon Slade. “Once again, it is going to be difficult to predict a winner, so this season is going to see another closely-fought championship – which is just the way we like it!”
With an overall entry of 90 cars, the Evolution Challenge represents 16% of the Rallye Sunseeker field and it is anticipated that more registrations will be received before the start of the event.
The Rallye Sunseeker gets underway from Bournemouth town centre on Friday evening, with two spectacular stages through the botanical gardens and along the esplanade. The road surface switches to gravel for Saturday’s 11 stages, all of which take place in Ringwood and Wareham forests and, following a total of 62 competitive miles, the event returns to Bournemouth for the finish at 6.00pm.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge is backed by Mitsubishi Motors UK and Ralliart, with support from its associate sponsors: Pirelli tyres, PIAA lights, Speedline Corse wheels, Sparco racewear, Performance Friction Brakes, Sunoco Race Fuels, ADR Motorsport and Walkinshaw Performance.
Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge entries (in number order)
11 Sebastian Ling (Llandysul)/Aled Rees (Crymych)
12 David Bogie (Dumfries)/Kevin Rae (Hawick) (J)
14 Keith Cronin (Bantry)/Anthony O’Conaill (Ballymakeera) (J)
15 Nik Elsmore (Coleford)/Paul Wakeley (Llanelli)
20 Neil McCance (Coomber)/Graham Hopewell (Worcester)
21 Jonathan Greer (Carryduff)/Jonny Hart (Moneyrea) (J)
22 Daniel Barry (Enniskerry)/Mark Bowens (Cork) (J)
23 Richard Cathcart (Enniskillen)/Martin Brady (Navan)
31 Connor McCloskey (Kilrea)/Damian Connelly (Monaghan) (J)
32 Daniel Siguardarson (Iceland)/Isak Gudjonsson (Iceland)
33 Miles Johnston (York)/Ian Bevan (Holywell)
34 David Meredith (Dolgellau)/Dai Roberts (Carmarthen)
43 Thomas Naughton (Bury)/Horace Saville (Bury)
44 Jonathan Sparks (Glastonbury)/Chris Davies (Abergavenny)
45 Simon Harraway (Weston-super-Mare)/Craig Drew (Bream)
ENDS
Photo caption
This year’s Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge kicks off at the Bournemouth-based Rallye Sunseeker on 22nd & 23rd February. Top Mitsubishi seed on this year’s event is last year’s Evo Challenge runner-up Sebastian Ling who, together with co-driver Aled Rees, will be out for nothing less than victory in 2008 (copyright free image). |
Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Round One
