Sponsorship plea as Jack sits first equal in Junior 1000 Ecosse Challenge
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Caithness driver Jack Ryan has emerged as one of the leading contenders in the Junior 1000 Ecosse Challenge, Scotland's rally championship for those aged 14-17.
After two rounds the 16-year-old from Castletown is first equal on points in an event that features competitors from across Britain and Ireland. Many of those who have raced at this level have gone on to compete in the senior Scottish and British rally championships.
As he continues to make his mark on the rallying scene, as well as in karting, Jack would be keen to hear from any businesses willing to support him. He is already sponsored by Thurso Tyre Centre but would welcome further offers of sponsorship to help meet the high costs of travelling and competing.
Round two of the J1000 Ecosse Challenge, hosted by East Ayrshire Car Club, took place at Kames Motorsport Complex where there was a big turnout for the Albar Kames Trophy Rally.
Twelve J1000 drivers competed in 15 stages and Jack again had Robin Nicolson as his navigator in the Volkswagen Up.
After a wet start, the weather dried up just as the rally was getting under way.
There was a major setback on stage one when the car cut out and wouldn't restart. Jack had to let it roll onto grass to allow another car to pass before they got going again.
"Our times for this stage put us in last position as we lost 15 seconds," Jack said. "I thought it was all over, but with determined driving and good navigating we managed to pull it back.
"After some words of wisdom from Robin we just got our heads down and got stuck in."
They managed to improve their times each stage thereafter, setting the fastest stage times on six, seven and eight and being in the top three in the others. As a result they climbed their way back to finish third overall and pick up the novice trophy.
Sam Pattison and Paul Whittaker took first place, with Rian Walker and Stuart McBride second (both Skoda Citigo).
"It was a brilliant day of closely fought motorsport with some excellent drives and the place was packed with spectators," Jack said after ensuring he would be in joint first position going into the next event at Knockhill on July 2/3, the Colin McRae Challenge.
He added: "This was the furthest we have travelled to an event – a round trip of 700 miles – but the venue was great and the fantastic banter in the paddock made the journey worthwhile."
At rally events, entry fees can range from £150 to £300 depending on the venue. Tyres cost around £400, while overnight expenses, fuel and other costs can add up to another £300.
In karting, Jack is not competing in any big events this year – only the North of Scotland Kart Club championship. However, a typical weekend at Golspie can cost £150 for tyres, £70 for entry and £200 for other expenses.
Jack said: “I am very happy to have the opportunity to compete at this level and, although it’s a big commitment with the travel and costs, I hope to be able to attend most of the junior rallies this year."
Anyone interested in discussing possible sponsorship for Jack can email mickr29@hotmail.co.uk or phone Michael Ryan on 07917818201. Jack has a Facebook page at Jackryanracing.
