With the closing date for entries fast approaching, some of rallying’s most talented young drivers are looking to finalise their entries for the 2012 edition of the FIA WRC Academy. Amongst the talent, Brendan Reeves, Yeray Lemes and John MacCrone are all working hard to secure the necessary funds to compete.
Australian Reeves and his co-driving sister, Rhianon Smyth, were firm favourites with fans when they contested the WRC Academy in its inaugural season last year. Looking to return to the series for the second consecutive year, the duo are dedicated to collating the required funds.
Following a string of consistent points finishes in 2011, the Australian pairing finished fifth overall and will be strong candidates for this year’s title. Reeves and Smyth have been working tirelessly to make their 2012 campaign a reality with brand new merchandise available from www.brendenreeves.com.au and an interactive auction in which fans had the opportunity to bid for a variety of signed WRC collectables.
In addition, starting at $100 AUS (roughly £70 GBP), the Brendan Reeves Supporters Club includes four alternate packages for supporters to aid the duo’s rise to the top. In supporting the pairing, donors will receive promotion on the official Brendan Reeves website and invitation to regular functions. The most dedicated supporters will be allocated space on the roof of the pairing’s Ford Fiesta R2 as it contests rallies across the globe. Further information can be found on the official Brendan Reeves website.
As one of the most improved drivers in last year’s WRC Academy, Yarey Lemes is hoping to put his experience into practice as he pursues the title in 2012. Finishing fourth overall in last year’s standings, the Canarian’s development was rewarded when he and co-driver Rogelio Penate secured a VW Motorsport seat in a Škoda Fabia S2000 for the 2011 RACC Rally de España.
Proving he has real potential with five S-WRC stage wins on his first outing behind the wheel of the S2000, Lemes will be a firm favourite for the 2012 WRC Academy title and is working hard to secure the funds.
A support campaign has been set-up to facilitate Lemes’ inclusion in this year’s addition of the feeder series. Those wishing to contribute to the Canarian’s international programme can do so by donating funds on the youngster’s official facebook site: ¡TODOS CON YERAY! (https://www.facebook.com/events/328054623883289). In doing so, supporters will be automatically entered into sweepstakes and various other promotions.
Elsewhere, rising talent and star of the British rally scene, John MacCrone, is also looking to raise funds for his assault on the WRC Academy in 2012. Having contested select rounds in the BRC, IRC and WRC in their Rally Team Scotland Ford Fiesta R2 last year, MacCrone and co-driver Stuart Loudon will be real contenders for the Championship laurels.
The British pairing proved their speed by taking the class victory in both the IRC Rally Scotland and the WRC finale, Wales Rally GB, last year. Eager to break onto the world stage, the duo are working diligently to secure the funding to realise their dream of becoming 2012 WRC Academy Champions.
The Scotsman has established ‘The Clan’ to encourage supporters to contribute to his WRC campaign. By investing £50, supporters will gain regular updates, prizes and their name on the roof of MacCrone’s Ford Fiesta R2. Businesses are also free to contribute, with a minimum contribution of £100 securing promotion around the globe. For more information, visit the Rally Team Scotland facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rally-Team-Scotland/103147613067608?ref=ts).
Brendan Reeves said:
“Last year we came so close to success and podiums in the WRC Academy so this year we know what it is going to take to be the best. We have been working very hard with our Brendan Reeves Supporters Club to raise the funds we need; organising functions, auctions and selling roof stickers. We really have to be out there again – especially now that we can put everything we learnt last year into this year’s campaign!”
John MacCrone said:
"At the moment we are working hard to find more sponsorship to contest the WRC Academy. We have part of the budget but still need to raise some more! We have started up the Rally Team Scotland Clan, a supporters club where people can help us out by pledging £50. In return they will get a sticker on the roof of our car, regular updates, and prizes.
“We really want to be in the Academy this season after competing alongside the 2011 Academy crews on Wales Rally GB where our result would have been good enough for second place in the [WRC] Academy. It is the most cost effective way of learning the WRC events and as that is where we want to be in the future, we need to be there! Some of the fastest young drivers in the world will be fighting for the prize at the end of the season, and we want to be a part of that."
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