Ford has launched a new rally academy for budding youngsters looking to get into the sport.
Just as karting acts as a gateway for young racing drivers, so Ford’s Rally Sport Trainer (RST) academy hopes to do the same for aspiring rally stars.
The RST car has the 1.3-litre Endura engine from the Ka mounted amidships driving the rear wheels. Based on a bespoke tubular steel spaceframe, the RST is built to withstand side impacts and rollovers.
Since the academy is open to drivers as young as 10, this will no doubt be reassuring to parents - as will the fact that they will be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The academy is open to anyone aged between 10 and 17 and runs at Silverstone, costing from £99 for a day’s tuition.As well as driving skills, students will also learn about all aspects of rallying such as the scrutineering process, basic maintenance and navigation pace notes.
For the more adventurous, a ten day package is available that allows students to compete in ‘mini rallies’ is available for around £2000.
You can book by calling 08704 588270, or by going to www.silverstone-circuit.co.uk/html/drive
The Director of Ford Team RS, Jost Capito, says of the project: “Today’s young stars have all driven cars on a computer screen. Now they can experience what it really feels like to kick up gravel and drift a rally car."
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