Young Peoples' Rally Driving Accelerates

A new programme for NI teens is being put into practice as a Co Armagh motorsports business revs-up in pursuit of practical driving skills.

In a scheme that will also benefit road safety while at the same time promoting rally competitions, the Superdrive Motorsports Centre has this week launched a new junior rally driving programme for people aged from 13 to 17-years-old.

Located near Portadown, the project, which is the first of its kind in NI, is designed to teach driving and basic rally competition skills to young people without no experience.

Superdrive's Centre Manager, Safron Thomas explained their team is very excited about the introduction of the programme.

"Superdrive provides a safe and controlled learning environment for young people to gain driving experience and then progressing on to rally competition skills."

Also the company's Managing Director, Brendan Crealey, added: "This young driver initiative also has an important road safety benefit.

"Young drivers can come to our centre and learn basic car control skills that will be very beneficial to them when they eventually get on the road."

"We believe the programme will help to save lives on our roads among the 17-25 year old age group," he said.

Two levels form the program. In the first, Junior Driving Essentials, drivers will focus the basic knowledge and in the second, Advanced Junior Driving, they will hone their rally driving skills and they will learn competition techniques.

Each class includes a session based safety and instructional briefing.

After completing the second one, the driver will be entitled to take part in the Superdrive adult Rally Experience Courses in the Ford MKII Escort RS2000, the rear-wheel-drive Ford Focus Zetec or the Mitsubishi Evo IV or book one-to-one tuition with one of Superdrive's experienced instructors.

The car that to be used is a rally prepared 1200cc Vauxhall Nova with FIA approved racing seats and harnesses, roll cage, full communication system and essential motorsport accessories.

Also, all drivers will be provided with a rally suit and a suitable helmet including helmet-to-helmet intercoms for in car instructions.

Superdrive is one of Northern Ireland's premier motorsports activity centres and as the only rally school in Ireland is recognised by the Motorsports Association and the British Association of Rally School.

(CL/BMcC)