Andrew will test his WRC abilities

Aug 23 2007 by Richard Neale, The Journal

A RALLY driving star of the future is making his first foray into the high-octane world of the World Rally Championships this weekend, weeks after graduating from a specialist school teaching him the skills he needs to make it in the sport.

Andrew Roughead, who is based in Sunniside, will be driving a WRC car for the first time when he competes in this weekend’s Pendragon Stages rally at Penrith. And the 21-year-old, who was a member of the British Rally Academy, can’t wait to test himself over the demanding fields of the Warcop army range and Lowther Wildlife Park – when he acts as co-driver to Barry Renwick.

“I have been waiting for a chance to compete in a WRC since starting rallying and this opportunity came up to co-drive for Barry on the very popular Pendragon Stages so I could not refuse,” said Roughead.

Fresh from his academy training in July, with prevous WRC champion co-drivers Robert Reid and Phil Mills on hand, Roughead gained vital experience from the pair on preparing pacenotes while he learned about car set-ups from BRC front-running driver David Higgins and Phil Roach.

The MSA British Rally Elite programe is an innovative national motorsport training scheme endorsed by the MSA for the top young drivers and co-drivers in the UK. The aim is to train them into the best possible package for World Rally Championship teams and aid their transition from British Rallying into the World Rally Championship.

The scheme is the brainchild of former World Rally Champion co-driver Robert Reid, who realised something needed to be done to assist young British competitors.

The elite programme focuses primarily on sports science elements using the services of experts from Edinburgh University.

“The British Rally Academy has enabled me to learn from the most experienced guys in the world,” added Roughead. “Their advice and expertise has enabled me to enhance my co-driving skills to a new level.”

The Pendragon Stages on August 26 has grown into a very popular event with over 150 entries received and the youngster is hoping they can improve on Barry’s previous fourth place overall from last year’s rally.

RICHARD NEALE