GET A SWIFT ENTRY TO RALLYCROSS

Chance to get up-close to the Suzuki Swift Rallycross car at Autosport International

Don’t miss the chance to see the Suzuki Swift Rallycross car, which will be used in the new one-make Swift Sport Rallycross Championship in 2010, when it is officially released to competitors at Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International.

The Suzuki Swift Rallycross car, which has so far only been driven by celebrities, will be displayed on the MSA British Rallycross Championship stand at the show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on 14-17 January 2010. The series will replace the Stock Hatch category in the 2010 rallycross schedule and will act as a feeder series for drivers from junior disciplines into Super Modified or Division One categories.

The 1600cc car is similar to the Swift used in the British Rally Championship, but features minor modifications to make it suitable for rallycross. So far, World Superbike star Leon Haslam and touring car driver Andrew Jordan have both taken to the track, but all those interested in competing will get the chance to get up-close to the car at Autosport International.

Alongside the Suzuki Swift will be 2009 British Rallycross Champion Pat Doran’s Ford Fiesta ST Supercar, which secured the championship victory at the penultimate meeting of the season at Pembrey in September.

“We wanted to find a way to modernise the Stock Hatch class,” said Peter Gwynne of Peter Gwynne Motorsport, the newly-formed company charged with preparing the Suzukis. "I am hoping to have between 10 or 12 cars on the grid by the start of the next season and want to reach newcomers or drivers from other disciplines who want to come into rallycross.”

Amy Doran, Promoter of the MSA British Rallycross Championship, said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring the new Suzuki Swift Rallycross Championship to the public at Autosport International. We’re constantly trying to attract new competitors and spectators to the discipline: the addition of this to our bill is very exciting, and the show is a great place to ensure the motorsport community and racing fans hear our latest news.”

“As the show kicks-off the new race season, visitors are always privy to the latest announcements from teams and series,” added Autosport International Show Director Ian France. “This year will be no different, and it’s extremely exciting to see developments within the world of rallycross and the support it’s receiving.”

Visitors may also win the chance to race at one of the Suzuki Swift Rallycross Championship rounds, a prize worth £3,000! To enter, please visit www.petergwynne.com/prizeentry.php and fill in the form. The winner will be announced on Saturday 30 January at the Rallycross AGM and Awards Ceremony.