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31/10/05 Dan wins rally scholarship PDF Print E-mail

DATE:            31st October 2005 

RELEASE:      ImmediateCONTACT:     Helen Ray at HR PR on 07813 919333 

Opportunity of a lifetime: Daniel wins rally scholarship

 Local would-be rally driver Daniel Boardman feels like he is on top of the world!  After an agonising weekend awaiting the results of the scholarship final, Innovation Motorsports Rally Scholarship organisers announced today that Daniel will be joining the team as driver next year.  

 

Before hearing the good news, Daniel had at first been too nervous to switch on his mobile phone, in case the news he received was not what he so desperately wanted to hear. “When I finally took the call from Chris Moore, Innovation Motorsports director, the nerves immediately lifted, but I think it will take some time for this to properly sink in. I cannot express how much I wanted this opportunity. I know it will be the most important year of my life because it would be my big break; I will give it my all and work my socks off to give myself every best possible chance of success. I know what is involved and what I have to do. It will be hard work. I want to win the championship and also win the sponsors so I can keep rallying and move up as a top British driver” says Daniel.


Daniel battled it out in the final, held last Saturday 29th October 2005, against 28 specially selected finalists from all over Britain for what turned out to be a gruelling weekend of tests and assessments at the fabulous RallySchool UK forest test venue near Bradford. Each and every one of the finalists gave it their all, making the final decision very difficult indeed for the panel of judges, which included Ian Grinrod, co driver to Jimmy, Colin and Alistair McRae. It took many hours of deliberation, but in the early hours of Monday morning they finally reached a unanimous decision.


Speaking on behalf of the Scholarship, Innovation Motorsports director Chris Moore commented: “This has been one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make. I would have offered every one of the finalists a place in the team next year if I could, as it was clear to see that they had put a great deal of effort into winning the prize. There were a lot of very talented individuals to choose from, but in the end we believe we have chosen a great team. Despite their obvious youth and inexperience we are confident they will work very well together, and to do a great job for us here at Innovation Motorsports next year!”

The prize has always been an entire season competing in the Peugeot 206 1400 Challenge, along with training and development for the team, which is like a dream come true for Daniel. “To be part of a professional team will bring out the best in me and help me to concentrate on my own talent and career. It will also massively help my appeal to the sponsors that are already very interested”.

However there are plans to offer an even greater prize and this is due to how much Daniel’s talent and potential has impressed the judges. They feel that they have in fact found someone better than they had bargained for and so are this week considering whether to enter the Innovation Motorsports Rally team into an even higher level of competition, perhaps the Peugeot 206 1600 Supercup! More details will be announced later in the week.

Daniel adds “This is massive step in my hearts’ direction. For me, it has always been about getting the chance to work and drive with a professional team, to have the opportunity and probably the chance of a lifetime, to achieve my maximum potential at what I love. I really enjoyed the work that has gone into this scholarship and it has boosted my confidence that finally somebody would believe in me.”

Visit www.go-rallying.com for more details on the scholarship.

- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

(1).The Innovation Motorsports rally team will consist of:

Driver: Daniel Boardman. Age: 25. Previous rally experience: Has contested a few events in his self-built Peugeot 205.


Quote: “I’d say I’m just about the happiest man on the planet at the moment! I would just like to say a massive thanks to Chris and everyone else at Innovation Motorsports. It has been a great experience. I can’t wait to meet the rest of the winning team and get down to some serious work and training in the car! I’m going to do you all proud!”

Co Driver: Yoliandie Walsh. Age 21. Previous rally experience: None
Quote: “I cant believe it! This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It is going to be a tremendous experience learning from such a great team, and I intend to give it my best shot!”

Mechanic: Niki Savelio. Age 19. Previous rally experience: None
Quote: This is a dream come true. I have wanted to be part of a professional rally team for years! I can’t wait!”

Mechanic: Stuart Farrell. Age 19. Previous rally experience: None
Quote: “This has been a fantastic experience. I’m so proud to have won a place in the team! I’m going to give it my all!

(2).Photos and interviews with Daniel can be arranged.

(3).Current sponsors: Autobreakers in Preston; Lancashire Salvage and Brian Chisholm Car Repairs in Blackburn; K N Transmissions in Preston; Blackpool College; ATS Tyres in Preston.

(4).Contact Helen Ray on 07813 919333 to request photos / interviews
 
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