The UK’s MSA Academy has announced it is looking for what it is refers to as ‘promising young British rally navigators’ to fill new places on its new co-driver development programme, led by 21-time WRC rally winner Nicky Grist and international competitor Paul Spooner.
Forming part of the governing body’s talent development pathway, the syllabus caters for the needs of the individual meaning each co-driver’s support programme is bespoke. It is primarily workshop-based but the tailored approach to development ensures that individual support is also available.
Twenty-five-year-old Ross Whittock is one co-driver who has already benefited from the programme. Whittock said: “The MSA Academy has helped me become a more complete co-driver, understanding every aspect of what it takes to become a world championship standard competitor. Nicky and Paul provide a money-can’t-buy level of knowledge and experience that puts you one step ahead of the competition. If you’re striving to become a top co-driver, the MSA Academy is the first step towards achieving that goal.”
Competition is high, with a limited number of places available. Only co-drivers demonstrating potentially exceptional abilities and qualities will be considered for the programme, which will consist of a minimum of six events throughout the year aimed at developing co-driving ability.
Applicants must be aged 18 to 25 at the time of application and:
- Hold an MSA Competition Licence Hold (or be eligible to hold) a British passport Compete regularly in National level events or above Demonstrate the potential to achieve excellence within their chosen field Demonstrate high levels of compliance and desire to develop and progress in the sport.
- Successful applicants will be required to attend Dayinsure Wales Rally GB on 27 October 2017 for the first programme event. They will then be expected to attend all programme events, communicate effectively with Academy staff and coaches, and represent the MSA Academy and the co-driver programme appropriately.
The deadline for applications is 12.00 on 6 October 2017 and applicants will be notified by no later than 13 October 2017. To view the application form, please click here.
