Some of Scotland's brightest young rally stars are being offered half price
entry to next month's Merrick Forest Stages event in south-west Scotland - in a joint venture between the organisers and the County Saab Scottish Rally
Championship.

It follows their success in reaching the final of the inaugural 2006 Albar
Junior scheme, run under the auspices of the SRC.

The programme - in memory of the late Scottish rally legend Alan Barr - was
set up to find a young driver who would benefit from a structured programme
of mentoring and tuition throughout the Championship season.

Among the five Albar finalists was David Bogie of Dumfries who currently lies fourth overall in the Championship and is still in with a chance of securing the runners' up spot - and the highly coveted GpN title for - in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9.

Another finalist was 18-year-old Alick Kerr of Bothwell in Lanarkshire - the
current leader of the highly competitive Junior category in this year's
Championship, and the inaugural 1.9 Peugeot Ecosse 205 Challenge winner.

SRC Coordinator and rally secretary Robert Beck said: "In offering
half-price entry, the Championship committee, along with the "Merrick" organisers, wanted to acknowledge the talent and dedication shown by these young drivers. Hopefully, their achievements will spur on other youngsters as they set out in rallying".

The Merrick Forest Stages on September 8th is the penultimate round of the
County Saab Scottish championship. It also counts as a full round of the
Ecosse Challenge, as well as the Beatsons Borders, and Palmerston Furniture
Five of Clubs championships.

For the latest news and updates - as well as on-line regulations and entry
forms - go to www.merrickstages.co.uk