European Rally Challenge

[Salist]

Euro Rally Challenge 2008

http://www.eurorallychallenge.eu/

The best pilots from different rally minded countries at the wheel of top material who compete against each other in six matches. It is undoubtedly the best guarantee for excitement and spectacle, the two ingredients which all organizers, spectators and certainly rally pilots dream of. Therefore, in 2008 a new international top competition will be organized with matches in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium: Euro Rally Challenge.

Erik Wevers, Dutch rally champion 2005, was closely involved in the organization of two successful editions of the Benelux Rally Trophy in 2003 and 2004. The additional tension which this Trophy gained, the enthusiasm of the organizers and especially the friendship between the teams from the Netherlands and Belgium proved that there certainly was a need for such a cross-border competition.

Through participation in the German DRS 2006, Erik Wevers became acquainted with the German rally sport. This season, a lot of Dutch rally drivers with Mark van Eldik on front went across the German border to explore new and challenging rallies. During a cozy after party, both top drivers came with the idea to start an international Trophy again. A few months later, the Euro Rally Challenge was born.
"The keyword of this Challenge is fun. Competing on the stages of beautiful rallies and afterwards building a party together with friends, that is the basic idea." says Bart Hissink, at Wevers Sport responsible for the coordination of the Euro Rally Challenge.

"In selecting the rallies, it was important to ensure that the the Challenge can be combined with a national championship. Therefore was chosen for rallies that do not concur with other rallies in the neighboring countries. In addition to that, there was chosen for rallies who last on Saturday. Therefore all teams can exchange their stories and relax after the finish together before driving back home on Sunday. The calendar includes two matches in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium."

The Euro Rally Challenge can be driven in five groups: A (including WRC), N, GT, R and H. The competition is certainly not reserved for WRC, but is also open for Gr.N 's, GT's like Porsches and Nissan 350Z and older Gr.H' s. The rankings of the Euro Rally Challenge will be formed in each group. In each rally, the organizer provides cups for the ERC-winners per group.

To participate, drivers have to register. The registration fee, a deposit of 300 euro’s, will be fully repaid after participating in 5 of 6 rallies on the calendar. The season concludes with a huge celebration party, in which the winners will be rewarded with prizes in kind.

Even before the official launch, the Euro Rally Challenge is bound for a beautiful starting list, with a dozen top drivers who will certainly participate including, of course, the promoters Erik Wevers and Mark van Eldik. In addition, there are already commitments from René Kuipers, Jan de Winkel, John Temmink, Harry Kleinjan and Ger Haverkate.


Calendar Euro Rally Challenge 2008

14-15 March Tank S - Rally Emmeloord (NL)
17-19 April Hesse-Rallye Vogelsberg - Schlitz (DE)
16-17 May Sezoens Rally - Bocholt (BE)
19-20 September Hellendoorn Rally - Nijverdal (NL)
17-18 October Lausitz Rallye - Boxberg (DE)
8-9 November Condroz Rally - Huy (BE)

[Josti]

Great initiative, though I'm afraid it will be a Dutch privilage only. At least for 2008. Belgian drivers have no budget, and I don't see anything coming from the German site either (Maybe Kahle or Poulsen but...). W'll see.

[Eyvind]

http://www.eurorallychallenge.eu/eng...ompetitors.htm

New entries... Pedersen, Desmet, Paddy White...

[Tom206wrc]

Will there be Dennis Kuipers in his 207 S2000 ???

[Josti]

Will there be Dennis Kuipers in his 207 S2000 ???

I think h'll only do the Dutch championship (of which two rallies also count for the Euro Challenge of course).

Nice to hear there's also interest outside the organizing countries btw Hope to see some more coming from the British or Irish soils.

[Simmi]

I'm not sure what Paddy White is planning to enter with seen as his Focus is up for sale at the moment.

[Josti]

I'm not sure what Paddy White is planning to enter with seen as his Focus is up for sale at the moment.

I assume he's got a replaceable car, if it's actually for sale.

[Huufke]

Will there be Dennis Kuipers in his 207 S2000 ???

He's on the list with his 207 Super 2000. As expected, as one of the Wevers Sport team members.

[Tom206wrc]

I've seen

[Eyvind]

New entry, Janina Depping