Swift one-make series launches for 2017

The organiser behind the Suzuki Swift Rallycross Championship – Peter Gwynne Motorsport – has launched a one-make rally championship based on the same formula.

The Swift Shining Stars Rally Series runs Group N Suzuki Swifts and has extremely tight regulations to keep the cars in line. The organisers can switch the ECUS in the cars at any point, and have mandated sealed engines and gearboxes and a minimum car/driver weight.

An eight-round series with Tarmac and gravel events has been drafted, which includes a visit to the Isle of Man.

Series organiser, Sarah Watson, is hopeful that the series can provide the next step for drivers on a career path to either rallying or rallycross.

“There was plenty of interest for it at the [Autosport] show, and for 2018 too,” she said. “We’ve got two juniors [Junior Formula 1000 competitors] looking at it for the year after already.

“Theoretically you could do rallying and rallycross next year as none of our dates clash. It’s our hope that when these youngsters come in they give both a go and they can get some crossover from it. Also, people who are rallying, if they struggle for funds at any point, they can hire their car out for rallycross to earn some money back.”

Four drivers have signed up for the series so far.