Tindall proving he has drive to be wheely good
RALLYING
HAVING to stand up and make a speech in front of 650 people would be a daunting task for any 16-yearold - but rally ace Ewan Tindall took it all in his stride, writes TONY HODGSON.
The Ryton driver faced his massive audience at the annual Professional Motorsport World Expo dinner in Cologne, Germany.
He was there to receive the UK Young Rally Driver of the Year Award in recognition of a stunning year of success behind the wheel.
That included winning the British National and Scottish Junior 1000 Rally Championships for the first time in his Citroen C1 car.
The St Thomas More, Blaydon pupil was among 11 drivers shortlisted by a panel of journalists, drivers and motorsport experts for the award, which carries a £1,000 prize.
Tindall said: “I knew I was on the shortlist but did not think I had a chance of winning the award, so to do so was a big thrill.
“It was a great night. It was pretty nerve-wracking to have to make an acceptance speech in front of so many people but it seemed to go OK.
“I was in pretty illustrious company as the Mercedes team which won the Formula One World Championship was among the others who won awards, as was the M-Sport World Rally Team.”
Tindall proved a real driving force in 2017, triumphing in nine rallies and recording 65 stage wins on his way to claiming both the junior championships on the UK mainland.
It is some achievement bearing in mind the youngster is still too young to drive on public roads!
He added: “It has been a special year - what I have achieved has been beyond my wildest dreams really.
“Both championships consist of eight rounds with scores from six of them counting towards your overall points tally.
“I won both championships with two rounds to spare against very strong competition, so that was very pleasing.
“I finished second in the Scottish Championship last year so it was great to go one better this year.
“I don’t think what I have done has quite sunk in yet “
Tindall is following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, who both took part in rallies as codrivers.
The youngster started out in karting a the age of eight, competing in the Honda cadet class, before moving up a gear to rallying when aged 14.
In his first season in the Scottish Junior Championships Tindall finished third overall and was best novice driver
In 2016 he went one better in the Scottish Championships with second spot alongside a third-place finish in the British Championship.
Next year he moves up to senior level and hopes to hit top gear again - but admits he needs cash backing to do so.
He said: “The £1,000 I won in Cologne will come in handy as I plan next year’s schedule.
“However, I need funding to be able to compete regularly and any help woud be appreciated.”
Anyone interested in backing Tindall can contact his dad Lee at Lee.Tindall@jci.com or by ringing 07739 763 447.