This past weekend another round of the Honda Racing Junior Rally Championship was held in Rakvere, Estonia. The event consisted of seven special stages on gravel roads totalling 54km. In a close battle, the rally was won by Siim Plangi (18 years old) just 8.9 seconds ahead of Martin Kangur (17). Karl Kruuda (17), who also contends in the JWRC, was overall third.
The Honda Racing Junior Rally Championship is a unique mini rally series which is intended to promote and develop rally-sport among youngsters in Estonia. Held since 2008, it consist of a number of events throughout the season where drivers at least 14 years old are allowed to contest using two-wheel drive rally cars. There are three classes which are set on basis of the drivers’ age- juniors up to 16, 18 and 27 years old. Cars regardless of homologation are allowed and engine displacement is limited to 1600, 2000 and 3500cc respectively for the different classes. The special stages are similar to those of a regular rally, only shorter and selected with care to ensure safety. The juniors have an excellent introduction to the sport and the races have proven to be very competitive, often with very small winning margins.The series has been a start to many promising young drivers, many of whom have succeeded to Estonian Rally Championship and some also to JWRC and IRC.
The next (also this season’s last) race will be held on 6.-7. October in Haapsalu. More info http://www.autosport.ee/
Rakvere Honda Racing Junior Rally final results:
1. Siim Plangi – Marek Sarapuu (Honda Civic Type-R) 35:03,1
2. Martin Kangur – Silver Kütt (Honda Civic Type-R R3) +8,9
3. Karl Kruuda – Martin Järveoja (Honda Civic Type-R R3) +41,0
4. Sander Pärn – Ken Järveoja (Renault Clio R3) +41,4
5. David Sultanjants – Jaan Põldsepp (Honda Civic Type-R) +2:15,4
6. Oliver Ojaperv – Jarno Talve (Nissan Almera) +2:35,9
7. Simmo Arendi – Mart Ojaperv (Honda Civic Type-R)+3:48,6
8. Timo Heiskonen – Hendrik Kers (Honda Civic) +3:55,7
9. Sander Siniorg – Urmas Künstler (Toyota Yaris) +4:09,9
10. Karl Jalakas – Rainer Laipaik (VAZ 2105) +4:56,0
– Credit: Rasmus Vesiloo