THE 2300 Club of Blackburn has announced the details of the 2014 John Easson Award for young rally drivers.

First run in 2004, the award is named after rally driver John Easson, a regular rally competitor and a generous supporter of the 2300 Club before tragically losing his life in an air accident in 1999.

For 2014, the award will feature some changes to once again ensure a successful format of assisting a young British competitor with financial support, and maintain its place as the UK’s number one free-to-enter cash prize rally award.

Former winners include Blackburn’s Phil Scholes.

Award scheme manager Allan Durham said: “The award is open to drivers and new for this year we also welcome applications from co- drivers.

“Individuals from all disciplines of rallying are eligible to enter, and a junior driver or co-driver has just as much chance of being chosen for the award as an experienced competitor.

“The prize is worth a total of £4,000 cash to the selected applicant – a huge reward for only a little effort and absolutely no cost.”

The £4,000 prize fund will be used to pay entry fees for a selection of rallies the winning applicant takes part in during the 2015 season.

The final selection process will see the top three applicants for the award being invited to an informal interview with a panel, who will decide the overall winner.

The award is free to enter and open to all drivers or co-drivers who are under 25 on the closing date of November 30, are resident in the British Isles including Northern Ireland and are the holder of a MSA competition licences up to National A.

Drivers who wish to enter should send the following details as a minimum:

* A current motorsport CV outlining experience and results to date.

* Video footage from a rally or test session from OUTSIDE the car; ie spectator or TV footage, not in or on car footage.

* A covering letter explaining why the panel should select them as winner and their aims for their future in rallying.

* A reference letter from any third party.

Entries should be sent to Allan Durham, C/o Pro-Tec Motorsport, Unit 6, Clifton Business Park, Preston New Road, Clifton, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 0XQ.