Claire backs Wales Rally GB (From Penarth Times)

Claire backs Wales Rally GB

PENARTH rally driver Claire Donovan is to officially support the Wales Rally GB in the run-up to the World Rally Championship event in Cardiff (September 15-18).

Claire and her Wales Rally GB liveried Mitsubishi rally car will attend a range of events across the country promoting Motorsport in Wales, and also Claire's own rally sponsorship scheme The Square Deal.

The distinctive black and white chequered Mitsubishi Lancer E7 car has already been spotted around South Wales, and was last seen surrounded by the local constabulary at the South Wales Police Open Day!

Claire and the car will also be on display on the Wales Tourist Board Pavilion at the Royal Welsh Show next week (July 18 to 21) and then again at the Castle Coombe Rally Superday on Saturday, August 13.

Competition this year for Claire, from Penarth, the reigning 2004 Rallysport Challenge Production Class Champion, will start later on in the season on some European tarmac events.

For the moment, all efforts are concentrated on the Square Deal sponsorship scheme which sees all of the individual squares on the rally car available for sponsors at 250 a time.

In the week of the Wales Rally GB, a prize draw will be held for the sponsors, with the lucky winner receiving a Smart Car as a thank you for their support.

Two runners-up will receive motorsport goody bags. Visit www.evo-rally.com to join the sponsorship scheme or contact Claire@evo-rally.com

The Square Deal has already received high profile international interest, with Matador Tyres UK and 76 Racing Fuels confirming backing as part of the scheme.

Local participants include Penarth's Uppercrust Cafe and Sandwich Bar, Delta Property Cardiff, Barry's A and J Motors, Fairfield Motorsport Travel and Pat Jerome Car Care.

Claire said: "I am delighted with the early response to the new scheme, which hopefully offers something a little different for sponsors, and I'm really looking forward to filling the squares on the car with names and giving away a smart car to one lucky sponsor!

"I'm very happy to help promote motorsport in Wales, as I think it's fantastic for us to host the UK round of the World Rally Championship.

"We definitely offer facilities that equal the best in the world and I'm really proud to help raise awareness of the rally and for the first time see a rally special stage take place in the Millennium Stadium - the atmosphere for that will be incredible!

"I also need to thank the Wales Rally GB management team, who are willing to offer a local driver like me these sorts of promotional opportunities to help with my own rallying."