The Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge will enter a ‘new era’ this year, following confirmation that the series for Group N Lancer Evolutions, will run on the same events as the MSA British Rally Championship.

Furthermore with the BRC now excluding WRC cars, Group N4 cars will feature at the head of the field and therefore Evo Challenge competitors will have an opportunity to battle for the overall British title, as well as series honours.

A statement from the organisers added:

“We are confident that the 2006 Evo Challenge will offer its competitors the best ever value for money, with events boasting high-quality stages, an increased media profile and top-level competition.

“In addition, with the Championship’s launch event, BRC Live, at the start of the season and the Wales Rally GB featured as the grand finale, there will be more opportunities for team sponsors and media coverage.”

The Evolution Challenge will follow all six rounds of the new-look BRC, which features three asphalt and three gravel rallies. Furthermore Mitsubishi will continue to offer the winner of the series a fully-funded works drive.

“We are pleased to continue our offer of a works drive to the winner of this year’s Evolution Challenge,” said Paul Brigden, general manager for Mitsubishi Motors UK Ralliart. “We are excited about the prospect of our first year with the British Championship and are confident that the 2006 season will prove to be the series most competitive and high profile yet.”

2005 saw the season-long battle for the Evolution Challenge title go down to the eighth and final round, with Ryan Champion coming out on top. Welshman Stuart Jones finished second and won the PIAA junior award in the process, whilst Phillip Morrow ended his spectacular season in third place.

Organisers report that the series’ reputation, together with its new format has sparked a high number of enquiries, some coming from overseas competitors, including Scandinavia.

“We are very excited about the year ahead,” added Evo Challenge co-ordinator, Simon Slade. “The series is gaining in status year-on-year and from the enquiries we have received so far we hope to attract a number of leading competitors from both the UK and abroad.”

For competitors without International licences meanwhile - and for those not wishing to contest the BRC - subject to demand, Mitsubishi will also introduce the ‘Evolution Cup’. This new initiative will feature two series which will run a class in both the MSA National Gravel Championship and the UK Rallymasters Championship.

(this article was taken from CruzinCrew)

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