Callum Black and Jack Morton will defend their Motorsport UK Protyre Asphalt Championship overall driver and co-driver titles this year, as they contest the series in their Pallas Connections-backed Ford Fiesta Rally2.
Even though it had been over 10 years since Callum last rallied on asphalt, the 586 Sports driver finished the season as the only one to win more than one round last year – with his four victories on the Manx National (Day 2), Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally and both days of the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion helping him to an 11-points title win.
And it’s not just his recent asphalt experience that will put him in good stead this year, as his Fiesta will be fitted with new upgrades from M-Sport and he’ll swap to Michelin tyres in 2024 as well.
Winning back-to-back BTRDA titles won’t be easy, however, for the 2024 Protyre Asphalt Championship has received a magnificent entry including several drivers who will be aiming for the coveted overall drivers’ title – including the 2022 champion Steve Wood (Citroën C3 Rally2), twice Protyre Asphalt runner-up Neil Roskell (ND Civils/Burdens/Witham Motorsport Ford Fiesta Rally2) and series frontrunners Mark Kelly (Kelmore Škoda Fabia R5), John Stone (Legend Fires Volkswagen Polo GTI R5), Hugh Hunter (Fiesta Rally2) and Hugh Brunton (Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo).
“I’m really looking forward to another year in the Protyre Asphalt Championship, and Jack [Morton] and I will be looking to defend our crown,” says Callum.
“We really enjoyed 2023. Every rally was a challenge, and we can look back at each of them with fond memories.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on them, with the experience we can take from last year. We learn so much along the way and it’s reassuring to have a good set of pace notes and that little more knowledge of each event.
“I used the Mewla as a test event last year which bodes well with Epynt returning this year and the 3 Shires looks like a great event – probably one that will turn out to be our most local on reflection, so that’ll be nice!
“The North West Stages looks like it’s going to be great and it’s going to be a super competitive rally, which will be a great benchmark.
“If we can recreate our pace on the Manx and Argyll and take it to the next level, I’ll be delighted as I’m sure everyone else around us will jump up in pace too.
“We’ve got some upgrades coming for the Fiesta from M-Sport later this month, which is encouraging.
“It adds to what is already a very special car and I’ve got some mileage under my belt from 2023 on asphalt to be able to move in the direction I desire with regards to different set ups.
“We are also moving over to Michelin which I think should help, particularly on some of the rallies where the weather is more changeable over longer loops.
“I was really impressed with how slick and well run the Protyre Asphalt Championship was last year.
“On event and off event, the organisation, communication between the events and organisers was transparent and made it all enjoyable. I love the atmosphere between the crews and I’m looking forward to being a part of it all again.
“The plan is to dovetail our campaign with BRC events, some of which double up which is nice.
“I’m also getting married in June, so no doubt that and the stag do will take some recovery – it’s the week before the Manx so that should be interesting!”
The opening round of the Legend Fires North West Stages (22/23 March) and Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship regulations, entry forms and more information is available at: asphaltrallying.com.
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