Guy withdraws from shootout

Guy Wilks has withdrawn from the Pirelli Star Driver competition. The newly-crowned British Rally Champion was the first of six finalists to be selected for the shootout to win a fully-funded drive in the 2008 British Rally Championship.

But Guy has pulled out to ensure one of the five remaining finalists - George Thomas, Darren Gass, Philip Morrow, James Wozencroft and Matt Beebe - get the same chance that he has enjoyed this year.

Guy said: “The prize is fantastic. Just think ... a free drive in Britain's No1 rally series, the British Rally Championship! Pirelli should be applauded for investing so heavily in British rallying.

“I was delighted to win the Pirelli yellow jersey on the Pirelli Rally back in April as it meant there was always an option for me for next year.

“But because of other opportunities I am now working on, I’d like to see the other five guys battling it out for the prize for themselves and have the same opportunity that I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy with Mitsubishi in the BRC this year.

“I will still be attending the shootout to show my support to the Pirelli Star Driver scheme and offer any help that I can.

“It will be nice to share the experience with them.”

The Pirelli Star Driver Final takes place in Cumbria on Wednesday and Thursday.