Q&A with Guy Wilks
Following Subaru team principal David Richards' announcement that he wants to have British driver competing in the factory team again soon, British Rally champion Guy Wilks has set his mind to gaining that seat. Here the 27-year-old explains how he intends to gather the financial backing and what he thinks he can achieve if he does
Q. This is a busy time for you isn't it?
Guy Wilks: Tell me about it. I'm in Russia at the moment, competing on Rally Russia this weekend in a Jas Motorsport Honda. I fly home and straight into Goodwood for the launch of the Guy Wilks 500 Club and then straight out again for the Manx round of the British Rally Championship. I'm back from there for a couple of days and then it's out to Finland for Rally Finland.
Q. Explain the Guy Wilks 500 Club?
GW: I've been lucky enough to have a lot of good sponsors and some good drives in the past, but at the moment, it seems the only way to get into the right seat is to come with some finance. This is a way of raising the finance, but making sure everybody gets value for money.
Q. How does the 500 Club work?
GW: There are two ways: the investment side and the sponsorship or advertising side.
Q. What's the difference?
GW: The investment is 500 shares at £2,000 per share. For this, investors will buy a piece of my future earnings. The other side is a £500-plus donation, for which an individual, motor club or company can have their name on the special Union Flag we're having made to use as a backdrop for media interviews. On top of that, they would also be entered in the prize draw to win a Subaru Impreza WRX road car, a trip to a round of the World Rally Championship or the chance to come on a test and go for a ride in the rally car.
Q. What will you use the money for?
GW: Subaru's David Richards has talked about wanting a Brit back in his team in the near future. I want to be that Brit, but, like I said, you have to come with finance. The money would put me in the third seat at Subaru next season.
Q. How do you think you'd fare?
GW: Well, in years gone by, when we were in Junior cars, I've beaten the likes of Urmo Aava, Dani Sordo, Jari-Matti Latvala and P-G Andersson. I think, given some more time in a World Rally Car, I think I could do that again. I'm not saying everything will happen overnight, but certainly I would see myself being in a position to win rallies in year two.
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