BUDDING motorsport competitors can start their career even earlier thanks to a lowering of age limits by the sport's governing body.

The RAC Motor Sports Association have introduced the following new rules in a bid to encourage more young people to participate:

Road rally navigator: 12 years old; stage rally navigator: 16; production car trial passenger: 12; production car trial driver: 15; autotest driver: 16; production car autotest driver: 14; and hillclimb driver: 16.

"It means that youngsters can legally compete, and gain valuable experience at handling cars before reaching 17 and taking to the public roads. And it's great fun," said Neil Bye, spokesman for Pendle and district motor club.

Phil Boland will be the guest speaker at the club's next meeting.

Former co-driver to the late Henri Toivonen, Boland -owner of Boland Motorsport in Barnoldswick - runs a Puma and Escort in the British Rally Championship on behalf of the Ford factory team.

The meeting starts at 8pm on Tuesday, September 28 at Earby Cricket Club, Cowgill Street.

Information on Pendle DMC can be found on their website at: www.pdmc.clara.net

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