Competitors competing in cars of up to 1400cc should get a boost in 2007, following the creation of the '1400 Rally Club', which is dedicated to drivers, co-drivers and fans of the 'tiny pocket rockets'.

"The aim of the new motor club, to be run in affiliation with a number of regional associations will be to ensure that 'our' competitors have the best possible deals to compete on events," read a statement from the organisers.

Despite the club only recently having been created it has been in the pipeline for nearly a year, but with the busy rallying commitments of its founding members the concept remained an idea until the end of the 2006 season.

It has already attracted a lot of interest though, with a vast number of competitors having signed up. Although top names such as David Bogie, Julian Wilkes, Gary Barlow and the such have registered, club co-founder Nick Thornton was quick to emphasise that the new club had all of the 'up to 1400' competitors best interests at heart.

“We have already had a very positive response from the F1000 competitors as well as some people new to 1400cc rallying, who have been drawn into it by our friendly nature and passion for the sport,” he noted.

Although not running a championship as such in 2007 the club will be supporting its members with awards when they are out competing on events during the 2007 season.

Peter Grant, one of the founders, was also quick to squash rumours that events that run under the BTRDA banner were in danger of having depleted entry lists: “After our members, our main priority is to support the rallies which have supported us for so long and as such we will continue to encourage our competitors to support these events in any way possible,” he added.

The 1400 Rally Club is currently said to be in talks with a number of prospective companies about their support for their members during the coming season and official announcements will be made soon. For more information go to: www.rally1400.co.uk.