New Awards for Rally GB in memory of Burns, Park.

The organisers of the Wales Rally GB have announced that two new awards will be handed out at the conclusion of the event later this year, the final round in the 2006 FIA World Rally Championship, in memory of Richard Burns and Michael Park, both of whom passed away last year.

The awards will go to upcoming British rally stars, those competing in FIA priority 1 or 2 cars will not be eligible.

"The Richard Burns Trophy and a cheque for ?1,000 will go to the highest placed British junior driver in the overall classification who holds a UK and Northern Ireland passport, a competition licence issued by the Motor Sports Association and was born on or after 1st January 1981," read a statement from the organisers.

"The Michael Park Trophy will go to the highest placed British junior co-driver in overall classification who holds a UK and Northern Ireland passport, a competition licence issued by the Motor Sports Association and was born on or after 1st January 1981."

"On behalf of Wales Rally GB we are delighted to include these two new annual awards," said Andrew Coe, chief executive of International Motor Sport [IMS] and organiser of Wales Rally GB. "In recognising the tremendous contribution which both Richard and Michael made to our sport we hope that these awards will inspire young British drivers and co-drivers to achieve their own goals within rallying by adopting the same determination and professionalism which made Richard and Michael so successful."

"Wales Rally GB wanted to do something to commemorate Richard and Beef. They already had a young drivers' award which was unnamed so with my Richard Burns Foundation hat on it made sense to create a co-drivers award to go alongside it and name it after the boys," added Robert Reid, who partnered Richard Burns throughout his career. "Competitors in the Junior, Production and British Rally Championship classes are all eligible for the awards. It is in the spirit of what Richard and Beef would have supported themselves."

The organisers have also reiterated that their will again be reduced entry fees for amateur drivers in capacity classes N1 and A5, a scheme that was first introduced in 2005 and confirmed again earlier this year.

The event capacity meanwhile has been increased from 120 to 150 cars, with a guaranteed acceptance of entry for the first 40 amateur drivers - irrespective of age or nationality - who submit a completed entry form and the appropriate entry fee.

Entries close on Wednesday October 25. The complete entry list is scheduled for publication on Wednesday November 1, subject to FIA approval.