2008 was a year of learning for rally driver Alick Kerr – but the 20 year-old is back with renewed vigour for 2009 as he looks to build on the experience gained last season.

The Bothwell-based driver returns in the Ford Fiesta ST with Aberdeenshire co-driver Drew Sturrock, and their season gets underway on Saturday 14 February on the Arnold Clark- Thistle Hotels Snowman Rally in Inverness.

After narrowly missing out on the Scottish Rally Championship’s junior title for the last two years, Kerr is determined to make it third time lucky as he heads out into the Scottish forests once again. This year, there’s extra incentive to shine, because SRC title sponsors Hankook have put up a fully-funded drive on an international rally for the top junior this year.

And with the award being decided by a panel of judges at the end of the season in order to level the playing field, Alick has as good a chance of taking the award as any other driver.

As well as honing his driving skills over the last year, foundry engineer Kerr has also been learning lots about the mechanical workings of his Ford Fiesta ST, and has been busy getting the car in shape for the upcoming season. “I’ve spent a weekend completely rebuilding the gearbox on the car,” explains the former 205 Ecosse Challenge champion. “Having a sound mechanical knowledge of the car is an important part of developing as a driver, so I’m looking to improve my abilities in the garage as well as on the stages.” Whilst Alick Kerr was right at the front of the junior field last season when things were going well, he is fully aware of the task ahead of him if he is to go one better and take the 2009 junior crown.

“Because there is such a big prize on offer this year, the competition among the junior drivers is going to be fierce,” Alick admits. “Any one of about ten drivers are in serious contention for winning the prize drive, and with skills away from the car counting just as much as the times on the stages, we’re going to work hard to give ourselves the best possible opportunity.” With one full season in the Fiesta ST already under their belts, Alick Kerr and Drew Sturrock aren’t stepping into the unknown when they enter the forests around Inverness on this year’s Snowman Rally.

There’s arguably never been a better time to be a young rally competitor in Scotland, and Kerr and Sturrock will be giving it their best shot this year as they look to stand out among the trees.

Further information on the team can be found at www.alickkerr.com