Young Driver Programmes
MI Rally Academy
The Academy was established in 2019 to provide promising young drivers with a pathway from the junior rallying ranks through to competing at World Rally Championship (WRC) level.
Those eligible to enter the high-performance academy were chosen from the Billy Coleman Award nominees.
In September 2019 following a large selection process, Co-Drivers/navigators were included in the umbrella of the MI Rally Academy.
Drivers and navigators who are part of the Academy will undergo a rigorous training programme to develop their skills and discipline and move them up through the various competitive classes in Irish rallying through to the highest levels of the sport internationally.
The Sexton Trophy for
Young Racing Driver of the Year
The Motorsport Ireland Young Racing Driver of the Year award and the historic Sexton Trophy are presented to the individual who has demonstrated the most potential to represent Ireland at home and internationally both on the track as well as in the public eye. The winner receives a €50,000 support package to help develop their motor racing career.
Billy Coleman presenting the 2023 edition of the award to Jack Brennan
The Billy Coleman Award for
Young Rally Driver of the Year
The award was created in 2000 to help young Irish Rally Drivers take the next step into international rallying and emulate the achievements of Billy Coleman.
The first recipient, Rory Galligan (RIP), certainly fulfilled that ambition and competed as a “works” driver for Peugeot and Mitsubishi. Many subsequent winners have achieved International success at British Rally Championship (BRC), European Rally Championship (ERC), Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) and now at the top level, World Rally Championship (WRC).
Sport Ireland fully recognises motorsport and is a partner in the award scheme ensuring a much improved package and giving the award higher status. Motor clubs running rallies under a national permit contribute to this initiative. The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy which is funded by the Team Ireland foundation will provide additional Training and Development support thanks to the philanthropic donations received from friends of the sport.