Armstrong’s seeking sponsorship boost

JON Armstrong is eager to go one better in 2022 and clinch the Junior World Championship title but in order to do so he needs some financial assistance in order to put together the budget to compete in the series.

Last year, under the Codemasters DiRT Rally Team banner, Armstrong and co-driver Phil Hall finished second overall in the Championship behind winner, Finland’s Sami Pajari.

The talented Kesh native won the opening round in Croatia, excelled in Portugal before the engine of his Rally4 Ford Fiesta gave up the ghost, earned a podium in Estonia and won in Belgium to force a title shoot-out in Spain.

Unfortunately, two minor mistakes were punished harshly during the final round of the series and he finished fourth that weekend and second overall.

He had hoped to have his plans for 2022 cemented by this stage, but in order to compete in the Junior WRC, starting next month in Sweden, he needs additional financial support in place by tomorrow (Friday).

“I’ve been trying hard to get things in place, but it’s getting a bit desperate now,” exclaimed the 26-year-old, who feels potential suitors assumed Codemasters would remain on board as sole sponsors in 2022, but that’s not the case.

He continued: “I was so grateful for Codemasters support last year and I’m delighted they will be behind me again in 2022, but I still need to raise the remaining budget to secure a spot in the Championship.

” I’ve been talking to other people to try to get something sorted. It’s frustrating but if I didn’t try I wouldn’t feel to good about it.”

After last year’s near miss, Armstrong is confident that even though the series has switched from two to four-wheel-drive Rally3 Ford Fiestas, he could mount another title challenge.

“For sure, from last year the pace was really good but this year we’re changing to the Rally3 cars so it might be more difficult to get on the pace but I’m sure I can do it,” he added.

Last weekend, Armstrong whetted his appetite for a return to the World stage by helping Sean Johnston and Alex Kihurani create their pace notes for Rallye Monte Carlo.

If you’re interested in helping Jon, contact him via his Social Media channels.