Motorsport UK is inviting applicants to represent the nation in the 2023 FIA Cross Car Academy Trophy, an international championship for aspiring dirt and off-road racers between 13 and 16 years old. 

The series features 20 identical Cross Car chassis, run centrally by manufacturer LifeLive and built to the FIA’s latest safety requirements. 

Competitors are randomly allocated a chassis for the duration of the season, with the electronic control unit (ECU) rotated randomly between drivers at each round. Cars are powered by a Yamaha MT07 engine, with a maximum output of 75 BHP.  

Weighing in at just 345kg, the power-to-weight ratio of these pocket rockets makes them the ideal learning platform for aspiring off-road stars of the future. 

Starting in June 2023, the calendar takes in five of Europe’s premier off-road venues: 

• Round 1 – Matschenberg, GER, 24-25 June 
• Round 2 – St Georges, FRA, 22-23 July 
• Round 3 – Prerov, CZE, 19-20 August 
• Round 4 – Maggiora, ITA, 23-24 September 
• Round 5 – Mollerussa, ESP, 7-8 October 

Each event is formed of a two-lap warm-up, two qualifying practice sessions, three heats, semi-finals and the final, with a podium and the official prize giving at each event to follow. 

The series features a prize pot and a complimentary day of coaching with World Rally Championship superstar Thierry Neuville to the top three drivers overall, with individual cash prizes also provided to the top ten finishers in each race. 

“This is a really exciting opportunity for drivers serious about progressing in dirt and off-road racing,” said Katie Baldwin, Motorsport UK Competitors Pathway Manager.

“Cross Car is still an emerging discipline in the sport, but represents a great platform for drivers looking to go into a range of other categories – rallying, rallycross, dirt racing – to showcase their skills and develop alongside the best drivers on the continent. 

“The cars themselves are well-suited to driver development, and as we’ve seen recently at the FIA Motorsport Games, produce fantastic, close-quarters racing out on track.” 

Further information is available on the event website here – https://www.xcacademytrophy.com/.  

Drivers interested in representing Motorsport UK in the 2023 FIA Cross Car Academy Trophy should email academy@motorsportuk.org in the first instance to express their interest.