Palletforce puts John on the right track

RALLY driver John MacCrone backed by Palletforce has won praise for a battling performance in his first race of the season.

John, who is sponsored by the UKs leading palletised distribution network, finished third in his class in The Bulldog Rally of North Wales after a puncture damaged his chances.

Palletforces Sales and Marketing Director Dave Holland said they believed John was a true star in motorsport and not just in Rally Team Scotland.

This is a great opportunity for John to become one of the biggest stars in the sport, he said.

Everyone at Palletforce believes he has what it takes to make it to the top and he has our full support.

Now, with Rally Team Scotland, he can receive all the guidance he needs to build on his astounding natural ability behind the wheel.

Rally Team Scotland is a new initiative aimed at nurturing young talent and turning them into stars of the future. John, 20, signed to the team thanks to the support of Palletforce.

During the weekends race, John drove into trouble in stage two, hitting a rock and puncturing the left front tyre.

The Isle of Mull-based driver had further drama when the car fell off the jack as he and co-driver Stuart Louden were changing the wheel. The incident cost them over 12 minutes and with it any chance of victory for John on his debut.

Despite the setbacks John still performed well in his first drive in a left-hand-drive car.

Rally Team Scotland is led by former rally professional Richard Moore and will provide a three-year development plan for drivers that includes a training and support programme.

John is one of Britains most talented young rally drivers, claiming the Scottish Junior Championship, the 205 Ecosse Challenge and Scottish Junior Class 3 title last year.

This year he is competing in the British Rally Championship in the teams JP Motorsport-prepared Ford Fiesta R2s.

Ive got a great team behind me which is committed to backing young Scottish drivers so this is a great opportunity, said John.

Dave added: We have backed John from the beginning of his career in his Peugeot 205, which won him the championship last year.

The partnership shows Palletforces commitment to supporting young British talent in motor sport, which is of great interest to the company.

Its a fantastic partnership for both of us and hopefully weve put John on the road to success.

He has rewarded our faith in him with his rapid rise to the top which has benefited the Palletforce brand. We are sure that success is going to continue with Rally Team Scotland and look forward to backing John in the 2010 season.