http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/70253
Martin and Reid enter Burns Memorial
By David Evans Wednesday, September 3rd 2008, 13:36 GMT
World Rally Championship stars Markko Martin and Robert Reid have been confirmed as an entry on the forthcoming Richard Burns Memorial Rally, where the pair will give the Subaru Impreza WRC2008 its competitive debut in Britain.
The September 13-14 event at RAF Marham, Norfolk, will have special significance for the Estonian and the Scot, both of whom were close friends of Burns, who died from a brain tumour in November 2005. Reid co-drove the Englishman to the 2001 World Rally Championship.
"I am really looking forward to taking part in the event," said Reid, who hasn't competed since he and Burns retired from the 2003 Catalunya Rally.
"Markko called me when he was thinking of entering the rally and said he would only do it if I would. I said yes straight away, which wrong-footed him because he said he'd spent ages thinking of ways to convince me to do it! Resistance was futile anyway because he wasn't going to take no for an answer, but I've made him pay for my licence!"
Reid added that he would not have considered a rally return with anybody but Martin.
"I've not even been in a rally car since the last time I competed with Richard, and Markko was the only person that could have persuaded me to get back in to the seat after all these years," he continued. "It will be strange for both of us, but being two very competitive individuals we'll be going out to win it of course.
"While it will be nice to be back in a WRC car I don't see this being a regular occurrence by any means. We just want to help the event raise as much money as possible for a really deserving cause."
The single-venue tarmac event on RAF Marham airfield is being organised by the Kings Lynn & District Motor Club (KLDMC) to raise money for the Richard Burns Foundation and RAF Benevolent Fund. The inspiration for the event was provided by Richard Burns' visit to RAF Marham in 2000 when he was taken for a flight in a Tornado fighter jet.
As well as a range of motorsport action there will be a host of other attractions laid on for fans throughout the two days - including a 'Party in the Park' on Saturday evening with live music and entertainment for competitors, service crews and marshals.
A series of fundraising initiatives will also take place over the weekend, including a Gala Dinner to be held in the Officers' Mess with RAF officials and passenger rides alongside Martin, which are available to buy at auction with bids starting at £1500.
Although there are only a few starting places remaining for competitors, spectator tickets priced at just £10 can be bought at
www.richardburnsmemorialrally.co.uk.
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