Jackson desperate to unlock star potential

After using his savings to purchase the ex-works Nissan Micra, a limited budget meant Jackson spent the majority of the summer holidays in the garage with a tin of paint and a cloth.

However, from humble beginnings impressive results have followed, with the former Aylesford School pupil gaining valuable experience by driving in the Formula 1000 Championship, Woodpecker Rally and Cambrian Rally.

Now Jackson is hoping to continue his development in the inaugural Super 100 BRC Stars of the Future Rally Championship which kicks off with the Bulldog Rally on April 2.

“To get an opportunity like this so early in my career is incredible.” said Jackson, who will be partnered in the championship by Jane Nicol. “It’s an opportunity I simply cannot miss. I am extremely determined to make my mark on the championship and progress on from there.”

Jackson, who is studying motorsport engineering at Coventry University, is currently converting the car to Super 1000 specification.

He has bought a new engine, which will give him around 120bhp from a one-litre engine and is upgrading the gearbox and braking system.

The transformation is not cheap, with Jackson using the money he earns from working at Sainsbury’s to help fund the overhaul.

The 18-year-old admits finding backers is proving particular difficult, but has come up with a novel approach to attract sponsorship.

“Obviously the current economic climate isn’t helping with trying to find some financial support. However the harder I try, the more chance I have,” he said.

“Sponsor a Star is a scheme where a person buys a star on the car. They can buy the star for an event, two events, the year or for however long they choose. Each person will then be able to put a message, company logo, number or whatever they choose in the star.”

With Sky Sports televising the championship in the week following the events, backers will benefit from increased media exposure.

However, Jackson fears the Bulldog Rally may come too soon for him to make the start line.

“The Bulldog bodes to be a very good event for us with my knowledge of the stages.

“And, due to the championship being debuted, the media attention is set to be massive.”

“As it stands the car will be built before the Bulldog but we will have no budget to run it.”

For more information regarding sponsoring Jackson for 2011, ring Jackson on 410321 or log on to www.matthewjacksonrallying.co.uk