The rally champions of tomorrow celebrate their achievements at Casa

Release Date: 14th February 2012

The world’s only rally driving organisation for juniors, sponsored by Kick Energy drink, toasted the next generation of rally champions at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel this January.

Formula 1000 established the Junior Championship in 2009 and supports young people aged 14 and up to achieve their rallying goals. The organisation hosted this year’s gala dinner at Derbyshire’s highest AA rated 4 star hotel on Saturday 21^st January to celebrate the young drivers’ most successful season to date.

Chris Ingram, aged just 17 and his co-driver Michael Gilbey, aged 23 (co-drivers have to be adults) were awarded for an outstanding season, which included winning the Championship. Out of eight races this season they were 1st for six and on the podium for two.

Completing the season in a Citroen C1, Chris said:

“It’s been my dream to win the Championship and it’s an honour to be here at Casa tonight. A lot of effort went into winning this season.”

Chris will be competing in the British Rally Championship next year and will be racing alongside some of the greats, including Casa’s owner Steve Perez.

Mr Perez commented:

“I have been involved with Formula 1000 for many years. It’s great to see all the young drivers here tonight being celebrated for their achievements”.

Following the award ceremony, Tristan Dodd, Chairman of Formula 1000, said:

“There couldn’t have been a more perfect location from which to honour our young rally drivers, considering Steve Perez’s personal passion for rallying and the support he’s given Formula 1000 over the years through sponsorship with Kick Energy. The whole evening at Casa has been perfect from start to finish.”

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For further information on Casa Hotels call 01246 275302 or visit www.casahotels.co.uk

For further media information please contact Victoria Civil, PR & Marketing Coordinator on 01246 245 986 or email victoria.civil@casahotels.co.uk

Notes to Editor:

Formula 1000 Junior Championship

Formula 1000 Junior Championship is the only rally event in the world for juniors. More information can be found at: http://www.formula1000.co.uk

Casa Hotel

Conveniently located just off Junction 29 of the M1, Casa’s flexible facilities and approach to events allows it to cater to the specific needs of organisations looking to hold conferences or corporate events, as well as to those of people looking for a unique venue for a wedding or party.

Casa has 11 purpose-built conference rooms capable of seating from 2 people up to 280 people, with all meeting rooms including air conditioning, adjustable lighting (colour co-ordination available in the Barcelona suite), natural daylight, free high speed wireless broadband, conference telephone and breakout areas.

Facilities at Casa include:

•  AA 4* Hotel with 100 luxury bedrooms (including 6 suites, two with balcony hot tubs)  
• 11 Meeting rooms to cater up to 280 delegates
• Banqueting suite for approx 200 seated guests
• Gym
• 100 cover AA rosette Cocina Restaurant 
• Selection of bars
• Civil ceremony licence
• 200 free car parking spaces
• Complimentary high speed wireless broadband access throughout the hotel

96 deluxe bedrooms at Casa and each one features:

• Air conditioning
• Super King size beds
• Rainshowers
• 32″ Flatscreen televisions
• Wi Fi
• Floor to ceiling windows
• Laptop safes
• Mini fridge stocked with fresh milk and water

There are six suites at Casa and in addition to the features in the Deluxe Bedrooms they offer:

• Dining area / Lounge area
• Dressing area
• Separate shower cubicle
• Double sinks
• Jacuzzi bath (with Television)
• Super King beds
• Balconies (2 with hot tubs)