First snow rally for Eamonn Kelly in Lapland
Frosses driver Eamonn Kelly was in Lapland in preparation for the first round of the FIA Junior WRC
Eamonn Kelly competed in his first snow rally at the weekend.
The Frosses driver, who is to take part in the FIA Junior WRC series in 2023, was at the Arctic Lapland Rally.
Kelly finished 18th overall and was fifth in the SM2 category,
“What an experience,” Kelly said.
“As a first snow rally, it was as deep end as you could go. It was vital that I used every mile and picked up as much confidence before Sweden as possible, which we accomplished, learning so much.”
Kelly will have regular co-driver Conor Mohan in tow when he takes on Rally Sweden's snow and ice from February 9-12.
The 24-year-old will be behind the wheel of a four-wheel-drive M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally3 in the one-make championship.
The 2022 Junior British Rally champion said: "I believe it is the best place for me to go to further myself and my rallying career.
"It is a hugely exciting challenge with a lot of firsts - I can't wait. The past two years of my rally career have been very positive with good success, so I feel the time is right to make a jump like this."