Teenager Nathan Heathcote will be making his debut in the Swift Sport Rallycross when it heads to Pembrey this weekend.

The 17-year-old from Pluckley will be behind the wheel of the Suzuki Swift usually piloted by X Games Gold Medallist Liam Doran.

The decision to race in Rallycross came when Nathan was at the FIA World Rallycross Championship around the paddock.

Previously having followed the ultra-competitive karting route into motorsport, an afternoon spent wandering the paddock at Lydden Hill Race Circuit, talking to teams and drivers, Heathcote realised this was a sport he wanted in on.

Joining the championship for Round Four at Pembrey Race Circuit on Sunday 27^th July, Heathcote will be under the wing of the reigning Swift Sport Champion Graham Rodemark.

Speaking about the opportunity to race this weekend, Nathan said: “I can’t wait to get out there and have a go at Rallycross after watching it at Lydden. This is an amazing opportunity driving Liam Doran’s Swift and to have Graham Rodemark looking after me.

“Being in the prize money would be nice but I have a lot to learn.  Will go out there and give it my best, just hope Graham does a good job with the car.”

Liam was delighted to be able help Nathan realise his goal and get behind the wheel and race in Rallycross in his Swift.

He said: “Nathan was buzzing when he came to Lydden Hill for the WorldRX.  At seventeen you just want to get out there and race at every opportunity, chasing the next adrenaline rush, and Rallycross gives you that for sure.

“That’s why I offered him the use of my Swift.   It doesn’t get much closer racing than with those guys.  Mixing it with the likes of Graham and Tristan will make a driver of him; they’ve certainly given me a run for my money in the past!”