Nikara keen on Cyprus IRC heroics

Exciting Finnish talent Jarkko Nikara is planning more Intercontinental Rally Challenge heroics when he makes his Cyprus Rally debut this week.

The 26-year-old won the showroom category on Rally San Marino back in July and was setting stunning stage times on Barum Czech Rally Zlín in September before crashing out, a performance that earned him the prestigious Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy.

Nikara now has his sights set on another strong showing on the final round of the IRC Production Cup from 2-4 November.

“I’m going to be fighting to win the IRC Production Cup,” said Nikara. “Our plan to keep the pace I had on the last rounds but the aim is to get to the finish and get as much experience as possible.”

Nikara and Tommi Mäkinen Racing team-mate Toshi Arai are both due to sample their Yokohama-shod Subaru Impreza R4 STIs during a test in Cyprus today (Tuesday). Arai won the inaugural IRC Production Cup 2011 but is out of contention for this year’s award.