FOURTEEN-TIME European champion Kenneth Hanson has personally invited Junior British Rallycross competitor Charlie Bean to compete in the FIA European Rallycross Championship.

The Northallerton racer, 15, was "over the moon" to find out that the Citreon team boss had called his father with the invite to race in the all new JRX (Junior Rallycross) category.

Hansen made contact with Charlie's father Johny Bean highlighting an interest in Charlie's British campaigns. He then offered his son the chance to race a full specification 4WD JRX car at round six in Sweden on July 6/7 of the newly reformed FIA endorsed series.

Bean is only in his second season of British Rallycross in the Junior Swift category but has already landed the GP title and finished last year's championship in second place.

"I regularly race against Kevin Hansen, Kenneth's youngest son, in the British Championship and we have become good friends as a result, it would be great to challenge him at his home circuits," said Charlie.

Johny has admitted feeling humbled that his son has this opportunity and believes he deserves a shot.

"His race craft has improved so much since he started racing in March last year that he has now gained the confidence he needs to actually win races and this is only the beginning for Charlie.

"It's not often that kids get the breaks they deserve these days but it's so important to recognise fresh talent to help keep Rallycross in a growing trend.

"I'm personally involved with the development of the British Junior Rallycross Academy and we have received so much support to help all of the youngsters progress through the ranks and hopefully one day enjoy payday as a professional driver.

"You only have to look at the likes of Liam Doran and Andrew Jordan, both of these guys started as Junior Rallycross drivers and are now extremely talented motorsport professionals capable of winning any major title.

"I have temporarily stood down from my own British Rallycross championship campaign to allow for funds to help him further, sadly it's not quite enough and we would welcome any help, no matter how small, to realise a dream for both him and me."

The Swedish event is one of the stand-out competitions of the season. It will see over 27,000 spectators descend on the Holjes circuit as well as a wealth of world class talent. The two day racing festival has been labelled as 'The Magic Weekend' due to the footprint it has left on the history of the European Rallycross tour.

Series promoter IMG are currently putting the rebranded championship, RallycrossRX, through a major transformation.

They have also attracted the likes of American superstars Brian Deegan, Tanner Foust and also Norwegian former World Rally champion Petter Solberg, who is currently sitting in fifth place overall, in what is being described as one of the most competitive and toughest championship for years.

Charlie is also making an appeal to potential sponsers to allow him to continue his progression to the next level in Rallycross and is inviting any companies, local or otherwise, to offer investment which will allow him to compete at the highest level.

"I have secured some funding to help make this happen but we still have a way to go so I'm appealing to any businesses or supporters to make a donation to help make an ultimate dream come true.

"In return there will be a huge amount of publicity as well as the live TV coverage, media presence and masses of RX fans; we also will be pushing a planned promotional campaign.

"I'm really hopeful that potential investors will come forward so that I can prove to them the value of sponsorship in European Rallycross."

Anyone wishing to discuss sponsorship opportunities can contact Johny Bean by emailing JB@CJBMotorsport.com or by telephoning 07907 375663. Further information is available at RallycrossRX.com.