27/01/2026
Promising speedster Jay Harrison shows strong pace ahead of first season
The ultra-competitive world of junior rallying has produced numerous drivers who have gone on to dominate the adult ranks, and it’s widely recognised that having family connections is an advantage; a father or relative who competes gives a youngster experience of seeing, being seen and making useful contacts before they turn a wheel in anger.
However, 13-year-old Jay Harrison is bucking the trend as he prepares to launch into his first competitive season. The Essex-based youngster has no past connections with rallying other than a love of cars. However, he has substituted a healthy dose of determination, driving ability and a never-say-die attitude to succeed. Before he has even crossed the start line of his first rally, Jay has built an enviable reputation for fast, tidy driving on multiple surfaces. Using Langley Park Rally School as a showcase for his prodigious talent, Jay has already attracted attention from the sport’s top echelons, including being coached by former British Rally Champion, Osian Pryce.
Jay’s journey began when, as a toddler, he developed a love of Hot Wheels. The popular toy cars enthralled him and, with his interest in cars well and truly stoked, Jay accompanied his mum, Emma, to a rally experience day at Langley Park. Here, she learnt about their driving days for juniors (under-16s), so bought Jay a driving lesson for his eighth birthday in 2020.
Jay’s debut drive was in a dual control Toyota Aygo. The Langley Park instructors realised he was a natural and he quickly progressed to the school’s rally cars; first, a 1600cc Suzuki Swift Cup car before moving to a Ford Es**rt Mk2 and most recently, a Ford Sierra 4WD.
At this point, enter Tom Clark, Langley Park Rally School’s Director and head of training. Recognising the youngster’s talent, Tom – who came up through the Junior rallying ranks in Latvia, where you can compete from age 14 - took Jay under his wing. “We made sure Jay drives with all our instructors, to get as much seat time and work with as many people as possible. We’re all impressed not only with his natural talent, but his dedication to training. He began during school holidays but now comes weekly; he’s determined to learn as much about rallying as possible” says Tom. Jay has also had tuition from former British Rally Champion, Osian Pryce. “it’s always a pleasure to coach young talent, they always have their eyes and ears open, ready to absorb every bit of vital information,” says Osian.
A trip last year to Ice Drive Sweden proved to be great for learning. Jay explained “I found that driving on snow has a lot in common with dirt, but it’s a little slower, so you get extra time to predict what is going to happen. It (Sweden) was so much fun because I got loads of seat time in a variety of cars, from a front-wheel drive FWD Fiesta to a 4WD Subaru Forester. I can’t thank the instructors and everyone out there enough.”
Having taken part in a 24-Hour Drive-a-thon at the school last September, where he raised over £1100 for charity, Jay is firmly focussed on his competitive debut at the Kath Curzon Memorial Stages, at Pembrey in March. He will drive a 1-litre Peugeot 107 and will be co-driven by Alaistair Wyllie. “It’s great for my confidence to have Alaistair alongside me,” says Jay. “He is a long-time family friend and also an instructor at Langley Park.”
Wherever this young man’s prodigious talent for driving takes him in the future, he is certain to receive a warm welcome into the rallying family and will be a force to be reckoned with.
Writer: Ian Harden
