Colin McRae's co-driver Derek Ringer gets back in the seat

Derek Ringer, one of Britain’s most successful world championship co-drivers, is to try out a partnership with American Motocross star Travis Pastrana at the forthcoming 100 Acre Wood Rally in Missouri.

Ringer, 51, was a regular world championship competitor alongside Colin McRae between 1987 and 1996, then entered occasional world events with Martin Rowe and Katsu Taguchi before renewing his partnership with McRae in 2002 and 2003.

Most importantly, he was world champion with Colin in 1995 and three times British champion co-driver.

This is to be an initial event for 24 year old Pastrana and
Ringer. "If we decide to do more [events] together, then I hope I can help him to reach his full potential", Derek said.

Travis' earlier co-driver was Christian Edstrom, who has announced a sabbatical from rallying to focus on his career and family. Subaru Rally Team USA, for whom Pastrana drives, has entered the 2008 FIA Production Car World Championship and will start its six round campaign in Argentina.