Jan Kopecký has become one of the main competitors in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge over the past three years – incredibly finishing as the championship runner-up three times in a row.
It would have been hard for Kopecký to avoid a career in motor sport as both his father and his grandfather were successful racing drivers. After making a debut in cars at the age of 11, he swapped to touring cars early on, winning the Octavia Cup in 2001.
But it was his 2002 switch to rallying that put Kopecký firmly into his element. He has continued to spend much of his career in Skoda machinery, winning three WRC special stages in 2006 before he came into his own in the IRC.
In 2011 Kopecký took six IRC podiums including two victories as part of another sustained championship bid. Such form has earned the Czech driver an invitation to make his ROC debut in 2011.
Career Highlights
- Runner-up in the IRC in 2009, 2010 and 2011
- Winner of three WRC special stages in 2006
- 2004 Czech Rally Champion
Other Achievements
2009: Took first IRC victories at Rally Principe de Asturias and Czech Rally
2001: Victory in racing’s Octavia Cup
2000: Czech Group A Rally Sprint Champion
The Race of Champions Highlights
2011 will be Jan’s first appearance at the Race Of Champions