Chris Atkinson

Chris Atkinson (born 30 November 1979 in Bega, New South Wales, Australia) is a professional rally driver. In the WRC (World Rally Championship), he drove for the Subaru World Rally Team from 2004 to 2008. His best finish on an individual WRC event is second, which he achieved at the 2008 Rally México and Rally Argentina. Other podium placings include third-place finishes at the 2005 Rally Japan and the 2008 Monte Carlo Rally.

Atkinson drives for Team MRF, and competed in the 2012 Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and made a guest appearance in the World Rally Championship. Atkinson won the 2012 Asia Pacific Rally Championship.

On 16 August 2012, it was announced that Atkinson would be the number one driver for the WRC Team Mini Portugal outfit for the last five races of the 2012 WRC season.

Early career

Prior to his motorsport career, Atkinson had a career as a stockbroker. He graduated at Bond University in commerce, majoring in finance and accounting in 1999 after receiving an academic scholarship for studies. Atkinson was a co-driver for his brother Ben, but after attending a rally school with his brother, the pair swapped positions, scoring a class win and third overall. Currently, his brother Ben Atkinson is a co-driver for Cody Crocker in APRC.

Chris Atkinson (footballer)

Christopher Roy "Chris" Atkinson (born 13 February 1992 in Halifax, West Yorkshire) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for League One side Crewe Alexandra .

Playing career

Huddersfield Town

Halifax-born Atkinson originally joined Huddersfield Town's Academy as a seven-year-old, having played for local junior side Warley Rangers. In 2008, Atkinson joined the club's academy as a scholars. A key member of the youth and reserve sides in the 2009–10 season, he made the step up to the first team in 2010–11 with a two-year professional contract and manager Lee Clark spoke of his admiration for the youngster during pre-season.

He made his début for the Terriers as a substitute in the 6–0 win over Macclesfield Town in the FA Cup at the Galpharm Stadium on 27 November 2010. Though he made one appearance so far for the club, Manager Clark insists Atkinson will be staying at the club beyond the season after ruling him out to go on loan for first team experience. He made his league debut in the 1–1 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge at The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Stadium on 22 February 2011. After making two appearance, Atkinson signed a new contract with the club, keeping him until 2013.