Manx International preview

ANCIENT CAPITAL TO HOST START OF 2002 MANX
Castletown, the ancient capital of Mann is to host the start of the 2002 Manx International & Conister Trust Historic Rallies. The stage through the historic town is a spectator and competitor favourite, with unbelievable speeds around the harbour and the famous Castle Rushen.
220 competitive stage miles face the teams competing in this a round of the Toshiba Tarmac Championship and the Pirelli British Championship
li. Starting in Castletown Square south of the island on Thursday 1st August at 6.30pm, the rally continues over the pretty island throughout the weekend on spectacular bumpy, twisty roads. Irishman and Peugeot works driver Rory Galligan has no experience of the Manx Rally. Undeterred he commented; "I have no idea what to expect at the Manx. Part of me thinks that's just as well as I don't have any preconceptions. I'm looking forward to it though. I hope the roads are going to be interesting!"

Top Entries
1 Justin Dale/Andrew Bargery (GB)/(GB) Peugeot 206 (S16)
2 Gwyndaf Evans/Chris Patterson (GB)/(GB) MG ZR (S16)
3 Kris Meeke/Glenn Patterson (GB)/(GB) Ford Puma (S16)
4 Guy Wilkes/Roger Heron (GB)/(GB) Ford Puma (S16)
5 Rory Galligan/Gordon Noble (IRL)/(GB) Peugeot 206 (S16)
6 David Henderson/Scott Poxon (GB)/(GB) Ford Puma (S16)
7 Simon Hughes/Phil Pugh (GB)/(GB) Renault Clio (S16)
8 James Thompson/Plug Pulleyn (GB)/(GB) Peugeot 106 Maxi (K16)
9 Martin Sansom/Ieuan Thomas (GB)/(GB) Peugeot 106 (K16)
10 Stuart Darcey/Claire Mole (IRL)/(GB) Ford Puma (S16)
11 David Higgins/Daniel Barritt (GB)/(GB) Subaru Impreza (N4) 12 Austin MacHale/Brian Murphy (IRL)/(IRL) Toyota Corolla WRC (A8)
14 Jonny Milner/Nicky Beech (GB)/(GB) Toyota Corolla WRC (A8)
15 Mark Higgins/Craig Thorley (GB)/(GB) Toyota Corolla WRC(A8)
16 Andrew Nesbitt/James O'Brien (GB)/(IRL) Subaru Impreza WRC (A8)
17 Eamonn Boland/Francis Regan (IRL)/(GB) Subaru WRC S7 (A8)
18 Steve Petch/John Richardson (GB)/(GB) Hyundai Accent WRC (A8)
19 Robert Woodside/Dean Beckett (GB)/(GB) Subaru WRC (A8)
20 Alistair Ginley/Rory Kennedy (GB)/(IRL) Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 5 (N4)

Other Irish Entries include Trevor Cathers(21) , Seamus Leonard (24) , Roy White (25) , Donie O Sullivan (26) , Gary Jennings (27) ,Eugene Meegan (35) , Willie Fannin (37) , Dessie Keenan (38) , Adrian McElhinney (42) , Paddy White (46)and Gerard Sharkey (54).

Also running will be the Manx Trophy Rally which has attracted a large Irish Entry including Eugene Ferry (Escort Mrk II) , Martin Doherty (Escort BDA) , Danny McGinley (Metro 6R4) , Pat Bonar (Escort Mrk II) , Victor Hunter (Subaru Impreza) , Ian Chadwick and Donnie Keating Jnr in Volkswagen Polos and Michael McColgan in in a Ford Escort.

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Natalie out for the craic in Punchestown

The emphasis will be very much on having fun this Sunday (21 July), when Natalie Barratt contests the Punchestown Rally Experience in a Motor Sports Development-run Hyundai Accent WRC˛.
It will be the first time a Hyundai Accent WRC has competed in Ireland, and it is the same Michelin-shod car that Natalie drove on the Acropolis Rally in Greece recently. This time it will be prepared to full works asphalt specification, ideal for the Punchestown Racecourse venue in Naas, County Kildare, just outside Dublin, which hosts the event. Natalie is one of only 40 drivers contesting the 2002 Punchestown Rally Experience, as it is an invitation-only event.
After the disappointment of three retirements in three outings with the Hyundai, Natalie plans to let her hair down in Punchestown, entertain the large crowd and have some fun behind the steering wheel. Having contested the Donegal International Rally several times, Natalie is no stranger to the famous craic enjoyed in Irish rallying. Natalie said: "I'm just looking forward to driving the Hyundai WRCar and simply enjoy contesting a rally again. I've had an awful run of bad luck recently and the last couple of World Championship events in particular haven't been as enjoyable as they should have been. I've also got a lot of friends in Ireland and this is a fantastic excuse to spend a weekend in Dublin and enjoy the craic." While in Ireland, the crew will be travelling in the all new Hyundai 2.9-liter Terracan, Hyundai's exciting new entrant into the large 4x4 segment. The Terracan is available in passenger and commercial version.

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Chris Meeke to get drive in Focus WRC

After finishing first and second on the last two rounds of the S1600 British Rally Championship, Colin McRae has given his young protégé an unexpected opportunity at this weekend's World Rally Experience in Punchestown. Kris will effectively enter as a dual entry with Colin McRae in a 2002 Ford Focus World Rally Car
. "To say I am delighted is an understatement. With working in the design office at M-Sport, I am fairly familiar with the layout of the car, but to drive one under competition conditions will be awesome", said an enthusiastic Kris.
"I will not be trying to go out there to beat anyone, but simply to try and learn as much as possible in a four wheel drive car. I am just grateful that Colin, Malcolm Wilson and Ford have given me the opportunity."
The World Rally Experience is the brainchild of respected former International rally co-driver Ronan Morgan, and is one of the highlights in the Irish motor sport calendar. Held at the award winning Punchestown Racecourse, which is located only 45 minutes from Dublin, the one day spectacle is restricted to 40 cars and run over a 4Km Asphalt stage with each driver completing six runs.

Barry Meeke

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Punchestown / World Rally Experience

This Sunday, 21st July, the world's most successful rally driver Colin McRae will be in action at Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Co.Kildare, when he competes in the Punchestown Rally Experience.
Fresh from his record breaking 25th world rally victory on last weekend's Safari Rally, the toughest event in the FIA World Rally Championship calendar, the Ford Rallye Sport driver heads the impressive 40 car entry for this one day rally spectacular. Probably the biggest name in world rallying thanks to his spectacular driving style and millions of devoted PlayStation gamers, 33 year-old McRae will drive a Ford Focus RS World Rally Car on the asphalt event and give his huge Irish following the rare opportunity to see the former World Rally Champion in action on Irish soil. Heading the Irish challenge will be current Irish champion Andrew Nesbitt in his Cuisine de France Subaru Ireland WRC. Winner of the Jim Clark Memorial Rally last weekend, he will be aiming to make it four wins from as many starts.
Multiple Irish champion Austin McHale, who played an important part in the resurfacing of the stage for this year's event, will start at no.3 in his Toyota Corolla WRC ahead multiple Belgian champion Patrick Snijers. Seeded No.5 is Letterkenny's James Cullen who will have Keith Duffy of Boyzone sitting alongside him in the Wrangler Impreza 555. Glengormley's Derek McGarrity rounds off the top six. The event's only female competitor will be Natalie Barratt who is taking a break from her world rally commitments to give the Hyundai Accent WRC its Irish competition debut. Natalie, who is no stranger to Irish rallying, is looking forward as much to the craic as to the competition. Another interesting entry is former champion jockey Richard Dunwoody. Winner of numerous horse races at the Co.Kildare venue, he will swap four legs for four wheels when he shares driving a Ford Focus with Irish rally legend Billy Coleman.
The brainchild of respected former International rally co-driver Ronan Morgan, the event is the highlight of the Irish motorsport calendar as it brings some of the biggest names in rallying to Ireland for this unique rally.
Gates for the Punchestown Rally Experience open at 9:30 with the first of eight runs scheduled for 10:30.

Provisional Entry
Top 15
1.Colin McRae - Ford Focus RS World Rally Car
2.Andrew Nesbitt - Subaru Impreza WRC
3.Austin McHale - Toyota Corolla WRC
4.Patrick Snijers - To be confirmed
5.James Cullen - Subaru Impreza 555
6.Derek McGarrity - Subaru Impreza WRC
7.Daniel Doherty - Subaru Impreza WRC
8.Paul Harris - Subaru Impreza
9.Robert Woodside - Subaru Impreza WRC
10.Niall Maguire - Subaru Impreza WRC
11.Davy Greer - Toyota Corolla WRC
12.Peader Hurson - Toyota Celica ST205
14.Ollie O'Donovan - Subaru Impreza WRC
15.Maurice Gass - Subaru Impreza WRC

'OO' Cars
Dermot Carnegie Ford Focus Rallycross Supercar
John McCluskey Peugeot 306 Rallycross Supercar
John Moloney Ford Escort Rallycross Supercar

Thanks to Oisin O Briain

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Dunlop National Championship Update

Results After Round 7 - Connaght Sligo Stages Rally

OVERALL POSITIONS
Posn Driver Points Posn Navigator Points
1 Niall Maguire 138 1 Paul McLaughlin 138
2 Patrick Elliot 92 2 Sean Moriarty 92
3 David Armstrong 72 3 Herbie Blackburn 73
4 Sean Gallagher 65 4 Liam Costello 49
5 Aaron Mac Hale 46 5 John Loughran 43
6 Joe Mac Hugh 39 6 Paul McCann 40
7 James McCann 39 7 Dermot O'Gorman 38
8 Michael Barrable 38 8 Harvey Bell 36
9 Mac McKenna 38 9 Damien Connolly 36
10 Jim Harrison 36 10 Noel Hall 34

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Brendan Kelly Launches Focus Challenge

Brendan Kelly
Ready, Set, GO

After months of anxiously waiting, Brendan and Cathal are finally getting their first competitive run in their new Ford Focus Rally Car when they compete at this weekend's World Rally Experience in Punchestown Racecourse in Co Kildare.
The Event
Anxieties are high with both the prospect of competing in front of tens of thousands of spectators but also alongside two of the greats of Rallying, Billy Coleman and Colin McRae. The brainchild of Former WRC Co Driver, Ronan Morgan World Rally Experience takes place on Sunday July 21st and comprises of an entry that any round of the World Rally Championship would be proud of. Including an array of Subaru, Toyota and Ford World Rally Cars at the hands of among many others Andrew Nesbitt, Austin Mc Hale, Patrick Snijers and Peadar Hurson, Paul Harris. Although the event is not a competing round of the challenge, Brendan in his usual determined form would be out to show just what the others could expect from him. Indeed as Championship Co-ordinator Tom Collins has quoted "Punchestown World Rally Masters along with the chance to compete against Colin McRae, is an exceptional opportunity for all the competitors of the 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship. It allows all of the competitors an opportunity to get to grips with their new cars and each other before the real competition starts in August".

New Navigator
This year Brendan has a new but experienced navigator in Athlone man Cathal Shanahan.Cathal who's 28 and recently married to Jean lists his hobbies as rallying, soccer, running, fishing and clay pigeon shooting.Cathal started rallying in 1998 and has sat in a variety of cars including Honda Civics', Ford Escort Mrk II's, Escort G3's, and a Sierra Cosworth, but is really looking forward to their run and the challenge ahead.

The Car
Brendan's car has been meticulously prepared by Protec Racing and is finished in a cross between the colours of the new Ford Rally team and those of the "old" Ford works colours.The car is powered by a Zetec Iron Block, aluminium cylinder head, 4 cylinder, 16 valve, 1989 cc, with lightened flywheel, steel crankshaft, wet sump to Front wheel drive via 5 speed close ratio MTX75 with revised final drive and limited slip differential. " The car is great , I am really impressed with its handling and balance.I cant really compare it to the Grp N Astra as I really haven't driven it in anger.From what I've tried the Zetec engine appears to have more pulling power / torque but I will have to wait and see when the flag drops" was how a smiling Brendan commented after a recent shakedown session.

Sponsors
Without the generous help of the following companies we would not be able to compete in 2002
Griffiths Ford Dealers Mullingar , Static Vision Specialists , Tower Securities
Irish Metal Refineries , Crossan Electrical Longford , Luigis Fast Food
IPT Ltd , Tubbercurry Engineering , Barry Express
Edward J Valentines Bar and Lounge , Longford Tiles and Bathrooms
Riverside Design Furniture Portarlington , Signs N Systems Ballinasloe

Focus Challenge 2002
Initially comprising of the main Irish International Rallies, the first round Donegal had to be postponed due to late arrival of ECU's. The proposed revised format will be made up the following.
Aug 11th Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally
Sept 22nd Clare Stages Rally (To be confirmed)
Sept 6th/7th Ulster International Rally
Oct 5th/6th Cork "20" International Stages Rally
Nov 8th/9th West 2002 International Rally

Brendan and Cathal's Progress throughout the year can be followed on

www.brendankellyrallying.com

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Focus Challenge debut at Punchestown

FORD IRELAND FOCUS RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP- to star alongside former World Rally Champion.
All eight of the 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship contenders, will be competing alongside World Rally Championship Star and Ford works driver Colin McRae, on the prestigious World Rally Masters in Punchestown on Sunday the 21st of July.
With a starting line up of eight identical Ford Focus 2.0 litre Kit Cars, Punchestown World Rally Masters will be a pre-Championship shakedown for the competitors of the 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship. This unique event will be run on a 4 km all tarmac track within the Punchestown Race Course and promises to be an exciting and thrilling day offering exceptional entertainment for the general public. The Racecourse Facilities will offer spectators the opportunity to witness the action both on track and in the pits.
"Punchestown World Rally Masters along with the chance to compete against Colin McRae, is an exceptional opportunity for all the competitors of the 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship. It allows all of the competitors an opportunity to get to grips with their new cars and each other before the real competition starts in August" said Tom Collins, Championship Director.
"Colin McRae is at the pinnacle of his sport, the chance to compete on the same event as a former world champion has to be a huge incentive for the competitors of the 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship. This is the essence of the Ford Ladder of Opportunity," said Declan Foley, Focus Brand Manager, Ford Ireland.
Designed to promote young Irish rallying talent, the Championship is part of Ford's Ladder of Opportunity, that sees the Ford Motor Company providing young drivers with the introductory Ford KA Rally Car, then onto the Ford Focus 2.0 litre Kit Car Rally Championship, 1600 Puma Junior World Rally Car and eventually the Focus World Rally Car.

Entry List:
NAME ADDRESS
Hamilton Bell Hillsborough, Co. Down
John Foley Midleton, Co. Cork
Brendan Kelly Longford
Ken Lyons Limerick
Gabriel Martin Dublin
Colm Murphy Athea, Co. Limerick
Cathal O'Reilly Cavan
Oliver Stanley Durrow, Co. Laois

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Maiden City Lark in the Park

The Maiden City 'Bio-Clear' Lark in the Park line-up for the week-end, reads like the Northern Ireland Rally round of the Championship. With the Donnelly brothers, Eugene and Charlie, last years winner Richard Hogg, and the 6R4 of Dromara driver Denis Biggerstaff. Any one of these drivers could win the St. Columb's Park event, as all have been leaders and winners at various times in the past.
Fresh from the Jim Clarke Rally, Richard Hogg is under pressure to perform and retain his title as Park winner in 2001, and has done a lot of work to the car, now a Subaru, to give him a chance of keeping ahead of the pack. However, the Limavady driver's Subaru is a wide car, and for the tight turns of the enclosed St. Columb's Park, this is not as ideal as Richard would have liked. Eugene Donnelly in the Toyota is fresh from the Sligo event, after preserving the car for the NI Championship, and the Lark in the Park, and is looking forward to the battle with the other drivers. He feels, "this will be my year again, and I am going to 'go for it' from the start". The Maghera driver has a lot to live up to here, with his fans keen to see hi, extend his position at the top of the NI Championship points board, and a win in the Park will only boost his confidence for the remainder of the N.I. rounds. Eugene said, "although the Lark in the Park is not a round of the N.I. Championship, it feels like a good practice for events, and keep the reflexes sharp." Just look at Denis, he feels the benefit, and anyway, he has seen the rewards with the 'shootout prize money from the 2001 event". The popular Metro 6R4 driver, Denis Biggerstaff is getting ready with his co-driver Damien Mc Cann, to win the event, and to do the double an win the shot-out as well. After a big spin last year, Denis was off the top podium position, but was able to take the prize money for the shoot-out. Spectators love the sound and site of the 'big' Metro, but it really take a lot of driving to get round the tight turns. Denis says, "the Metro has a poor turning circle, and need a lot of space to get the 90 degree and acute turns in there. However, my wheel base is shorter, and if it keep off the grass, I can keep it tidy. Event Director Declan is always on to us about keeping off the grass, and stay on the tarmac, but it can't be helped to have the odd excursion on the green stuff a few times…… sure the Derry City Council won't mind….. will they?" The Maiden City have a full entry list for their fun day in the Park, with almost 50 cars including the Historic entry. Top of the Historic entry is the recent 'birthday boy', Norman Kerr, who won last year's event in the Ford Escort RS MkI. Norman a Group 1 winner from the mid 1980's, competes regularly in this event, and would like to return with a full WRC Subaru some day, to mainstream events, but has been loyal to the Ford Escort of yesteryear, as it still shows its competitive spirit in many events across Ireland and in many countries. On Saturday, the Maiden City have laid on a full programme of events with a special emphasis on the family. The usual entertainment in the form of the bouncy castle, Funfair, Coco and Johnny the Clowns, with the Balloon Factory, Face Painting, and many static displays of Fast Ford's, the Aristocratic 'For your Eyes Only' Collection, Classic Cars from Yesteryear fun and games for all the family young and old.
Top Entries:
1 Richard Hogg/Mark Hanna Subaru Impreza (6)
2 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kealy Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD (6)
3 Dennis Biggerstaff/Damien Mc Cann Metro 6R4 (6)
4 Ivan Stewart/Marie Lynch Escort RS Cosworth (6)
5 Charlie Donnelly/John Conway Toyota Celica GT4 (6)
6 Terence Mc Laughlin/Sean Mc Laughlin Escort RS Cosworth (6)
7 Sean Cassidy/Martina Doyle Escort RS Cosworth (6)
8 Dan Mc Cartin/Micheal Mc Elwee Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD (6)
9 Andrew Stewart/Fibian Mc Shane Mit. Lancer Evo VI (2)
10 Jim Crozier/TBA Proton (6)
11 Gavin Harris/Sean Lafferty Subaru Impreza (2)
12 David Mc Glaughlin/Kieran Quigg Escort RS Cosworth (6)
14 Jon Mc Ivor/Barry Mc Ivor Escort RS Cosworth (6)
15 Martin Howley/Kenny Bustard Escort RS Cosworth (6)
16 Sean Devine/Gemma Ward Subaru Impreza (2)
17 Raymond McLaughlin/Gareth McLaughlin Mit. Lancer Evo V
18 Brenden Conner/Connor McLaughlin Subaru Impreza (2)
19 Paul Britton /Graham Henderson Subaru Impreza (2)
20 Greg Mc Cormick/Brian Mc Kenna Escort RS (5)

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Jennings takes Jim Clark Win

One hundred and eight miles awaited the remaining 18 crews on the second day of the fourth round of the TOTAL supported 206 Super Cup. With a dawn start at 5.30am the crews were greeted by a deep blue sky and the temperature soared through the day, a complete contrast to the torrential rain of the previous day.
Overnight leader Garry Jennings was confident that he could keep his stranglehold on the event, carrying an 8.6 second lead over Chris Moore with Shaun Gallagher 3rd, 14.3 seconds down on the leader.
The opening stage of the day was the 7.72 miles of Blackadder and the leader board changed immediately when Jennings went off into a field of barley. Gallagher was somewhat surprised by Jennings appearing at a farm gate just as he was passing. Chris Moore set the fastest time, still totally despondent after ruling himself out of contention when he lost 10 minutes on the previous day
. Stage nine Ayton 1, a 7.87 miler, saw Pawley visit the scenery when he went through a hedge damaging his sump guard. Chris Moore was rueing what might have been with another fastest time with Gallagher 2nd. Marko Ramanen retired on SS10 Chirnside. Half way through the 10 miler he was caught out by a slippy corner, flew up a bank and hit a tree. The crew were unhurt but the event was over for the Finnish flyer. (The demise of Ramanen promoted Jazz Nandhra up into 3rd ). Moore was delighted with his times and intent on keeping his foot in. Jack Ingleby had a big moment at the same point where Ramanen went off, he also slid up a bank but was relieved to the extreme, when he managed to settle the car and stay on the stage. Richard Sykes who also lost chunks of time on Friday was beginning to enjoy himself and he sent spectators scattering when he took a huge cut. Unfortunately later in the stage he got a traffic cone stuck under the car which only freed over a big jump later in the stage.
Stage 11 Blackadder 2 saw Gallagher quickest, he had now stretched his lead out to 25.6 seconds, he said; "I've backed off a bit now and am not taking any risks". Jennings was checking times formulating a strategy and Sykes picked up a rabbit which was grilling to a turn jammed against his radiator. Martin Evans was having a fair event however he was having problems with intermittent power steering. Ayton immediately saw Jennings take advantage of Gallagher's caution by taking 12.6 seconds from his fellow competitor, Nandhra was second fastest and consolidated his 3rd position.
Stage 13 saw Jennings yet again fastest taking a further 4.2 seconds from Gallagher whose lead was beginning to look a little shaky. Moore split the pair with another excellent time but Chirnside saw the demise of Sykes who went off and had to retire after breaking the steering rack. The short Langton water splash fell to Jennings who had now narrowed the gap on Gallagher to 8.4 seconds. The 8.96 miles of Eccles 1 saw Jennings eke out a further 3.9 seconds on Gallagher who was complaining about the heat and that he had to drink loads of water. A marked contrast to the day before. Jennings also commented on the heat; "It's savage hot and the tyres are going off." Ingleby was slipping back on the bumpy stuff with variable handling after earlier damaging a wishbone and steering arm. Pawley suffered some problems with his notes a similar problem to Dunbabin who suffered some hairy moments. Patrick Richard was having a quiet day learning but still overshot a hairpin damaging his bumper and having to reverse again. Jennings was now on a huge charge and took another fastest time through Swinton 1 to narrow the gap to a mere 0.6 seconds and the inevitability of it all was beginning to dawn on Gallagher. Fogo 1 saw Jennings finally retake the top spot; he was fastest again taking 1.8 seconds from Gallagher to move into a 1.2 second lead. Nandhra looked comfortable in 3rd , 2minutes down on the leader but with a 1minute 21 second buffer on 4th placed Dunbabin. Roper retired at service after suffering accident damage. Richard had a nightmare through stage 17 when his throttle jammed open for 6 miles through the stage. Just when it was going all Jennings way Gallagher showed he was having none of it setting the fastest time through Langton by 1.7 seconds and moving back into a very narrow half second lead. Dunbabin was struggling with a new set of pads and a brake pedal that was unnervingly hitting the floor. With Eccles 2 cancelled it was no change at the top and the crews went into the penultimate stage split by only 0.5 seconds. Swinton 2 looked like it was game over with Jennings setting a stunning time 6.4 seconds up on Gallagher over the 11.17 mile stage. He moved into a 5.9 second lead going into the final stage. Yet again it all came down to the very last stage and Jennings and Gallagher both gave their all and at the end of the stage they were only split by 0.7 seconds, it was however in Jennings favour and took him to victory by a very slender 6.6 seconds. He was understandably delighted commenting; "Who dares wins." He had even caught Hughes on the last stage but fortunately had been quick enough on the earlier section of the stage which negated the time lost behind Hughes. Gallagher said; "I'm delighted with the result, but gutted I couldn't catch Garry". Jazz Nandhra rounded off an excellent event with a fine 3rd place, commenting; "I tried hard to catch the guys early on but decided to settle for the points." He picks up the Motorsport News Award for Best Improvement in Seeding for his efforts. Daniel Dunbabin took fourth with Jack Ingleby gushing, "It was extremely eventful and I can't believe where we have ended up." Chris Moore took the Total Spirit of the Rally Award after his superb stage performances during the second day when the event was all but over for him. Some consolation for a late retirement with clutch failure. Jack Ingleby won the Hella Cool Box on behalf of his service crew.
Driver Co-driver Nat Total Diff
1 Garry Jennings Paul Naggle GB/GB 2:24:46.1
2 Shaun Gallagher Richard Pashley IRL/GB 2:24:52.7 0:00:06.6
3 Jazz Nandhra James Phillips GB/GB 2:27:16.4 0:02:30.3
4 Daniel Dunbabin Clive Dunbabin GB/GB 2:29:26.4 0:04:40.3
5 Gareth MacHale Derek Brannigan IRL/IRL 2:29:35.4 0:04:49.3

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Marshals Day out 2003

MARSHAL'S DAY 2002 - A GREAT DAY'S CRACK - MAKE A DATE

August 18th.Mondello Park will again host the IRCA Marshal's day. After the huge success of last year's event, where both drivers and marshals shared a wonderful day of crack and speed. Race your car with a marshal at your side and no stop watch near.
IRCA will be looking forward to competitors again doing their bit to say thanks.
Entry forms have already gone to last year's entrants and will be available to print from our web site tonight. www.irca-info.com
Entries are also available from Sheena O'Brien 087-2647316
. Again this year admission is free, donations will go to the charities Irish Wheelchair Association and the Jack and Jill Fund.

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Punchestown / World Rally Experience

The brainchild of Former WRC Co Driver , Ronan Morgan , the event is to take place on July 21st in Punchestown Racecourse near Naas in County Kidare
The event starts with scrutiny and a dislay of entrants on Saturday 20th from 3pm to 7 pm.
Gates open on Sunday at 9.30 am with the first of 6 timed runs starting at 11.15 am following a practise session.

Top Entries:
1. Colin McRae Ford Focus RS World Rally Car
2. Andrew Nesbitt Subaru Impreza WRC
3. Austin McHale Toyota Corolla WRC
4. Patrick Snijers TBA
5. James Cullen Subaru Impreza 555
6. Daniel Doherty Subaru Impreza WRC
7. Dom Buckley Subaru Impreza 555
8. Paul Harris Subaru Impreza
9. Robert Woodside Subaru Impreza WRC
10. Niall Maguire Subaru Impreza WRC
11. Derek McGarrity Subaru Impreza WRC
12. Melvyn Evans Ford Escort WRC
14. Davy Greer Toyota Corolla WRC
15. Peader Hurson Toyota Celica ST205

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Dunlop National Championship Update

Results After Round 6 - Carrick On Suir Ravens Rock Rally

OVERALL POSITIONS
Posn Driver Points Posn Navigator Points
1 Niall Maguire 118 1 Paul Mc Laughlin 118
2 Patrick Elliot 78 2 Sean Moriarty 78
3 Sean Gallagher 65 3 Herbie Blackburn 55
4 David Armstrong 54 4 Liam Costello 49
5 Michael Barrable 38 5 Paul Mc Cann 39
6 James Mc Cann 38 6 Dermot O'Gorman 38
7 Jim Harrison 36 7 Harvey Bell 36
8 Aaron Mac Hale 33 8 John Loughran 34
9 Mac Mc Kenna 31 9 Noel Hall 33
10 Thomas Randles 30 10 Diarmuid Lynch 32

CLASS POSITIONS
Class One - Group N up to 1300 cc
1 Aidan Bourke 30 1 Robert Nolan 30
2 John Mc Elhinney 26 2 Brendan Mc Elhinney 27
3 Paul Kennedy 22 3 Kathleen Kennedy 23

Class Two - Group N 1301 cc to 1600 cc
1 John Hegarty 30 1 Patrick Mc Glynn 30
2 Shane Orr 26 2 James Gallagher 26
3 Owen O'Neill 10 3 Liam O'Connor 10

Class Three - Group N 1601 cc to 2000 cc
1 Roger Kennedy 38 1 Martin Carey 40
2 Thomas Taaffe 36 2 Susan Doggett 33
3 Wesley Roberts 22 3 Conor Foley 16

Class Four - Group N Over 2000 cc
1 Aaron Mac Hale 35 1 Damien Connolly 27
2 Andrew Stewart 27 1 Fabian Mc Shane 27
3 Derriek Jobb 20 3 Killian Duffy 23

Class Five - Group A up to 1300 cc
1 Kenneth Mulvaney 33 1 Christina Shanahan 30
2 Gerry Keyes 30 2 Trevor Payne 20
3 John Folan 18 3 Brian Cleary 13

Class Six - Group A 1301 cc to 1600 cc
1 James Travers 30 1 Keefe Kilcoyne 28
2 Seamus Gallagher 18 2 Martin Mc Keown 18
3 Brendan Cumiskey 15 3 Eamonn Walsh 17

Class Seven - Group A 1601 cc to 2000 cc
1 Breen Mc Namee 28 1 Dermot O'Gorman 18
1 Andrew Browne 28 2 Harvey Bell 16
3 Brian Doherty 17 3 Crawford Henderson 15

Class Eight - Group A Over 2000 cc
O/A Niall Maguire 58 O/A Paul Mc Laughlin 58
O/A Patrick Elliot 34 O/A Sean Moriarty 34
1 Michael Barrable 18 1 Dermot O'Gorman 18
2 Jim Harrison 16 2 Harvey Bell 16
3 Kieran Shaw 15 3 Crawford Henderson 15

Class Nine - Modified cars up to 1450, 2 wheel drive, normally aspirated.
1 Kenneth O'Neill 20 1 Gareth Doherty 10
2 Ger Neeson 16 2 Johnny Hickey 10
3 Donald Mc Gettigan 10 3 Conor O'Neill 10

Class Ten - Modified cars 1451 cc to 1650 cc, 2 wheel drive, normally aspirated, with not more than 2 valves per cylinder.
1 James O'Sullivan 20 1 Stewart Mc Clean 18
2 Robert Mc Daid 18 2 David Roe 16
3 Donal Crossan 16 3 Bill Fitzgerald 10

Class Eleven - Modified cars 1451 cc to 1650 cc, 2 wheel drive, normally aspirated, with more than 2 valves per cylinder
. 1 Rodney Wilton 33 1 Graham Kelly 29
2 Seamus Murphy 28 2 Peter Leahy 27
3 Peter Rogers 26 3 Byron Davidson 26

Class Twelve - Modified cars 1651 cc to 2000 cc, 2 wheel drive, normally aspirated, with not more than 2 valves per cylinder.
1 Trevor Lancashire 40 1 Noel Hall 40
2 Cathal Mc Glone 31 2 Gerry Gumley 30
3 Ollie O'Reilly 30 3 Brian Burke 23

Class Thirteen - Modified cars 1651 cc to 2000 cc, 2 wheel drive, normally aspirated, with more than 2 valves per cylinder.
1 Mac Mc Kenna 40 1 John Loughran 40
2 Anthony O'Halloran 10 2 Kieran Cusack 10
3 Peter Rahill 8 3 T P O'Reilly 8

Class Fourteen - Modified cars 2051 cc to 3500 cc, 2 wheel drive..
1 Thomas Randles 36 1 Diarmuid Lynch 36
2 David Long 28 2 June Long 28
3 Douglas Richardson 25 3 Cian Curley 16

Class Fifteen - Per Appendix O - 4WD out of homologation
O/A Sean Gallagher 48 O/A Herbie Blackburn 38
1 David Armstrong 35 1 Liam Costello 38
2 James Mc Cann 29 2 Paul Mc Cann 28
3 Joe Mac Hugh 21 3 Dermot Mac Hugh 15

Class Sixteen - Standard Production up to 2000cc, two wheel drive, normally aspirated.
1 Peter Kelly 45 1 Margaret Boyle 16
2 John Kelly 30 2 John Higgins 15
3 Raymond Gilleece 22 3 Derek Mc Carthy 10

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Safari Rally Preview

The Safari Rally of Kenya, the eighth round of the FIA World Rally Championship, kicks off on Thursday 11 July with an 8am ceremonial start in Nairobi. 49 cars are expected to cross the start ramp in this, the second of four long haul events of the season.
The African adventure is a unique event. It is the longest event of the season, with the competitive distance travelled three times the length of a European rally. It is the roughest event and requires a strong, reliable car to complete its three day battle. The rally is run at the highest altitudes of the year and very often under the hottest temperatures due to its proximity to the equator.
The rally is based in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, East Africa. It comprises three legs, 12 stages and over 1000 competitive kilometres. For the first year there will be a single service point at Suswa (85km from Nairobi) and the Rally Headquarters will be at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. The Safari Rally is also the fifth round of the 2002 FIA Production Cup Championship.

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Sligo Stages Preview

The launch of the Sligo Stages Rally 2002 took place on Sunday 7th July in the Sligo Park Hotel. Speakers included Robert Lyttle (Clerk of the Course), Joe Corcoran (Deputy Clerk of the Course), Joe Gilgan (Club Secretary) and the newly elected Mayor Mr. Tommie Cummins. The COC thanked those who helped organise the event, the main and stage sponsers and the residents along the route for their co-operation.
This years event comprises of 3 stages run twice and 2 individual stages and is again sponsored by Tom Hunt Motors and The Sligo Park Hotel

Top Twenty Entries

1 Niall Maguire/Paul McLoughlin Subaru Impreza WRC (8)
2 Patrick Elliot/Sean Moriarty Subaru Impreza 555 (8)
3 Michael Barrable/Dermot O'Gorman Subaru Impreza WRC (8)
4 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD (8)
5 David Armstrong/Herbie Blackburn Escort RS Cosworth (15)
6 Sean Gallagher/Liam Costello Escort RS Cosworth (15)
7 J.J Fleming/Robbie Ward Subaru Impreza WRC (8)
8 Paul Gallagher/Karl Reid Toyota Corolla RWD (11)
9 John Cairns/James Cairns Subaru Impreza WRX (4)
10 Enda Keenan/Enda Sherry Escort 2.4 (14)
11 Dominic McLoughlin/Cyril Donnellan Peugeot 205 RWD (13)
12 Thomas Randles/Diarmuid Lynch Escort 2.4 (14)
14 Kieran Shaw/Crawford Henderson Ford Escort WRC (8)
15 Joe MacHugh/Dermot MacHugh Escort RS Cosworth (15)
16 Aaron MacHale/Damien Connolly Mit. Lancer EVO V (4)
17 Pat McCafferty/Colm McCafferty Escort 2.4 (14)
18 Donal Bowens/Martin Costello Mit. Lancer EVO III (4)
19 Sean McArdle/Gerard McMonagle Subaru Impreza 555 (8)
20 James Gillen/Victor Carrothers Escort RS Cosworth (8)

For Complete Entry check out www.connachtmotorclub.com

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McHale heads for Highland Fling

Austin McHale (Rathcoole) is one of several of Ireland's leading rally drivers heading for Scotland to compete in his first Jim Clark Memorial Rally this Friday and Saturday, July 12/13, with co-driver, Brian Murphy (Newbridge) on the notes.
The fourth round of the Pirelli British and the Toshiba Computers Irish Tarmac Championships, McHale has had a busy season in the Toyota Ireland Corolla WRC, having competed in both series although he has been dogged with punctures on the British gravel events. He currently lies fourth in the Irish Tarmac series with 14 points behind Andrew Nesbitt (30), Eamonn Boland (22) and Derek McGarrity (19).
The Jim Clark Memorial Rally is in its sixth year as mainland Britain's only closed public road tarmac rally and for the first time it is based in Edinburgh. Ocean Terminal, Leith, provides the scrutineering, start, parc ferme and finish venues for the event, against the backdrop of the former Royal Yacht Brittania, which is berthed alongside the complex.
McHale was clearly looking forward to the Scottish event, saying: "This is the first year the Jim Clark event has been included in the Irish Tarmac Championship and the first time I've competed on the event. I'm sure there will be a very good Irish entry and the rally will be very competitive. It will probably favour local knowledge, and many of the British Championship contenders have competed on the rally before, but I'm still confident of a good result. Rallying on tarmac creates more of a level playing field for us as well
. "The recce in Scotland is only over one day and will be pretty tough going. I expect the same top Irish drivers will be competing on this rally, like Nesbitt, Boland, McGarrity and Hurson amongst others, but there'll also be the top British drivers, such as Marcus Dodd and Jonny Milner, so all in all, it should be a great event. "The Toyota Ireland Corolla has been rebuilt since Donegal, which, of course, was a tragic rally for everybody concerned, but particularly for the families of the two young marshals killed and the Donegal Motor Club", said the five times Irish Tarmac Champion.

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Hyundai look forward to Safari debut

Hyundai Castrol World Rally Team crews Armin Schwarz/Manfred Hiemer, Freddy Loix/Sven Smeets and Juha Kankkunen/Juha Repo next week head to Kenya as the eighth round of the FIA World Rally Championship takes teams away from Europe for the second longhaul event of the season, the 50th Safari Rally. Kenya's Safari Rally has always been considered one of motorsport's last great adventures and the ultimate challenge for teams. It is like no other rally and itÂ's long, arduous and visually stimulating route creates the most beautiful of picture postcards. It is still the longest, toughest, roughest and highest rally in the FIA World Rally Championship, at points not far off 3000m above sea level, with 816 kilometres of timed competitive sections over the 2484.71 kilometres of total distance. Despite the demands it clearly puts on the cars, it is also one of the fastest events, with speeds ranging from 160 to 200 kph at all times. David Whitehead, Team Principal, explains the team's outlook on the rally, "We are all very much looking forward to going to Safari but the Accent WRCÂł has been designed specifically with the European gravel events in mind. Our main goal this year is to gain as much experience as possible from the event with the aim of developing a car which is more competitive next year." The rally this year has been modified to bring it nearer to the style of other championship rounds which has reduced the length of competitive sections and made the route more compact. As a result it has also changed the style of the rally, as Juha Kankkunen, three times winner of Safari Rally, explains, "The rally has changed so much that there are not really any tactics involved like there used to be. There are lots of competitive sections repeated and they are all based around Nairobi meaning that access is easier and the road sections are not as long. So you can drive flat out more now as you donÂ't have to think so much about conserving your tyres and fuel consumption." Tyre conservation and fuel consumption management have always been important and Safari is only one of two rallies which permits the carrying of two spare tyres as punctures can be so frequent. 2002 sees a more compact route and managing fuel consumption is now not as important an issue for crews as it has been in the past as both competitive and roads sections are shorter. This also means that competitive speed is faster. "There is a big difference in distance this year and the longest stage is only 111km," explains the Finnish veteran, who has finished first or second on the podium on no less than seven of the eleven times he has competed in the rally. "As a result you don't get to go to different areas of the country when you really had to think about the car, as the next service and refuel would be a long way away and there was no way you go flat out. The competitive section distance in total this year is the same distance we used to cover in just one day. That way safety may also be an issue as you are driving much faster." Kankkunen continued, "The roads are also not nearly as rough although that can change if it rains. The weather can change overnight and totally alter the characteristics of the roads - it can become all mud and water which certainly gives a bit of variation," Team-mate Freddy Loix adds, "It also means you can't go flat out in the rain. Visibility can be really bad - last year we could only see one metre ahead; the windscreen wipers didn't do much so I had to keep sticking my head out of the window to see where I was going! At least this year we've already some practice for those conditions when we were in Cyprus!" "This is the first time we have been as a team to Safari," adds the 31-year-old Belgian, who finished fifth on Safari in 2001. "This year we need to try to get some experience by finishing in order to be able to take a car there next year where we are in a position to aim for points, but this year it would be too ambitious to aim that high." 2001 podium-placed Armin Schwarz is equally realistic about the event, "I do enjoy the rally and it's the most beautiful place in the championship but we do not have any high hopes to be that competitive this year. We need to go to Kenya with the aim of bringing home as much information as possible." In contrast, Finnish team-mate Kankkunen is confident experience can pay off. He concludes, "If the WRCÂł works well then I think there is the possibility of a good finish. The car is running well, it is strong, easy to service so it has all the ingredients to go well. Handling not so important 0 reliability is more important, and I am confident - I won the event my first time there!"

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Skoda enters Deutschland Rally

Škoda Motorsport will enter the coming Rallye Deutschland (August 22-25) three cars. Local hero Matthias Kahle will join WRC regulars Toni Gardemeister and Kenneth Eriksson with the aim to score extra points for the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team. Kahle, of Görlitz, Germany, is the reigning German rally champion. He will make his Škoda Motorsport debut behind the steering wheel of the latest Škoda Octavia WRC homologation version. Kahle and his co-driver Peter Göbel already have won four rounds of the German rally championship this year already behind the wheel of his Škoda Octavia WRC, run by a private team under the governance of Skoda Auto Germany, area importer of Skoda Auto. In the championship ranking, Kahle is now well ahead of his competitors. Petr Kohoutek, Škoda Auto Director of Motorsport, appointed Kahle as the third factory driver for the first WRC event on German soil. This is a dream come true for the 33-year old Kahle. "I have been waiting for this moment. I am well on my way to score a hattrick in the German rally championship. The Rallye Deutschland is very special to me. I am familiar with the circumstances and can measure up to the best WRC drivers. For me, being part of the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team is a reward for my consistent achievements. It gives me the opportunity to score valuable WRC points for my brand and I can gain experience for my future as a professional driver. I would be extremely happy to finish in the top ten." Kahle is well-known internationally. The congenial German has been involved in motorsport since 1993. He took part in five WRC rallies already. In 1999 he four times piloted a Toyota Corolla WRC. His best result was a seventh place in New Zealand. In 2001 Kahle steered a Seat Cordoba WRC over Greek tracks. In 13th position, he was forced to retire because of a broken suspension. Škoda Auto Director of Motorsport Kohoutek: "We have been watching Matthias closely and therefore we are convinced that the team will benefit from his participation in Germany. Especially because of his ability to score points. An extra bonus is that we can support Škoda Auto Deutschland, one of the most important Škoda Auto importer in the world. After all, a German crew in a German WRC event will draw a lot of attention from the crowd and Škoda fans alike."

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WORLD RALLY EXPERIENCE

Sunday, 21 July 2002

The brainchild of respected former International rally co-driver Ronan Morgan, the World Rally Experience is the highlight of the Irish motorsport calendar as it brings some of the biggest names and teams from world rallying to Ireland for this unique event.
Held at the award winning Punchestown Racecourse, which is located only 45 minutes from Dublin, the one day spectacle is restricted to 40 cars and run over a 4Km Asphalt stage with each driver completing six runs in this non stop action packed family day out.
WORLD RALLY EXPERIENCE
a.. International Rally Event
b.. Sunday, 21st July 2002
c.. Run at the Award winning Punchestown Racecourse
d.. World Championship Teams
e.. Top British and Irish Rally Crews
f.. Restricted to 40 Invited Drivers
g.. Six runs over a 4Km Asphalt Stage
h.. Celebrity Co-drivers
i.. Complete Entertainment for all the Family

THE VENUE
a.. Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Co. Kildare
b.. Only 45 minutes from Dublin City Centre and Dublin Airport.
c.. Minutes from the N7/M50
d.. Easy Access & Ample Free Parking
e.. Excellent Facilities
f.. Restaurants & Bars
g.. Crčche
h.. Toilets
i.. Natural Rally Stage
j.. Excellent Spectator Viewing

LEADING ENTRIES
a.. Colin McRae - Ford Focus RS World Rally Car
b.. Andrew Nesbitt - Subaru Impreza WRC
c.. Austin McHale - Toyota Corolla WRC
d.. Dermot Carnegie - Ford Focus Rallycross Supercar
e.. John McCluskey - Peugeot 306 Rallycross Supercar
f.. John Moloney - Ford Escort Rallycross Supercar

RALLY HEADQUARTERS
a.. Citywest Hotel Conference, Leisure & Golf Resort, Saggart, Co. Dublin
ADMISSION
a.. 20.00 Euro
b.. Under 12 Free (Accompanied by an Adult)
c.. Available from local Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.ie
d.. Gates open 09:30

HOW TO GET THERE
a.. Directions to Punchestown Racecourse
b.. From Dublin City (N7, R410) (22 miles/35km).
c.. Take the N7 (Naas Road) to traffic lights at Naas.
d.. Turn left at lights onto R410 direction Blessington.
e.. Approximately 2 miles/3.2km - junction - turn right.
f.. Approximately 1 mile/1.6 km - Racecourse gates on left.

RALLY CAR DISPLAY & AUTOTEST- Saturday, 20 July 2002
Event - A static display of all the cars which will compete in the World Rally Experience
Venue - New Punchestown Arena
Time - 2pm to 6pm
Admission - Free
Autotest - See the country's top Autotest drivers in action as Punchestown hosts a round of the Motorsport Ireland Championship.

Oisin O Briain

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Jim Clark Memorial Rally

Being a counting round of both The Toshiba Tarmac Championship and Pirelli British Championship , all roads will lead to Edinburgh next weekend

Now in its sixth year as mainland Britain's only closed public road rally, the Jim Clark Memorial Rally for 2002 will for the first time be based on Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh, with the testing country roads of Jim Clark's Berwickshire still providing the competitive action for one of the UK's biggest motor sport events.
The original plans to start the rally from the city's famous Calton Hill have now been changed since the Clark has received the generous backing of Ocean Terminal - the brand new retail and leisure complex at Edinburgh's long established port of Leith on the shores of the Firth of Forth. The rally is also receiving valuable support from the City of Edinburgh Council, Scotsman Publications, the Scottish Borders Council and many other organisations and individuals. Ocean Terminal, at which is berthed the former Royal Yacht Britannia, will provide the scrutineering, start, parc ferme and finish venues for the three main events of the rally as well as housing the Rally HQ and Media Centre. Ocean Terminal will also stage a rally show and host the post-event rally party. This magnificent new complex is one of the many startling initiatives arising from the vast re-development of the dockland area at Leith and it provides the Jim Clark Memorial Rally for 2002 with facilities second to none.
Competitors in the main International event - Round 4 of the Pirelli British Rally Championship - will leave from Ocean Terminal at 13:00 on Friday 12th July for two days of competition over 21 stages in Berwickshire. These stages will provide some 150 miles of flat-out action at ten locations in the county, including five runs through the famous water-splash test at Langton just south of Duns, where the town's Newtown Street will see almost non-stop servicing throughout the rally
. A Junior rally for certain one-make cars will follow the International competitors throughout the Friday and on until Saturday lunchtime. Cars in both these events will be taken back to Edinburgh for the overnight halt on the Friday, before a very early re-start on Saturday.
The cars in Round 5 of the New Pig Scottish Rally Championship will provide the field for the third event of the weekend and while they officially start from Edinburgh on the Friday evening, they commence competition for real from Duns at lunchtime on the Saturday taking in nearly 60 miles of top speed rallying over 8 stages.
If all that's not enough for rally enthusiasts, the organisers have put on a fourth event - a clubman's rally - which will take place on Sunday 14th July and will comprise 30 miles of tarmac rallying at a venue north of Duns.

Top Twenthy Entries:
1 Gwyndaff Evans / Chris Patterson ...MG ZR
2 Justin Dale / Andrew Bargery .....Peugeot 206
3 Rory Galligan / Gordon Noble ......Peugeot 206
4 Kris Meeke / Glen Patterson ....Ford Puma
5 Guy Wilks / Roger Herron.........Ford Puma
6 David Henderson / Scott Poxton ....Ford Puma
7 Simon Hughes / Phil Pugh ......Renault Clio
8 Stuart Darcy / Claire Mole .....Ford Puma
10 David Higgins / Daniel Barrett ....Subaru Impreza
11 Austin McHale / Brian Murphy ....Toyota Corolla WRC
12 Andrew Nesbitt / James O Brien ....Subaru WRC
14 Jonny Milner / Nicky Beech .......Toyota Corolla WRC
15 Derek McGarrity / TBA .....Subaru WRC
16 Marcus Dodd / John Bennie .....Subaru WRC
17 Katsushiko Taguchi / Derek Ringer .....Mitsubishi Lancer Grp A
18 Eamonn Boland / Damien Morrissey .....Subaru WRC
19 Peadar Hurson / Ian Porter .....Celica ST205
20 Charlie Jukes / David Williams .....Subaru Impreza 555
21 Daniel Doherty / Michael doherty .....Subaru WRC
22 Tim McNulty / Antony Nestor ........Subaru Imp 555
23 Robert Woodside / Dean Beckett ....Subaru WRC

Other Irish entries include Maurice Gass (26 Subaru WRC) , Seamus Leonard (30 Subaru Impreza), Roy White (31 Mitsubishi Evo 6), James Foley (32 Mitsubishi Evo6) , Glen Wilson (54 Peugeot 106 GTI) , Gerard Sharkey (65 Astra GSI), Eugene Meegan (68 Peugeot 106) , Alyn Spiers (69 Suzuki Swift) , Aishling Dooris (70 Suziki swift) , Vincente Frontinian (76 in an Ardsallagh Rally Preparation Honda Civic) and Joanne Bowles at 78 in a Suzuki Swift

The rally is also a counting round of the Peugeot 206 Challenge and sees the likes of Shaun Gallagher (38) , Gary Jennings (39) , Gareth McHale (61) , Alan Ring(71) , Adrian McElhinney (80) , Mike Bird(81) and James Halligan(82) competing.

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2/07 Lurgan Park Preview

This Saturday's SEAT Lurgan Park Rally looks set to provide all the excitement and spectacle we have grown accustomed to since the rally's inception in the Park 22 years ago. Kenny McKinstry in a Subaru heads the 40 invited drivers , with Derek McGarrity, Scotland's Dom Buckley and local driver Maurice Gass, also all in Subaru's and Eugene Donnelly in his Toyota Celica, just some of the drivers who will be bidding, not just to deny McKinstry his tenth win in the Park, but also for the lion's share of the Ł5000 prize fund.
Seven times Circuit of Ireland winner Jimmy McRae, driving his original International winning Opel Ascona 400, and motorcycle Grand Prix star Jeremy McWilliams, co-driven by Tarmac Champion Andrew Nesbitt in a Lotus Elan course car, are just two of the additional interesting teams on this SEAT Lurgan Park Rally. The Lurgan Park action starts at 10.45 on Saturday morning when the first car crosses the ramp in the Park
. There are eight stages throughout the day, with the champagne finish planned for just after 4pm, followed by the prizegiving in the Park. Scrutiny for the event is in the Fitzwilliam International Hotel at Belfast International Airport on Friday evening from 6pm.
Kenny McKinstry, dubbed 'King of the Park' in the past thanks to his nine Lurgan victories, will have his nineteen year old daughter Emma co-driving. The Banbridge man, who runs a successful rally preparation business, commented at a press conference on Tuesday evening in Craigavon's Civic Centre - "I really want to win this one. Ten would be special. Last year I didn't really give myself a chance , too busy working on other people's cars. I have a bit more time this week and will be able to get my own car set up to my liking. It is vitally important in Lurgan Park to get the first stage absolutely right, and indeed the other seven. The rally is so concentrated you cannot afford one slip. There are a lot of other good drivers on the rally, and there will be no second chance on Saturday." Seeded right behind McKinstry is Derek McGarrity. The Glengormley man has led and has been close to winning several times, but hasn't cracked victory yet, although he has provided lots of thrills along the way. Third in the list is former Volkswagen works driver Dom Buckley. The 34-year old from Eccles near Peebles in Scotland makes only the occasional rally outing these days, but has a habit of winning. In his current Subaru he has recently achieved victories at Knockhill and on the Carlow Rally. Dom commented, "I'm really looking forward toa good blast. I enjoy rallying in Ireland. I've competed in Lurgan Park with a Porsche and thought it was a great place." Armagh's Maurice Gass is at 4 in his Impreza WRC and has TV newscaster Karen Patterson in a different type of 'hot seat' this time. Next up is Eugene Donnelly in a very rapid Celica. The Maghera man has chalked up wins recently on both gravel and asphalt rallies and could spring a real surprise in Lurgan Park, where the stages feature a mixture of both surfaces. Trevor Moore, who has won the Sperrins Rally and the Festival Stages in recent months, NI Champion Denis Biggerstaff in his Metro 6R4, former Lurgan Park winner David Greer, this time in a Corolla WRC, Gary White from Finaghy and London based Limerick man Ollie O'Donovan, winner of the Cork Rallysprint in his Subaru, round off the top ten.
Just some other interesting drivers outside the top ten include top racing driver Martin O'Connell at 11 in an Escort WRC, and young Peugeot 206 Super Cup star Garry Jennings in a four wheel drive Lancer Evo VI, with UTV's Pamela Ballantine co-driving. Liam McCarthy is making the trip all the way up from West Cork to compete in his Corolla World Rally Car. There are top names dotted throughout the list. Former NI Champions Stephen Harron and Mervyn Hill are at 16 and 27 respectively. Dessie Nutt, Historic Rally Champion, is at 36 in his Porsche. Speaking at the press conference on Tuesday night at the Craigavon Civic Centre, the Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Jonathan Bell, commented, "The Council has a long association with the North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club and we are very pleased to welcome the rally back again this year." In addition to backing from SEAT cars and Craigavon Borough Council, the rally also receives support from Pirelli Tyres, AutoTrader and the Fitzwilliam International Hotel, in addition to many other companies and bodies. North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club is the promoter of the event. Barry Taggart is Clerk of the Course, while William Fullerton moves up to Rally Director.

SEAT Lurgan Park Rally - Top Ten
1. K. McKinstry / E. McKinstry Subaru Impreza WRC
2. D. McGarrity / TBA Subaru Impreza WRC
3. D. Buckley / D. Redpath Subaru Impreza
4. M. Gass / K. Patterson Subaru Impreza WRC
5. E. Donnelly / P. Nagle Toyota Celica
6. T. Moore / R. Wilson Ford Escort Cosworth
7. D. Biggerstaff / R. McCandless Metro 6R4
8. D. Greer / R. Kennedy Toyota Corolla WRC
9. G. White / L. Crealey Ford Escort Cosworth
10. O. O'Donovan / D. Moynihan Subaru Impreza

Issued by Brian and Liz Patterson

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Castle Single Stage Details

The Castle Stage Rally scheduled to take place on September 8th is to be based at The Lakeside Manor Hotel, Virginia, Co. Cavan. Regulations and Entry Forms will not be available until the end of July. Intending competitors should forward a stamped, addressed A5 size envelope to the event Secretary - Maureen Curran, marked as follows: Castle Rally 2002, The Rectory, Oldcastle, Co. Meath.
Clerk of the Course for the event is Breen McNamee.

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