Munster CC Moonraker Forestry Rally - 14 May 06

Posted: May 18, 2006 7:23 PM

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Trevor Harding/Adrian Deasy had a baptism of fire on last weekends Moonraker Forestry Rally in their rented Impreza WRC S8.
After a tentative run on the opening 5km test, spent acclimatising to the McKinstry run Impreza S8, the Waterford/Cork paring were pleased to be a mere 2 seconds off the leading crew of John McCarthy and Micky Joe Morrissey. Having overcome the very slippery first test the rally moved on to the infamous Vee stage north of Lismore.


Photo: Jphn Bayly. www.rallyfile.com

Harding set a time of 6:45 on the stage despite some gearbox gremlins in his Eddie Garry livered machine. The Silverstone shod car jumping out of fourth gear forcing Trevor to resort to manual gear change to overcome the problem. Notwithstanding this the crew set fastest time on the stage to move into the lead of the rally by 3 seconds from John McCarthy.

This lead however was to be short lived as the gearbox maladies became worse during stage three forcing the Sligo Pallets backed Subaru to retire at the first service outside Cappaquinn. Trevor commented that despite the problems he was happy with his pace
“I was very happy with the car despite the gearbox problems, I didn’t expect to be as quick especially when we only did a few miles of testing Saturday evening. Even though I am disappointed not to have run the course, I hope to use the car again for the Cork Forestry in July”.

The next round of the McCauley’s Forestry Championship takes place in Monaghan on the 11th of June.

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McCarthy/ Morrissey Moonwalking
John McCarthy/ Mickey Joe Morrissey took a facile victory on the Midleton based “Moonraker” Rally, Round 4 of the “McCauley Trailers” National Forest Rally Championship. McCarthy’s Kumho shod Corolla WRC ran faultlessly as the Cork/ Waterford pair took their second consecutive win to strengthen their resolve at the top of the championship standings on 59-points.

Murphy/Anthony Nestor were on course for third, the pair made it through the final stage but their Escort WRC ground to a halt at the stage exit as a gearbox bearing seized forcing retirement. Stephen Moore/ Tony McHugh were elevated to third, 46 secs off McGillin. The Tyrone crew hold second in the Championship, 6 points behind McCarthy/ Morrissey.

Kevin O’Kane/ Martin Brady took 4th only 7 secs adrift of Moore’s Focus. Frank Kelly/ Liam Brennan got their first finish this season. The pair completed the top five, were “Best 2WD” and took class five honours. Justin Dunne/ John Noonan (Evo 6) finished 6th overall and won Gp N (class 8). Peter McCullagh/ Alan Dolan (Evo 7) lost 2 mins on ss3 but recovered well to 7th overall. Kevin Duggan/ Keith Bovaird (Evo 6) were 8th, Andy Mackarel/ Richard Cassidy (Evo 4) 9th and Emma McKinstry/ Derek Brannigan (Evo 6) completed the top ten.

Class winners included; Class 1, Andrew Fanning/ Alan McCormack (Ka). Class 2, Mick Nevin/ Martin Flynn (Escort). Class 3, Moss Fitzgerald/ Denis Cremin (Corolla). Class 4, Jason/ Patrick Roche (Escort) and Class 9, Conor Kelly/ Denis Ryan (Nova). Coleman Hegarty and his team at the Munster Car Club ran a successful event. Despite the changeable weather every stage ran on time, testament to the huge effort by all concerned.

Results
1 John McCarthy/Mick Morrissey (Toyota Corolla WRC) 45m 43s,
2 Brian McGillin/David Doherty (Subaru Impreza N12) GpN 47m 07s,
3 Stephen Moore/Tony McHugh (Ford Focus WRC) 47m 53s,
4 Kevin O’Kane/Martin Brady (Subaru Impreza WRC) 48m 00s,
5 Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan (Escort Mk II) 49m 31s,
6 Justin Dunne/John Noonan (Mit. Lancer Evo 7) GpN 49m 41s,
7 Peter McCullagh Jnr/Alan Dolan (Mit. Lancer Evo 7) GpN 49m 49s,
8 Kevin Duggan/Keith Bovaird (Mit. Lancer Evo 6 GpN 50m 32s,
9 Andy Mackarel/Richard Cassidy (Mit. Lancer Evo IV) 50m 35s,
10 Emma McKinstry/Derek Brannigan (Mit. Lancer Evo 6) GpN 50m 47s.

Leaders After
SS1 John McCarthy/Mick Morrissey (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS2 Trevor Harding/Adrian Deasy (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS3-8 John McCarthy/Mick Morrissey (Toyota Corolla WRC)

Stage Winners
SS1 John McCarthy/Mick Morrissey (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS2 Trevor Harding/Adrian Deasy (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS3 John McCarthy/Mick Morrissey (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS4 John McCarthy/Mick Morrissey (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS5 John McCarthy/Mick Morrissey (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS6 John McCarthy/Mick Morrissey (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS7 John McCarthy/Mick Morrissey (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS8 John McCarthy/Mick Morrissey (Toyota Corolla WRC)

• Download Full Results and Times in Excel Format

Photos
GER LEAHY PHOTOGRAPHY & PR
John Bayly (www.rallyfile.com)
Joe Lane - Action Photos.ie

Munster Car Club

• 2006 Forestry Championship

Top 2WD - Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan
Photo: James Balfe Photos

PRE EVENT NEWS
• Preview
• Entry List on line.
• Harding to Drive McKinstry S8
• Regulations & Entry Forms available
• Rally Launch

Harding to use McKinstry S8

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10/06/05
Event Preview
Current McCauley Trailers National Forest Rally Championship leaders John McCarthy/ Mickey Joe Morrissey are top seeds for Sunday’s Moonraker Rally, the 4th Round of the 2006 “McCauley Trailers” series. Clerk of the Course Coleman Hegarty has devised a route quite similar to last year offering approx 80 stage kms in the West Waterford and East Cork forests. The format consists of, eight stages; four done twice with centralised service in Cappagh after ss3 &6.

Local man McCarthy (Corolla WRC) will be confident on the strength of his success on the previous round in Wicklow.  However the Carrigtoughill driver will have to fend off stiff opposition with an impressive top ten all bidding to take the honours. Number 2, Stephen Moore/ Tony McHugh hold second in the standings, 3 points down on McCarthy.  Moore rates this as his favourite event and can’t wait to get his Focus WRC into the “Vee”. Kevin O’Kane/ Martin Brady (Impreza WRC) at three are well capable of a podium finish on these fast stages.  

At four, Trevor Harding has hired McKinstry’s all conquering Impreza S8 WRC.  Harding has featured high in the rankings this year with his Gp A version setting FTD’s but rarely surviving to the end.  Equipped with the S8 and guided as ever Adrian Deasy Harding is a serious force to be reckoned with.  James Murphy/ Anthony Nestor complete the top five. Having missed Wicklow while their Escort WRC was being re-fettled the Limerick duo will be anxious to make up lost ground in the Championship standings.

  Lismore’s Pete Willoughby is seeded at six in a Gp A Lancer Evo 7.  Willoughby has Greg McCarthy on board and is determined to make his marque on the “Moonraker” which passes his home.  Brian Lawlor/ Peter Kavanagh (Evo) are first Gp N on the road at seven.  Lawlor has retired on the previous two rounds and has to score in Midleton. Number seven, Brian McGillin/ David Doherty launched the latest spec Gp N Impreza N12 in Wicklow with staggering speed netting second overall.  Gp N’s always feature on the “Moonraker” and McGillin hopes to rattle the WRC’s again.  John McGaffin/ Kenny Hull are next up with their ’99 spec Impreza WRC.  Pete McCullagh/ Alan Dolan (Evo 7) complete the top ten.  The Kildare crew got a taste for success following their maiden Gp N victory in Wicklow.  

Just outside the top ten, Daniel Barry/ Mark Bowens (Evo 7) are yet another young crew showing lots of speed.  At 12, Frank Kelly/ Liam Brennan are the top 2WD seed and the first in a trio of spectactular mk’s.  Seamus O’Connell/ Brian Duggan are next up with their pristine BDA.  Adrian Hetherington/ Terry Walkingshaw are third 2WD with their “Millington-powered mk2.  Kelly, O’Connell and Hetherington are sure to thrill the crowds as they battle for 2WD supremacy.  Event co sponsor Eddie Garry is at 16, the Waterford man always enjoys the woods with his ex-Colin McRae Imprea WRC.  

There is a strong local presence with the likes of Ollie Williams, Danny McEvoy, Ray Benskin, Sean Benskin, William Walsh, Richard Nugent and Dave Warren in Escorts.  Paul Mulcahy, Billy O’Connell, Moss Fitzgerald, James Cunningham and John Bagge are in a variety of 16v Toyota’s.  

The short opening stage near Murley’s Cross is followed by the renowned fast flowing “Vee” stage north of Lismore.  Stage 3 is a revised version of Scart Mountain followed by service in Cappagh.   Stage 4 - a reverse run through Coolatour then a repeat of the “Vee” and Scart Mountain with service again in Cappagh.  After repeating Coolatour the event moves to the final stage near Murley’s Cross (repeat of ss1).  The first competing cars are due back at Rally HQ, the Midleton Park Hotel and Spa for a champagne reception at 17:30.  

Entries Still Welcome    
Contact Event Secretary; 087 – 9104684.  

    HQ: Midleton Park Hotel & Spa, Midleton, Co. Cork.  

  Details:  8 stages, 4 done twice, approx 82 stage kms.  

  Scrutiny: Saturday 13th May 17:00 – 21:30 Keary’s Garage, Midleton.  

  Documentation: Saturday 13th May 17:00 – 21:30 Midleton Park Hotel.  

  Driver’s Briefing: Sunday 14th May 08:00 Midleton Park Hotel.  

  Start: 09:00 Sunday May 14th.  

  Centralised Service: Cappagh (nr Cappaquinn) after ss3 & ss6.  

  Finish: 17:30 Sunday May 14th.  

  Results: 19:15 Sunday May 14th.    

Awards: 20:30 Sunday May 14th.    

Maps: Discovery Series: 74, 81 & 82.   

“Marked A3 Maps will be available for sale @ Documentation”.  

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09/05/06
Number Driver/Navigator (Car) [Class]

1 John McCarthy/MJ Morrissey (Toyota Corolla WRC) [6]
2 Stephen Moore/Tony McHugh (Ford Focus WRC) [6]
3 Kevin O'Kane/Martin Brady (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
4 Trevor Harding/Adrian Deasy (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
5 James Murphy/Anthony Nestor (Ford Escort WRC) [6]
6 Pete Willoughby/Greg McCarthy (Mit. Lancer Evo 7) [6]
7 Brian Lawlor/Peter Kavanagh (Mit. Lancer Evo 9) [8]
8 Brian McGillin/David Doherty (Subaru Impreza N12) [8]
9 John McGaffin/Kenny Hull (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
10 Peter McCullagh/Alan Dolan (Mit. Lancer Evo 7) [8]
11 Daniel Barry/Mark Bowens (Mit. Lancer Evo 7) [8]
12 Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan (Escort MkII) [5]
14 Seamus O'Connell/Brian Duggan (Escort MkII) [5]
15 Adrian Hetherington/Terry Walkingshaw (Escort MkII) [5]
16 Eddie Garry/TBA (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
17 Andrew Mackarel/Richard Cassidy (Mit, Lancer Evo 4) [6]
18 John Reid/Enda Shield (Escort) [5]
19 Ollie Williams/Anthony Cronin (Escort) [5]
20 Malachy Donnelly/TBA (Escort) [4]
21 Danny McEvoy/Michael Walsh (Escort GT) [4]
22 Bob Scanlon/Finian Hannigan (Evo 8) [8]
23 Patsy Keenan/Liam McLoughlin (Evo 8) [8]
24 Kevin Duggan/TBA (Evo 6) [8]
25 Justin Dunne/TBA (Evo 6) [8]
26 Damien Quinn/Peter Conlon (Impreza) [6]
27 Jason Roche/Patrick Roche (Escort) [4]
28 Andrew Purcell/TBA (Civic) [3]
29 Paul Mulcahy/Karl Baumann (Starlet) [3]
30 Ray Benskin Snr/Peadar Walsh (Escort) [4]
31 Billy O'Connell/Derek Power (Corolla) [4]
32 Anthony O'Halloran/Larry O'Halloran (Escort) [5]
33 Jimmy Devane/Ronald Riordan (Sunny) [5]
34 Mark Murphy/Declan Stafford (Impreza) [6]
35 Pat Price/Seamus O'Connor (Evo 6) [8]
36 Martin Ceirns/TBA (Impreza) [8]
37 Sean W Benskin/Dinny O'Leary (Escort) [4]
38 Barry McGill/TBA (Escort) [4]
39 Mickey McGillin/Sean Hayde (Escort) [5]
40 John Cullinane/TBA (Escort) [4]
41 Pat Curran/Kevin Barry (Escort) [3]
42 Sean Healy/TBA (Subaru) [8]
43 Dan Mulcahy/Donnacha O'Callaghan (Escort Cosworth) [6]
44 Darragh Rafferty/TBA (Subaru) [8]
45 Michael Doyle/John Brophy (Peugot 205 RWD) [2]
46 Mick Nevin/Martin Flynn (Escort) [2]
47 Joe Conway/TBA (Escort) [2]
48 William Walsh/James Fitzgerald (Corsa) [1]
49 Moss Fitzgerald/Denis Cremin (Corolla) [3]
50 Connie Smith/Breen McNamee (Sierra Cosworth) [6]
51 Gerard Lucey/Peter Somers (Celica) [6]
52 Richard Nugent/Robert Nugent (Escort) [1]
53 James Cunningham/Joe Fitzgibbon (Corolla) [3]
54 Kevin Hickey/TBA (Escort) [3]
55 Ian Roche/TBA (206) [3]
56 David Warren/Mick O'Connor (G3) [2]
57 Paul Fitzgerald/Ger Fahey (Escort) [3]
58 Alan Dineen/Tony Dineen (Nova) [2]
59 Johnny Kenneally/Ken Carmody (Escort) [9]
60 Conor Kelly/Denis Ryan (Corsa) [9]
61 John Bagge/Michael Cuddihy (Starlet) [3]
62 Darragh Riordan/Sean McCarthy (Corsa) [3]
63 John Fleming/Marc Butler (Corolla) [3]
64 Shane Cullen/A Donnelly (Escort) [4]
65 Conor Lee/Ned Doherty (Escort) [4]
66 Ray Benskin Jnr/Ollie Kierce (Escort) [4]
67 Nicholas Doherty/Philip Doherty (Escort) [2]
68 Michael Murphy/Pat Cashman (Corolla) [3]
69 Andrew Fanning/Alan McCormack (Ka) [1]
70 Michael English/Kenneth Lynch (Fiesta XR2) [2]
71 Sidney Bourke/Robert Hughes (206) [7]
72 Michael Piggott/Breda Piggott (Civic) [1]
73 Michael Ormond/Declan Grogan (Civic) [3]
74 Ger Connors/TBA (Astra) [5]
75 David Dunne/Ciaran O'Connor (Escort) [9]
76 Ciaran McCullagh/Denis Guiney (Nova) [9]
77 Nick Hegarty/Allyn Jennings (Felicia) [9]
78 David Donoghue/TBA (205) [9]
79 Donal Cullinane/TBA (TBA) [3]
80 Joe Kierce/Christine O'Leary (Felicia) [1]
81 Barry Driver/Niamh Driver (Swift) [1]
82 John Curran/TBA (Escort) [2]
83 Enda Hallinan/TBA (Civic) [3]

Munster Car Club

• 2006 Forestry Championship

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04/05/06
Harding to Drive McKinstry S8
Waterford based Tipperary man Trevor Harding has secured a deal to hire a McKinstry Motorsport Subaru Impreza S8 WRC for the forthcoming Moonraker Forestry Rally, the 4th round of the McCauley’s National Forestry Championship.
Trevor, who has been well on the pace of the leading cars in his older group A spec Impreza is looking forward to the event
‘I am really looking forward to having a go in the S8, I think the car has the performance edge that can take me to the next level’.

Partnered by Cork man Adrian Deasy, the start of the 2006 season has held mixed fortune for the Munster duo.
A strong placing of 4th overall on the Carrick-On-Suir rally was followed by a disappointing retirement on the Tipperary event, albeit having set fastest time overall on stage 2. Further mechanical trouble spelled disaster over the Easter weekend with a retirement on the Circuit of Wicklow rally.

The Subaru sales manager is pleased to announce continued support from Silverstone tyres, Eddie Garry Car Sales, Tom Whelan Crane Hire, Heazle Rally Preparation as well as Shell racing solutions.
Event sponsor Eddie Garry is expected to use an ex Colin McRae Subaru WRC 98 for the Middleton based event making it a two car line up from the port city.

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06/04/06
The Regulations & Entry Forms are now available to download on the Club Website

Munster Car Club

• 2006 Forestry Championship

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26/03/06

• Moonraker Forestry Rally (14 May 06) Rally Launch - (Wed) 5 Apr 06

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Munster Car Club

• 2006 Forestry Championship