GSMC MINI STAGES RALLY - 15 Oct 06

Posted: October 17, 2006 4:44 PM

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Kelly and Shaw take clean sweep victory of 2006 Sleator Opel Championship
With Maximum points on each of the 5 rounds, there is no doubt that the winner of the 2006 Sleator Opel Midlands East Rally Championship is John Kelly and Robbie Shaw in their Lancer Evo 7. With a comfortable run to 8th overall on the GSMC Baltinglass Mini stages they made sure they had done enough to take maximum points yet again to claim the championship as their own.

Second place went to James Cassidy in his MK2 Escort, James who the inaugural winner of the Sleator championship came to the finish line of the last stage in Baltinglass smiling as usual and very satisfied with his result while already planning the challenge for next years series.
Second placed co driver went to Brian Smullen who had co driven during the year for Danny Mc Cormack in the Mk2.

Third overall in the championship meant a late night and many calculation challenges for championship registrar Eoin Longworth. There was a convoluted dead heat on points for the honours of 3rd on the overall championship podium. It was a 3 way tie for 3rd Overall Driver between Seamus Behan, Barry Coleman & Danny McCormack. Along with a Two Way Tie for 3rd Overall Co Driver between Dolores Behan & John Corrigan. After a long and careful deliberation white smoke was eventually seen rise from Eoins overworked calculator and a victor was announced. Seamus and Dolores Behan in their 1400cc Corsa take 3rd Overall on a tie break.

There were many exciting battles amongst the classes fought and won in Baltinglass, Mark Courtney claimed class 9 despite a difficult second stage where a puncture and suspension damage meant the end of his rally.

In class 8 John and Bernard Devine in their Sierra just edged out Connor Maggenis and Ray Scullion after they unfortunately retired on stage 1 with engine damage.

Class 7 was secured by Gene Callan and Sean Brunton as they took 40th o/a in the Escort. Second in the class was David Ford and Cathal Mc Grath in their Toyota.

Class 6 saw Marc Mc Dermot and Damien Flanagan hold on in their Civic to a slight lead over Timmy England in his 206. Second Placed Co driver in the class was Patrick Mc Manus.

Last years championship runner up Andrew Lang took victory in class 4.

Details of the other classes and championship positions are available with updates and photos on the championship website.

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FOLEY AND MARKEY CLAIM WICKLOW LAURELS
James Foley and Dominic Markey have won the 2006 Germaines of Baltinglass Mini Stages Rally in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9. They led the Garda Siochana Motor Club organised event throughout, and eventually finished with a margin of 22 seconds over second placed Kevin and Martin Kelleher, also in a Mitsubishi. Tom Holton and Sean Walsh took third place in a Toyota Celica, a further 39 seconds in arrears.

Foley had taken fastest time on the first two of the day's four stages, and headed Kevin Kelleher by seventeen seconds at the half-way point. Kelleher was fastest by one second from Foley on the third test, but Foley secured the victory with another fastest time on the final stage. Kelleher had to be content with second, mirroring his result on this event last year.

Holton and Walsh held third from start to finish, doing just enough to fend off Graham Quinn and Martin Costello (Lancer Evo 6), who finished just two seconds behind. Paul Purtill and David Lyons took fifth in their 1600cc Escort, having held fourth briefly after stage two. Their efforts were aided by the dry conditions, but nonetheless it was an excellent performance, finishing as they did ahead of many considerably newer and more powerful cars, and they were comfortably the top two-wheel drive runners.

Eddie and Charlie Donaghy held fifth place at the half-way point, but they landed off-square after a jump on stage three, and their Celica slipped of the road.

Wexford's James Stafford, who won this event two years ago, was among the retirements. His Group A Evo 7 Lancer lapsed onto three cylinders a couple of miles into stage one, and he withdrew at the Service following stage two. Also among the non-finishers was Trevor Culbert, the No.6 seed, who tore a wheel off his Escort when he struck a chicane on the opening stage.

Thomas Fitzmaurice/Ian Laracy (Escort Cosworth); Tom Randles/Diarmuid Lynch (Celica ST185); John Kelly/Robbie Shaw (Lancer Evo 7); Enda Nolan/Michael Lyster (Lancer Evo 7) and Alan Doherty/Colm Doherty (Vauxhall Corsa) filled out the remaining places in the top ten.

Results
Pos Driver/Codriver (Car) Total
1 James Foley/Dominic Markey (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) GpN 37:17
2 Kevin Kelleher/Martin Kelleher (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) GpN 37:39
3 Tom Holton/Sean Walsh (Toyota Celica GT-Four) 38:18
4 Graham Quinn/Martin Costello (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) GpN 38:20
5 Paul Purtill/David Lyons (Ford Escort 1.6) 38:34
6 Thomas Fitzmaurice/Ian Laracy (Ford Escort RS Cosworth) 39:10
7 Thomas Randles/Diarmuid Lynch (Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD) 39:32
8 John Kelly/Robbie Shaw (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7) GpN 39:34
9 Enda Nolan/Michael Lyster (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7) GpN 39:41
10 Alan J Doherty/Colm Doherty (Vauxhall Corsa 2.0) 39:52

Leaders After:
SS1-4 James Foley/Dominic Markey (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9)

Stage Winners:
SS1 James Foley/Dominic Markey (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9)
SS2 James Foley/Dominic Markey (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9)
SS3 Kevin Kelleher/Martin Kelleher (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9)
SS4 James Foley/Dominic Markey (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9)

Full Results
rally.connect.ie (Angus Sealy)

Photos:
Peespeed Photography

• 2006 Midlands East Rally Championship

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PRE EVENT NEWS

• Reserve list has reached no 175
• Overview Map on Line
• Time and Distance Schedule
• Sleator Opel Championship goes to the wire yet again
• Entry List
• Regulations available

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13/10/06
Reserve List has reached No 175

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• Download Overview Map

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10/10/06

• Download Time and Distance Schedule

Adobe Acrobat Reader to View PDF files

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06/10/06
Sleator Opel Championship goes to the wire yet again

2006 sees the very successful Sleator Opel championship in its second year and the addition of an extra round with the GSMC Germaine’s of Baltinglass Mini stages to bring the battle for honours over 5 rounds.

The championship is designed with the clubman in mind, its overall winner is based on class scores so everyone begins on an equal footing in every class and having a real shot at overall honours.

The championship is further strengthened by the fact that it does not allow WRC cars to score points, this meaning clubmen in the smaller cars have a championship that is focused on them and the entertainment they provide. Last years Sleator Opel championship went right to a cliff-hanger finale where Fiesta man Andrew Lang and MK2 pilot James Cassidy found themselves in a tie break after a season of rallying and many miles, with James just taking the inaugural title home to Moynalty in Co Meath. Both drivers have returned to the 06 championship, neither has lost their pace with Andrew leading class 4 and James Cassidy is also in control of class 7.

This year’s championship has travelled via Birr, Midland, ALMC and Castle events on its way to Baltinglass today and in its second year has grown in strength and stature. However many points are still to play for before the finish ramp at Germaine’s in the quiet Wicklow town. Apart from class points Six bonus points will be awarded for each registered competitor starting all five rounds. Competitors who start four rounds AND contribute in a significant manner (as defined by the Championship committee) to a fifth event will be awarded six bonus points. (this is to encourage competitors to work on their “local” event). In addition, registered competitors who are placed on the reserve list of any of the counting rounds, who do not achieve a “start”, will be awarded two points on a once off basis for assisting (such as marshalling) in the said round. Such points can ONLY be rewarded if proof of assistance at an event is provided.

The strong man in this year’s championship would appear to be John Kelly navigated by Robbie Shaw in his Lancer Evo 7. They have a maximum points haul to date and would on current form appear uncatchable for class honours by second placed Adrian Quinn and Sammy Moran, and in overall honours John could just be the one to take it home this year, but rallying can spring surprises and there are some others there among the classes who may yet spring a surprise.

Some of the classes provide strong challengers and many unresolved battles. Barry Coleman is the challenger from in Class 1 with John Corrigan navigating the Civic he holds an 11 pointy lead over the O Tooles who are also in a Civic.

In Class 3 the Behans in their Corsa have the 1400cc Class almost tied up another strong points haul would see them victorious here. In Class 4 Andrew Lang is the pacesetter once more from Thomas Carolan. Class 5 for 8valve up to 1600 cars it is Danny Mc Cormack and Brain Smullen who are the strong favourites.

In class 6 there is a right battle for honours and only a 4 point gap between Marc Mc Dermot and Cavan Electrical guru Timmy England, Timmy Navigated by Eoghan Fogarty who is know to the forestry competitors as coc of Birr Forestry and a class winning driver in his own right, could such expertise give Timmy the momentum to triumph over Marc Mc Dermot and Dermot Flanagan in their Civic. In Class 7 once again its James Cassidy, but only by one point- could Gene Callan topple last years champion in the Wicklow hills? James has been to Baltinglass rally on many occasions and had fine results but can Gene keep the pressure on James and secure a Class 7 win over our reigning overall Sleator Opel champ.

Class 8 will see another close battle resolved with John Devine and M3 man Connor Magenis battle over a 4 point advantage that currently is with John Devine. Connor will bring his lovely looking and even better sounding M3 to Baltinglass where it is sure to delight the spectators on any junction with its sights and sounds.

And last but by no means least in class 9 the leader is a man know to his internet fan base simply as “Mental Mark Courtney”, Mark in his Celica co driven by Monaghans Paul Kelly has a lead of only 2 points over John Mc Geehan but such a challenge could be simple work for Courtney, regardless he will be another who wont disappoint the eagerly waiting fans.

So the scene is set for the finale to the 2006 Sleator Opel Championship, who the victor will be, is far from decided and the 4 tough Baltinglass stages will surely have the deciding vote. Roll on the ramp on the afternoon of October 15th outside Germaine’s where a new champion will be crowned.

• 2006 Midlands East Rally Championship

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05/10/06
Entry List
No Driver Co-Driver
1 James Foley tba
2 Tom Holton Sean Walsh
3 Kevin Kelleher Martin Brady
4 JamesStafford Niall Hickey
5 Graham Quinn Martin Costello
6 Trevor Culbert Russel Dagge
7 Paul Purtill David Lyons
8 Mac Mc kenna John loughran
9 Mickey Curran Mark Mc Nalty
10 John Kelly Robbie Shaw
11 Paul Kiely Pat Mc Sharry
12 Eddie Donaghy Charlie Donaghy
14 Stephen Cullen Edward Roche
15 Enda Nolan Michael Lyster
16 Adrian Quinn Alan Moran
17 Dave Slattery ger Somers
18 Mark Courtney tba
19 Seamus Doyle kevin Barry
20 Graham Golfer tba
21 Enda O Brien John Butler
22 Diarmuid O Toole Barry Murphy.
23 Simon Kehoe Veronica Culleton
24 David Roe tba
25 Gordon Percy tba
26 James Cssidy Joe Cassidy
27 Alan J Doherty Colm Doherty
28 Padraig Egan Rory Maloney
29 Sean Flanagan Declan O Reilly
30 Brendan Brosnan tba
31 Declan Mc Naughton Denis O Mahony
32 Brian Doyle Colin Fitzgerald
33 Fergal Costello Shane Gilhooly
34 Enda Mc Loughlin Alan mc weeney
35 Neil Perry tba
36 Larry Brady Anthony Brady
37 David Delaney tba
38 Ian Roche Paul Roche
39 Sean Mc Evoy Nigel Mooney
40 Leo Doyle Alistair chambers
41 Dan Bourke tba
42 Stephen Corey Maureen Mc Connell
43 Niall McGinn Emmet Proutfoot
44 Gene Callan Sean Burton
45 Anthony Masterson Thomas Clinton
46 John Buttimer valerie Butimer
47 Barry Coleman John Corigan
48 Rory Byrne Niall Byrne
49 Danny Mc Cormack brian smullen
50 Pat Lee tba
51 Marc Mc Dermott Damien Flanagan
52 John Devine Bernard Devine
53 David Forde Cathal Mc Grath
54 John bagge tba
55 Connor Mc Gennis raymond Scullion
56 Jason Roche Patrick Roche
57 John Flanagan tba
58 John Newman Ron guhu
59 Peter Hagan Perter Mc Donell
60 Timmy England eoghan fogarty
61 Colin Kelly tba
62 Padraid Neville Amy Ryan
63 Andrew Fanning tba
64 Andrew Lang raymond Duignam
65 Sam Smyth Sam Smyth
66 Jack Newman tba
67 Paul Woods Philip Woods
68 lowbridege tba
69 markey tba
70 Bill Fitzgerald Pat Murphy
71 Declan Cuddy Paddy Cunnigham
72 Billy O Keefe Derek o Neill
73 Kieran Guinan Alan Higgins
74 Paul Doyle John Brophy
75 John Hade Brendan Curran
76 Jack Deegan tba
77 Eddie Grinsell Alva Pearson
78 Pat Murphy tba
79 Tommy Gardiner paddy mc Manus
80 Michael kelleher Patricia o Connell
81 David Donoghue Alan Dolan
82 Tommy Doody John O Sullivan
83 Pa Bellew Gareth Lawless
84 Christohper kelly martin Coady
85 Brian Ward Johnathon fides
86 Seamus Behan Dolores Behan
87 Gerard Mc Quaid tba
88 Shane Brisco Greg Campbell
89 Aiden Cuinneffe Gary Walker
90 Keneth Tracey martin Conerford
91 Thomas Carolon Declan Smith
92 Sharon Power tba
93 Willie Fitzpatrick tba
94 Sean o Toole Declan O Toole
95 Damian Morris Karl Morris
96 Brian Miller tba
97 Paul lacey Arhur Walsh
98 Phil Rowan Brian Murphy
99 Kevin Dunne Michael hegarty
100 Niall Hourigan Sean Doyle
101 David Woodcock Thomas Clinton
102 Martin Taylor Janet Brown
103 Tom Mc Dermott Owen O Reilly
104 Noel wade David o Brien
105 Billy Byrne billy Gorman
106 Anthony Redmond gabriel byrne
107 John E Barry Michael Donavan
108 Christopher Snow Thomas Melia
109 Kevin Donahee Paddy Power
110 Eddie Nolan Pat benson
111 Colm Browne Lawerence Mc grath.
112 Joseph Nacey PJ Maloney
113 DD Murphy John Murphy
114 Nathan Mc Gurrell Richard Mullen
115 Philip Walsh Patrick Walsh
116 Fergus Costello Ray Phelan
117 Joseph Lenahan Mary Morris
118 Peter Murphy Aiden Mcloughlin
119 John Mc Quaid tba
120 Anthony Neville Niamh Neville
121 Shane kenny eddie Brennan
122 shane Purcell derek delaney
123 Chris Mc Namara Paul Gibbons
124 Martin Dunbar Thomas tutty
125 Cecil Doke tba
126 Larry Murphy Lee Murphy
127 Bobby Archbold Karen Archbold
128 John Forde tba
129 Barry Evans tba
130 Pat Bracken John Bracken
131 Edward kelly John kelly
132 Michael Breen Thomas Walsh
133 Mick Doyle John Brophy
134 Mark Furlong Karen O Dowd
135 Adrian Brady Noel Moran
136 Stephen Kellett russell Waller
137 Patrick Culleton Philip Power
138 Cathal O Caroll tba
139 William Walsh Ed O Neill
140 Hugh Fleming tba
141 Chris Cullen Derek byrne
142 Emmet Dunne daniel Clerkin
143 Aoife doherty Sean Moroney
144 James Clynch Jaroslaw Mrukowicz
145 Adrian Codd Ciaran Fortune
146 Martin Nugent Colin Dwyer
147 Craig O Rourke diarmuid murphy
148 Mark Hackett Padraig barry
149 Niall O Brien Darragh O Brien
150 Pady Nolan Padraig Gorman
151 Declan Stafford Paul Moore
152 Patrick Tully Declan Collum
153 Pat Faughnan tba
154 Russel Woods Martin Byrne
155 Peter kelly Con lucey
156 John Kearney Denis O Connell
157 Michael Hagan tba
158 Johnny Murphy Martin Nolan
159 Paul Dempsey Richard Long
160 John Masterson David Fitzsimons
161 Barry Mahon Ollie O Grady
162 DavidPower Kevin Power
163 Eamon Power Adrian Cullen
164 Liam O Neill Declan O Neill
165 Colin Flanagan tba
166 Seamus Cooke Gerard Hyland
167 Ciaran Dwyer Gerry mc loughlin
168 Mick Shaw Shane Mc Cann
169 Lislie Branagan Graham Randal
170 James O Shea Willie bumster
171 Gerry Kelly karen killy
172 Gerry casey tba
173 John O Donnell David Dowling
174 Willie Keogh William Kehoe
175 robert Power tba
176 enda Kennedy David Banville
177 John Corrigan kieran Doherty
178 Jason Coyle tba
179 Tommy Martin Martin Kerley
180 Joe Baker Kieran Mc Mahon
181 John Collins James O Brien
182 Trevor Mulligan Michael Stafford
183 Stephen Brennan Mark Murphy
184 Thomas Kelly Liam Cahill
185 Martin Mc keon Martin Costello
186 Brian Cullen James Barron
187 Shane Carberry tba
188 Sean Lambert tba
189 Brian Dennis Declan Twomey
190 David Wright David Hamilton
191 Paul McEnroe Ger Healy
192 Kieran Mc Carra colm Murphy
193 Paul Carron John Coll
194 Martin Ewing James Ewing
195 Dermot Roche Patricia Roche
196 Antony Collins Joe Mc Carthy
197 Peter Mc Donnell eamon noonan
198 Neil Tohill Gerard tohill
199 Anthony Ferris Donal Kirwin
200 Michael Coffey gerry Ryan
201 cyril keer tba

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17/08/06
HQ: Germaines Hotel, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow.

Regulations and Entry form available on:

xlr8motorsport

• 2006 Midlands East Rally Championship