Carrick-on-Suir Ravens Rock Stages Rally - 29 Jun 08

RING MAINTAINS HIS LEAD IN SOUTHERN 4 AFTER RAVENS ROCK

Posted: July 10, 2008 2:35 PM

Alan Ring maintains his overall lead in 023 Tiles Southern 4 Rally Championship after aconvincing Group N win on the recent Ravens Rock Rally.

There has been a change in second and third overall with James Stafford takingthe second spot from Wesley Patterson,who did'nt compete on this round,and Washington Jamesmoves into third spot.

In the overall Navigators championship Adrian Deasy takes first position from Paul Nagle with Frank Dwyersecond and Paul Nagle in third,despite missing out on this event.In the classes Niall Guinevan/Leslie Stanley maintain their class 8 lead with Liam McCarthy/Kieran Murphyin second place and Donie O Sullivan/Paul Nagle in third.

At the moment only three points separate Alan Ring/Adrian Deasy and Sean Flanagan/Brian Duggan in class 4 with Mark Nangle in third in the drivers class and Christine O Leary third in the navigators.

Full results,including all class positions, are availble to download on www.southern4rallychampionship.com.

The next round of the Championship is the Cork 20 International Rally which takes place on 27th of September.

More Photos

Posted: July 3, 2008 12:28 PM

More Photos:
Ma_Szs Photos
Peespeed Photography

BREEN TAKES THE SPOILS & ELLIOTT TAKES THE POINTS
(Report courtesy of Irish Dunlop – sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship)

Posted: July 1, 2008 9:34 PM

TRADING places and times throughout the day, former Dunlop National Rally champion, Ray Breen and co-driver, Martin Brady in their Ford Focus WRC, took a 9.1 second victory over the Subaru WRC crew of Patrick Elliot/Paul Goodman at the Suirway Forklifts/Carraig Hotel Raven’s Rock Rally, the sixth round of the Dunlop series.

It was a race against time for Breen to have his car re-fettled for the event. A member of the organising Carrick on Suir Motor Club, Breen marked their 50th. celebrations with a late victory reeling in Elliott on the penultimate test.

Elliott netted maximum Dunlop points to draw level with pre-event leader, Niall Maguire, who finished in third place, both drivers have a total of 112 points. Alan Ring/Adrian Deasy (Mitsubishi) won Group N; long time leaders, Andrew Purcell/Mark Wiley (Mitsubishi) lost time with two punctures on the penultimate stage. Trevor Mulligan/Lisa Roe (Escort) won the two-wheel drive award.

Elliott was quickest on the opening stage, Ballyneale as he opened up a 6.2 second advantage over former Dunlop champion, Ray Breen (Ford Focus WRC) with pre-event Dunlop series leader, Niall Maguire a further 4.4 seconds behind in third. PJ McGrath (Subaru WRC), Liam McCarthy (Toyota Corolla WRC) and Group N leader, Andrew Purcell (Mitsubishi) were next in classification. All the leading drivers commented on the slippery nature of the stage following overnight rain. John Dalton lost over three minutes when his Darrian failed to start. On the second stage, Breen punched in the fastest time on to move into a 5.8 second lead over Elliott, who spun and stalled his Subaru at one junction. Leader, Breen was somewhat surprised to hold the role, he commented, “I’m driving very messy, didn’t have the commitment where it was needed.”

McGrath, despite a slight spin, continued his good run as he moved into third – 35.1 seconds further behind - followed by Barrett, who was pleased with his performance through the test as opposed to the opening stage. Two punctures relegated Niall Maguire (Subaru WRC) to fifth place - he lost over 30 seconds to the leaders. Indeed, the Monaghan driver was fortunate that his Subaru didn’t go off the road.

Purcell maintained a hot pace in Group N and also occupied sixth in general classification. Trevor Mulligan (Ford Escort) was the pacesetter in the two-wheel drive category, he was seventh overall in a top ten that also featured James Stafford (Darrian), Sean Flanagan and fellow Group N pair, Seb Ling and Alan Ring, who shared tenth place. Eamonn Daly, the pre-event Patterson’s RallyNews Group N leader, retired his Mitsubishi while Eoin Doyle crashed his Subaru WRC on the second test.

Elliott dictated the pace on the repeat of the two stages and arrived at the Mill River Business Park service halt with an 8.2 second lead over Breen, who attributed his time loss to an incorrect tyre choice, his Ford Focus WRC also stalled at a junction.

McGrath continued to impress in third, Maguire clipped a rock and damaged a wheel rim. However, he moved into fourth ahead of Barrett. Purcell held a strong lead in Group N, he also continued in sixth place in general classification.

In the battle for supremacy in the two-wheel drive category, James Stafford (Darrian) moved into the lead - 22.2 seconds in front of Trevor Mulligan (Escort) with Group N pair, Alan Ring and Sean Flanagan completing the top ten. Elsewhere, Liam McCarthy was just outside the top ten while Seb Ling (Mitsubishi) lost time with a puncture.

Breen punched in the best times for stages five and six top move within 0.8 of a second of rally leader, Elliott, who was trying to balance a winning situation with the acquisition of maximum Dunlop points. Maguire was in similar mode, especially as Elliott was some 50 seconds ahead. McGrath slipped to fourth after an off road excursion. Meanwhile, Kevin Barrett had a trouble free run in fifth.

Group N leader, Andrew Purcell was well clear of his showroom rivals, remarkably, none of whom were in the remainder of the top ten. Those positions were occupied by James Stafford, Trevor Mulligan, Neil Williams and Shay Power, the former holding a 18.9 second advantage.

On the penultimate test, Breen moved ahead, posting fastest time on the final stage he sealed victory on a special year for the organising club. Elliott was quite content with second overall and maximum points in the Dunlop series. Third placed Maguire salvaged second placed points.

Results / Photos

Posted: July 1, 2008 9:26 PM

1 Ray Breen/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC) 00:56:24.8
2 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) 00:56:33.9
3 Niall Maguire/Paul McLoughlin (Subaru Impreza WRC) 00:57:25.4
4 PJ McGrath/Billy Collins (Subaru Impreza WRC) 00:57:57.7
5 Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) 00:58:28.6
6 James M Stafford/Frank Dwyer (Darrian T90 GTR) 00:58:53.1
7 Trevor Mulligan/Lisa Roe (Ford Escort Mk 2 ) 00:59:33.9
8 Alan Ring/Adrian Deasy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) 00:59:45.2
9 Washington James/Steffan Evans (Darrian T90 GTR) 01:00:09.1
10 Neil Williams/Eurig Davies (Ford Escort Mk 2 ) 01:00:38.4

Leaders After SS1 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Ray Breen/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC)
SS3-6 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS7-8 Ray Breen/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC)

Stage Winners:
SS1 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Ray Breen/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC)
SS3 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS4 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS5 Ray Breen/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC)
SS6 Ray Breen/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC)
SS7 Ray Breen/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC)
SS8 Ray Breen/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC)

• Download Full Results and Times, including Historics and Juniors

Carrick on Suir Motor Club

Rallynews (by Brian & Liz Patterson)

Photos
Enda Healy Photos
rallyprint.com - Trevor McGrath
crspics.com - Counihan Rallysport Pictures
LINK REMOVED - Sideway Shot Motor Sport Photography

MAGUIRE AND ELLIOTT SET FOR RAVEN’S ROCK RALLY
(Preview courtesy of Irish Dunlop – sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship)

Posted: June 27, 2008 2:35 PM

The Dunlop National Rally Championship battle between current series leader, Niall Maguire and challenger, Patrick Elliott intensifies on Sunday next (June 29th.) with the co-sponsored Suirway Forklifts/Carrig Hotel Raven’s Rock Rally, the sixth round of the national campaign.

The Carrick on Suir Motor Club are celebrating their 40th. anniversary and the organisers of the event have decided to base the eight-stage rally in the south Tipperary town. Maguire is the top seed in his S11 Subaru WRC, the Monaghan man is just two points ahead of Elliott, in the previous five rounds there’s been precious little between the title chasing pair.

Maguire explained, “On the tight and twisty stages, I seem to be able to set the pace. However, on fast flowing stages, Patrick has the edge, but there’s very little between us.” He added, “I really have to get back the two points I lost on the Circuit of Munster. Patrick (Elliott) is quick out of the blocks and I cannot afford to allow him get away. The stages are new to all of us so that should be interesting.”

Elliott, who became the first driver to win two rounds this season – Circuit of Kerry and Circuit of Munster, knows that he must continue to pressurise Maguire.


Former Dunlop national champion, Ray Breen is hoping his Ford Focus WRC will be ready in time for the event, the car was extensively damaged on the final stage of the Wexford Forest Rally. Breen is a member of the organising club and would really like to add to the Carrick on Suir club’s celebrations.

Liam McCarthy occupies the number five berth in his Toyota Corolla WRC, the Cork driver has made only sporadic appearances in recent years. Welsh driver, John Dalton in his nimble Darrian T90 was very impressive on last year’s event. Should the weather remain dry, he will be expected to be at the cutting edge of proceedings. The top ten also features Kevin Barrett (Subaru WRC), who has moved into third place in the Dunlop series. PJ McGrath and Eoin Doyle, all in Subaru WRC’s complete the top ten.

Former national championship winning co-driver, Andrew Purcell is the leading Group N entry. Purcell campaigned a Subaru WRC in the opening rounds of the Irish Forest Championship, a series he led for a few events until he was reeled in by Ray Breen whom he partnered to national success. Purcell acquired the ex-James Cullen Mitsubishi a few months ago and will be expected to set a strong pace. Opposition in the showroom category includes former Patterson’s RallyNews Group N champions, Alan Ring (Mitsubishi), Welsh ace, Sebastian Ling (Mitsubishi), Sean Flanagan (Subaru) and series leader, Eamonn Daly (Mitsubishi).

The two wheel drive category has an exciting entry, apart from Dalton, it also features Wexford’s, James Stafford (Darrian) and a plethora of Escorts in the hands of James Coleman, Shay Power, Liam Wall, Neil Williams, Willie Whitty and Trevor Mulligan. Two other drivers capable of mounting a challenge are Terence O’Shaughnessy (Toyota Corolla) and Washington James (Darrian).

Posted: June 27, 2008 2:31 PM

Shaun Gallagher, Dougie, Rosemary Smith, Frank O'Mahony,
John Naylor, James Coleman, George Clancy
plus Representatives from the Charities
at the Launch of the 2008 Ravens Rock Rally Launch
Photo: Trevor Mc Grath

Updated Entry List available

Posted: June 26, 2008 11:02 AM

Major Withdrawls:

3 Michael Barrable
8 Seamus Leonard
23 Terence O Shaughnessy

Updated Entry list on Club website:

Carrick on Suir Motor Club

Entry List available

Posted: June 17, 2008 7:03 PM

Entry List available on Club website

Carrick on Suir Motor Club

Southern 4 - ALL TO PLAY FOR AT THE

Posted: June 17, 2008 4:14 PM

The 2008 Ravens Rock Rally hosts round three of the 023 Tiles Southern 4 Rally Championship and as usual an epic battle is about to unfold as there is very little between the overall leaders and every bit as little in the class battles throughout the field.

The Championship has a new overall leading driver following the recent Killarney International Rally of the lakes.Alan Ring takes over the top spot after a 9th overall finish in his EVO 9,his cause greatly helped by West Cork winner Donie O Sulivan failing to finish the event.

In the overall navigators championship Paul Nagle maintains his first place having co-driven for Kris Meeke on that occasion and posting a fifth overall finish in a Super 1600 Clio.

Alans Navigator,Adrian Deasy,who won the title with Alan last year remains in second place overall.

Second overall after another powerful performance on "The Lakes" is Wesley Patterson,just 6 points behind in his beautiful Mk 2 while his navigator,Ruth Guest, shares third overall with James Staffords navigator Frank Dwyer,James himself is third in the overall standings.

In Group N Alan Ring is the leader but if it was award time that would mean Sean Flanagan would be collecting the silverware for the class win as Alan is overall leader.Indeed Sean could do it yet, being just two points behind Alan in the class. Mark Nangle makes up the top three in group N,with Tom Dunne in fourth.

Niall Guinevan,a long time supporter of the Southern 4 series leads Class 8 from Donie O Sullivan with Liam McCarthy 3rd in his Corolla WRC.

All throughout t he two wheel drive classes the rally is poised for some great action as there is very little between any of them at this stage.

Two Talbot Sunbeams lead the way in Class 10,the Stephen Sheehan version just 5 points ahead of of that of Richard Lucey,with the well known Nova of Victor Beamish in third.

So what ever tickles your fancy rallywise it's all to be had free on the Ravens Rock Rally. Make sure you don't miss out!

Posted: June 17, 2008 4:07 PM

2008 Ravens Rock Rally Launch

Posted: June 17, 2008 3:10 PM

Carrick on Suir Motor Club held the launch for the for the 2008 Ravens Rock Rally sponsored by Suirway Forklifts and the Carraig hotel on Saturday night last in the Belline Equestrian Arena, Piltown Co.Kilkenny. The launch was the main event on the first day at the Motorsport Festival organized by the club to mark their golden jubilee.

Club Chairman and Clerk of the course for this years rally George Clancy opening the launch stated his pleasure in announcing that for the first time in eighteen years the Ravens Rock Rally would return to its home town of Carrick on Suir. Headquarters will be in the Carraig Hotel. The rally will have a four stage layout with each stage being repeated twice. One of the stages will be Slievenamon and this will be dedicated to the late and great Frank Meagher. Centralized service in the Mill River Industrial Park. The rally will take place on the 29th of June and is round six of the Donlop Tarmac National Championship, round three of the Southern 4 Rally Championship and round four of the South East Stages Championship. Headquarters will be in the Carraig Hotel.

George went on to speak about his involvement in the club over the past fifty years and reminisced about memories, stories and friends he has made during a life time in the sport.

Special Guests at the launch were the current Irish Tarmac Champion Eugene Donnelly and Legendary lady driver Rosemary Smith. Other speakers included John Naylor and Frank O’Mahony from Motorsport Ireland, Shaun Gallagher from world rally team Ireland, The one and only Dougie Hughes was on hand to compare the launch and was the voice in the show grounds during both days and the Mayor of Waterford Mary O’Halloran thanked the club for inviting her to the event. All congratulated the club for their organization of the motorsport festival which was an immense success.

As chairman of the festival committee James Coleman also made a speech describing how two club members (Connie Delaney and Michael Haley) approached him sixteen months ago with an idea about holding a Motorsport Festival to mark the 50th anniversary of the club and use the Belline Estate (His home) as the venue. The festival would include all disciplines of motorsport in Ireland plus some more attractions and so the monster was born. To round off the launch James made a presentation to George for his fifty years of input to the Carrick on Suir Motor Club and Irish Motorsport.

Regulations available

Posted: May 26, 2008 3:42 PM

Carrick on Suir Motor Club

Ravens Rock Rally will return to Carrick on Suir

Posted: May 22, 2008 8:06 PM

The 37th Ravens Rock Rally will return to Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary for this our 50th Anniversary year.

The Rally H.Q. will be the Carraig Hotel, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary and will be a 4x2 stage format with centralised service in Mill River Business Park.

Posted: January 28, 2008 10:42 PM

• 2008 National Rally Championship
• 2008 Southern 4 Rally Championship