Carrick-on-Suir Wm. Loughman Forestry Rally - 1 Mar 09

Report

Posted: March 6, 2009 10:52 AM

2WDS
After a non finish in Mitchlestown on round 1 Dublin’s Brian Lawlor and co driver Peter Kavanagh were back to winning ways at last weekends Wm Loughman forestry rally finishing 6th overall and top 2 wheel drive. The Dublin crew were lying 2nd overall after stage 1 in their powerful Mark 11 escort and put in a stunning performance through stage 2 to regain the lead. Over the remaining 4 stages the very popular forestry crew could not afford to make any mistakes as challenges for the lead came from Shay Power, Arthur Kierans, Jason Roche and Craig Breen, but a superb drive saw the crew arrive at the finish ramp 21 seconds ahead of their nearest challenger for the award. This was a great result for Lawlor and Kavanagh who have been loyal supporters to the Forestry Championship over the years and are now back in the hunt for this year’s championship 2 wheel drive award. Craig Breen/Gareth Roberts brought their Citroen C2R2 to the finish ramp in 7th overall and 2nd two wheel drive with Shay Power co driven by Johnny Rafters finishing 8th overall and 3rd 2 wheel drive.

A high class entry of 70 crews arrived at the start ramp outside the Carraig Hotel on Sunday morning for round 2 of the Petro System National Forestry Championship. Stage 1 Clondonnell was the opening test and after a non finish on round 1 reigning forestry champion Ray Breen and co driver Martin Brady stopped the clocks with a time of 3.35 in a Ford Focus WRC. Just 2 seconds off Breen’s time was Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan setting a superb time in their Mark 11 Ford Escort with Trevor J Harding/Andrew Purcell (Subaru Impreza 555) a further 2 seconds behind. Setting 4th fastest time was Limerick’s James Murphy/Anthony Nestor (Escort WRC) followed by the first of the Group N runners Pat O’Connell/Mark Wiley rounding off the top 5. Stage 2 was the longest stage of the rally at 20 kilometres long through the famous Gurteen forestry complex. It was on this stage that the rally lead was to change. Breen had slipped off the road on a slippy square right damaging the radiator forcing the crew to retire. Fastest through the stage was Trevor Harding with a time of 12.32 putting the Mullanvat man in the lead. James Murphy was 2nd fastest on 12.52 with Pat O’Connell 3rd a further 6 seconds off of Murphy’s time. On Stage 3 Anner Trevor J was once again fastest from O’Connell with Jeremy Drislane powering his Evo 8 just 1 second off of O’Connell. James Coleman who finished top 2 wheel drive at last years running of the event switched to a James Foley Evo 9 for the day and was now getting to grips with the 4 wheel drive machine and was setting top 5 times. As the crews headed for service in Murphy Brothers Agri Contractors in Portlaw the time sheets showed that Trevor Harding/Andrew Purcell held a commanding lead of 45 seconds from the Evo 7 of Pat O’Connell/Mark Wiley with Limerick crew James Murphy/Anthony Nestor in 3rd. James Coleman/Micheal Hally had moved into 4th place with Mark Sheehan/Jonathan McGrath rounding off the top 5.

After a 45 minute service halt it was back once again for a repeat of stage 1 Clondonnell. Jeremy Drislane/Liam McLoughlin set the pace with a time of 3.39 in their Evo 9 just 1 second quicker of the Subaru Impreza 555 of the rally leaders. James Murphy was only 4 seconds of 2nd overall going into the stage and at the stage finish had reduced this margin down to 3. Stage 5 was a repeat of the 20 kilometre Gurteen stage and this time it was Pat O’Connell who was quickest after Trevor Harding’s Subaru suffered gear box trouble leaving the rally leader to drive through the stage stuck in 3rd gear. A clear run through the stage may have put James Murphy in the lead but as he made his way to the stage finish he encountered engine problems which in turn forced him to retire his Escort WRC. James Coleman who was up to 4th overall also encountered problems when a brake pipe burst and this also put the local man out of his home event. This now promoted Mark Sheehan up to 3rd place. It was on to the final test of the day the second run through Anner and with and once again Trevor Harding was quickest through the stage from O’Connell with Mark Sheehan taking 3rd fastest. As the results showed at the finish ramp it was Trevor j Harding and Andrew Purcell who secured their 1st outright win of this year’s championship and also scoring maximum championship points to put them in the lead on 38 points. Pat O’Connell/Mark Wiley brought their Mitsubishi Evo 7 into 2nd overall and are currently lying 2nd overall in the championship on 34 points. Limerick’s Mark Sheehan and co driver Jonathan McGrath took the final podium place moving Mark up to 4th overall in the driver’s standings and Jonathan up to 5th overall in the co driver’s points. Stephen McGrath/Kevin Joyce finished 4th in their older model Mitsubishi Evo 6 with John McLoughlin/Ray Fitzpatrick rounding of the top 5 in a Mitsubishi Evo 8.

Class winners on the day were, Class 1 Emmet Cronin/Ian Stanley Ford Escort MK11, Class 2 Michael Nevin/Des Moran Ford Escort MK11, Class 3 Michael Cuddihy/Richie Coady Toyota Starlet, Class 4 Arthur Kierans/Andrew Grennan Ford Escort MK11, Class 5 Brian Lawlor/Peter Kavanagh + Top 2 Wheel Drive Crew, Class 6 Gerard Lucey/James Lucey Toyota Celica, Class 7 John Reid/Enda Shields Toyota Corolla WRC, Class 8 Stephen McGrath/Kevin Joyce and Class 9 Craig Breen/Gareth Roberts Citroen C2R2.

Once again a great days rallying with excellent stages which was enjoyed by all competitors and spectators. Well done to Terence Kearney and his team who once again ran an excellent event. Round 3 (Moonraker Forestry) of the Petro Systems Championship will be hosted by Munster Car Club on the 12th of April and details can be found at www.munstercarclub.com

Posted: March 6, 2009 9:35 AM

Photo: Andrew Ring

In Car - Trevor J Harding / Andrew Purcell

Posted: March 5, 2009 9:51 AM

In Car - Craig Breen / Gareth Roberts

Posted: March 5, 2009 9:50 AM

Breen’s incredible run continues

Posted: March 5, 2009 9:46 AM

Waterford rally ace Craig Breen shone in England before returning home to win in the forests of Carrick-on-Suir – on the same weekend!

The 18-year old from Kilmurry is rapidly making a name for himself in the world of top-flight rallying and last Friday (27 February) he had flown to Bournemouth in Dorset for the Rallye Sunseeker. Craig was using the event as preparation for the first round of the Kick Energy Fiesta Sport Trophy UK, which starts in Cumbria this Saturday (7 March).

It was also his first time out in the car with co-driver, Gareth Roberts from Carmarthen in Wales.

The pair was instantly competitive, and as the day progressed Craig upped the pace to put him and Gareth in podium contention in the two-wheel drive category and take the lead in Class 2 - Group N. With their rivals fighting back, the result was close-run but they hung on to finish 3rd in the two-wheel drive category and seal a comfortable Class 2 victory.

Craig said, "We both enjoyed the day, especially as Gareth and I bonded quickly and worked well together. I don’t think the stages were ideal for the little Fiesta, as they were very fast and open. As good as the car handles, it couldn’t keep up with some of the bigger and faster cars. However, we’re both very happy and in good shape for the coming season".

With no time to savour the champagne, Craig and the team rushed back to the airport and flew home in order to contest the following day’s Carrick on Suir Forestry Rally - in a completely different car.

Craig had switched to the Citroen C2R2 with which he triumphed in the Mitchelstown Rally back in February, and as before he was immediately on the pace -“We were on fire. After Bournemouth and my success in the opening round of the Petro Systems National Junior Rally Championship, I was feeling confident.”

After the opening stage, Breen and Roberts led by 6 seconds from their closest rivals - John Byrne and Kenneth Shiels – which they then extended over the following stages to an unassailable 2 minute advantage. Such was Craig’s mastery of the forest that he was able to trade times with the faster cars and finish 7th overall – another excellent achievement for the youngster who only switched from karts to cars late last year.

"What can I say? What a weekend, perhaps?! Things just clicked between me, Gareth and the team, right from the word ‘go’. We carried our early Saturday morning pace in Bournemouth across the pond and did ourselves proud. I would like to thank Gareth, Tom Gahan and his fantastic crew of mechanics - without their commitment and phenomenal hard work none of this would have been possible."

He added, “I’ve now taken two maximum points scoring results in the National Junior Rally Championship and things are looking good for the future”.

This week, Craig heads to Greystoke Forest in Cumbria for two days testing prior to the Malcolm Wilson Rally, on 7 March.

To follow his fortunes and learn more about his career, visit:

Craig Breen Foundation

Posted: March 2, 2009 6:24 PM

2WD Winners - Brian Lawlor / Peter Kavanagh (Ford Escort Mk II)

More Photos:

Posted: March 2, 2009 6:11 PM

Andrew Ring Photography
LINK REMOVED - Sideway Shot Motor Sport Photography
ontherack.net
Ma_Szs Photos

Full Results and Times

Posted: March 1, 2009 8:17 PM

1 Trevor J Harding / Andrew Purcell (Subaru Impreza 555) 00:42:35.8
2 Pat O'Connell / Mark Wiley (Mit Lancer Evo 7) 00:43:17.0
3 Mark Sheahan / Jonathan McGrath (Mit Lancer Evo 9) 00:44:37.9
4 Stephen McGrath / Kevin Joyce (Mit Lancer Evo 6) 00:45:14.1
5 John McLoughlin / Ray Fitzpatrick (Mit Lancer Evo 9) 00:45:22.5
6 Brian Lawlor / Peter Kavanagh (Ford Escort Mk II) 00:45:38.4
7 Craig Breen / Gareth Roberts (Citroen C2R2) 00:45:59.7
8 Shay Power / John Rafters (Ford Escort Mk II) 00:45:59.7
9 John Reid / Enda Shields (Toyota Corolla WRC) 00:46:06.8
10 Patrick Keenan / Barry McNulty (Mit Lancer Evo 9) 00:46:15.3

Leaders After
SS1 Ray Breen/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC)
SS2-6 Trevor J Harding / Andrew Purcell (Subaru Impreza 555)

Stage Winners
SS1 Ray Breen/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC)
SS2 Trevor J Harding / Andrew Purcell (Subaru Impreza 555)
SS2 Trevor J Harding / Andrew Purcell (Subaru Impreza 555)
SS4 Jeremy Drislane / Liam McLoughan (Mit Lancer Evo 8)
SS5 Pat O'Connell / Mark Wiley (Mit Lancer Evo 7)
SS6 Trevor J Harding / Andrew Purcell (Subaru Impreza 555)

Full Results & Times

Additional Fuel Stop Added

Posted: February 26, 2009 7:11 PM

An Additional refuel stop has been added to the Rally. Refuelling will be allowed at a designated area on the Main Clonmel / Kilkenny Road. Refer to Road Book - Page 11,Tulip Number 7 for 1/2 Km Road Distance. This Refuelling Area will be Signed and Marshalled.
There will be NO Mechanical Service or Tyre Change Allowed.
REFUELLING ONLY

More Details:

Carrick on Suir Motor Club

Time & Distance Schedule + Late Entries

Posted: February 25, 2009 7:57 PM

Carrick on Suir Motor Club

Championship Preview

Posted: February 25, 2009 4:51 PM

After a short break its back to the woods once again for round 2 of the Petro Systems National Forestry Championship this weekend as Carrick on Suir Motor Club run their annual Wm. Loughman Forestry Rally. Terence Kearney is back at the helm this year once again as Clerk of the Course and has been busy over the winter months with his organising team preparing a very competitor friendly event comprising of 3 stages which will be run twice totalling 66 kms of competitive stages. Terence has reported that all 3 stages are in excellent condition with the icing on the cake for this years rally crews will be the running of the Gurteen stage which will be 20.5 kilometres long. Scrutiny/Parc Ferme, Service and Refuelling Area will all be centralised at Murphy Brothers, Mount Bolton, Portlaw Co Waterford with rally headquarters at the Carraig Hotel, Carrick on Suir.

The Rally will officially start on Sunday morning at 9.15 am on the main street in Carrick on Suir, outside the Carraig Hotel Headquarters. From there the competing cars will make their way to stage one Clondonnell, which is located between Rathgormuck and Clonmel. At 7kms this will serve as a wake up call because there’s only a short road section before the crews enter the daunting 20kms of the Gurteen complex for stage two. The finish of the Gurteen test is near Kilsheelan and the competitors will have time to recover as they travel the 15km road distance to the third stage in the opening loop. Stage three the renowned Anner special stage is located near Ninemilehouse and will prove a stern test. This year’s running of the stage will see the cars enter the wood to their left and climb for the first 3kms. After a succession of hairpin bends in the middle of the stage the last third is up hill with two big jumps at high speed heading to the finish. After returning to service in Murphy Bros, in Portlaw the three stages will be repeated and the cars will then return to the finish ramp in Carrick at 4.20pm.

Seeded at Number 1 for this years event is reining National Forestry Champion and last years winner Ray Breen driving a Ford Focus WRC. Ray will be hoping to get his championship back on track after mechanical trouble forced him to retire on round 1 of the championship in Mitchlestown. Co driving Ray will be Meath man Martin Brady. At number 2 is Trevor J Harding and co driver Andrew Purcell who currently lie 2nd in the championship in their Subaru Impreza WRC. The duo are well capable of taking an outright victory and with current championship leaders Keith Cronin and co driver Greg Shinnors not entered to date the crew will be aiming to score maximum points. At 3 is last years championship runners up, Dublin’s John Reid/Enda Shields in a Toyota Corolla WRC followed by Limerick’s James Murphy/Anthony Murphy in a Ford Escort WRC at number 4 with Tipperary’s Pat O’Connell/Mark Wiley rounding off the top 5. Just outside the top 5 are the winners of the two wheel drive award on round 1 Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan. Frank will be competing on the Omagh Motor Clubs Spring Rally on Saturday and will make the journey down to Carrick on Saturday evening to defend his round 1 success. Stiff opposition awaits Kelly and Brennan on Sunday as Seamus O’Connell, Brian Lawlor, Jason Roche, Arthur Kierans and Shay Power will all be vying for the top 2 wheel drive award.

Group N is well supported with a host of Ireland’s top forestry crews entered. With names like Jeremy Drislane, Bob Scanlon, Stephen McGrath, John McLaughlin, John Reddington, Patsy Keenan, James Coleman and Mark Sheehan to name just a few, all capable of a top 5 finish it looks like turning out to be a very closely fought contest.

It the Junior championship (Class 9) a total of 11 have so far entered Craig Breen currently leads the championship and he will be out to score back to back victories to secure his class lead. Limerick’s John Byrnes/Kenneth Shiels set a blistering fastest time on the opening stage in Mitchlestown before unfortunately having to retire and could well be the crew to dominate the class in Carrick. But there is a host of junior crews who could snatch victory in Carrick on Suir with Kevin O’Connor/John Shiels, Vincent McAree/Jp McAree, Kevin Gallagher/Gavin Gallagher and John O’Connor Jnr/Carrie Moroney to name just a few all well capable of class honours.

Each stage has a number of great spectating points. Stage one and four Clondonnell is totally land locked, with no access roads leading to it. Access and parking will be limited on the road near the start. There are some great viewing points on the stage and for the avid rally fan the walk into the test will be worth it, but you will need to be there early. Stage two and five Gurteen offers the best option for spectating. The stage starts at Boola Bridge and first spectating opportunity will be at Harney’s Cross Roads. There’s only a short walk from the Clonmel road to the junction in the wood, the competing car will enter the junction coming down hill and turn square right. The junction offers good views of the entrance and exit of the corner. The next sequence of viewing points are located near Kilsheelan and are within walking distance from the road between Carrick on Suir and Clonmel. Stage three and six the Anner has only one viewing location, which is located near Boherboy. This part of the stage will be well known, as the forestry entrance is only a short distance away from a hairpin bend. There will be plenty of sideways action here.

Club Preview

Posted: February 25, 2009 4:50 PM

The woods around Kilsheelan will come alive next weekend with the sound rallycars as the Carrick on Suir Motor Club host the Wm.Loughman Forestry Rally sponsored by Murphy Bros Agri Contractors and Plant Hire, Keltech Engineering and The Carrraig Hotel. The rally will be based in Carrick on Suir with the headquarters in the Carraig Hotel and will be the second round of the 2009 Petro Systems National Forestry Rally Championship.

Clerk of the Course Terence Kearney and his team have worked hard over the winter months in preparation and can now announce that the event will feature the longest special stage in the 2009 National Forestry Rally Championship. The rally will have a three stage repeated layout, giving a total of six stages containing 66kms of gravel action. Terence reports that all three tests are in excellent condition and the event will hinge on the running of the Gurteen special stage at 20.5 kilometres long. Terence also reports the rally will feature centralised Scrutiny/Parc Ferme, Service and Refuelling Area in Murphy Bros, Mount Bolton, Portlaw, and Co.Waterford.

The 2009 event will be counting rounds in the following Championships.
1. (Round 2) National Forestry Championship.
2. (Round 2) Junior Rally Championship.
3. (Round 2) Trition Showers South East Stages Rally Championship.

The Rally will officially start on Sunday morning at 9.15 am on the main street in Carrick on Suir, outside the Carraig Hotel Headquarters. From there the competing cars will make their way to stage one Clondonnell, which is located between Rathgormuck and Clonmel. At 7kms this will serve as a wake up call because there’s only a short road section before the crews enter the daunting 20kms of the Gurteen complex for stage two. The finish of the Gurteen test is near Kilsheelan and the competitors will have time to recover as they travel the 15km road distance to the third stage in the opening loop. Stage three the renowned Anner special stage is located near Ninemilehouse and will prove a stern test. This year’s running of the stage will see the cars enter the wood to their left and climb for the first 3kms. After a succession of hairpin bends in the middle of the stage the last third is up hill with two big jumps at high speed heading to the finish. After returning to service in Murphy Bros, in Portlaw the three stages will be repeated and the cars will then return to the finish ramp in Carrick at 4.20pm.

Time Schedule
Start Control ---09:30
S.S.1 F.C.D. ---10:00
S.S.2 F.C.D. ---10:30
S.S.3 F.C.D. ---11:32

Service --- 12:25

S.S.4 F.C.D. --- 13:56
S.S.5 F.C.D. --- 14:26
S.S.6 F.C.D. --- 15:28

Final Control — 16:21

Carrick Club member and reigning National Forestry Champion Ray Breen will be the number one seed and will start as hot favourite to take victory on his home event for the second year in row. Ray had a dream season in 2008, winning the National Forestry title and racking up five victories along the way. In rallying nothing is guaranteed and on the opening round of the 2009 season in Mitchelstown three weeks ago Ray suffered technical gremlins in the engine management system of his Ford Focus which ended his rally on stage four. Speaking to Ray after the event he stated, “the problem was quickly solved and we must now treat the Carrick event as the beginning of our season”.

In at number two we have the flamboyant Trevor J Harding in the TJH backed Subaru Impreza. Trevor made two worthwhile appearances in last year’s championship. Taking victory on the last stage in Wexford and finishing second in Birr. In Mitchelstown three weeks ago it was the pairing of Harding and Andrew Purcell that set the stages alight. On every junction the crowds were cheering as the spectacular Harding flicked the car from side to side on the approach and was tail happy on the exit of every corner. Chatting to Andrew as part of this preview he commented “We already have an eye on the Championship as Ray has dropped points on the opening round”. He went on to say, “We need to keep scoring as much points as possible on every event from now on”.

Completing the top five positions we have 2008 National Forestry Championship runner up John Reid in the Toyota Corolla, James Murphy in the Black Ford Escort WRC and Pat O’Connell driving a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 7. James reports that he was delighted with his class win in Tipperary and the car was sent to the North of Ireland for some basic maintenance and will be ready for Carrick. Pat set the fastest stage time on the first test in Mitchelstown and will be hoping for the same start in Carrick.

Moving to the Rear wheel drive section or should I say the sideways action, Frank Kelly in his splendid Mk11 Escort took class five honours from the opening round and will compete in the Omagh Motor Club Spring Rally on Saturday the 28th of February, that evening if all is ok with the car he will make the long haul down to Carrick. “We all wish him well”. Jason Roche needed some rear axle repair work on his Escort after Mitchelstown but reports the car will be gleaming for the start in Carrick on Sunday. Brian Lawlor suffered a half shaft break on stage two of the Tipp opener, which ended his rally. On hearing about the 20km stage of Gurteen Brian stated, “I can’t wait to have a good cut in there”.

After Ray’s disappointment the Breen family didn’t leave Mitchelstown empty handed as Ray’s son Craig took top honours in class 9 the junior category. After switching from a karting career to rallying for the 2009 season, Craig has made the transition look easy and has impressed on both tarmac and gravel events even at this early point of the year. For the Carrick rally he will be driving a Citroen C2R2 and will be hoping to make it two wins on the trot in the Junior Championship.

Other Club members to keep an eye on include Michael Cuddihy in his Orange Toyota Starlet. Michael was the class three winner in Mitchelstown and will know the Anner stage like the back of his hand as he lives nearby. Alan Commins is another club member who had a good result on the season opener. Alan is disappointed that his home stage of Ahenny is not running this year but looks forward to the day in the woods around Kilsheelan. Connie Delaney will be out in the very demanding class eight and will be hoping to keep the four wheels on his wagon. Also entered is Gemma Kerley in a Honda Civic, In Mk11 Escorts we have the trio of Donagh O’Sullivan, Noel Wade and James Coleman.

Each stage has a number of great spectating points. Stage one and four Clondonnell is totally land locked, with no access roads leading to it. Access and parking will be limited on the road near the start. There are some great viewing points on the stage and for the avid rally fan the walk into the test will be worth it, but you will need to be there early. Stage two and five Gurteen offers the best option for spectating. The stage starts at Boola Bridge and first spectating opportunity will be at Harney’s Cross Roads. There’s only a short walk from the Clonmel road to the junction in the wood, the competing car will enter the junction coming down hill and turn square right. The junction offers good views of the entrance and exit of the corner. The next sequence of viewing points are located near Kilsheelan and are within walking distance from the road between Carrick on Suir and Clonmel. Stage three and six the Anner has only one viewing location, which is located near Boherboy. This part of the stage will be well known, as the forestry entrance is only a short distance away from a hairpin bend. There will be plenty of sideways action here.

Full Colour Programmes with Stage Map Details will be on sale from Friday the 27th in Carrick on Suir, Waterford City and Clonmel. A list of outlets will be posted on the club website and for up to date information.

Carrick on Suir Motor Club

Entry List & Final Instructions

Posted: February 24, 2009 2:47 PM

Carrick on Suir Motor Club

Seeding to Complete Monday 23rd - Entries to Remain open

Posted: February 21, 2009 4:41 PM

With just over a week to go before the second round of this year’s National Forestry Championship like recent events entries have been slow coming in.
But now as we count down the days, the entry list is beginning to fill as interest grows. The closing date was extended to the Monday 23rd of Feb but the Club will now take competitors up the day before the event.

Seeding is scheduled for Monday night the 23rd and the Entry list will be published On Tuesday 24th.

Club Contact for late entries is
087 6773937 / +353 87 6773937

M More Details

Carrick on Suir Motor Club

Closing Date - 23rd February

Posted: February 12, 2009 8:17 PM

Now with the 2009 Petro Systems National Forestry Championship underway and an exciting first round in Mitchelstown the attention now turns to round two.
With only a little over two weeks to go until the Wm.Loughman Forestry Rally, entries are building and the closing date for entries has now been extended to the 23rd of February.

Regulations & Details

Posted: January 12, 2009 6:11 PM

The 2009 event will be held on the 1st of March 2009 and is based in Carrick on Suir, with the HQ in the Carraig Hotel, Main St Carrick on Suir, Co.Tipperary. This year's event will have a three stage layout with each stage repeated giving six stages in total. The rally will have a total road distance of 136km and a total of 66km stage distance. Clerk of the 2009 event will be Terence Kearney and Terence has come up with some new ideas but he will not expect crews to be on the stages as early as last year.

The 2009 event will feature a Centralised Scrutiny/Parc Ferme, Service and Refuelling Area in Murphy Bros, Mount Bolton, Portlaw, Co.Waterford.

This year's rally will be counting rounds in the following championships:

(Round 2) National Forestry Championship.
(Round 2) Junior Rally Championship.
(Round 2) Trition Showers South East Stages Rally Championship.

Carrick on Suir Motor Club