LOUGHGALL FESTIVAL OF MOTORSPORT & HISTORIC RALLY - (Sat) 23 May 09

Posted: May 29, 2009 4:33 PM

Photo: TPM Photosport

Thousands raised for charity at Burkes of Cornascriebe Loughgall Festival of Motorsport

Posted: May 27, 2009 7:34 AM

Last Saturday's Burkes of Cornascriebe Loughgall Festival of Motorsport is estimated to have raised thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support and other Lions charities.

The Loughgall Country Park motorsport extravaganza, which was organised by North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club and Armagh Lions Club, attracted thousands of spectators to the venue for the charity event.

The Historic Rally Car Challenge, Apple Blossom Autotest and a fantastic array of static classic and historic car displays provided an abundance of entertainment for the spectators.

"The real success of the event lies with the unique relationship between the North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club and the Armagh Lions Club," said Malcolm Dawson of the Lions Club organising committee. "It is really encouraging to see many of the competitors, exhibitors and spectators from all over Ireland return year after year. Without their continued support we would not be able to contribute to the worthy causes that we do."

The Historic Rally Car Challenge provided the main feature of the Festival, with more than 50 crews setting the lanes alight around the beautiful Loughgall venue. Competitors faced seven stages, and plenty of dramas unfolded throughout the day.

Alan Jardine and Jim McSherry were quickest out of the blocks in their Mark 1 Escort, setting fastest time on the opening stage by an impressive 10 seconds. Unfortunately, their time at the top came to a premature end on stage two when they slid into a wall near the start of the stage.

Jardine's demise allowed Seamus O'Connell and Philip Hunter into the rally lead, with Dessie McCartney and Mark Nesbitt in a close second position. It was O'Connell who held the advantage though, winning the rally comfortably from McCartney's Porsche 911, while Tommy O'Connell and Sean Magee finished third.

Meanwhile, in the modified category, Wesley Patterson and Martin McGarrity defended their Loughgall title in fine style with another convincing win aboard their Mark 2 Escort. The crew threaded their way through the slippery lanes to claim a start to finish victory, while Mervyn and Laura Wedlock finished second ahead of Michael Conlon and Hugh McKenna.

The Apple Blossom Autotest, which was organised in conjunction with MG Car Club Ltd (Ulster), attracted some of the country's leading autotesters to the venue. And after some excellent driving displays, including inch perfect reversing manoeuvres and handbrake turns, Paul Blair won the event in his Stryker from Noel Cochrane (MG Midget) with David Cochrane (Special) third.

"We enjoyed another truly successful day," said Historic Rally Car Challenge Clerk of the Course, William Fullerton. "Thanks to all those spectators who attended, as well as everyone who has played their part in bringing the event to fruition for the fourth year."

"It's fantastic to have Burkes of Cornascriebe, supported by New Holland Agriculture, on board as title sponsor, as well as many other associate sponsors," Fullerton continued. "The combination of NAMCC Ltd and Armagh Lions Club proved to be very fruitful once again, but without the huge support of the public, it simply wouldn't have been a success."

Plans are already in place for next year's Festival of Motorsport. It will take place on 22 May 2010 and more details will be announced in due course. In the meantime, Loughgall Country Park will host another event organised by North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club Ltd. The Loughgall Country Park Rally will get underway on Saturday 4 July, and another high-octane fun-filled day is guaranteed!

Video Clips

Posted: May 26, 2009 9:57 PM

More Photos

Posted: May 26, 2009 9:40 PM

TPM Photosport
KG Rally Pics
neillpics.co.uk

Full Results and Times

Posted: May 26, 2009 9:39 PM

Full Results and Times

Top Seeds

Posted: May 19, 2009 12:52 PM

Historic Rally Car Challenge - top 10 seeds
1 Keith McIvor/David Burns (Porsche 911)
2 Dessie McCartney/TBA (Porsche Carrera RS)
3 Seamus O'Connell/TBA (Ford Escort RS1800)
4 Todd Falvey/Dan Barry (Ford Escort RS1800)
5 Alan Jardine/Jim McSherry (Ford Escort MkI)
6 Martin Ward/Linda Conroy (Opel Ascona)
7 Philip Wylie/Maurice Beckett (MG B)
8 Colin McDowell/Arron Mitchell (Mini)
9 Mervyn Johnston/Richard Hyland (Austin Mini Cooper S)
10 John Hughes/Barry Scott (Ford Escort Mk I RS2000)

Modified category - top 5 seeds
32 Wesley Patterson/Martin McGarrity (Ford Escort RS)
33 Mervyn Wedlock/Laura Wedlock (Ford Escort)
34 John Waring/TBA (Ford Escort RS2000)
35 Michael Conlon/Hugh McKenna (Ford Escort MkII)
36 Hugh O'Brien/Jonny Crossley (Ford Escort MkII)

Burkes of Cornascriebe Loughgall Festival of Motorsport launched!

Posted: May 19, 2009 12:50 PM

Details regarding this Saturday's Burkes of Cornascriebe Loughgall Festival of Motorsport, which is also supported by New Holland Agriculture and has been jointly organised by North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club Ltd and Armagh Lions Club, were announced at Armagh Council Offices on Monday (18 May).

The event, which is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and other Lions charities, has received another stunning entry for the Historic Rally Car Challenge, Apple Blossom Autotest and for the static historic and classic car displays.

Speaking at the launch, councillor Noel Sheridan said: "The Festival of Motorsport was highly successful and enjoyable last year and we are delighted to welcome such a high profile event back to the Armagh area. The Festival is a showcase for the wide variety of talent that exists both locally and internationally and I understand that the Historic Rally Car Challenge has attracted entries from throughout the UK and Ireland, including some internationally known competitors."

The Festival, which will be based within the beautiful surroundings of Loughgall Country Park this Saturday 23 May, has attracted a wide range of machinery. From Porsches to Escorts, as well as Minis, Cortinas and Anglias, this weekend's spectacular will provide a real blast to the past!

"I'm delighted to be involved with this year's event," said event sponsor Harry Burke, director of Burkes of Cornascriebe. "This year's Festival will also be televised by RPM Motorsport, which obviously as a sponsor, is an added bonus. I'm really excited to be involved in such a fantastic event and I'm looking forward to seeing the cars in action on the day!"

Heading the entry list for the Historic Rally Car Challenge, Keith McIvor and David Burns will line up in their Porsche 911 ahead of Dessie McCartney. Seamus O'Connell starts at number three and is the first of an abundance of popular Escort drivers, with Todd Falvey and Alan Jardine also in Escorts at numbers four and five. Martin Ward is bringing an Opel Ascona to Loughgall and starts at number six, while Philip Wylie and last year's joint winner, Colin McDowell, complete the top eight seeds.

The modified category has an equally impressive line-up with last year's winner, Wesley Patterson, returning to defend his Loughgall title. He will face stiff opposition from the likes of Mervyn Wedlock, John Waring and Michael Conlon, and a late entry from former Northern Ireland Rally champion, Glenn Allen, sees the Cookstown driver return to action in an Escort.

Country Tyrone's flying vet, Hugh O'Brien, is another welcome addition. After a long layoff from the sport, O'Brien has borrowed a Mark 2 Escort 1300 BDA for this Saturday's event. He is well known in Irish rallying circles, and started competing during the early 60s with numerous successes during his rally career.

Almost 20 entries have been received for the Apple Blossom Autotest, which is being assisted by MG Car Club Ltd (Ulster). Well known competitors include the likes of Noel Cochrane (MG Midget), David Cochrane (Special), and Wallace McKee (Opel Kadette). There will also be countless static classic and historic displays, not to mention a New Holland hot air balloon providing controlled rides for spectators!

"It's great to have the support from an enthusiastic Armagh City and District Council as well as Burkes of Cornascriebe and New Holland Agriculture," Clerk of the Course William Fullerton said. "Working with Armagh Lions Club for the third year in a row has been a pleasure, and we're looking forward to a safe and enjoyable day."

Armagh Lions Club president, Muriel Atkinson, said: "We are grateful to Armagh City and District Council and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for the use of Loughgall Country Park which is a wonderful venue. I'd also like to thank our new headline sponsor, Burkes of Cornascriebe, who along with New Holland Agriculture, are bringing a different element to the day in the form of the New Holland hot air balloon. We are sincerely grateful to them and indeed all of our sponsors and supporters. Without them, we would not be able to support the charities and worthy causes that we do."

Gates open at 8.30am and the admission fee of £10 includes a free colour programme and free car parking, while accompanied under-12s can enter free of charge. The Historic Rally Car Challenge will start at 9.30am and all proceedings will be finished by 5.30pm, when prizegiving will take place in the centre arena.

Countdown to the 2009 Burkes of Cornascriebe Loughgall Festival of Motorsport!

Posted: May 11, 2009 12:17 PM

The countdown clock is ticking towards the 2009 Loughgall Festival of Motorsport! Sponsored by Burkes of Cornascriebe and supported by New Holland Agriculture, the motorsport spectacular will take place within the confines of the beautiful Loughgall Manor Estate and Loughgall Country Park on Saturday 23 May!

"I'm delighted to be involved with this year's event," said Harry Burke, director of Burkes of Cornascriebe. "This year's Festival will also be televised by RPM Motorsport, which obviously as a sponsor, is an added bonus. I'm really excited to be involved in such a fantastic event and I'm looking forward to seeing the cars in action on the day!"

The Festival, which is jointly organised by North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club Ltd and Armagh Lions Club, will feature a Historic Rally Car Challenge, Apple Blossom Autotest and static displays of vintage and classic cars. Now in its fourth year, the festivities are once again destined to be a huge hit with spectators, and it's all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and other Lions charities.

Armagh Lions Club member Malcolm Dawson said: "The Club is very grateful to all the sponsors of the event but in particular North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club. Without their support and expertise over the years, we would not have been able to support the many good causes that we have."

"We also rely on our spectators," Dawson continued, "so put the date in your diary and come along, enjoy a great day's motorsport and support a very worthy charity in Macmillan Cancer Support."

Of course, this year's Festival would not be complete without special recognition for the world renowned Mini. The very first Mini rolled off the production line 50 years ago, so the static displays area has been expanded to accommodate a special section for the popular car.

Furthermore, Stuart Turner, the man who was pivotal in the Mini's motorsport success after he became competitions manager of the British Motor Corporation in 1961, will help kick off the festivities next Monday (18 May) at a special forum.

This evening spectacular, which is sponsored by David Prentice Mini Portadown, will take place at Armagh City Hotel. There will also be a number of historic cars on display, as well as the new Mini Cooper S, supplied by David Prentice.

The forum will provide the perfect prelude to the Festival, which starts at 9.30am on Saturday 23 May. There will be three main themes, with the Historic Rally Car Challenge, Apple Blossom Autotest and static displays. Additionally, spectators will be able to experience controlled rides on a New Holland hot air balloon!

The rally has attracted a number of high profile names, including the likes of Scotland's Ivor Clarke. Irishman Hugh O'Brien intends to come out of retirement and jump behind the wheel of a Ford Escort 1300 BDA, while Kenny McKinstry and Dessie McCartney are also confirmed.

The rally will consist of eight all tarmac special stages, and there will be the added bonus of a cavalcade run through the stage by special historic rally cars and classic vintage vehicles during the midday break.

Meanwhile, the Apple Blossom Autotest, which is being assisted by MG Car Club Ltd (Ulster), will run independently of the rally. It will feature mostly classic cars only and will involve some spectacular precision driving.

Clerk of the Course, William Fullerton, said: "I'd like to thank Armagh City and District Council, as well as the Department of Agriculture, for the use of Loughgall Manor Estate and Loughgall Country Park. Without their continual support through providing such a wonderful venue, an event of this calibre would simply not be possible."

The event provides a perfect opportunity for a family outing, with entertainment for all ages guaranteed. Free car parking, with a park and ride facility, will be in operation during the day.

Gates will open at 8.30am on Saturday 23 May, and the admission fee of £10 (accompanied under 13s free of charge) includes a free colour programme. The Historic Rally Car Challenge will start at 9.30am and all proceedings will be finished by 5.30pm, when prizegiving will take place in the centre arena.

Regulations

Posted: April 10, 2009 10:01 AM

Regulations & Entry Form