Cathcart stuns on debut to take overall victory
Posted: August 31, 2009 5:32 PM
Matthew Cathcart is an 18year old from Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh and this weekend he made his stage rally debut on the Sunset Rally in Northern Ireland in a Prodrive Impreza N12b, he is the brother of the highly talented Richard Cathcart and it was his brothers car that he took charge of for the event partnered by co driver Martin Brady from Co Meath who has guided Richard to much success in recent years. Little was reasonably expected of Matthew given it was his first event on pacenotes, first on gravel, first in a 4wd car. His only other competitive outing was in an airfield event in a Ford Fiesta ST.
However Matthew took it all in his stride over the four demanding gravel stages, two of which were ran in darkness. Not even an intercom failure on stage one could dent his natural composure and car control and he stormed the field to complete the four forest stages and take a 3 second win over local drivers Johnny McKenna in a Mitsubishi Evo who in turn was just ahead on the podium of car preparation supremo Derek McGeehan in his Corolla WRC.
A fairy tale debut in anyone's reckoning, Matthew was surprised and satisfied with his debut pace against the experienced field, a first win is always the most special for a driver but a win on a debut is even more remarkable and memorable . Co driver Martin Brady commented Matt drove brilliantly, a real natural and I know with mileage and experience we can get even faster.
Cathcart and Brady now hope to tackle some more rallies this season in the Impreza prepared by DGM of Carryduff, and perhaps continue this impressive form.
Photos:
Posted: August 31, 2009 5:28 PM
Full Results and Times
Posted: August 31, 2009 5:20 PM
Entry List
Posted: August 27, 2009 12:47 PM
SUN SETS AND CARS START
Posted: August 18, 2009 6:41 PM
Magherafelt and District Motor Club have just launched the 2009 Sunset rally which will take place on the evening of Friday 28th August. This exciting event goes back to its roots as a night-time, gravel event with the first car leaving the ramp as the sun sets at 7pm.
The Sunset Rally will again be sponsored by PPP Salvage of Portglenone.
Peter O’Kane of PPP Portglenone said “Once again I am delighted to be involved in this event; I am really looking forward to the new format. I want to wish Kevin and the organising committee every success.” Stage sponsors Outdoor Services added their best wishes for the event to the young, Kilrea man Kevin Bradley, who again is Clerk of the Course. Noel and Martin Downey, also keen motorsport enthusiasts, hoped that the event would be a safe and successful venture for the Club and competitors. Start and Finish Sponsors are Rafters Restaurant and Friel’s Bar of Swatragh. Scrutiny and Service will be sponsored by Storm Xccessories Ltd. Swatragh. Scrutiny for the event will take place in Storm Xccessories Ltd, Garvagh Road, Swatragh, on Thursday evening 27th August.
The Sunset Rally will be the fourth round of the Tint Master club championship which is currently being led by Brian Muldoon on 29 points, whilst navigators Charlie Beattie and Mark O’Connor are tied on 12 points.
This “lark in the dark” will take the form of four special stages with a total stage mileage of approximately twenty miles. All stages will be on un-surfaced forest roads adding to the excitement with a full assault on the senses not only can spectators witness the speed, they will see glowing brake discs and shimmering spotlights as the sun sets over Banagher and the Glenshane.
Magherafelt Club are delighted with this return to night-time rallying and have said that first car will drive off the start ramp at 7:00pm and following the frolic in the forest the first car is due back 10:30pm. The evening’s action will be followed by a celebratory barbecue and prize giving ceremony in Rafters Restaurant
Dermot Friel of Rafters Restaurant said, “I am delighted to welcome the motor club and rallying enthusiasts back and I look forward to another brilliant evenings craic.” Dermot will be running a promotion in Friel’s bar to raise funds for the Motor Club’s chosen charity for 2009 which is the Downs Syndrome Association in the Magherafelt area. The first prize will be the opportunity for one lucky winner to actually be passenger in one of the rally cars for the event. Further details of this will be available from Friel’s Bar. So for anyone who wants to get the opportunity to experience the thrills of motorsport this promises the chance of a lifetime.
Entries for the 2009 Sunset Rally will open on 14th July and early entries close 15th August, Late entries close 21st August. As an added incentive during the credit crunch to get entries in early, all early applications will be entered into a draw which will take place at the prize giving. The winning crew will get their entry fee reimbursed. Only those crews present at the prize giving will be eligible.
This event promises to be one of those landmark rally evenings so fondly remembered by past participants. Magherafelt Club are renowned for their ability to run motorsport events in a professional and competitor friendly manner and it is expected that this event will be supported by high quality competitors and cars. In order to make the event more exciting and equitable the Club will use reverse seeding offering novice crews the opportunity to run at the front of the field.
Clerk of the Course Kevin Bradley welcomed entries and assured competitors that the stages would be well-prepared and suit both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive competitors. He hoped that the entrants would get their forms in early and stated that the organising committee were sure that the competition for a free entry would prove a huge incentive. Kevin thanked the organising committee for their support and stated that everything was in order to make this Mid-Ulster Sunset rally a scorching success. Regulations available from the club website (Link Below)
Friday Evening Format
Posted: August 12, 2009 12:51 PM
Event will start after 7pm on Friday evening, 28th Aug 09
Regulations
Posted: August 12, 2009 12:50 PM
Regulations available on:
News Stories
Classifieds
Shop
TV Guide
Links
Upcoming 
Most