2010 Irish Forest Rally Championship

Q + A with Pat O’Connell 2010 Petro Systems National Forest Champion

Posted: November 11, 2010 9:28 AM

How did you become involved in motorsport?
Going to rallies with my father Donal as a young kid!!

What was your first event?
Banna Beach

Did you always do forestry?
No, the first forestry rally I did was Mitchelstown -this was the first round of the 2004 Ford Ka championship which I won, the PRO of the championship wrote that I was “King of the Woods” on the day and that inspired me to get involved with forestry rallying.

What are your plans for 2011?
Getting married in April! Would like to do Wales Rally GB-National Rally or something different at the end of the year.

Did you expect to win the Petro Systems National Irish Forest Rally Championship?
No, anything can happen in rallying, but I got off to a good start by winning the first three rounds and that made it easier for the second half of the championship.

What drive are you most proud of?
Mitchelstown and Moonraker rallies this year.

Have you had any heart-stopping moments?
Ya, when I get the bills after the rallies!

What do you need to get a good result? A well prepared car, and drive like hell..

How important is your navigator?
Very important, when a driver and co-driver work well together the times will show at the end of the stages. I must say that Mark (Wiley) did a brilliant job as a co-driver all year.

Do you need to be fit?
Yes it’s good for your concentration.

Are there many dangers?
Yes there are always dangers, but the safety standard in rally cars is very good nowadays. The introduction of Hans devices was also a good move!

What do you do between events?
Work…

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become involved in motorsport?
Do a few rallysprints and sprints first before you compete in a stage rally.

Is there anything else you would like to say?
More competitors should try forestry rallying, they are well organised, great craic and hassle free events.

Championship Points After Final Round

Posted: May 19, 2010 11:18 AM

Forestry 2010 - Points after Final Round (Provisional)

4 best scores are counted , a minimumm of three rounds had to be started and 4 bonus points were given where a competitor started all rounds.
Results emailed on Sunday 24th , the results will be made final on Sunday 31st October.
Any queries please contact 086 1233742 / +353 86 1233742

FORESTRY CHAMPIONSHIP - BULLETIN ONE APRIL 2010
Re: Counting Rounds

Posted: April 28, 2010 6:16 PM

Full Results & Times

Birr Forest Rally 4 Apr 10 - CANCELLED

Posted: February 24, 2010 2:07 PM

Birr (Nenagh) Forestry Rally - CANCELLED

Billy Coleman Award 2010

Posted: February 18, 2010 7:26 PM

Since its inception six years ago junior rallying has gone from strength to strength.
It has also evolved into one of the most important and exciting items on the Irish rallying calendar. The most significant development in junior rallying was its marriage with the Billy Coleman award: Irelands most coveted and valuable rally award.
Previous Coleman award winners include Rory Galligan Keith Cronin and Craig Breen.
This year the winner and runner up of the junior section of the Petro Systems Forest Championship will be eligible for interview for the Billy Coleman award.

Another feature of junior rallying in the forest championship is that the junior entrants are seeded with (class one) ahead of the main field.

2010 Billy Coleman Award

WRC Style Numbers for 2010

Posted: February 12, 2010 11:34 AM

New for 2010, Car Numbers will be displayed on the rear quarter glass.

The sponsors decals are still to be displayed on the door but as high as possible.

The numbers on the rear quarter glass will enable mid points crews and finish crews to identify the competing car easier.

Limerick Forestry Rally - Cancelled - Replaced by Birr Forestry on Same Date

Posted: February 6, 2010 12:05 AM

Limerick Forestry Rally - Cancelled - Replaced by Birr Forestry on Same Date

Forest Test Day & Championship Launch - (Sat) 30 Jan 10

Posted: January 8, 2010 1:40 PM

Forest Test Day & Championship Launch - (Sat) 30 Jan 10

Provisional Championship Rounds

Posted: January 8, 2010 1:39 PM

1. Tipperary Sean Conlon Forest Rally 14 Feb 10
2. Carrick-on-Suir Wm.Loughman Forest Rally 7 Mar 10
   (Limerick Forest Rally - Cancelled)
3. Birr Forest Rally 4 Apr 10 - CANCELLED
4. Munster Moonraker Forest Rally 16 May 10
5. Donegal Forestry Rally - 24 Jul 10
6. Jim Walsh Cork Forest Rally 14-15 Aug 10
7. Down Rally 23 Oct 10

Forest Championship Website