Moffett/Fulton Victorious As O'Brien/McGuigan Tops the Scores on Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Championship Opener!
Posted: February 16, 2016 5:57 AM
Round one of the 2016 Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Rally Championship, the Willie Loughman Memorial Carrick on Suir Forest Rally saw fifty-eight crews start the eight stage event, and thirty-eight finishers on a fine day through the slippery forest tracks. Over 17 motor clubs were represented from both North and South showing the spread of interest in the championship
Winners were Sam Moffett and James Fulton, making history by winning in their Ford Fiesta R5, after an excellent run. The Monaghan driver elected not to register for the series. "I don't plan to contest the whole series, just do a few events so I don't see it as fair to take points away from the series contenders" said Sam as he readies his R5 for the British Rally Championship. Therefore maximum points went to 18 year old Patrick O'Brien, after a magnificent rally in his DJ Rally Hire Group N Evo 9. With co-driver Aine McGuigan alongside, Patrick the reigning Valvoline Junior champion, proved just why he took that title, as the move from the front wheel drive Citroen C2 to the four wheel drive Evo seemed easy for the Tyrone driver. "I really enjoyed it" said Patrick. "I was happy with our times, and the car, though we had a problem with the active diff after the first stage, which meant that the front diff didn't work right for the rest of the day. We also had to change intercom at one point, but aside from that the rally flowed very well. I wasn't sure what our plans were this year, we had considered a go at the BRC but after that start to this series it's tempting to continue with it. There is a class 20 Evo 9 with a sequential gearbox available, a bit of an animal to be honest! I may consider using that for the Moonraker." The opposition may watch out, as the 2015 Billy Coleman Award finalist is proving to be a real contender.
Another superb performance came from Omagh's Niall McCullagh and Ryan McCloskey in their class 20 specification Mitsubishi Evo 6, a car they have been developing over the past year. A stunning time on stage two put them into the lead, an impressive lead in this older model Evo that they were to hold until stage six. Sadly their rally ended on the penultimate stage, when they slid off and got beached with no-one to help push the car back onto the forest track. Also back the years in Mitsubishi Evolution's with an Evo 4 example, were Michael Carbin and Darragh Kelly in their class 20 machine. The Monaghan driver had a superb run to third overall despite some front bumper damage evident after stage five. Behind them were Liam Ryan and Keith Moriarty in their Evo 8. They survived a big scare on stage four, but Liam was delighted, this being his first outing since 2011. In fifth were Ger Lucey and JJ Cremin in their similar car. Ger, third in the series in 2015, overcame early over-heating problems to claim that position, and took a fastest time on stage three along the way.
The two-wheel drive racers were next up with Adrian Hetherington and Gary Nolan in their 2.5 Escort taking the honours, in what was a relatively drama free day by the spectacular Escort pilot. "We had a great day, and the battles were good. John and Mickey were never too far behind" said Adrian. John Gordon was next up in his class 12 MK2 Escort, the County Down driver suffering a puncture on stage two, but recording a superb result in seventh. Indeed he finished just 7.9 seconds in front of 2015 Valvoline two-wheel drive champion- Mickey Conlon. An early casualty was Shane McGirr who broke a drive-shaft in his Toyota Starlet on stage one, but re-joined later in the event for practice and recorded some fastest 2wd times.
Completing the top ten where a returning Dermot Kelly in his Evo, the first outing for eleven years for the former forestry ace and Hugh McQuaid taking second in class 12 with his MK2 Escort. Just outside the top ten were Damien McGauran in his rear wheel drive Corolla, David Condell in his MK2 despite breaking a shock absorber, and Derek Mackeral in his Vauxhall Nova, who won the rallytrader.ie/ Kumho tyres Junior category, collecting two tyres from Ears Motorsport Ireland. Shane Kenneally was second in the Junior category in his MK2 Escort, despite an altercation with a chicane. Eoin Crowley claimed third in his Peugeot 206.
Finishing in fifteenth and first in class 7 was Robert Moffett and James O'Reilly in the Fiesta WRC, the Monaghan driver delighted just to make the finish on his first rally since 2006. His son Josh, last year's Valvoline champion didn't take the start after the tragic death of co-driver Jason McKenna's brother. Last year's runner up Mick O'Brien who has purchased, Sam Moffett's Fiesta WRC was also unable to make it due to business commitments.
Other important class winners were: Class 2- Graeme Colfer (Honda Integra), Class 3-Emmett Lyons (Honda Integra), Class 9- Ruari Maguire (Vauxhall Corsa), Class 10-Mike Garahy (MK2 Escort), Class 11F-Michael Fitzgibbon- (Honda Civic), Class 11R- Jason Walsh (Ford Escort). The championship again has started strongly and round two is the classic Moonraker event in April.
Quality & Quantity for the Opening Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Round!
Posted: February 12, 2016 4:27 AM
Round one of the 2016 Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Rally Championship promises to be a spectacular start with a bulging entry for the opening Willie Loughman Memorial Carrick on Suir Forest Rally. It's an entry that's packed with seriously competitive runners, and the excitement is tangible as 2016 promises to be action packed on the 150th anniversary year of sponsor Valvoline.
Seeded at number one is former champion Mick O'Brien who has another Ford Focus WRC purchased to contest the series. The London based Irishman, put up such a fight in the 2015 series, finishing second to Josh Moffett, but he kicked off last year with a win on this event, so he is a hot favourite, although he is under some pressure to start due to business commitments. Josh the reigning champion, is entered in his 2015 series winning Group A Evo 9, but it looks like he is now sadly not starting, due to the tragic passing of co-driver Jason McKenna's father. Josh's brother Sam is expected to start at number three in an R5 Fiesta, and father Robert coming out of retirement to drive the WRC Fiesta. Robert was an entertainer in the past, in rallying and rally-cross especially in the early 80's in a MK2 Escort and the 90's in a Metro 6R4.
Competition amongst the four-wheel drive runners is still intense however. Liam Ryan returns to the series in his Evo 8, with Ger Lucey who took a podium spot on the event last year, and third overall in the 2015 series always a threat. Niall Henry makes the trip from Co. Antrim in his Evo 10, and talking of making a trip, Patsy Keenan is flying over from the USA to drive his Evo 9! Former champion Dermot Kelly is making a return in an Evo 7, with the supremely experienced Greg Shinnors along-side, and Don Keating, son of 1981 and ?91 Irish National Rally Champion Donie, upholds Subaru honours. Outside the top ten includes the WRC Corolla of Eddie Power, Andrew Fanning and Gary Kiernan in Evo's, but one to watch will be car eighteen, 2015 Ears Motorsport Ireland Junior winner Patrick O'Brien who is stepping up to a four wheel drive Evo 9.
First on the road for the seventy- five kilometre, eight stage rally in the scenic Suir Valley will be the two-wheel drive runners, lead fittingly by the 2015 champion- Micky Conlon in his 2 litre Escort. He will be pressed hard this weekend however, with another former champion Fermanagh's Shane McGirr starting behind in his 2 litre Starlet, and Damien McGauran's Corolla adding variety. The extra torque of the 2.5 engined modified cars may come into play on the traditionally slippery stages, and Adrian Hetherington, Ollie Williams and David Condell are expected to be in contention. County Down driver John Gordon, second in the two-wheel drive series last year also wheels out his MK2 in class 12, with Hugh McQuaid another top class 12 finisher expected to give him a challenge.
The Junior Championship received much emphasis last year and once again Ears Motorsport Ireland are providing two new Kumho Rally tyres for the first Valvoline registered Junior home on each round. The winning driver at the end of the season will also receive an automatic Motorsport Ireland Billy Coleman Award Nomination, entitling them to a chance of a ?50,000 Euro prize from Motorsport Ireland towards the winner's future in the sport. Derek Mackeral who was second last year will be one of the favourite's in his old style Opel Corsa, with opposition including the MK2 Escort of Shane Kenneally, James Driver in his Ford Ka, and Eoin Crowley in a 206 Peugeot. The website Rallytrader.ie is also adding support for the Junior category in 2016.
The On the Limit Sports cameras will be filming the Valvoline Irish National Forest Rally Championship and regular updates will be posted during the events on Facebook and Twitter with the latest news.
Championship co-ordinator Ray Fitzpatrick and his enthusiastic team are once again very much putting their full effort into the year ahead, working right up until the last moment, securing vital associate sponsors which to date include; Suirway Group, Pottinger-Clever Farming, Jelf Insurance, SVS In Car Cameras, Colton Pump & Heating Services, DJ Rally Hire, Exact Signs, Concept Fire Services Limited and Andrew Fanning Motor Factors. All in all another great year on the gravel is starting!
Seeded Entry List
Posted: February 10, 2016 3:34 AM
100 Mickey Conlon/Ciaran McPhilips (Ford Escort MK11) [13]
101 Shane Mcgirr/Jackie Elliott (Toyota Starlet) [13]
102 Adrian Hetherington/Gary Nolan (Ford Escort MK11) [14]
103 Ollie Williams/John Joe Williams (Ford Escort MK11) [14]
104 Damien McGauran/Michaela McGinn (Toyota Corolla) [13]
105 David Condell/Michael Coady (Ford Escort MK11) [14]
106 Alan Commins/James Commins (Ford Escort MK11) [12]
107 John Gordan/Thomas Wedlock (Ford Escort MK11) [12]
108 Hugh Mcquaid/Enda Gereaghty (Ford Escort MK11) [12]
109 Paul Mcerlean/Niall Mckenna (Ford Escort MK11) [13]
110 John Crossley/Joe Gallas (Ford Escort MK11) [12]
111 Tony Mckenna/Jonathan Dinsmore (Ford Escort MK11) [12]
112 Emmett Cronin/Kevin Purcell (Ford Escort MK11) [9]
114 Pascal O Shea/TBA (Ford Escort MK11) [10]
115 Brian Little/Adam Semple (Ford Escort MK11) [10]
116 Sean W Benskin/Nicky Hegarty (Ford Escort MK11) [12]
117 Ian Downey/William Kelly (Opel Corsa) [11F]
118 Derek Mackeral/Daire Hayes (Vauxhall Nova) [16]
119 John S Quill/Trish Hogan (Peugeot 206) [9]
120 Mike O Connor/Pj O Dowd (Peugeot 306) [3]
121 Emmett Lyons/Tommy Cuddihy (Honda Integra) [3]
122 Ruairi Maguire/Grace o Brien (Vauxhall Corsa) [9]
123 Gerard Hyland/Niall McGaughran (Ford Escort MK11) [9]
124 Shane Kenneally/Jer Connors (Ford Escort MK11) [16]
125 Andy Nash/Niamh Holland (Honda Civic) [11F]
126 Stephen Dickson/Tommy Hayes (Ford Fiesta) []
127 Niall O Sullivan/ (Citreon C2) [9]
128 Michael Fitzgibbon/Carrie Moroney Ryan (Honda Civic) [11F]
129 Jason Dickson/ (Ford Fiesta) []
130 Barry Mahon/Ultan McGowan (Honda Civic) [11F]
131 Pierce Doheny SNR/Eilish Dunne (Opel Corsa) [10]
132 Graeme Colfer/Brian Ward (Honda Integra) [2]
133 James Bradley/Richard Stafford (Peugeot 205) [10]
134 Colm Kearns/Terence McCabe (Ford Escort MK11) [9]
135 Anthony Roche/TBA (Peugeot 106) [9]
136 James Driver/TBA (Ford KA) [16]
137 Adrian Beattie/Declan Ryan (Honda Civic) [11F]
138 David Fitzsimons/John Masterson (Ford Escort G4) [12]
139 James Lucey/Kieran Lynch (Honda Civic) [11F]
140 Kelvin Lyons/Paul o Leary (Peugeot 206) [2]
141 Colm Carberry/Joesph o Neil (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
142 Eoin Crowley/Gavin Downey (Peugeot 206) [16]
143 Aaron Watters/Paddy Carroll (Honda Civic) [17]
144 Shay Delaney/Alan Maloney (Ford KA) [9]
145 Jason Walsh/Michael Walsh (Ford Escort) [11R]
1 Michael O Brien/Liam Brennan (Ford Fiesta WRC) [7]
2 Josh Moffett/Jason Mckenna (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
3 Sam Moffett/TBA (Ford Fiesta R5) []
4 Liam Ryan/Keith Moriarty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [20]
5 Gerard Lucey/JJ Cremin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [20]
6 Niall Henry/John Rowan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [20]
7 Dermot Kelly/Greg Shinnors (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7) [20]
8 Robert Moffett/TBA (Ford Fiesta Wrc) [7]
9 Patsy Keenan/Liam McLaughlin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
10 Don Keating/Adam Coffey (Subaru Impreza) [20]
11 Andrew Fanning/Derek Gibbs (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo) [20]
12 Eddie Power/John Rafter (Toyota Corolla Wrc) [7]
14 Gary Kiernan/John McCabe (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
15 Michael Carbin/Darragh Kelly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4) [20]
16 Mickey McGillin/Paddy McCrudden (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
17 Mark Murphy/Aoife Murphy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [20]
18 Patrick O Brien/Aine McGuigan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
19 Eamon Daly/Frank Curtin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
20 Ashley Dickson/Fabian Mcaleer (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
21 Niall McCullagh/Ryan McCloskey (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [20]
22 Cathan McCourt/Brian Hoy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
23 Conor McCourt/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4) [4]
24 Gemma Kerley/Lisa Knox (Subaru Impreza) [20]
25 Pauric Sheridan/Sean Bruton (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo) [20]
Entries Received (5/2/15)
Posted: February 5, 2016 9:04 AM
Colm Carberry/Joesph o Neil (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
Mickey Conlon/Ciaran Mcphilips (Ford Escort MK11) [13]
Gerard Hyland/Niall McGaughran (Ford Escort MK11) [9]
Ruairi Maguire/Grace o Brien (Vauxhall Corsa) [9]
Damien McGauran/Michaela McGinn (Toyota Corolla) [13]
Mickey McGillin/Paddy McCrudden (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [20]
Niall McCullagh/Ryan McCloskey (Mitsubishi Evo 10) [20]
Ashley Dickson/Fabian Mcaleer (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [4]
Conor McCourt/ (Mitsubishi Evo 4) [4]
John Coyne/Christy Farrell (Talbot Sunbeam Lotus) [18]
John Gordan/Thomas Wedlock (Ford Escort MK11) [12]
David Fitzsimons/John Masterson (Ford Escort G4) [12]
Mark Murphy/Aoife Murphy (Mitsubishi Evo 8) [20]
Adrian Beattie/Declan Ryan (Honda Civic) [11F]
Tony Mckenna/Jonathan Dinsmore (Ford Escort MK11) [12]
Kelvin Lyons/Paul o Leary (Peugeot 206) [2]
Emmett Lyons/Tommy Cuddihy (Honda Integra) [3]
Gemma Kerley/Lisa Knox (Subaru Impreza) [20]
Niall Henry/John Rowan (Mitsubishi Evo 10) [20]
Cathan McCourt/Brian Hoy (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [4]
Brian Little/Adam Semple (Ford Escort MK11) [10]
Pauric Sheridan/Sean Bruton (Mitsubishi Evo) [20]
Pierce Doheny SNR/Eilish Dunne (Opel Corsa) [10]
Don Keating/Adam Coffey (Subaru Impreza) [20]
Robert Moffett/ (Ford Fiesta Wrc) [7]
Josh Moffett/Jason Mckenna (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [20]
Jason Walsh/Michael Walsh (Ford Escort) [11R]
Barry Mahon/Ultan McGowan (Honda Civic) [11F]
Alan Commins/James Commins (Ford Escort MK11) [12]
John Quill/Trisha Hogan (Peugeot 206) [2]
Andrew Fanning/Derek Gibbs (Mitsubishi Evo) [20]
John Crossley/Joe Gallas (Ford Escort MK11) [12]
Adrian Hetherington/Gary Nolan (Ford Escort MK11) [14]
Aaron Watters/Paddy Carroll (Honda Civic) [17]
Eoin Crowley/Gavin Downey (Peugeot 206) [16]
Graeme Colfer/Brian Ward (Honda Integra) [2]
Gary Kiernan/John McCabe (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [4]
David Condell/Michael Coady (Ford Escort MK11) [14]
Shane Kenneally/Jer Connors (Ford Escort MK11) [16]
Paul Mcerlean/Niall Mckenna (Ford Escort MK11) [13]
Shane Mcgirr/Jackie Elliott (Toyota Starlet) [13]
Ollie Williams/John Joe Williams (Ford Escort MK11) [14]
James Bradley/Richard Stafford (Peugeot 205) [10]
James Driver/ (Ford KA) [16]
Michael Fitzgibbon/Carrie Moroney Ryan (Honda Civic) [11F]
Gerard Lucey/JJ Cremin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [20]
Anthony Roche/ (Peugeot 106) [9]
Dermot Kelly/Greg Shinnors (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7) [20]
Key Locations, Marshal Meeting Points & Further Information
2016 will see the Wm. Loughman Forest Rally running out of Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, with service based in Millriver Business Park, Carrick-on-Suir. The event will be run over four stages in the locality. Barry Duggan returns as the events COC backed up with a strong team.
News Stories
Classifieds
Shop
TV Guide
Links
Upcoming 
Most