Champion Drive by Desi Henry in Glens of Antrim! - Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Championship Round Seven
Posted: November 10, 2016 10:36 AM
The Glens of Antrim Forest Rally, the final round of the 2016 Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Rally Championship once again provided a fine finale to an excellent season on the gravel. It proved to be a dream day for Desi Henry, not only winning his home round, but clinching the 2016 title. "I am absolutely delighted to win the Glens of Antrim rally and to win the championship today. I can't believe it, it's been one of the longest rallies in my life! A massive thanks to the team and to Liam Moynihan who is undoubtedly one of the best navigators around. Thanks also to my sponsors for their support, the championship sponsors, TV crews, organisers, marshals etc. for a great years rallying, and to my family and friends for putting up with me during the highs and lows" said the new champion.
It wasn't the full story of course of the rally, as although Desi in the Skoda R5 was fastest on stage one; it was Josh Moffett who took the lead in the Fiesta R5 after a superb run through the famous Slieveanorra stage. Indeed Josh was to hold a narrow six second lead over Desi arriving at first service, where he was contacting brother Sam, who had slid off the road and out of the rally on the third Ballypatrick stage. It was one of those days for the Monaghan team however as next it was Josh's turn to retire on the second run over Slieveanorra. "We just used the cut on the tarmac section, but it had become a lot deeper, and when we came out of the cut we got two punctures. That was it really" said Josh. That left Desi with a comfortable advantage over second placed Adrian Hetherington who was happy at the finish. "I think we matched Desi on a couple of stages there, so I'm delighted with that" said Adrian.
Third overall and clinching a fabulous second in the championship was Ger Lucey, despite a major moment on the first loop, which left the Evo 8 with a dented driver's door and marelled glass. "We were lucky with that it could have been a lot worse" said Ger. "We came over a crest too fast and couldn't slow properly before a square left and hit the bank. It's been a challenging day, great stages and good to get home. I've really enjoyed the season though- it's been brilliant!" said the elated Macroom driver. Michael Carbin in his Evo 4 could have possibly deprived Ger of second place, but he slid off on the third test, whilst Jonny Leonard started the retirement's list as the transfer box on his Evo 6 expired on the way to stage one. Other retirements included Niall Henry with a broken steering arm in the Evo 10, and championship class winner Ruari Maguire who's Corsa shed a wheel.
Tyrone driver Darren McKelvey with Graham Henderson co-driving clocked up fifth in their Evo 9, despite Darren claiming to have been driving like a granny on the first loop. "I just couldn't get it going" said Darren who collected top honours in class 20 in the championship. "It's not the car but me, but the second loop was better." Ashley Dickson took Group N honours in his Evo 9, with Ed Muldoon second registered Group N competitor home, meaning that he took the Valvoline class title. "I've never driven as slowly to take second placed points!" said Ed. "We had to borrow a car today and just do what we had to. Delighted though to take the class- a great championship, and hopefully be back again next year."
The Valvoline two-wheel battle was a tense one as Shane McGirr needed a decent finish to wrap up the category, and started well, jointly in the lead with David Crossen at first service. David was revelling in his MK2 Escort on the slippery stages, eventually taking victory and fourth place overall. "We had a good start this time, and put a push on the second loop, especially through Slieveanorra. It was interesting especially on the fast straights- the car was moving about a lot, but it's brilliant to get this result for us" said the Comber driver. Mickey Conlon took a while to warm up, but claimed third two wheel drive and ninth overall. "It just took time after the off in Limerick to get into it again" said the Castleblayney man, and John Gordon just ten seconds behind also had a tricky first loop. "I stalled it about four times. We have new brake pads in, and I've never had this problem before, but I wasn't really on song in the morning either" explained the jovial Co. Down man, who had already wrapped up class twelve in the series. However the day belonged to Shane McGirr, who had to cruise through the final stage with a broken rear shock absorber to take the coveted 2wd title. "Absolutely delighted" said the Fivemiletown driver. "Such a tricky rally, and then with the banging of that shocker towards the end it was not a straight-forward day. To get the championship means a lot though, and it's thanks to the team, sponsors and good co-driver's also."
Winner of the rallytrader.ie/ Kumho tyres Junior category, collecting two Kumho Tyres from Ears Motorsport Ireland was Derek Mackeral in his Vauxhall Nova, which just about made the finish! "We broke the rotor arm on stage one and had to change it, taking a stage maximum, and then the front left wheel broke up on the final test and again we took a stage max. We were surprised to get the result with those delays but it's good and to win the tyres- a big help" said Derek. Second on this occasion was James Driver who is adapting to his more powerful 206 Peugeot. Stephen Dickson as the class champion in the R2 Fiesta, but was hobbling about the service area after twisting his ankle jumping off a tractor, and didn't take the start. His brother Jason also tied up class two in the ST Fiesta, making it a successful season for the Omagh family. Other driver's wrapping up their class in the championship included Paul McCann, winning class fifteen in his venerable Escort Cosworth. "My first ever season in the forests and loved it. Wish I had of done it year's ago. I'll be back next year- and put the right foot down harder!" Ruari Maguire claimed class nine in his nimble Corsa, Brian Little- class ten with his MK2 Escort, David Condell (MK2 Escort)- class fourteen, and Barry Mahon (Honda Civic) class eleven F.
What a year it's been for the Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Rally Championship, which has seen increased competitor support, and excellent camaraderie through-out the seven events- now spread out over the country. Now it's party time where all the awards are handed out at the official prize-giving in Tullamore on the 26th November.
Video Clips
Posted: November 9, 2016 10:20 AM
In Car
Posted: November 9, 2016 10:13 AM
Oran Donnelly & Paul Hughes *(Ford Escort Mk2)
Andy Bustard and Aaron Johnston (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8)
David Crossen & Chris McSherry (Ford Escort Mk2) SS5
Ruari McCaffrey & Lauren Kelly (Corsa)
Race Success for RiverRidge at Glens of Antrim Rally
Posted: November 9, 2016 10:11 AM
Leading waste management company and Glens of Antrim headline sponsor, RiverRidge Recycling, is celebrating after an outstanding performance by the RiverRidge rally team at this year's Irish Forestry Championship.
After four very successful years in Cam and Springwell forests, the Glens of Antrim Rally went home to Antrim. The three classic County Antrim forest stages returned on Saturday 5th November and the course was in supreme condition which offered competitors and fans alike a great day's racing.
With three RiverRidge cars racing in the action filled day, Niall Donnelly took first place in the 11R class and 17th overall, Eamon Doherty won class 12 and while Oran Donnelly had mechanical problems he ended his rally sitting in 11th place overall.
Eamon Doherty, Director of RiverRidge Recycling, a keen motorsport fan and rally driver commented, "We are absolutely delighted with our performance at the Glens of Antrim Rally. This is a highly competitive competition and we were racing against some of the best rally drivers in the country, so it is an absolute credit to the entire team to have done so well.
"We worked very hard to build upon our performance from last year and I think we achieved more than we ever expected to. The atmosphere was outstanding and there was a real buzz, the team and I really enjoyed the competition this year. A special thanks to the RiverRidge rally team and everyone who helped us along the way, the time, effort and consistency shown by everyone is unbelievable!
"This is always an outstanding local event, a big thank you to all those involved in the running of the event, it was superb! I am pleased that RiverRidge was once again involved this year as headline sponsor. We pride ourselves in supporting homegrown events. Each year the Glens of Antrim Rally continues to offer the local community a fantastic sporting event, so we are only too happy to offer our assistance."
Class Winners
Class 2: Marty Gallagher/Dean O Sullivan (Peugeot 208 R2)
Class 4: Robert McKelvey/Declan Campbell (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII)
Class 5: Desi Henry/Liam Moynihan (Skoda Fabia R5)
Class 9: Colm Kearns/Terence McCabe (Ford Escort Mkll)
Class 10: Thomas Lowry/Phil Gault (Vauxhall Nova)
Class 11F: Johnnie Mulholland/Jeff Case (Hyundai i20)
Class 11R: Niall Donnelly/Dave Birt (Ford Escort Mkll)
Class 12: Eamon Doherty/Damian McAuley (Ford Escort Mkll)
Class 13: David Crossen/Chris McSherry (Ford Escort Mkll)
Class 15: Adrian Hetherington/Cathal Mulgrew (Toyota Corolla WRC)
Class 16: Gareth Deazley/James Duffin (Peugeot 106)
Class 19: John McCullough/Richard Grattan (Ford Escort RS 2000)
Class 20: Gerard Lucey/JJ Cremin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII)
Finish Crucial For Desi & Liam On Glens of Antrim Finale! - Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Championship Round Seven
Posted: November 2, 2016 8:35 AM
The Glens of Antrim Forest Rally, the final round of the 2016 Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Rally Championship, and the pressure is on Desi Henry on his local event this Saturday as he tries to secure the Valvoline title. It's been a great season for Desi and co-driver Liam Moynihan in the Skoda Fabia R5, and now just thirty-five miles of forest stages separate the Portglenone driver from the title. "We need to get to the finish somewhere in the top eight to ten for the championship. That's the aim for the weekend, a steady run and not to worry about the battle for the rally itself" explained Desi. ?It's been an enjoyable year to date. There's a friendly atmosphere with the championship, and there's always a race or two in the forests. It would mean a lot to secure the title, especially as in 2014 we lost out to Owen Murphy on a tie-break when we finished on the same points."
Cork's Ger Lucey in second is the main challenger in his Evo 8, but he will be fighting to retain that position as Monaghan charger Michael Carbin in the Evo 4 could still challenge. The impressive four wheel drive entry in the Glens is led away by Sam Moffett in his Fiesta R5, with Desi at number two, and Adrian Hetherington making a return at three in the Corolla WRC. Jonny Leonard, Niall Henry, Darren McKelvey and Cathan McCourt bolster a strong challenge from Mitsubishi Evo's in the top ten. The Group N class has also to be decided between the Evo's driven by Ashley Dickson and Ed Muldoon. The famous Slieveanorra and Ballypatrick stages are back on the menu for Saturday's action, which starts from Ballycastle at 10.30am. Having not been rallied on much for several year's due to restrictions, the six special stages could be tricky in places, an ideal challenge to round off the year.
The Valvoline two-wheel drive title battle Co.Down's John Gordon, with his MK2 Escort leads on overall points, but when dropped scores are taken into account his position is not as favourable. "It's going to be maximum attack for us!" John quipped. "We have nothing to lose, as we have class 12 wrapped up with the Pinto engine. For Limerick we had a 16 valve engine in the car, and it brought us closer to Shane on stages, but it's essentially a learning exercise for 2017. However we will give it a go on Saturday." Fivemiletown's Shane McGirr in his nimble Toyota Starlet is more in the driving seat when dropped scores are accounted for. "I think we need to finish in the top four or five two wheel drives to score enough points to clinch the title. I think at that John would have a nine point score to drop and we would have a one point to drop then. We need to get it home, but it will be a tricky rally I think, slippery in places and quite technical" Comber's David Crossen in third, and last year's champion Mickey Conlan will also add to a magic 2wd entry with their MK2 Escort's.
The rallytrader.ie/ Kumho tyres Junior category winner on the rally will receive two Kumho Tyres from Ears Motorsport Ireland, but the that coveted Billy Coleman Award nomination has already been decided as Shane Kenneally, assured of second place in the class is the first eligible competitor, after a good season in his MK2 Escort. Stephen Dickson in the R2 Fiesta leads the class but is not eligible for the Coleman Award, but he's suffering from a twisted ankle and unsure of making the start. Derek Mackeral in his Vauxhall Nova will be out for a class win and it's worth-while considering that there is also a wild-card nomination for the Coleman Award to consider. Once again there's a lot that can happen in the final Valvoline round.
RiverRidge Recycling Race to Support Glens of Antrim Rally
Posted: October 18, 2016 7:18 AM
FOLLOWING the success of last year, Mid Antrim Motor Club has announced Northern Ireland’s leading waste management company RiverRidge Recycling will be once again showing its support for the Glens of Antrim Rally as the event’s headline sponsor for the fifth year in the row.
After four very successful years in Cam and Springwell forests, the Glens of Antrim Rally comes home to Antrim, promising an action filled day on Saturday 5th November 2016.
Clerk of the Course William Carey said, “It is fantastic to have RiverRidge Recycling back on board as headline sponsor this year again, we are extremely grateful to the company for its continued support over the last number of years, this assistance plays a significant part in the Glens of Antrim Rally.
“2016 sees a return of three classic County Antrim forest stages, Beaghs, Slieveanorra and Ballypatrick, each done twice to give a total stage mileage of 35 miles. The course is in supreme condition, so competitors and fans are certainly in for a great days racing.
“RiverRidge kindly hosted the service park for the last four years when it was based in Cam and Springwell. This year we have a new service park for 2016, McQuillan GAC in Ballycastle. Scrutiny, sign on, finish and service will all be hosted in this superb location.
Eamon Doherty, Director of RiverRidge Recycling, a keen motorsport fan and rally driver is only too happy to renew the company’s sponsorship of the event and he will be jumping into the hot seat this year again for Glens of Antrim Rally.
“This is always an outstanding local event, I am pleased RiverRidge Recycling is involved once again this year. At RiverRidge Recycling we pride ourselves in supporting homegrown events. Year on year the Glens Rally continues to offer the local community a fantastic sporting event, so we are only too happy to offer our assistance.
“We will also be running three cars in the event, preparations are under ways and we are gearing up for another highly competitive race and of course we are hopeful that we can build on our results from last year.
Both myself and the other RiverRidge Recycling rally drivers have always enjoyed the Glens of Antrim Rally, from a competitive point of view, we are racing against some of the best rally drivers in the country. The atmosphere is always outstanding which creates such a buzz for both competitors and fans alike, so we are really looking forward to Saturday 5th November.
Mr Carey concluded; “We promise competitor and fans alike an attractive day’s racing. If you want to experience the thrill of the race, registration is still open. We also have a new online entry system and for more information along with regulations please visit www.mamc.co.uk.”
Glens of Antrim Rally Comes Home!
Posted: October 6, 2016 8:31 AM
After 4 very successful years in Cam and Springwell forests, the Glens rally once again becomes the Glens of Antrim rally! 2016 sees a return of 3 classic County Antrim forest stages, Beaghs, Slieveanorra and Ballypatrick, each done twice to give a total stage mileage of 35 miles.
We are also delighted to retain our headline sponsors for a fifth year, RiverRidge Recycling. RiverRidge also kindly hosted the service park for the event when it was based in Cam and Springwell and we are grateful to the team for letting the rally use its premises in Ringsend for the past 4 years.
The rally has a new service park for 2016, McQuillan GAC in Ballycastle. Scrutiny, sign on, start, finish and service will all be hosted in this superb location.
Entries are now open for this event and this year all entries will be via Rallyscore's online entry system. Link can be found below:
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