Gary McElhinney & Darragh Kelly win
Posted: October 9, 2010 3:25 PM
Saturday seen the Enniskillen Motor Club host another one of its fine events the Enniskillen Clubman 2 wheel drive stages rally based just outside Beleek. The event, a clubman’s favourite has grown over the years to see men travel from all over the country to compete for victory.
This year, the event seen locals Gary McElhinney and Darragh Kelly in car number 2 and John McCafferty navigating for Andrew Trotter in car number 3 hot on their heels. Dermot McCafferty and Andrew Eilis from Donegal Town also were competing on the event.
The day started just after 10.00am as the crews headed for a loop of 12 very technical, tough stages. After the first loop of 2 stages, Gary and Darragh were leading by just 1 second from Andrew and John.
Unfortunately this was only a far as the Donegal pair of Dermot and Andrew was to get, as a fuel pipe burst in the car forcing them to retire.
After stage four it was still neck and neck but Gary and Darrgh extended their lead to 5 seconds.
Andrew and John then lost 2nd place to local Harold Brown who was now 1 second quicker than them but still 5 seconds slower that Gary and Darragh heading into stage 9.
Stage 9 saw Gary and Darragh lose another second to Harold whom now had victory in his sights. Stage 10 was down to the wire as Gary and Darragh matched Harold and the crews headed for the final service of the day with just a 4 second gap.
The Donegal town men knew they had to keep the pressure on the local’s and that they did, by taking another second out of them on Stage 11 proving to be vital. The final stage was all that was left and the Donegal men had now 5 second lead and boy were they under pressure! They were cautious through the last stage and came out victors of the rally by 3 seconds.
On chatting to Gary after the rally he said "I don't think I have ever drove as fast in my life, there was places in there that was just over the limit, the jumps were just massive, I am just thrilled to be here at the finish with all in one piece" Darragh spoke and said "I don't think I was ever under as much pressure, trying to keep Gary right and the speeds were just maximum, it was touch and go a lot of the time, I am so glad to be here now with this great result" the boys also mentioned their service crew Derek Spencer, Johnny Charleston, David Kelly and Gerry Hughes who helped out and made everything possible, as well as all their sponsors.
Andrew trotter and John McCafferty finished up 4th overall and won their class. The boys are now gearing up for the Harvest Stages Rally taking place in Ballybofey next weekend.
Photos
Posted: October 5, 2010 5:34 PM
Full Results
Posted: October 5, 2010 5:32 PM
Seeded Entry List available
Posted: September 30, 2010 11:41 PM
Pacenotes ANICC 2WD Rally Challenge: System Signs Clubman Rally to take place!
Posted: September 29, 2010 9:25 PM
"I am pleased to inform the System Signs Clubman Rally will take place as planned on Saturday. The event has secured over 30 entries to date. Entries are still available by contacting Wendy Blackledge on 028 6638 8162 (before 10:00pm only).
This event will be round 5 of the Pacenotes ANICC 2WD Rally Challenge before the 2010 series comes to a conclusion at the Gullion Stages.
Updates on the event will appear over the next 48 hours at enniskillenmotorclub.co.uk/html/clubman_stages1.html"
Regards,
William Neill
Pacenotes Challenge.
Regulations and Entry Form Available
Posted: September 17, 2010 5:44 PM
Club Website / Preliminary Details
Posted: January 1, 2010 12:01 AM
The Clubman Stages, based in Derrygonnelly, as round 6 of the Pacenotes ANICC 2WD Rally Challenge and takes place over two tarmac venues, the five mile Lough Navar stage and the mile long Bothwells test. Each stage was used three times and then reversed.
Regulations available closer to the Event.
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