Eurocables (Belfast) Stages Rally (Kirkistown) - (Sat) 16 Feb 13

Photos

Posted: February 1, 2014 7:18 PM

Roy Dempster Photos

McGarrity's Carryduff Forklift Title Defence Off To Winning Start!

Posted: February 1, 2014 7:13 PM

Derek McGarrity claimed victory at Saturday's Eurocables (Belfast) Stages Rally, round one of the Carryduff Forklift MSA Northern Ireland Stage Rally Championship, held at County Down's Kirkistown Race Circuit!

Navigated by Neil Doherty, McGarrity propelled his Subaru Impreza World Rally Car to the top of the timesheets after stage one and never looked back. A faultless performance saw him extend his advantage on every stage, eventually arriving home more than half a minute ahead of the rest of the pack.

Maynooth's Kevin Barrett and Sean Mullally were the best of the rest, having held a consistent second position throughout the event. Driving a slightly older specification Impreza WRC, Barrett had hoped to secure another victory at Kirkistown after his November Time Trial success but it wasn't to be on this occasion. Instead, he picked up the runner-up position as well as a healthy helping of championship points.

Derek McGeehan and Cormac McGrady secured a late entry aboard their MINI WRC and the trip to the County Down venue proved to be worthwhile. A spin on stage one dented their challenge, leaving them ninth overall after the test. But they recovered to claim third overall by the end of the day.

Emma McKinstry and Kenny Hull had held third overall for a time but they had to settle for fourth in the end after the charging MINI crew overhauled them. Emma, who celebrated her 30th birthday earlier this month, finished 9.9 seconds ahead of Peadar Hurson's Formula Karting backed Escort WRC.

Hurson had decided to make a return to the sport after a four-year layoff and although he admitted that he was a little bit rusty at the start, he soon got into the groove. By the midpoint of the event, he was setting top five times and finished with a solid result to start his championship campaign.

In the Group N category, James Laverty and Francis Regan secured a start to finish victory aboard their Subaru Impreza. They were lying as high as fourth overall during the early stages but eventually arrived home in sixth, almost 20 seconds ahead of nearest Group N rivals Kieron Graffin and Paddy Robinson. Graffin just managed to nip in front of Trevor Ferguson and David McElroy at the last gasp, finishing one-tenth of a second in front of the Impreza crew.

The McGrady Insurance 2WD category saw Keith White and Martin Carey earn another well deserved victory in their Mark 1 Escort. Simon Woodside and Steven Dowds had held an early advantage in their BMW M3 but White overhauled the crew after stage four when Woodside hit trouble.

White stayed in front until the finish, sealing the category win from David Armstrong and Paul Mulholland, with Simon Woodside and Steven Dowds third.

Drew Wylie and Fintan McGrady were the leading crew home in the Montgomery Motorsport Historic category, with Stanley Orr and Brian Cairns second ahead of Stephen and Lucy Whitford.

Finally, in the McGrady Insurance Junior 1000 Challenge, Kyle White and Alan Purdy claimed the win by 20.7 seconds from William Creighton and Andrew Bushe, with Adam and Brian Bustard third.

Round two of the Carryduff Forklift MSA Northern Ireland Stage Rally Championship takes crews to Bishopscourt on 9 March for the McGrady Insurance Bishopscourt Stages.

Ballynahinch and District Motor Club has organised an all new format for the event, which will feature 14 stages within the confines of the County Down venue.
More details can be found online at www.nirally.com.

White Wins in Dramatic Second Junior 1000 Round!

Posted: February 1, 2014 7:12 PM

The second round of the McGrady Insurance Junior 1000 Rally Challenge Ireland, took place on Saturday on the Eurocables Stages Rally at Kirkistown. Organised by the North Armagh Motor Club, six junior drivers, aged 14-16 lined up to lead the field away in their 1000cc machines. This series, now in its second year is also supported this season by the dedicated rally classified website www.rallysales.eu , Superdrive Motorsports Centre and Yokohama tyres.

First off the line was 16 year old Kyle White, who finished second last time out, and he was the first to find out how slippery conditions were, with the loose and concrete sections being very greasy. Round one winner Adam Bustard in the Chevrolet Spark was next off, but on lap one he got caught out on a very slippery corner, losing time as he ran into a pile of tyres. However it was all to be academic, as fourth car on the stage Eoghan Bogue had a dramatic slide on the fourth corner, clipped a lorry tyre and the Micra ended up on its roof forcing the cancellation of the stage for the Junior runners. Thankfully Eoghan and co-driver Liam Regan escaped unhurt and the Micra will live to fight another day, so the Junior’s all received a nominal time for the test.

On stage two Kyle White set fastest time, 6 seconds faster than 15 year old William Creighton on his second rally in the Citroen C1. William however had clipped a tyre on his second lap, and the C1 arrived at the end of the stage with a front left puncture. It was more dramatic for Adam Bustard who hit the back of the Spark on the tight concrete section, spun and had to reverse to get back on the stage. It cost the Castlederg driver 10 seconds, but he still maintained third place. Behind him in fourth was 14 year old Michael McGarrity, with Mark Massey in the co-driver’s seat. Michael had also a different Micra for this event, and was learning the new car at this early stage. 15 year old James Partridge with Billy Regan in the hot seat also had a dramatic second stage, the little 107 becoming stuck in the grass after running wide at the top hairpin bend. It was a stage maximum for the Moira driver, but the rest of the day he would be consistent, and picking up more speed.

For stages 3 and 4 the layout was changed with less loose surface sections and leader Kyle White extended that lead by three seconds. It wasn’t without damage to the 107 however, under-steering into a pile of tyres on the final hairpin bend, and nearly rolling the car on the same corner that had caught out Eoghan Bogue earlier in the day. William Creighton was second fastest again, but lost time when he kept accidently selecting 5th gear instead of 3rd, the C1 dropping right off the revs. Third fastest was James Partridge, who is settling in well to the 107 this season, but less settled was Adam Bustard who dropped twenty seconds after another trip into the tyres, with one becoming lodged under the car this time. On stage 4 Kyle White was again fastest with a clean run, but just by 1.4 seconds from William Creighton. It could have been better for William, but again for a couple of missed gear changes. Adam Bustard was third fastest, just a further 1.4 seconds back, despite yet another attraction to the tyres. Michael McGarrity too was improving his pace and experience relative to the other crews.

The final two stages were run in the anti-clockwise direction. The track was faster, drier and provided much more grip. Kyle White had a good grip on the event at this stage, with a lead of over ten seconds, which he extended over the final two tests. For William Creighton is was a matter of consolidating a hard earned second place, as Adam Bustard was now well behind. On the final two tests however, Adam proved how he won the first round with two fastest times, on these fast stages. In the process he still picked up a valuable third place. In fourth, albeit a long way off the leaders was Michael McGarrity, but he was ever happier with his car and improving pace. Fifth was James Partridge, that stage maximum costing him any chance of fourth.

It was a delighted Kyle White and co-driver Alan Purdy who sprayed the fizzy non- alcoholic wine at the finish! William Creighton was delighted with his second place, despite his lack of rally experience, and Adam Bustard’s third places him second in the championship race.

Round three of the McGrady Insurance Junior 1000 Rally Challenge Ireland, takes place at Bishopscourt on the 9th March, and eight Junior 1000 crews are expected to take the start.

To keep up to date please check out our new Facebook page-Junior 1000 Rally Challenge Ireland. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Junior-1000-Rally-Challenge-Ireland/588151257878544

Results

Posted: February 1, 2014 7:03 PM

1 Derek McGarrity/Neil Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC) 26m14.8s
2 Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) 26m47.2s
3 Derek McGeehan/Cormac McGrady (JCW MINI WRC) 27m03.8s
4 Emma McKinstry/Kenny Hull (Subaru Impreza WRC) 27m17.5s
5 Peadar Hurson/Damian Connolly (Ford Escort WRC) 27m27.4s
6 James Laverty/Francis Regan (Subaru Impreza) 27m39.0s
7 George Robinson/Tommy Speers (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo) 27m47.8s
8 Kieron Graffin/Paddy Robinson (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo) 27m56.6s
9 Trevor Ferguson/David McElroy (Subaru Impreza N12) 27m56.7s
10 Keith White/Martin Carey (Ford Escort MkI) 28m13.2s

Eurocables (Belfast) Stages Rally (Kirkistown) - (Sat) 16 Feb 13 - MAIN RALLY RESULTS
Eurocables (Belfast) Stages Rally (Kirkistown) - (Sat) 16 Feb 13 - JUNIOR RALLY RESULTS

Results on Line (Main Rally) | Results on Line (Junior Rally) | Results by: RallyScore.Net

McGarrity/Doherty Head Carryduff Forklift Rally Series Opener at Kirkistown

Posted: February 13, 2013 1:58 PM

This Saturday's Eurocables (Belfast) Stages, which takes place at County Down's Kirkistown Race Circuit, has attracted more than 70 entries for the opening round of the Carryduff Forklift MSA Northern Ireland Stage Rally Championship.

Defending champion, Derek McGarrity, will head the field off the start line in his S14 specification Subaru Impreza World Rally Car. Navigated by Neil Doherty, the crew will be aiming for a repeat success at the venue, having won January's New Year Stages which was held at the same location.

In fact, McGarrity is always a hot favourite for any event at Kirkistown. He has secured countless victories at the venue over the years, and it was here that he started his successful 2012 title winning campaign with a victory last year.

At number two, County Kildare driver Kevin Barrett will be aiming to stop him in his tracks. Barrett will drive a slightly older specification Subaru Impreza WRC, but he could be one to watch. He has some experience of the Kirkistown venue, and won a rally time trial at the circuit late last year.

At number three, Peadar Hurson is an interesting addition to the rally. It will be the Newry driver's first rally in almost four years, having been out of action since the 2009 Circuit of Ireland Rally. He has hired Jim Feenan's Formula Karting Ford Escort WRC and plans to contest the opening three rounds of the Carryduff Forklift series.

"I've never gone that well on race circuits," Hurson admitted, "so the first event at Kirkistown will be a bit of a learning curve. The car is a '98 spec Escort WRC so it's never going to be near the Subarus but we'll see how we get on."

Also joining the fray will be Emma McKinstry in her Impreza World Rally Car, as well as former Northern Ireland Champion George Robinson in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9. William Hamilton completes the top six seeds with his Impreza WRC.

In the Group N category, Kieron Graffin and Paddy Robinson are the top seeds in their Evo 9. They will battle it out with the Subaru belonging to Trevor Ferguson and David McElroy, not to mention the Evos belonging to Graham Ballantine, Liam McFall and Jonny Leonard.

The two-wheel-drive class has also received a bustling entry with Keith White and Martin Carey heading the field in their potent Mark 1 Escort. James and Rebecca Kennedy will provide some stiff competition in their mount, while Simon Woodside and Steven Dowds will break the Escort stranglehold in their beautiful BMW M3.

The event also hosts round two of the McGrady Insurance Junior 1000 Rally Challenge where four drivers between the ages of 14 and 16 are set to do battle on the stages. Kyle White and Alan Purdy head the order in their Peugeot 107, with William Creighton and Andrew Bushe bringing their Citroen C1 to the party. Eoghan Bogue and Liam Regan will also be in the mix, as will James Partridge and Billy Regan.

The opening stage of the rally will start shortly after 9am on Saturday. Competitors will tackle six stages, all within the confines of the Kirkistown venue.

Seeded Entry List

Posted: February 13, 2013 9:58 AM

Eurocables (Belfast) Stages Rally (Kirkistown) - (Sat) 16 Feb 13 - SEEDED ENTRY LIST

Regulations (Rev 2)

Posted: January 21, 2013 9:34 PM

Belfast Stages Rally (Kirkistown) - (Sat) 16 Feb 13 - REGULATIONS - Rev 2

Opening N.I. Rally Championship Event Backed by Eurocables Belfast

Posted: January 17, 2013 9:27 PM

Regulations and entry forms for North Armagh Motor Club's Eurocables (Belfast) Stages, round one of the Carryduff Forklift MSA Northern Ireland Stage Rally Championship and round two of the McGrady Insurance Junior 1000 Rally Challenge Ireland, have been revealed.

The event, which takes place on Saturday 16 February at Co. Down's Kirkistown Race Circuit, sees Eurocables (Belfast) return as title sponsor for the first time since 2009.

"We're delighted to have Shane Braniff and Eurocables Belfast back on board as title sponsor," said Clerk of the Course, William Fullerton. "Shane has long been a supporter of rallying and particularly our event, so on behalf of North Armagh Motor Club, I'd like to extend our sincere gratitude."

Having previously backed the event for what transpired to be a 10-year term, company director Braniff decided to renew his business association with the rally this year.

"I'm delighted to support North Armagh Motor Club and their opening round of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship," Braniff said. "It is always a popular event to kick-start the season and one that I always enjoyed as a competitor in the past. I'm proud to be associated with it and wish everyone a very safe and enjoyable rally."

Competitors will face the traditional six stages, totalling approximately 24 stage miles, all based within the Kirkistown venue. Regulations have just been released but the event has already received interest from a number of leading competitors.

Last year's winner and reigning N.I. champion, Derek McGarrity, has confirmed his intentions to enter aboard his S14 specification Subaru Impreza WRC. However, McGarrity may not mount a full title defence.

"I really enjoy the opening rounds of the Championship," he admitted. "They are always good events to do - there's not much to hit around the tracks - and they provide a good shakedown ahead of the Circuit of Ireland."

"I'm also going to enter the first three rounds of the Irish Tarmac Championship," he added. "We'll see how things are sitting after that and make a decision on whether or not we'll continue with either series."

Maynooth driver Kevin Barrett is another driver who has expressed interest in competing. The Subaru Impreza WRC pilot intends to mount a full Northern Ireland Rally Championship campaign this year and has always been competitive on previous visits to Kirkistown.

The event may also see Phillip Morrow return to the series aboard his Group N Lancer. He is going to enter another event in Ireland in early February, and provided there are no major repair bills, the Lisburn driver may be amongst the Kirkistown line-up.

They will be joined by a host of quick pilots in both four-wheel-drive and two-wheel-drive machinery, not to mention the Junior 1000 crews, in what is always one of the best supported events of the season.

Websites

Posted: January 17, 2013 9:14 PM

North Armagh Car Club
Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs - www.motorsportni.org