ALMC Stages Rally - 7 Jul 13

Posted: February 8, 2014 7:10 PM

VIDEO: Full TV Program

Posted: February 8, 2014 6:51 PM

Photos:

Posted: February 8, 2014 6:48 PM

James Burke Motorsport Photography
Peespeed Photography

Stunning Irish Victory For Bird/Davies

Posted: February 8, 2014 6:46 PM

Langwathby driver Paul Bird thrust himself right back into contention for the REIS Get Connected MSA Asphalt Rally Championship with a stunning victory on the Dublin-based ALMC Stages Rally in Ireland this weekend.

Driving the MinxFlix.com, Fuchs Titan, Rapid Solicitors and Kick Energy-backed, Pirelli-shod FBP Ford Focus WRC07, Bird followed up his narrow victory on the Manx National Rally back in May with an even more dramatic win around the classic Irish lanes despite it being his debut on the event.

Along with Welsh co-driver Aled Davies, the pair were embroiled in a day long battle with the leading British and Irish crews and for the most part, were holding literally a one second advantage over former champion Damian Cole going into the final stage.

But in the self-confessed drive of his life, the Cumbrian MotoGP and British Superbike team owner, who won the ANCRO National Rally Championship in 2005, scorched through the last stage to arrive at the finish some six seconds to the good to kick start his title campaign after missing the previous round en route to winning SOL Rally Barbados.

Paul Bird:
"I said after the Manx it was the hardest I had to drive but that was a stroll in the park compared to what I had to do here. I was prepared to risk it all on the last stage and I was taking bits off the car but I was determined to win. Well done to Damian, he pushed me all the way and I had to drive the best I ever have done to fend him off so fair play to him. But I'm here to win the championship and that's two victories and a podium in the three events I've contested so with dropped scores to come into play, I'm feeling very confident. I'm delighted to add to Shakey Byrne's BSB victory for Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki in BSB at Snetterton today but more importantly, my little girl Lexi started to learn to ride her bike this week and I promised her if she did, I'd win for her so how can a dad not keep his promise?"

Bird's next outing in the REIS Get Connected MSA Asphalt Rally Championship is on the Mewla Rally on Sunday 25th August.

Bird/Davies Win the Triton Showers ALMC Stages Rally 2013

Posted: February 8, 2014 6:42 PM

If there was ever a good example of every second counts then the 2013 Triton Showers ALMC Stages Rally is that with just one stage to go on the Meath based event during Ireland’s heat wave Paul Bird and co-driver Aled Davies in their Ford Focus WRC led Damian Cole in a similar car by just one second. Paul cranked the pace up a further notch to emerge six seconds ahead and secured the overall win and top points in the Get Connected REIS UK Asphalt Championship. “It has been a fantastic rally on great stages” commented Paul on arriving at the stage finish. Damian Cole with his regular co-driver James Morgan on the notes took second place overall in their Ford Focus following a hard fought battle all day with Bird. Damian ended the first loop of stages two seconds ahead only to be passed by the hard charging Impreza of Paul Bird on stage five; Cole stayed within a second through the following stages but never gained the lead again. Stephen Simpson and Patrick Walsh was the first of the Subaru Impreza’s across the line securing third place overall. Having posted some very quick times on the opening loop of stages and remaining close to the leading two drivers throughout the rally, there was always the chance of that all too often mistake but it was not to be. Welshman Hugh Hunter and Andy Marchbank in their Subaru Impreza WRC S11 finished just outside the top three forty nine seconds off the overall winner. Kenny McKinstry in one of the Triton Showers backed Subaru Impreza S14’s came home in fifth place overall, Kenny displaying speed in the new car although felt it was not reflected in his stage times. Graham Coffey and Elliott Edmondson also visiting from the UK took sixth overall in a Subaru Impreza S12B having had a great run on the Meath based stages.

Simon Mauger and Brain Cammack in their flying Ford Escort finished a credible seventh overall; their Escort was no match for the WRC machines on the very fast and dry tarmac stages. Simon was locked in a battle with the Ford Escort of local driver Trevor Mulligan and Declan Smith but despite his local knowledge Trevor could not find a match for Simon’s outright pace. Washington James and Paul Williams brought their sideways Darrian T90 GTR home a very credible ninth overall with rally sponsor and regular Irish National championship competitor Kevin Barrett rounding out the top ten in his new Subaru S14, the Dublin based driver is sure to find a lot more pace in the car when it is converted to right hand driver before his next outing. Group N honours on the ALMC event went to Eugene Meegan and co-driver Sarah Whelan in their Mitsubishi Evo 10, following a slow time on the opening stage of the rally Eugene found his grove on the following stages and remained well ahead of second place crew of Stephen Cullen and Seamus O’Grady in the Subaru Impreza, Stephen making only his second return to the competitive stages this year. Alex Laffey in his CA1 Sport prepared Ford Fiesta S2000 closed out the top three of the class. Gary and Breen McNamee won the juniors in their Honda Civic by just over three minutes from Sean and Brian Brady in the 205 GTi who were delighted to finish the event. John Reid and Eanna O'Siadhail won the historics in their Ford Escort by one minute and twenty eight seconds ahead of Dick Mauger and Steve McNulty also in a Ford Escort.

Results

Posted: February 8, 2014 6:31 PM

1 Paul Bird/Aled Davies (Ford Focus WRC) 55m 00s,
2 Damian Cole/James Morgan (Ford Focus WRC) 55m 06s,
3 Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC) 55m 21s,
4 Hugh Hunter/Andy Marchbank (Subaru Impreza WRC) 55m 49s,
5 Kenny McKinstry/Noel Orr (Subaru Impreza WRC) 56m 27s,
6 Graham Coffey/Elliott Edmondson (Subaru Impreza WRC) 57m 18s,
7 Simon Mauger/Brian Cammack (Ford Escort MkII) 57m 31s,
8 Trevor Mulligan/Declan Smith (Ford Escort MkII) 57m 59s,
9 Washington James/Paul Williams (Darrian T90 GTR) 58m 30s,
10 Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) 59m 30s.

Leaders After
SS1 Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC)
& Damian Cole/James Morgan (Ford Focus WRC)
SS2 Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS3 Damian Cole/James Morgan (Ford Focus WRC)
SS4-9 Paul Bird/Aled Davies (Ford Focus WRC)

Stage Winners:
SS1 Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC)
& Damian Cole/James Morgan (Ford Focus WRC)
SS2 Paul Bird/Aled Davies (Ford Focus WRC)
SS3 Paul Bird/Aled Davies (Ford Focus WRC)
SS4 Paul Bird/Aled Davies (Ford Focus WRC)
SS5 Paul Bird/Aled Davies (Ford Focus WRC)
SS6 Damian Cole/James Morgan (Ford Focus WRC)
SS7 Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS8 Damian Cole/James Morgan (Ford Focus WRC)
& Paul Bird/Aled Davies (Ford Focus WRC)
SS9 Paul Bird/Aled Davies (Ford Focus WRC)

Full Results: results.shannonsportsit.ie (Angus Sealy)

Programme outlets

Posted: July 5, 2013 12:22 PM

Programme outlets for the Triton Showers ALMC Stages Rally, includes seeded entry list, full A3 rally map, stage and service times plus lots more.

Centre Shop Summerhill (stage sponsor SS2)
Slevins Pub Dunboyne
Homeflair West Street Drogheda
Londis shop Trim
Londis Shop Navan Road, Trim
Souhans Haggart Street, Trim
Ross Cross Filling Station
Blacklion Stores off N2
Brink SS N2
Wards Ashbourne SS
EMO Kilmoon Cross
Campus SS Dunshaughlin
Rally HQ Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa

HUNTER HUNTED!…REIS – Get Connected MSA Asphalt Rally Championship

Posted: July 5, 2013 11:51 AM

As the major players in the REIS – Get Connected MSA Asphalt Rally Championship converge on Dunboyne for the fourth round, the ALMC Stages, they are joined by a couple of new faces who will be out to make their mark on this year’s series.

Former BTRDA Gold Star Rally Champions Hugh Hunter/Andy Marchbank have sold their Ford Focus WRC, replacing it with a Subaru Impreza WRC S11 and are about to undertake a programme of asphalt events, beginning with the ALMC Stages.

First away from the start on Sunday morning will be the Impreza WRC of Championship leaders Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh. In the absence of current second-placed driver John Indri, these two will be looking for an opportunity to consolidate their advantage in the points table.

Following the Jim Clark National Rally, Washington James holds the final podium spot in his Darrian T90 GTR. The South Walian will not only be chasing overall Championship points, but also those in the Millington Rear-Wheel Drive Challenge in which he is also third.

Posting a rare retirement on the Jim Clark, defending MSA Asphalt Champion Damian Cole (Ford Focus WRC), who is reunited with co-driver James Morgan for the next couple of events, could do with a good result in Ireland to put his season back on track. He is two points behind Manx National Rally winner Paul Bird who, having missed the Jim Clark, is back and will be hoping to carry on where he left off. Bird is accompanied by Aled Davies, the ALMC Stages winner last year with Melvyn Evans.

Three more Championship-registered World Rally Cars will follow each other – Graham Coffey (Subaru Impreza S12B), John Stone (Skoda Fabia) and Gary Le Coadou (Toyota Corolla) – while the Top Ten is completed by the amazingly quick Ford Escort MkII of Simon Mauger/Brian Cammack.

Mark Worley/Hamish Campbell (Subaru Impreza S9) and Ashley Field/Josh Davison (Darrian T90 GTR) are part of the 25-strong contingent of MSA Asphalt Championship runners making the trip from the UK, and there are also two Metro 6R4s in the Top 20. Simon Chapman/Michael Calvert and Mark Jasper/Don Whyatt start the rally running together, while co-driver Ashley Trimble has hitched a lift in David Armstrong’s Escort on this occasion.

The Escort MkII of Pete Rayner/Richard Bonner is another chasing Millington Challenge points, while Adrian Spencer/Mark Hewitt will be bringing their Impreza across the water for the first time. As witnessed by a class win on the Jim Clark, Alex Laffey/Jack Morton are becoming more used to their Fiesta S2000 and will be hoping for further success in Ireland.

With registrations for the Championship open until August, James Sharrock/Stuart Faulds (Ford Escort MkII) have just joined, still giving themselves plenty of time to contest the required number of events before close of play in October.

Rob Tout/Dan Holley are another crew who could do with a boost! Having opted to forego the trip to the Isle of Man, the 2012 Group N Champions were an early casualty on the Jim Clark when their Mitsubishi Lancer EVO9’s differential failed during the first leg. They are joined this time by the Imprezas of Chris Rice and Richard Barnard.

Stephen Ritchie is another ‘newcomer’ in his BMW M3 Compact, joining Richard Felgate/Mark Mason in their ‘booted’ version. They will also be amongst those chasing RWD Challenge points, while the FWD brigade is led by the MG ZR of Matt Beebe/Paula Swinscoe. The 2012 FWD winners’ season took an unfortunate turn on the Manx following an accident, but they are back to an event on which they finished 15th last year.

Meanwhile, Tim Daltry (Peugeot 205) will have one eye on FWD points and the other in furthering his bid to retain the AB Motorsport Peugeot 205 Challenge trophy which he won last year. Then, there is the question of who will qualify for the Titan Fuchs Race £50 product voucher for ‘Best Improvement on Seeding’….

The first car leaves the start of the ALMC Stages Rally at 9.15am on Sunday 7th July and, following three stages each run three times, will return to the finish at 5.20pm.

Time and Distance / Final Instructions

Posted: July 2, 2013 4:43 PM

Available at:

ALMC Stages Rally

Seeded Entry List

Posted: July 2, 2013 4:42 PM

ALMC Stages Rally - 7 Jul 13 - SEEDED ENTRY LIST

RSI Competition

Posted: June 30, 2013 7:11 PM

ALMC Motor Club are delighted to announce that Rally School Ireland (RSI), Scotstown, Co. Monaghan (www.rallyschoolireland.ie) would like to offer 2 ALMC Stages Rally 2013 competitors with the opportunity to bring their own rally car to Rally School Ireland for a Shakedown/Instruction session. The lucky winners will be able to bring their car to RSI and drive this challenging tarmac stage with the benefit of a highly experienced RSI instructor at this €2 million purpose built world class facility. The winners will also be able to drive some RSI cars in addition to their own car at significantly reduced rates. Some RSI terms and conditions will apply to these prizes.

1 winner will be drawn from our Mark II entries and 1 winner will be drawn from our Honda Civicentries (entries must be fully paid up prior to rally start and must also start rally on July 7th).
The lucky winners will be announced at prize giving on Sunday evening July 7th at Dunboyne

Entries Flood in for the Triton Showers ALMC Stages Rally 2013

Posted: June 30, 2013 7:03 PM

Entries for the 2013 Triton Showers ALMC Stages Rally which takes place on Sunday 7th July are flooding in with c lose to forty UK crews along with a similar number of local competitors already entered in the event this should make for an exciting stages rally. The event with backing from local rally driver and businessman Kevin Barrett of Triton Showers will see both Kevin and his son Paul take to the Co. Meath lanes as they go head to head with the leading UK crews. Leading entries include 2010 winner of the rally Damian Cole in his Ford Focus WRC and John Stone who returns to the Irish stages in his Skoda Fabia WRC and hoping for better luck and a trouble free run this year. Other championship regulars will include Simon Mauger in his ultra quick Ford Escort MKII and Stephen Simpson in his Subaru Impreza WRC S12. Paul Bird with co-driver Aled Davies brings his Ford Focus WRC to the ALMC event along with Graham Coffey in his Impreza S12B. Class fourteen is set to be a real contest with no fewer than seven Ford Escorts entered and two Darrian T90’s visiting from the UK plus other notable entries the Metro 6R4’s of Mark Jasper and Simon Chapman. Local entry Pat Price in his Impreza N12B will be faced with stiff competition in group N against Chris Rice and Richard Barnard both bringing their group N Impreza’s.

This year’s rally with new clerk of the course Raymond Scullion at the helm has moved to the Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa as headquarters and is once again a counting round of the Get Connected REIS UK Asphalt Rally Championship, the Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship and the newly established C2 Cup. This year’s rally will once again feature the popular loop of three stages run three times with the stages located in County Meath and provides competitors with over 120km of competitive stages. The popular stages event has attracted sponsorship from a number of businesses with Triton Showers taking title sponsorship and the three stages sponsored by Centra Shop Summerhill, ProTune the specialists in engine remapping and Carberry Sand and Gravel all coupled with on the ground support from Dunboyne Motor Club. This year’s event as with last year also features classes for Historic and Junior competitors with them competing on six stages of the rally and there will be additional prizes on offer for the winner of the MkII challenge and the Honda Civic entries in the event.

ALMC Motor Club are delighted to announce that the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ireland are the chosen charity for this year’s rally, The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wishes of children aged between 3 and 18 years living with a life-threatening medical conditions. Raffle tickets for a wide variety of prizes will be on sale throughout the rally weekend with all the proceeds going to the charity. Entries for the rally are still open and will remain so until Thursday 4th July ensuring a maximum entry. Full details are available on the dedicated stages website www.almcstagesrally.com or via the club website at www.almc.ie where regulations are also available for download.

ALMC Stages Rally 2013 Entries Now Open

Posted: May 16, 2013 8:54 PM

Entries for the 2013 ALMC Stages Rally which takes place on Sunday 7th July are now open with full regulations for the event available from the club. This year’s stages rally marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the ALMC Motor Club and will for this year’s rally move to a new headquarters at the Dunboyne Castle Hotel, in Co. Meath with the event taking place a week earlier than in previous years on the 7th July. This year’s rally is yet again a counting round of the highly popular Get Connected REIS UK Asphalt Rally Championship, with the Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship counting the ALMC event and the Citroen C2 championship making a return. The rally will feature nine stages located in County Meath with competitors take to the narrow lanes on a variety of stages that will test all levels of rallying ability, all under the watchful eye of new Clerk of the Course Raymond Scullion. The motor club has linked up with Dunboyne Motor Club for the event with the Dunboyne team providing marshals and officials for the event focusing in particular on special stage one.

Work on the event has been well underway since before Christmas, there are lots of changes with a new headquarters, service park and stages so the team are very busy.
"Enquiries about the rally have already started to flood in and we are expecting a larger number of crews to travel from the UK due to the interest in the championship and the opportunity to sample the Irish stages. The event as in other years will also feature a strong local entry. The event is the closest stages rally to Dublin and offers ease of access for travelling crews from Ireland and further afield we are hoping to start a maximum entry on the morning of the 7th July" said Raymond Scullion COC at the launch of the event regulations.

The rally offers great value for money with entries costing just €499 and the opportunity for competing crews to feature on the dedicated TV coverage which will be shown on Motors TV and online following the event. The stages rally will feature classes for Historic and Junior competitors with them competing on the six stages of the rally at a reduced entry fee and there will be additional prizes on offer for the winner of the MkII and the Honda Challenge which was first featured on last year’s rally. The club are providing the opportunity to pay the entry fee on a stage payment basis, details of which can be found on the dedicated stages website www.almcstagesrally.com, there are several methods for submitting entries including the online entry system, details of which and a link to the electronic version can be found on the stages website or via the club website at www.almc.ie where regulations are also available to download.

Regulations / On Line Entry

Posted: May 16, 2013 8:37 PM

Shannon Sports IT (EVO On line Entry)

ALMC Stages Rally
ALMC Motor Club