KELLY/FOLEY WIN ROSE HOTEL CIRCUIT OF KERRY RALLY - Report courtesy of Triton Showers – proud sponsors of the National Rally Championship
Posted: September 4, 2018 9:29 AM
With the lead role alternating on several occasions, victory in the Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry, round two of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship, went to the Donegal/Monaghan pairing of Donagh Kelly/Conor Foley (Ford Focus WRC). They finished 16.4 seconds ahead of the Ford Fiesta WRC of another Donegal/Monaghan duo, Declan Boyle/James O’Reilly. Clonmel’s Roy White and his Cork co-driver James O’Brien (Ford Fiesta WRC) were a minute and 19.3 seconds further behind in third.
On the opening stage that skirted between Camp and Castlegregory, Kelly was 3.1 seconds ahead of Boyle with White a further 3.5 seconds behind and followed by Cork’s Darragh O’Riordan (Ford Fiesta WRC), on his first outing since winning the Fastnet Rally last October. Chris Armstrong (Escort) was a fine fifth with Joe McGonigle (Mini WRC) rounding out the top six.
Boyle was best through the second stage, the only driver to break the four minute barrier, he moved 3.5 seconds ahead of Kelly, however, the latter made a great response on the third stage and moved ahead of Boyle by just seven tenths of a second.
At the Tralee service park rally leader Kelly declared, “It was tricky but it’s a great battle, that’s what we are here for.” Boyle admitted that he pushed hard through the second stage and was happy with his performance.
Third placed White, 24.3 seconds further adrift reckoned he wasn’t aggressive enough. O’Riordan occupied fourth and like many more, remarked on the superb quality of the terrain. Joe McGonigle lost a few seconds when his Mini WRC was off the road albeit briefly on the third stage, he held fifth followed by the Subaru WRC of Niall Maguire.
Elsewhere, Chris Armstrong (Escort) led the two-wheel drive category despite a spin on the third stage where he also stalled his Escort. Monaghan’s Johno Doogan, also in an Escort, was next and the top ten was completed by Aidan Wray (Mitsubishi) and Kenny McKinstry (Subaru WRC). Wray had a slow start and the brakes caught fire at the end of the opening stage. McKinstry also had brake troubles when the pedal went soft near the stage finish. Although classified eleventh, PJ McDermott (Subaru WRC) withdrew after the gearbox casing cracked.
The fourth stage that began close to the scenic Inch beach, was followed by a repeated of the opening three stages. Of those, S.S. 6, Caherconree, that began in Camp proved decisive. There, Boyle cut a corner and punctured the right front wheel and lost some twenty seconds and the lead to Kelly, who had a few moments on the stage. On stage seven, Kelly was a fraction of a second quicker than Boyle and returned to the final service with a lead of 14.1 seconds.
For his part, Boyle reckoned that he could gain time on stage eight, the repeat of stage four and headed out to the final four stages in confident mood.
White, 46.2 seconds further behind in fourth spot opined that he tried harder but need to steady his Fiesta WRC at high speed.
McGonigle was untroubled in fourth place 7.7 seconds ahead of the Fiesta WRC of Darragh O’Riordan while, Niall Maguire (Subaru WRC) was comfortable with his pace, he was sixth.
Leader of the two-wheel drive category, Chris Armstrong (Ford Escort) had an issue with the steering that locked up on the sixth stage. Stuart Darcy (Darrian T90) was 16.6 seconds behind but was concerned about rising engine temperature. Kenny McKinstry was tenth and much happier with the brakes of his Subaru WRC.
Leader of the Group N category, Aidan Wray was concerned that his Mitsubishi was losing power, Trevor Bustard and Paul Barrett were second and third respectively, the latter lost brakes and substantial time on the fourth stage.
On S.S. 8 where Boyle expected to make inroads to Kelly’s lead, it was the latter that punched in the best time to move 15.7 seconds ahead. Although Boyle was quickest on the final two stages (S.S. 9 and 10 - S.S. 11 was cancelled) Kelly took the honours. Boyle won the Triton Showers Drive of the Day award. White was third. Elsewhere, the only major change to the top ten was in the Modified category as Armstrong overshot on two occasions on S.S. 8 allowing Darcy to win the category by 17.9 seconds.
Meanwhile, in the Motorsport Safety Group N category, Wray retired with a mechanical issue and Donegal’s Trevor Bustard (Mitsubishi) took his first showroom class win in some six years. Paul Barrett/Antony Nestor (Mitsubishi) retired on S.S. 8 with a damaged oil cooler.
Victory in the Junior category went to Monaghan’s Jonny Treanor (Honda Civic) and his co-driver Paul Sheridan while the Historic section was won by Mark Falvey/Damien Fleming (Ford Escort).
Official programme for Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry now on sale
Posted: April 6, 2018 11:08 AM
Rallying in Ireland is often billed as the greatest free show on earth and to some extents this is true.
This weekend’s Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry Rally has attracted an unprecedented 130-car field and motorsport fans visiting the county will able to see in action some of the best drivers and cars in the country.
A fleet of World Rally Cars leads the entry, from state of the art Fords to popular favourites from the Subaru and Mini stables driven by a who-is-who of Irish motorsport. Dozens of the longevity-defying Ford Escorts add even more excitement to what is sure to be a incredible day’s motorsport.
Organiser, Kerry Motor Club commits serious money to get the show on the road, and regardless of a good entry or not, road closing permits, doctor and ambulance crew wages and marshals expenses have to be paid.
One way spectators can contribute to the running of the event is the buy a copy of the official programme. The full colour publication will include a detailed map of all spectator access points, a guide to the leading drivers and a full timetable of the weekend’s proceedings.
Costing only 10 euro, all profits will be ploughed back in to Kerry Motor Club ensuring events likes this can stay on the calendar for future years.
Clerk of the course Richard Talbot said: “We are running stages in new territory this year and the only way people have of finding out where the action is happening on Sunday is by buying the programme. It makes a great souvenir of the event and will help Kerry Motor Club off set some of the expenses we face in running this rally. By buying the programme fans are directly contributing to running of the event the event.”
Programmes are now on sale at the following outlets.
TRALEE
Rose hotel HQ
Nolan’s Garage, North Circular Rd.
Kellihers garage, Rathass.
Foley’s Spar, Castlemaine Rd.
Top Part, Rock Street, Tralee.
BLENNERVILLE
O’Shea’s, Texaco
FARRANFORE
Moriarty’s Centra
KILLARNEY
The Rock Filling Station
The Reeks Filling Station
Daly’s SuperValu
Why not help out - the sport won't survive without volunteers
Help needed for the up coming Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry Rally on Sunday April 8th
We are running 4 Stage Locations so we require as much help as possible to ensue the safe running of the event
We need marshals , timekeepers , Radio Operators. & Passage controls personal if available for each stage ..
If you are available please contact any of the following please
This year’s Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry Rally is shaping up to be one of the most-keenly contested and best supported in years.
Kerry Motor Club launched the April 8 event with a photo-shoot at the Top Part Motor Factors headquarters and a press conference at the Rose Hotel on Saturday evening.
Clerk of the course Richard Talbot confirmed over 100 crews had entered the rally with entries coming from all corners of Ireland and a far afield as Scotland, England and Wales.
With the rally forming rounds of three different championships, even more crews are expected to sign up before this weekend’s deadline and although Kerry Motor Club will continue to accept entries right up to the eve of event, late entrants will not be published in the official programme.
So far this year, there has been three Tarmac rallies in Ireland, all won by different drivers and the trio are set to appear in Tralee on the second weekend in April and all three are former national champions.
Already confirmed is the current leader of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship, Declan from Donegal. Boyle won the opening national round in Mayo in early March in his Ford Fiesta World Rally. His county man, Donagh Kelly won the traditional St Patrick’s weekend West Cork Rally driving his Ford Focus World Rally Car.
The leader of the Top Part West Series, Roy White from Tipperary is also on the Kerry entry list, the Ford Fiesta driver, like Kelly is a former national champion but after having a bad run in Mayo he will be keen to get back to championship winning ways. Local firm, Top Part celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and has been the title sponsor of the West Coast Championship since its inception in 1993.
New for 2018 is the Moriarty’s Centra Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship, open to members of Kerry and Killarney and District Motor Club, with Mike Quinn, a former Kerry Winter Rally winner, likely to feature amongst the frontrunners of the new series but as it’s a class-based competition there are a host of other local drivers on the entry list who could take the spoils. Darren Young (Honda Civic); Tadgh O’Sullivan (Ford Escort); John Daly (Honda Type R) and Timmy Enright (Escort) are just a few possibilities of Kingdom of Kerry success.
Mr Talbot said: “I am delighted we have a 120 cars and offer my thanks to the organising team who have worked tirelessly to get his rally off the ground.”
The Circuit of Kerry is unique in that the rally will be run over 11 classic stages using many roads on the nationally publicised Wild Atlantic Way, and on some roads that have not seen rally action for over 20 years. It is the only rally in Ireland that offer as many tests in a one-day format. A detailed route map will be published in the full-colour official programme which will be on sale in Tralee and surrounding areas a few days after the Easter break.
The Rally brings a welcome early season boost to Tralee and the surrounding towns with spectators and fans expected to travel from all corners of the country to see the action.
The efforts of Kerry Motor Club in attracting visitors to the Kingdom did not go unnoticed by town mayor Norma Foley.
Speaking at Saturday’s press conference she said: “On behalf of the people of Tralee, how very pleased we are that Tralee is chosen as the host town of this event, the spin-off for the twon is exceptional in terms of business for local shops, hotel and we very grateful for that.“
Entries for the Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry are open, links below:
Rally Launch - (Sat) 24 Mar 18
Posted: March 21, 2018 3:45 PM
Kerry Motor Club would like to invite you to the official launch of the Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry Rally on Saturday March 24th at 3.30pm at Top Part Headquarters on Rock St Tralee.
Following a photo session we will travel to the Rose hotel for 5pm where Kerry Motor Club will release further details of the event, which forms rounds of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship and the locally sponsored Top Part West Coast Rally Championship.
Details of the newly announced Moriarty’s Centra Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship will also be revealed.
Members of Kerry Motor Club’s organising committee and local competitors will be on hand to discuss the event.
All welcome.
TOP PART CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER CONFIRMED FOR CIRCUIT OF KERRY
Posted: March 16, 2018 3:28 PM
Top Part West Rally Championship leader Roy White has confirmed his participation in the Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry.
The April 8 event forms round two of the popular regional championship.
Top Part have sponsored the series since its inception in 1993 and Its celebrating its 40th anniversary. The first shop, of the now nationwide chain of motor factors, was opened by former rally driver and Kerry Motor Club member Donie Dillane in Rock St in Tralee in 1978.
White, driving his Ford Fiesta World Rally, won the opening round in Nenagh in February and will be hoping to add to his championship lead in Tralee next month.
The Tipperary driver will face stiff opposition from former Top Part West Coast Champions like local driver Mike Quinn in a Ford Escort and Galway driver Sean Lyons who is making a return a few years away from the sport.
Defending champion Shane McGuire will also contest the Tralee event in his Mitsubishi Lancer E9.
Other interesting entries confirmed for rally, which is also round two of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship include multiple Cartell.ie Rally of the Lakes winner Darragh O’Riordan in another Fiesta WRC.
The Triton series is sponsored by another Kerry Motor Club member, Kevin Barrett who is also entered in his Subaru Impreza WRC. Completing the two-car Triton team , Kevin’s son Paul is entered in a Mitsubishi Lancer E10.
The Celbridge, County Kildare based rally family have huge links to Ballyduff in the north of the county and have been long-time supporters of what they consider their home motor club
Entries are set to top the 100 mark this weekend, and another a wave of new entrants are expected after this weekend’s West Cork Rally, ensuring another classic Circuit of Kerry.
Clerk of the course Richard Talbot said: “I was at the opening round of the Triton series in Mayo last week and the Circuit of Kerry was warmly received by competitors up there. I am going to West Cork this weekend where I hope to meet more crews and encourage them to enter our event. We are the only national rally in the country offering 11 stages and we are using some of the best rally roads in the county so drivers and co-drivers are in for a really challenge on April 8."
Another indication of a full entry points to the fact that Rose Hotel is now full-to-capacity for the weekend with staff there
directing competitors and fans to other hotels in Tralee.
Tralee co-driver launches 2018 rally plans at Limerick event
Posted: March 16, 2018 3:26 PM
Kerry Motor Club member Sean Hegarty unveiled his 2018 rally plans as a special event at in Limerick on Friday night.
The Tralee co-driver is set to contest this year’s Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and other selected rallies alongside Limerick Ford Dealer Keith Lyons,
The team unveiled their newly acquired Ford Fiesta R5 at the Lyons of Limerick Ford, Volvo and Jaguar dealership where they outlined plans for the season ahead.
First up for the Kerry/Limerick squad is next weekend’s West Cork Rally.
They face a very busy April as they are committed to contesting the Easter Stages in County Antrim and The Circuit of Kerry on the same weekend.
Once they complete the Northern Irish event on Saturday’s they face the long overnight journey to the Rose Hotel is preparation for the Tralee-based Circuit of Kerry.
They will be joined on the Circuit of Kerry by Keith’s father Ken, the winner of the 1987 Circuit of Kerry, in his Ford Escort Mk2.
They also hope to tackle the Cartell.ie Rally of the Lakes the first weekend in May marking four rallies in just over seven weeks.
Kerry Motor Club has released details of its Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry rally with significant route changes in store for the April 8 event.
As a counting round of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship and the Top Part West Coast Championship the Tralee-based club wanted to showcase some of the county’s best mountain and coastal roads – including using sections of the fabled Wild Atlantic Way – for its flagship event.
Roads in West Kerry that have not been used in seven years form the backbone of the rally, with the addition of another valley stage that has not been used since the late 1990s.
A unique rolling loop system means some of the stages will be visited two or three times, as a result competitors will face 11 special stages, a record number of tests for national rallies in recent years.
In total the route will comprise of 110kms of timed stages over classic and demanding Dingle Peninsula roads
One of the unique selling points of this popular rally is the Rose Hotel itself. The home of the internationally renowned Rose of Tralee International festival is regarded as one of the best rally headquarters in the country.
Its superb facilities ensure that signing-on, drivers’ briefing, and marshal hosting can all take place under one roof while the complex’s extensive car park allows the service park and overnight parc ferme to be situated on the hotel grounds and within walking distance of all other activities.
Clerk of course Ricard Talbot said: “A warm welcome awaits competitors and rally fans in Tralee on the weekend of April 7 and 8. We are offering 11 stages, yes 11 stages of classic west Kerry roads in a compact route that will be easy for competitors to recce. We pride ourselves in having the best headquarters in the country with accommodation packages to suit all budgets.”
The rally is round two of the Triton Showers National Rally championship under the directorship of Kerry Motor Club member Kevin Barret who will contest the rally in his Subaru Impreza World Rally Car.
It is also round two of the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship, an agreement that goes back to 1993, the longest running motorsport championship sponsorship agreement in Ireland. Top Part is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year after opening its first store in Tralee in 1978. Company founder Donie Dillane is a long-time supporter of Kerry Motor Club and is a former Circuit of Kerry competitor.
Entry forms and event regulations will be released as soon as Motorsport Ireland officials approve them, and the club will offer online entry and electronic payment options to competitors.
Date Confirmed / Preliminary Details
Posted: December 8, 2017 9:59 AM
Make a date Sunday April 8th 2018
Circuit of Kerry Stages Rally
HQ Rose Hotel Tralee.
Round 2 Triton Showers National Championship 2018.
Round 2 Top Part West Coast Championship 2018.
Host Club Kerry MC
Parc Ferme , Service, & Rally HQ all in the Rose Hotel Tralee.
So mark on the diary for a great weekend of rallying.
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