Statement from Motorsport Ireland - Sun 23 Jun 02

Posted: June 23, 2002 5:04 PM - 10175 Hits

Statement from Motorsport Ireland
Sunday 23rd June 2002

The full Motorsport Commission, the committee responsible for all motorsport in Ireland, met earlier this morning, Sunday 23rd June 2002 to review the tragic events of last Friday at the Donegal International Rally.

Having carefully considered all of the information available at this point of time, the Commission is satisfied that the agreed Safety Plan for the event was carried out in the correct manner. It is clear that what happened, whilst devastating in it's consequences, was an accident.

The Motorsport Commission again extended it's deepest sympathies to the families and friends of George Clarke and Gerard McKenna.

Motorsport Ireland officials will continue to work with representatives of the Donegal Motor Club and An Garda Siochana in the ongoing investigation.

In the light of Friday's tragedy the Commission has taken a decision to review the current Safety Plans for all upcoming events.

Safety of both spectators and competitors is of paramount importance in motorsport. To that end Motorsport Ireland has a Safety Review Committee which is currently looking at all aspects of safety in rallying. They have been directed to examine the circumstances of Friday's accident in their review which is due to be completed in September this year.