Brendan and Cathal's trip to TIPP

Posted: August 26, 2002 2:23 PM - 9073 Hits

Sunday the 11th of August saw the first round of the new Ford of Ireland Focus Challenge kick off when the Midland crew of Brendan Kelly and Cathal Shanahan made the trip south to compete in the Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally.

Posted: August 26, 2002 2:23 PM

The event, which was based in the town of Clonmel, saw 3 stages ran three times in the locality of Cloneen the home of the late Frank Meagher (RIP). This rally was run outright by Michale Barrable partnered by Athlone man Dermot O Gorman in a Subaru World Rally Car but second place for Niall Maguire secured him enough points to take the 2003 National Rally Championship in his similar car.

The Event:
Sunday started overcast and dry but overnight rain had left the roads very slippy and slimy especially in overhanging areas. Brendan unfortunately chose a slick-racing tyre and lost valuable time as the car slipped and slithered over the greasy surfaces.

At first service the Midland team found themselves over 40 seconds in arrears back in 4th place as they admitted to several close and scary moments over the twisty Tipperary roads as Brendan continued to get confidence in his new car and navigator Cathal.

On the second run over the stages Brendan decided to stay with the slick tyres as the roads began to dry and started to claw back some valuable lost time setting a fastest time on stage 5 and top 3 times over the other two as their confidence grew.

On run three it was a case of too much too late as their spirited drive could not enable them to overcome the earlier time lose and they finished a credible 3rd overall in the Focus Challenge, 37 seconds behind winner Oliver Stanley from Carlow and over 90 seconds clear of 4th place, as well as 3rd in their class and 41st overall.

Next Event:
The next event for the team is the second round of the Focus Challenge, the Ulster Rally, and takes place on September 7th/8th in Belfast. The event is also a counting round of the Toshiba Tarmac Championship and the Pirelli British Rally Championship. This event will see competitors start at 6pm Friday evening to compete on stages during daylight and nighttime over the length and breadth of Antrim before finishing on Saturday at 4pm with only a short rest time on Friday night / Saturday morning.

Sponsors:
AS ALWAYS BRENDAN AND CATHAL ARE GRATEFUL TO THE HELP OF THEIR SPONSORS WHO INCLUDE :

Topics: Ford Focus Championship

Brendan and Cathal's trip to TIPP

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