Heading home... - Allen Brothers

Posted: August 22, 2003 11:47 AM

Now at the ages of 21 & 22, the Allen Brothers have decided to give it another go back in their native Ireland at this year's Galway Summer Stages Rally. The event, held on the West Coast of Ireland in the town of Portumna, will take place on August 31st. The all tarmac event is a single day rally made up of 9 stages around the small town.

The Allen brothers will be competing in a classic mini Cooper and will be teamed up along side Irish Historic Champion Frank Cunningham and his brother Ray Cunningham, both in their own identical Mini Coopers. all three cards are prepared by Galway Mini Centre, a historic and Classic Care race shop operated and owned by Ray and Elaine Cunningham.

After co-driving for Frank Cunningham at last years event and acquiring 3 of their own Minis in Boston, Marty had to get behind the wheel himself on this trip back home. "There is nothing like driving a fully prepared rally Mini," says Marty. "The cars are so easy to drive and are so responsive, the braking is unreal and the grip is just amazing."

On board for the event is adidas, which has introduced a line of apparel and footwear sure to excite rally car enthusiasts. The products inspired by rallying from the 60's and 70's includes race boots, sneakers, driving gloves, jackets and shirts.

"This is a sophisticated way to do classic rallying, "says their dad and team manager Martin Allen. "To show up in three cars with a sponsor that knows and understands the marketing potential of historic rallying and promote a product that is based on such an image is great for rallying."

The Allen boys are looking to just complete the rally and gain experience on the tarmac. "this rally is about staying out of the ditches, learning the notes and keeping my brother from thinking he can take on the WRC cars," says Stewart.