Donegal Hillclimb Weekend - 6-7 Sep 03

Posted: September 9, 2003 9:57 PM

On the Saturday the weather was dry and a great days racing was had. John Leinster in his Pilbeam MP88 dominated right from the start of the event. Setting the quickest time on each run he blew away the competition with a 39 second run. The best of the hillclimb championship regulars and class six winner was Pat Roche in his OMS. He was followed by Darryl Ramsay in the similar OMS. Michael B. Roche lead the class seven bunch with Karl Cleary not too far behind. Seamus Morris in the Darrian T90 won class three and was best 2WD saloon car. John Naylor won class five from Peter Dwyer. Also out in class five for the first time were Michael Melia in a Formula Vee and Kenneth Stamp in a Formula Ford 1600. Class two had no championship contenders, but was won by Stephan Walsh in his immaculate Ford Escort. Class one was won by Brian Sharkey in a Swift and Katie Hogan took her first championship class one win, securing her third place in the class.

On the Sunday the weather was very mixed. The first run of the day was dry but after that the rain came down. Karl Cleary showed what his car was capable of when he set the fastest time in run one. Almost two seconds quicker than second placed Michael Roche he was not going to be caught. Pat Roche was third overall and first in class six despite a small spin on the final run. Darryl Ramsay was fourth and Seamus Morris was fifth and first in class three once more. Peter Dwyer won class five in his Delta T85. Class two was won by John Gallagher in a Civic and Brian Sharkey took the class one honours.

Now that the final hill is complete the championship has been decided. Michael B. Roche is the new Dunlop Hillclimb Champion for 2003. Congratulations to him for a fantastic season. Pat Roche takes second place and the class six win in his first ever season of hills and Karl Cleary was third. Class one was won by Ian Quinn. Mark Dempsey in his first season of hills also took class two. The ever spectacular and entertaining Simon McKinley won class three. Frank Nutall in his ever reliable Graham won class four. Class five was won by John Naylor having returned to racing after a few years out. Class seven was won by Michael B. Roche.

Let hope next years season will be as thrilling. However the hills are not finished yet. A hillclimb is taking place on Achill Island in October. I hope to have details on the event in the coming days.

SATURDAY
Top Ten
1. John Leinster - Pilbeam MP88 - 39.84
2. Pat Roche - OMS - 42.97
3. Darryl Ramsay - OMS - 43.51
4. Karl Cleary - Metro 6R4 - 43.76
5. Michael B. Roche - Delta T81 - 44.15
6. Jenny Kennedy - Crossle 33F - 45.33
7. Seamus Morris - Darrian T90 - 45.79
8. Paul O'Connell - Delta T79 - 46.09
9. Peter McKinley - Ralt RT4 - 46.67
10. Simon McKinley - Escort MKII - 47.28

Class Winners
1. James Sharkey - Suzuki Swift - 1.02.22
2. Stephan Walsh - Escort MKII - 54.17
3. Seamus Morris - Darrian T90 - 45.79
4. Robin Titterington - Porsche 911R - 51.62
5. John Naylor - Reynard SF86 - 47.31
6. Pat Roche - OMS - 42.97
7. Karl Cleary - Metro 6R4 - 43.76
8. Patrick Shiels - Starlet - 51.85
9.Damien Gallagher - Escort MKII - 49.38

SUNDAY
Top Ten

1. Karl Cleary - Metro 6R4 - 41.75
2. Michael B. Roche - Delta T81 - 43.53
3. Pat Roche - OMS - 43.69
4. Darryl Ramsay - OMS - 44.20
5. Seamus Morris - Darrian T90 - 45.02
6. Paul O'Connell - Delta T79 - 45.89
7. Richard Young - Sheane - 46.33
8. Peter Dunne - Delta T81 - 46.42
9. Jenny Kennedy - Crossle 33F - 46.71
10. Peter Dwyer - Delta T85 - 46.99

Class Winners

1. James Sharkey - Swift - 1.02.27
2. John Gallagher - Civic - 56.05
3. Seamus Morris - Darrian T90 - 45.02
4. PJ Wilhare - Midget - 51.32
5. Peter Dwyer - Delta T85 - 46.99
6. Pat Roche - OMS - 43.69
7. Michael B. Roche - Delta T81 - 43.53
8. Paul Reid - Corrolla - 51.70
9. Damien Gallagher - Escort MKII - 50.02

• Full results and championship standings online www.irishhillandsprint.com
• www.donegalmotorclub.com