Mayo and District Motorsport Club Loose Surface Autocross - 23 May 04

Posted: June 3, 2004 9:35 AM

The practise run gave competitors the chance to familiarise themselves with the stage layout. An autocross is all about the driver there are no co drivers allowed.

Going head to head was David Leonard from Ballinfull and John McGettrick from Ballymote both of whom took one victory each in Mayo's 2003 quarry events. David Leonard in his Nova set the fastest time on lap one followed by Pat Higgins from Granard in another Nova. John McGettrick triple driving Mervyn and Derek Deane's Escort was 10 seconds off David's time on lap one. Unfortunately for John it was to be his first and final lap as Mervyn Deane crashed out in the Escort just after recording a quicker time than John. Noel Jacob from Enniscrone in a Mitsubishi Lancer was also unlucky crashing without completing the first lap.

David Leonard was once again fastest on the second lap taking some 4 second off his previous lap time. Pat Higgins was in second with Brendan Campbell from Tempo Co. Fermanagh in an Escort in third. Higgins was determined to win and on the third lap improved his time by eight seconds to snatch victory. The two drivers at the head of the field were in a league of their own, David Leonard won Class 3. Brendan Campbell finished in third and took the Class 4 award just ahead of Walter Burke from Williamstown. Stephen Harron from Enniskillen finished sixth in his Puma and won Class 5. Alard Beaitie from Folerencecourt in his canary yellow twin cam took the honours in Class 2, while Ray Cunningham from Athenry in a Peugeot took the Class 1 award.

Edel Rowland from Crossmolina in a Micra took the ladies prize finishing 51st overall. Making a welcome return was Mayo legend James McGreal from Foxford in Nissan, even with a 4 wheel drive penalty and gearbox problems putting him out on the last stage James finished 11th overall. Another man making a return was Sean McHugh from Bekan in the ex Jimmy Feeney Peugeot finishing 41st overall. Brian Conway from Kiltimagh in a Toyota Corolla finished a marvelous 8th overall and 2nd in Class 3, while John Higgins from Kiltimagh number two of three driving this Corolla finished 16th overall, John is better known as a co driver. Driver number 3 Andrew Staunton from Kiltimagh finished 19th overall. This was a wonderful result for a team working with a small budget.

Mayo Motorclub would like to thank to Frank and Brian Harrington for the use of their quarry, Noel McCarrick of McCarricks Garages for sponsor and final last but not least all Officials and Marshals for running a very well organised and safe event

Full Results and times in Excel format

Mayo Motor Club