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Clare Stages Rally - 18 Sep 05

Posted: September 25, 2005 8:29 PM - 15140 Hits

Round 9 - 2005 Dunlop National Rally Championship
Round 5 - 2005 West Coast Rally Championship

  • Ferodo Bonus Scheme Report
  • BREEN/PURCELL ARE DUNLOP NATIONAL RALLY CHAMPIONS
    Donnelly/Toner win Lynch Hotel Clare Rally
    (Report courtesy of Irish Dunlop – sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship)
  • Results
  • More Photos

Posted: September 25, 2005 8:29 PM

Ferodo Bonus Scheme Report
oming into the second last rally of the year, the Clare stages rally, Ray Breen was closing in on both the overall Dunlop National title,and the Ferodo bonus Scheme. In the Bonus Scheme dropped scores are set to come in to play, so it was up to Alan Ring and Willie Fannin to keep the pressure on the Focus WRC driver.

With a superb performance, Charlie Donnelly finally got the rally win that had eluded him all year, leading all the way from the very first stage. Charlie had been knocking on the door all year, and looked like he would win the Galway Summer stages, before getting a late puncture. Charlie was in command at the front in Clare, with Ray Breen shadowing him from behind, knowing that 2nd would be enough to lift the National title. Congratulations to Ray, on taking his first National Championship. Ray has a good chance of adding the Ferodo Bonus Scheme title to his season, although with dropped scores, he is only 1 point ahead of Alan Ring.

Willie Fannin and Alan Ring are the only 2 men who can stop Breen winning the 2000 Euro top prize, so they will be fighting it out in class 4 in Skibbereen. In Clare, Alan again came out on top, finishing ahead of Fannin by almost a minute. Both also have a chnace of winning class 4 in the National Championship.

With yet another class 6 win, Ed Power has got himself a bit of breathing space in 4th place, 5 points ahead of his class rival Dominic Naughton. There was a fair rate of attrition in class 6 in Clare, and we lost Eamon McElvaney and Ian Roche during the course of the day. Behind these two, the battle is back to WRCs, with Charlie Donnellys rally win lifting him 6 points clear of Kevin Barrett.

The rest of the top 10 is an all-Civic affair. Seamus Gorman in his EG6 example has the upper hand on his class 2 rival, Enda Hallinan, by just 1 point. Enda won class 2 in Clare, and his 4 non-finishes during the year have really spoiled his season. Raymond Gilleece in the ‘Type R’ EP3 is another 4 points back, and will be hoping he can stay in the cash places after Skibbereen, with James Harrison and Gabriel Martin just behind him.

Winner of the 100euro in the Ferodo Bonus Draw for the Galway Summer Rally is Willie Fannin. Congratulations!

So the battle comes down to the final round in October...who will come out on top? We can’t wait, see you in Skibbereen!


2005 Dunlop National Rally Champions - Ray Breen/Andrew Purcell

Rally Winners - Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner
Photo: Joe Lane - Action Photos.ie
BREEN/PURCELL ARE DUNLOP NATIONAL RALLY CHAMPIONS
Donnelly/Toner win Lynch Hotel Clare Rally
(Report courtesy of Irish Dunlop – sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship)

Ray Breen and co-driver, Andrew Purcell clinched the Dunlop National Rally Championship courtesy of second place in the Lynch Hotels Clare Rally, the penultimate round of the series. The new champions in their Dunlop backed Ford Focus WRC finished 12 seconds adrift of title rivals, Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC) with outgoing Dunlop champions, Niall Maguire/Paul McLaughlin (Subaru WRC) securing third place - almost a minute behind.

Donnelly led all through, however, was penalised a minute for late arrival at a time control at S.S. 4, that was later removed by the organisers. In Group N, Colm Murphy/Ger Loughrey (Subaru) reigned supreme with Michael Curran/Fabian McShane (Mitsubishi) edging closer to the Patterson's Pacenotes award.

Ruan's, Anthony O'Halloran/Conor Foley (Opel Manta) won the two-wheel drive category.

Donnelly was the quickest through the opening test, the 9.80 mile, Morgan's Lake, with Breen five seconds adrift followed by McKinstry, who was a further six seconds in arrears. Top seed, Ollie O'Donovan retired his Subaru with engine problems and the stage also brought the demise of James O'Sullivan, who crashed his Mitsubishi.

The Group N Mitsubishi of Michael Curran occupied fourth overall - a fine drive gave him a three second lead over class rival, Colm Murphy (Subaru), who shared equal fifth with reigning Dunlop champion, Niall Maguire and former champion, Paul Harris. Noel McCarrick and Kevin Barrett in Subaru WRC's and Alan Ring in a Group N Subaru rounded off the top ten. Donnelly set a strong pace on S.S. 2, Ruan, the Derry driver even beat the bogey time, he was also quickest on S.S. 3, Derrymore and while Breen beat him by a second on S.S. 4, Donnelly arrived at the second service halt with a 15 second lead, the addition of a one minute penalty, that initially dropped him to second, was later scrubbed by the rally organisers. Ironically, the start of the fourth stage was delayed somewhat and Donnelly, who had chosen a hard compound tyre, reckoned the tyres had gone cold and as a result, he lost a second to Breen on the actual stage. Breen, who had no intercom for the second stage, was quite happy to hold second, his promotion to rally leader was an unexpected bonus.

Defending champion, Niall Maguire increased his pace and slotted into third as three of the original top ten starters bowed out of the rally. Paul Harris crashed his Subaru on the Ruan stage and one stage later, Kenny McKinstry retired when his Subaru lapsed onto three cylinders. Following an engine check, it transpired that it was nothing more than a damaged wire to the coil, however, having lost several minutes in the process, he decided to withdraw. Noel Redmond's Subaru stopped with mechanical problems. In the race for Group N, Michael Curran continued to set the pace, sharing fourth overall with Kevin Barrett (Subaru WRC), Curran was 37 seconds ahead of class rival, Alan Ring (Subaru).

Donegal's, Martin Doherty (Subaru WRC) was sixth from the aforementioned Ring and Colm Murphy (Subaru). Tommy Graham and Noel McCarrick in Subaru WRC's filled the final places in the top ten. Graham lost time when he clipped a rock and punctured a front wheel, McCarrick lost time with a spin on S.S. 4. Out on S. S. 5, both Breen and Donnelly beat the bogey, on S.S. 6 Breen eked out a second and took two more on the day's penultimate stage to trail Donnelly by 12 seconds as they headed to the final stage. Meanwhile, Maurice Gass (Skoda) retired with fuel starvation problems and Tommy Graham, who lost time with a puncture also retired.

On the final stage, the top duo again beat the bogey time, Niall Maguire did likewise.
Donnelly was declared the winner but second was enough for Breen to take the Dunlop title. Revision to earlier times promoted Colm Murphy (Subaru) back into control of the Group N category, he went on to claim the showroom category. Curran finished nine seconds adrift but always had his intentions on gaining points for the Dunlop series. Barrett remained on course to achieving his best ever finish in the Dunlop series while Martin Doherty (Subaru WRC) was also well satisfied with his seventh place finish. The top ten also included Alan Ring, Willie Fannin, who reckoned his Subaru was down on power and Noel McCarrick (Subaru WRC).

Results
1 Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC) 1.11.03
2 Ray Breen/Andrew Purcell (Ford Focus WRC) 1.11.15
3 Niall Maguire/Paul McLoughlin (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1.12.12
4 Colm Murphy/Ger Loughrey (Subaru Impreza N10) GpN 1.13.44
5 Michael Curran/Fabian McShane (Mit. Lancer Evo 7) GpN 1.13.53
6 Kevin Barrett/Barry Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1.13.58
7 Alan Ring/Derek Brannigan (Subaru Impreza N11) GpN 1.14.49
8 Martin Doherty/Sean Moriarty (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1.14.54
9 Willie Fannin/Mick Courtney (Subaru Impreza N9) GpN 1.14.56
10 Noel McCarrick/Eugene O’Donnell (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1.16.00

Leaders
SS1-8 Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC)

Stage Winners
SS1 Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS2 Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS3 Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS4 Ray Breen/Andrew Purcell (Ford Focus WRC)
SS5 Bogey beaten by more than one Crew
SS6 Ray Breen/Andrew Purcell (Ford Focus WRC)
SS7 Ray Breen/Andrew Purcell (Ford Focus WRC)
SS8 Bogey beaten by more than one Crew

Gp N Winners - Colm Murphy/Ger Loughrey
PRE EVENT NEWS
  • Cronin expected to do "00" in M3.
  • Event Preview
  • Spectator Information
  • Think Safety
  • Top 20
  • Regulations available to download
  • Regulations available shortly
Denis Cronin is expected to do "00" duties in his Immaculate M3
09/09/05
Preview
Organised by The Clare Motor Club (Celebrating 25 years)

Preparations for the up and coming annual” Lynch Hotels Clare Stages Rally “are well under way. The rally, which takes place on Sunday, 18th September 2005, is based in the West County Hotel, Ennis. The format of the rally is three stages, two of which are repeated three times and one which is repeated twice,with a centralized service area at Ryan Bros. Quarry at Toonagh.

The first car will leave the start ramp at St. Flannan’s College at 10.00am and will finish back there at 17.28pm on Sunday evening.

"As the Clare Stages Rally is recognized as being one of the main events in the “Dunlop National Rally Championship an entry of almost 200 cars has been received for this very popular event with drivers from all over Ireland and some from the U.K. hoping to get a start.By using the three stage format the club can start 131 crews.

The Rally is Round 9 of the” Dunlop National Championship”, which is decided over ten rounds and as the championship reaches the penultimate round here in Clare it looks as if the championship could be decided in ennis on Sunday evening. So far its been an exciting season that started with several drivers vying for the “VARD MEMORIAL TROPHY”. Now as the season concludes, the title equation is down to the wire between two drivers – current leader Ray Breen from Kilkenny and Derry’s Charlie Donnelly who is a brother of current Tarmac Champion Eugene Donnelly. Breen is in pole position and even if Donnelly were to win in Ennis and also The last round The Fastnet Rally in Skibereen a second place finish here in Clare would secure a first ever National Title for Ray Breen and his co-driver Andrew Purcell.


Announcing details of the 05 Lynch Hotels Clare Stages Rally are l to r Gerry O'Brien (chief marshall) Blanaid O'Donoghue (the clare rose) Jim Casey (clerk of the course) Fiona O'Shea (lynch hotels sponsors)
Photo: Dermot Kelleher


The Rally is also Round 5 of “The West Coast Rally Championship”, which consists of rallies run in Birr, Kerry, Limerick, Galway and Clare. Noel Redmond and Diarmuid Falvey continue to lead after round four which took place in Galway recently with a total of 76pts. from second place crew and group N leaders Alan Ring who is on 63pts.Niall Maguire a former winner of the championship has moved into third place on 56pts. New to this years championship is the Junior Section which allows young drivers who are under the age of 27 on the first of January 05 to take part in cars up to 1600cc normally aspirated over the six rounds of the championship.Colin O’Toole from Milltown in Carlow with navigator Charlotte Egan are leading the championship in their Opel Corsa having won the first four rounds.

Last years winner London based Ollie O’Donovan returns to Ennis to try and retain his title with the same Subaru Impreza with which he won last years event. The car is now converted to right hand drive and with a new navigator James O’Brien Ollie will be trying very hard.

The Club have received a huge local entry with a total of twenty seven Clare Motor Club Crews taking part. Topping the list is Ruan man Anthony O’Halloran and Conor Foley in their Opel Manta 400 with Mike Moloney and Marie Casey, Pat and Richard Casey in Ford Escorts and Father and son John and Niall O’Sullivan in their Peugeot 205,their will be huge battles for honours in their various classes.

The Clare Motor Club is also celebrating 25 years this year and at a recent celebration night which was held in the West County Hotel all the officials of the club over the 25 years were honoured. The Club was founded in 1980 by three rally enthusiasts Dermot Kelleher, Paddy Bradley and Peter Larner.

The Clare Stages Rally 2002 Committee has spent many hours of hard work and dedication over the past number of months to ensure that the rally passes off safely and smoothly. Heading up the whole operation is Jim Casey, Clerk of the Course, from Ennis. Assisting him are: Bobby Clinton, Deputy Clerk of the Course; Dermot Kelleher, Assistant Clerk of the Course; Grainne McEnery, Secretary of the Event; Eddie Cogan, Catherine Miniter, Darren Hayes, Stage Commanders; John Flanagan, Donald Gleeson,Donie Lucey, Assistant Stage Commanders; Gerry O'Brien, Chief Marshal and John McMahon, Service Area Co-coordinator.

Spectator Information
Full details of the stage locations and competitor entry list will be included in the official programme which will be on sale at 10.00 Euro and available in newsagents and service stations on approach roads to the town, Rally Headquarters - the West County Hotel and Ruan Village from Friday, 16th September onwards.

Tune into Clare FM on 96.4 FM / 95.9 FM for up to minute information.

Think Safety
To ensure a successful and safe event, Clare Motor Club will have approximately 200 marshals on duty and would like to emphasize to spectators attending the event that they must obey marshals at all times.

We cannot stress the importance of this point enough, as non-compliance of the marshals requests will mean instant cancellation of the stages which will no doubt put a damper on the whole event.

Top 20 Details
Seed Driver Navigator Car
1 Ollie O’Donovan /James O’Brien Subaru Impreza WRC
2 Ray Breen /Andrew Purcell Ford Focus WRC
3 Charlie Donnelly / Paddy Toner Toyota Corolla WRC
4 Jim Harrison / Harvey Bell Subaru Impreza WRC
5 Niall Maguire / Paul McLoughlin Subaru Impreza WRC
6 Paul Harris / Donal Barrett Subaru Impreza
7 Noel Redmond / Diarmuid Falvey Subaru Impreza WRC
8 Kevin Barrett / Barry Goodman Subaru Impreza WRC
9 Tommy Graham / TBA Subaru Impreza WRC
10 Mike Curran / Fabian McShane Mitsubishi Evo 7
11 Colm Murphy / TBA Subaru Impreza N10
12 Alan Ring / Derek Brannigan Subaru Impreza N11
14 Maurice Gass / TBA TBA
15 Willie Fannin / Mike Courtney Subaru Impreza N9
16 Aaron McHale / TBA Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8
17 James O’Sullivan / Adrian Deasy Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7
18 Peter Clifford / John Young Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7
19 Eamonn Daly / Ger Healy Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8
20 Gabriel Martin / Donal Lennon Subaru Impreza N11


Full Entry list and further details and information available on the Clare motor club website
08/08/05
Regulations and Entry From are available to download from the Clare Motor Club website:
04/08/05
Entries will open on Monday 8 August, 2005.
Regulations and entry form will be available to download from the Clare Motor Club website from that date.

Topics: Clare Stages Rally 

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