Munster MC Moonraker Forestry Stages Rally - 15 May 05

Posted: May 18, 2005 5:23 PM

Lynch led from the opening stage “Knockaroe” near Murley’s Cross where he edged out a 3 sec advantage from championship leader MacHale. John McCarthy was 3 secs behind his Corolla counterpart with Glen Allen/ Damien Connolly a further 4 secs back in 4th. Allen was in a lather of sweat as he suffered the ill effects of a cold. Brian Lawlor/ Peter Kavanagh (Escort 2.0 16v) set a staggering 5th fastest time through the opening stage. Kevin O’Kane/ Martin Hanna (Impreza WRC) tied with Lawlor.

Next up Sean Devine and Brian McGillen tied for the Gp N lead in their respective Subaru’s. Frank Kelly was on song - 9th fastest and only 2 secs down on Lawlor. Kelly had a new co driver Cork’s Liam Brennan and the pairing seemed to click from the start. Pete McCullagh/ Alan Dolan (Evo 6) tied with Stephen Moore/ Sean Moriarty for tenth; the latter bent a right rear hub and didn’t have a spare. There were casualties almost on the start line as Lismore’s Pete Willoughby retired his DJ Rallyhire Evo 8 with a broken centre diff a mile into “Knockaroe”. Dominic McNeill stopped when his Escort WRC had an engine fire 2 miles in. Nicky Hegarty (son of Clerk of the Course) retired on the first bend of his first ever rally, his Skoda sidelined with a broken shaft.

Stage 2 “The Vee” saw Lynch extend his lead, setting FTD 6 secs up on MacHale who stalled at the second chicane. John McCarthy was third quickest; all top three drivers got bogged down at the second chicane. Lawlor set a blistering 4th fastest. Glen Allen went off losing almost 5 mins, his Corolla emerged with two rear punctures and having only one spare, taking count of the time lost Glen opted to withdraw from the event. Gp N pacesetter Sean Devine crashed out heavily at the first hairpin, both he and co driver James McKee were ok. Johnny McKenna retired his Evo 6 with a broken suspension. Dermot Kelly’s Escort had a bad misfire; Stephen Moore had a right rear puncture and a flailing rear bumper – Moore not backing off despite his bent rear hub. Brian McGillen lost time with turbo troubles.

Lynch arrived at service after ss3, “Scart Mountain” 11secs up on MacHale with McCarthy a further 2 secs back in third. Brian Lawlor held fourth and led the 2WD’s. Pete McCullagh/ Alan Dolan (Evo 6) stormed the leader board to hold the Gp N lead and 5th overall. Kevin O’Kane tied with John McGlaughlin/ Dave Moynihan (Evo 7) in 6th. Trevor Harding/ Charlie Boland held 8th in their “Eddie Garry Cars” livered Gp A Impreza. Brian McGillen/ Dave Doherty were doing well to hold 9th – their Impreza well down on power. Andy Mackeral/ Richard Cassidy rounded off the top ten – Andy switched to Kumho’s and was on a good pace.

Stephen Moore retired – his N10 Impreza with a broken gearbox. Pat Norris set 4th fastest on ss3 but retired his recently acquired WRC at service with a whining rear diff. Conor Kelly/ John Quill were battling with Ashley McAdoo/ Adam Murray for the junior class but Kelly rolled out on ss3, both crew were unhurt. Ritchie Curran/ Gerry English were starting to feature but had to pull out having discovered a bent drive shaft at service. Frank Kelly was well on Lawlor’s pace but suffered a puncture on ss3 dropping him well back.

Stage 4 “Coolatour” ran in reverse followed by the repeat of the Vee and Scart Mountain before the final service at Cappagh. Kevin Lynch was fastest on all three and consolidated his lead. MacHale and McCarthy were nip and tuck through ss4 and 5. The front-runners improved their time by 20 secs on the repeat of the Vee. Most crews arriving at service had their tyres in tatters due to the very warm weather and the hard dusty surfaces. McCarthy reported a regulator problem but managed to sort it. MacHale raised his game on the repeat on Scart where he took 7 secs off the local man. Lynch had 25 secs on MacHale who in turn had 25 secs on McCarthy and it looked like the status quo would remain over the final two stages.

Fourth placed John McGlaughlin moved into the Gp N lead a mere second up on McCullagh. Trevor Harding tied with McCullagh and Brian McGillen climbed to 7th after sorting his earlier turbo troubles. Kevin O’Kane held 8th, Lawlor 9th looking very secure for 2WD honours, Andy Mackeral 10th would have to hold off James Coleman and James Murphy. Coleman equalled Lawlor on 2 stages but had to change the gearbox at service. Murphy lost brakes on ss6. Just off the top ten were the Evo’s of Brendan Kelly and Patrick Elliott.

The penultimate stage saw it all nearly slip away for rally leader Kevin Lynch when a deer crossed his path while fully committed through “Coolatour”. Lynch damaged the intercooler and lost power steering. With only the short three mile test “Knockaroe” remaining the Dungiven man hoped he could hold off MacHale. There was a big upset in the 2WD category when Brian Lawlor slipped off at a square left losing over 3 mins. The Gp N class was all to play for McGlaughlin was 6 secs up on McCullagh going into ss8.

Gareth MacHale set FTD through the final stage, stopping the clocks 11 secs quicker than Lynch who was under pressure having to pilot his S9 without power steering. On their first forest event this year Kevin Lynch/ Francis Regan led from the start to take a narrow 9 sec victory on the Moonraker. Gareth MacHale/ Paul Nagle came a close second netting maximum points (Lynch/ Regan did not register) to strengthen their resolve at the top of the “McCauley Trailers” leader board. John McCarthy/ Mickey Morrissey rounded off the top three – 40 secs down on MacHale. McCarthy moving up to second in the standings with the demise of Allen and Norris.

John McGlaughlin/ Dave Moynihan (Evo 7) took fourth overall and Gp N honours after a daylong battle with Pete McCullagh/ Alan Dolan (Evo 6). McCullagh pulled all the stops out on the final stage, setting 3rd fastest time 5 secs up on McGlaughlin reducing the deficit to just one second. Trevor Harding/ Charlie Boland had a good run bringing home their Gp A Impreza 6th only 2 secs behind McCullagh. Another second back in 7th Brian McGillen/ Dave Doherty (Impreza) tried everything on the final stage and equalled McCullagh’s time. Kevin O’Kane/ Martin Hanna (Impreza WRC) took eight; Patrick Elliott/ Mark Bowens (Evo 8) took 9th and move to second in the Gp N championship – 4 points behind Stephen Moore. James Coleman/ Owen O’Neill had their best ever result; 10th overall, “Best 2WD” and class 5 honours. James Murphy/ Anthony Nestor (Escort Cosworth) tied with Coleman completing the top ten.

The event had a top class entry with numbers bigger than ever before (over 90 starters). It all went like clock work thanks to the big effort by Coleman Hegarty and his team at the Munster Car Club. The excellent weather made for a great atmosphere and new class winners on the day keeping the “McCauley Trailers” Championship very competitive. Class winners included; Class 1, Alan/ Tony Dineen (Nova). Class 2; Mick Nevin/ Michael Garahy (Escort). Class 3; James Flynn/ Jonathan McGrath (Civic). Class 4; Jason/ Patrick Roche (Escort). Class 7; Pat O’Connell/ Paul Manton (206) and Class 9; Ashley McAdoo/ Adam Murray (Nova).

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Lynch/Regan Survive late scare to take win!
Despite some late drama when his Subaru Impreza WRC collided with a deer on the second last stage, Derry driver Kevin Lynch led from start to finish to win Sunday’s Munster Moonraker Forestry Rally, the fourth round of the McCauley Trailers National Championship.

Lynch, the defending champion, set the pace from the start ahead of Gareth McHale, who was unbeaten so far this year with three wins in a row. However, the Rathcoole driver’s Corolla WRC couldn’t match Lynch’s times and with two stages still to come, the gap was 25 seconds.

On the final stages, with the Impreza’s intercooler and power steering damaged from its impact, McHale managed to pull back 16 seconds on his rival, but at the finish, there was still nine seconds between them, although with Lynch not registered for championship points, he again collects maximum points to remain the title favourite.

Behind these two, local man John McCarthy brought his Corolla WRC into third place, another 55 seconds down, while a tremendous battle for the Group N Production class saw John McGlaughlin just beating Peter McCullagh Junior by a second, with this pair taking fourth and fifth places overall.
Report: www.motorsportireland.com

Results
1 Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Subaru Impreza WRC) 43.48
2 Gareth MacHale/Paul Nagle (Toyota Corolla WRC) 43.57
3 John McCarthy/M Morrissey (Corolla WRC) 44.52
4 John McGlaughlin/David Moynihan (Mit. Lancer Evo 7) GpN 46.34
5 Peter McCullagh/Alan Dolan (Mit. Lancer Evo 6) 46.35
6 Trevor Harding/Charlie Boland (Subaru Impreza WRX) 46.37
7 Brian McGillen/David Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRX) GpN 46.38
8 Kevin O'Kane/Martin Hanna (Subaru Impreza WRC) 47.11
9 Patrick Elliott/Mark Bowens (Mit. Lancer Evo 8) GpN 47.33
10 James Coleman/Eoin O’Neill (Escort 2.0) 47.59

Class winners:
Alan Dineen/Tony Dineen (Nova)
Mick Nevin/Michael Garahy (Escort)
James Flynn/Jonathan McGrath (Civic)
Jason Roche/Patrick Roche (Escort)
James Coleman/Eoin O'Neill
Trevor Harding/Charlie Boland
Pat O’Connell/Paul Manton (Peugeot 206)
John McGlaughlin/David Moynihan

Juniors:
Ashley McAdoo/Adam Murray (Nova)

Leaders after
SS1-8 Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Stage Winners
SS1 Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS3 Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS4 Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS5 Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS6 Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS7 Gareth MacHale/Paul Nagle (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS8 Gareth MacHale/Paul Nagle (Toyota Corolla WRC)

• Full Results in Excel Format

Rallynews (by Brian & Liz Patterson)

www.munstercarclub.com

Photos
Humphrey Moynihan - Moonraker Photos
RE raggededge.net
GER LEAHY PHOTOGRAPHY & PR
Joe Lane - Action Photos.ie

• 2005 National Forestry Championship

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PRE EVENT NEWS

• Full Preview
• Full Entry List
• Regulations available

13/05/05
Current McCauley Trailers National Forest Rally Champions Kevin Lynch/ Francis Regan top a very strong line up for Sunday’s Moonraker Rally, the 4th Round of the 2005 “McCauley Trailers” series. Clerk of the Course Coleman Hegarty has opted to run a similar format to last year. Eight stages; 4 done twice (50 stage miles) in East Cork & West Waterford with service in Cappagh after ss3 &6.

While not defending his title Lynch is doing the event as a shakedown for The Sperrins Forest Rally (Round 4 of the NI championship). This factor seems to have attracted a lot more than Champion Lynch as there is an influx of Northern Championship contenders doing the Moonraker in preparation for the Sperrins Rally the following weekend. At two Glen Allen/ Damien Connolly (Corolla WRC) currently lead the NI championship and hold second in the “McCauley Trailers” points. The Tyrone/ Monaghan pairing anxious to reduce their 8-point deficit on number 3 seed Gareth MacHale/ Paul Nagle, who top the “McCauley Trailers” standings with their Kumho shod Corolla WRC.

At 4, local agri salesman John McCarthy is now well on the pace with his ex-MacHale Corolla WRC. McCarthy has settled with Mickey Joe Morrissey on the notes and may be the one to beat in Midleton. Number 5; former champion Kevin O’Kane has Martin Hanna alongside in his pristine WRC Impreza. O’Kane took second last year but will work hard for a podium finish. Pat Norris/ Declan Tumilty are at six. The Kildare crew hold third in the championship and will debut their recently acquired ’99 spec WRC Impreza.

Dominic McNeill/ Francis Kenny make their first appearance of the season at number seven with an Escort WRC. McNeill only has time to do selected rounds as he is usually on the spanners for his customers, despite a lack of match practice McNeill is well capable of a podium result. Number 8; Dermot Kelly (Escort WRC) returns to the championship having missed Wicklow. Kelly is followed by teammate James Murphy at 9 in a similar Escort WRC with Anthony Nestor on the notes. Trevor J Harding/ Charles Boland complete the top ten in the “Eddie Garry Cars” livered Gp A Impreza.

John McKeown/ Martin Carey are at 11 with a newly built Escort WRC. Gp N leader Stephen Moore (N10 Impreza) is at 12 followed by Lismore’s Pete Willoughby in a hired Lancer Evo 8. Willoughby has Greg McCarthy on board and should feature well on his home patch. Event sponsor Eddie Garry has recently purchased an ex-Colin McRae Imprea WRC and launches it on the Moonraker at number 15. Derry duo Johnny McKenna/ Paddy Robinson are at 16 in an Evo 6 and will be in the Gp N shakedown. Number 17 seed Sean Devine/ James McKee make their first visit to the southern forests with their WRC Subaru in preparation for the Sperrins rally. Number 18 Kieran Shaw/ Crawford Henderson another crew preparing for the Sperrins. Kieran will drive Brian McCloskey’s Escort WRC. At 19 Donegal man Brendan Kelly makes the long trek to Cork for a day’s sport and has Derek Brannigan on board his DGM Evo 6. Patrick Elliott/ Mark Bowens compltete the top twenty with a Robbie McGurk run Evo 8.

Such is the quality of machinery that the first of the 2WD contenders Brian Lawlor/ Peter Kavanagh are at 21 followed by Frank Kelly/ Liam Brennan at 22. The line up is breath taking, too much quality to mention. There is a strong local presence with the likes of John Foley (Evo 6), Ollie Williams, Ray Benskin, Danny McEvoy, Sean Benskin, William Walsh, Tony Mulcahy and Dave Warren in Escorts. Ivan Bryan, Billy O’Connell, Moss Fitzgerald, J Cunningham and Michael Walsh in Corolla’s.

After the short opening stage near Murley’s Cross competitors will be allowed to refuel in Tallow before they tackle the famous “Vee” stage north of Lismore. Stage 3 is a revised version of Scart Mountain followed by service in Cappagh. Stage 4 - a reverse run through Coolatour then a repeat of the “Vee” and Scart Mountain with service again in Cappagh. After repeating Coolatour the event moves to the final stage near Murley’s Cross (repeat of ss1). The first competing cars are due back at Rally HQ, the Midleton Park Hotel and Spa for a champagne reception at 17:30.

HQ: Midleton Park Hotel & Spa, Midleton, Co. Cork.

Details: 8 stages, 4 done twice, approx 50 stage miles.

Scrutiny: Saturday 14th May 17:00 – 21:00 Keary’s Garage, Midleton.

Documentation: Saturday 14th May 17:00 – 22:30 Midleton Park Hotel.

Driver’s Briefing: Saturday 14th May 22:30 Midleton Park Hotel.

Start: 09:00 Sunday May 15th.

Service: Cappagh (nr Cappaquinn) after ss3 & ss6.

Finish: 17:30 Sunday May 15th.

Results: 19:15 Sunday May 15th.

Awards: 21:00 Sunday May 15th.

Maps: Discovery Series: 74, 81 & 82.

“Marked A3 Maps will be available @ Documentation”.

Contact: Entries Secretary; Kathlyne Hegarty 087 – 9104684.

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Changes to Entry List:

Adrian Deasy with Dermot Kelly
Sean Moriarty with Stephen Moore
Liam Brennan with Frank Kelly

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09/05/05

1.Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan Subaru Impreza WRC
2.Glenn Allen/Damien Connolly Toyota Corolla WRC
3.Gareth McHale/Paul Nagle Toyota Corolla WRC
4.John McCarthy/MJ Morrissey Toyota Corolla WRC
5.Kevin O Kane/Martin Hanna Subaru Impreza WRC
6.Pat Norris/Declan Tumilty Subaru Impreza WRC
7.Dominic McNeill/Francis Kenny Ford Escort WRD
8.Dermot Kelly/TBA Ford Escort WRD
9.James Murphy/Anthony Nestor Ford Escort WRC
10.Trevor Harding/Charlie Boland Subaru Impreza WRX
11.John McKeown/Martin Carey TBA
12.Stephen Moore/Tony McHugh Subaru Impreza N10
14.Pete Willoughby/Greg McCarthy Mit. Lancer Evo 8
15.Eddie Garry/Andrew Purcell Subaru Impreza WRC
16.Johnny McKenna/Paddy Robinson Mit. Lancer Evo 6
17.Sean devine/James McKee Subaru Impreza N10
18.Kieran Shaw/Crawford Henderson Ford Escort WRC
19.Brendan Kelly/Derek Brannigan Mit. Lancer Evo 6
20.Patrick Elliot/Mark Bowens Mit. Lancer Evo 8
21.Brian Lawlor/Peter Kavanagh Escort MK2
22.Frank Kelly/TBA Escort MK2
23.Brian McGillan/David Doherty TBA
24.Ritchie Curran/Gerry English Subaru Impreza WRX
25.Andy Mackeral/Richard Cassidy Mit. Lancer Evo 4

• Full Entry List in a Word File

www.munstercarclub.com

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12/04/05 Rally HQ: Midleton Park Hotel
Scrunity: Keary's Garage Midleton
THE ORDNANCE SURVEY/DISCOVERY SERIES MAP NOS 74, 81 AND 82 WILL BE USED FOR THE EVENT. MARKED A3 MAPS AVAILABLE AT DOCUMENTATION.

Regulations and Entry Form on:

www.munstercarclub.com

• 2005 National Forestry Championship
• 2005 Irish 205 Challenge