MILNER SET TO CONTEST 2005 PIRELLI IRISH TARMAC CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted: January 29, 2005 10:27 AM

The 35 year old Yorkshireman and Welsh co driver Nicky Beech have secured the eleventh hour deal with ProSpeed boss Olly Marshall after Milner drove the car at the recent Autosport International Show and the pair will take on Ireland's best drivers in the ex Toni Gardemeister Evo 3 version which he also drove at Lurgan Park last year.

After missing out on an historic third British title last year, 2005 will see Milner combining his Irish exploits with those existing commitments in the Pirelli Kwik Fit British Rally Championship meaning a busy year for the 2002 and 2003 champion but it's one he's looking forward to with relish:

"I just want to be out there rallying again as it's been a long time since the Trackrod and this is something I've never done before" said Milner. "My plan is to take it as it comes but I have every intention at the moment of doing the full series both in Ireland and Britain this year. Some of the rounds such as the Manx and the Ulster count towards both championships which makes it easier but I love tarmac and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the challenge."

Whilst the various deals have yet to be finalised, it looks as if Milner will be using Skoda power for both championships following recent negotiations with the Sherburn-in-Elmet based company. The plan for the start of the season will be to use a ProSpeed Octavia before graduating to a Fabia WRC at some point during the season.

"We're over the moon to have done a deal with Jonny initially and hopefully we can enjoy a successful relationship for the remainder of 2005" said Marshall. "We know he'll do a great job for us and hopefully we can reciprocate to ensure that a privately entered Skoda is a car to be reckoned with on both gravel and tarmac."

The action this weekend takes place over three days starting with scrutiny on Friday in Galway City . The Rally will start from Eyre Square on the Saturday morning for 70 stage miles in a three stage configuration, visiting Loughrea, Gort and Kinvara, with centralised servicing in Oranmore.

The action on Sunday takes place in East Galway with centralised service in Ballinasloe Mart. There will be 85 stage miles in the Caltra and Ballyfa area returning to the finish ramp in Galway on Sunday evening.

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27/01/05
Former British Champion Johnny Milner has entered the Galway International and will be this year's "No 13 Entry".

The car is still TBA but is expected to be a Pro-Speed Skoda Octavia WRC

• 2005 Galway International Rally - 4-6 Feb 05
• 2005 Tarmac Championship