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Circuit of Ireland - 14-17 Apr 06

Posted: April 20, 2006 1:25 PM - 30288 Hits

Round 2 - 2006 Tarmac Rally Championship

  • EUGENE AND PAUL TAKE FIRST CIRCUIT OF IRELAND VICTORY
  • McCLOSKEY MASTERS NEW MISTUBISHI
  • Even more Photos!
  • DOUBLE DISAPPOINTMENT FOR GASS
  • UNLUCKY THIRTEEN STRIKES FOR JENNINGS
  • More Photos
  • Its Donnelly & Kiely again!
  • Video Clip
  • Photos

Posted: April 20, 2006 1:25 PM

EUGENE AND PAUL TAKE FIRST CIRCUIT OF IRELAND VICTORY
Maghera driver Eugene Donnelly and Paul Kiely from Sligo took their Toyota Corolla WRC to a commanding victory on the Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland Rally, held over the Easter weekend. After three days of intense competition on Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the 2005 Irish Tarmac Rally Champions finished over a minute ahead of second placed Eamon Boland in his Ford Focus WRC. The Circuit of Ireland could be considered to be Eugene’s home rally with its base having moved to Derry this year. “The new base, I think worked really well” commented Eugene. “The ceremonial start at the Guild Hall, was an excellent atmosphere. I haven’t seen as many people at a rally like that in a long time, I mean, I believe there was something like 4000 people just to see the start.”

The start of the rally proper wasn’t all that easy for Eugene and Paul, arriving at the end of the first stage with a dodgy brake pedal. “The pedal was going soft, and with so little service time, the boys had a hard job sorting it out, so we did the next loop of tests with a soft pedal, and virtually no handbrake. We needed all that was left of that handbrake on stage two, as I overshot badly and had to tweak the car round. We were lucky that the problems didn’t cost us much time.” Indeed it didn’t and after day one the Esker team found themselves with a healthy lead on 1 minute and 1 second, over the Subaru of Peader Hurson. Three times Circuit of Ireland winner Derek McGarrity had a somewhat fraught first day, fastest on the opening stage, and finishing the day in third place. Derek was judged to be over the official time limit at the end of day one however, as a clutch change at first service had left him late. That allowed Eamon Boland into third with Austin McHale fourth.

Day two in the Sperrin Mountains, included the 16 mile Rousky stage, but on the opening Barnes Gap test, second placed Peader Hurson’s challenge ended with the Subaru on its roof. “It was sad to see Peader go, and at that stage we had a good gap to Eamon Boland, so it was really time to think about pacing it. The only glitch we had was a paddle gear change problem, which had to be changed, but other than that the car was superb. Derek McGeehan and the boys had done an excellent job on the set up.” With over two minutes in hand into the final day’s four stages in the Inishowen Peninsula, in Donegal, it was left for Eugene and Paul to cruise home to their first Circuit of Ireland victory. The arrived at the Derry finish in front of a huge crowd, over a minute and a half ahead of Eamon Boland, with five times Irish Tarmac Champion Austin MacHale third. “It is fantastic to win this rally. The Circuit of Ireland is a special event, and really it’s my home event, as it’s closest to Maghera. I really enjoyed the rally, it was a tough, challenging rally, and it ran very well. It’s a credit to the organising team and to the event sponsor Meteor Electrical that the rally was such a success.”

The Donnelly Motorsport team have a busy period with Charlie Donnelly, fresh from a third place on the Circuit of Kerry, looking to extend his lead in the Irish National Championship on the Monaghan Stages Rally this weekend (23rd April), whilst Eugene after his two maximum scores in the Irish Tarmac Championship heads for Killarney the following weekend (28th April- 1st May) for the International Rally of the Lakes.
McCLOSKEY MASTERS NEW MISTUBISHI
Connor McCloskey and Crawford Henderson piloted their new Mitsubishi Evo 9 to a fine eleventh place overall on this weekend’s Circuit of Ireland Rally, round two of the Irish Tarmac Championship.

A long break followed the first round in Galway, giving the pair time to post a top ten finish on Rally Ireland in March and time for Davy Greer Motorsport to build the new car ready for Connor’s ‘home’ event. The rally began in Derry/Londonderry, just forty miles from the 20 year-old’s home in Kilrea but the stages were unfamiliar to them and many other crews.

New organisation meant a new layout with stages over three days but Connor made an impressive start. They were 3rd in Group N and tenth overall at the first service despite knowing immediately that the suspension needed work. “I could tell straight away that we would have to make some changes,” said Connor, “so I was pleased to be on the pace on the first stage particularly as I thought we were too cautious.”

By the end of stage three, the crew had moved to ninth place overall but the youngster admitted that he had not overcome his initial feeling. “I’m sure we’ll go better when we fine tune the suspension. It is definitely a better car than the old one but there’s a lot more to come.” Stage four was inconsistent and Connor admitted he struggled with the stage, dropping to twelfth. By close of play on Saturday, they had climbed back to tenth overall, settling a little with the car and pleased with their overnight position.


Photo: Mole2k.co.uk


Barnes Gap was the first stage on Sunday and the car emerged sporting a minor battle scar, “We spun and clipped a gate post in there,” explained Connor, “but we didn’t drop too much time and the car’s OK.” The day progressed well and aside from a poor tyre choice, the crew maintained their overall and class position after day two’s six stages. “There were two 16 ½ mile stages today,” remarked Crawford, “They were a rally all by themselves, definitely a test for both of us.”

The real test for the team, however, came on Monday. The second stage of the day took place on Malin Head, famous for its inclusion in the shipping forecasts and infamous for swallowing up Connor and Crawford in a ditch. “It was a three left and the car understeered,” said Connor, “I hold my hand up, it was a section of road I thought I knew and I was too fast into the corner and we went off. If it hadn’t been for the spectators we would still be there now, so I would like to thank them all for getting us out.”

The car was again mainly unscathed and they managed to regain one place to end the rally in eleventh place overall. “It has been a learning event,” said Connor, “and I would like to thank Crawford for doing such a good job. Without his experience I don’t think we would have improved so much since the start of the year. We’re two seconds a mile quicker after just three events and he is still reining me in.”

The next event is at the end of April and the car will have new Proflex suspension for the Rally of the Lakes starting in Killarney on Friday 28th.

Connor and the team would like to thank Egger (wood based panels), The Fisher Foundation, Euro Components, KBB Doors, Pirelli and Shell Racing Fuels for their support in 2006

DOUBLE DISAPPOINTMENT FOR GASS
Darren Gass and new co-driver Neil Shanks had a fraught weekend on the Circuit of Ireland Rally this weekend after starting well with an excellent class lead.

  The second round of the Irish Tarmac Championship began on Friday evening with the ceremonial start in the event’s new home of Derry/Londonderry. With the stages beginning on Saturday morning the crew was confident after improvements had been made to the suspension on the Super 1600 Fiesta following Darren’s class win on Rally Ireland. “We are still learning the car but we’ve definitely made some progress with the springs and dampers,” explained the seventeen year old from Armagh, “Having the reigning British Rally Championship Group N co-driver alongside will be good for confidence too.”    



Confirming the theory, the pair set off into the first thirteen mile Balix Hill stage and emerged with a top twenty overall time, 9.2 seconds clear of championship rival Andrew Bushe. With the first test under their belts, the newly acquainted duo headed for service at Omagh and after a quick check over continued to stage two. At 9.1 miles Drumclamph would prove that even the smallest error can spell disaster. “Two miles from the end we came into a cautioned farmyard area and the back wheels caught some grass on a fifth gear left hander.” Explained Neil, “The road went over a crest then to the right and Darren had gone down a gear scrubbing off some speed, but we clouted the bank with the left front wheel.” The wheel, lower suspension arm and sump-guard bore the brunt of the impact but there was a potential problem with the radiator which appeared to have lost some water. “We couldn’t see a leak and the car was running fine at speed,” continued Neil, “but there seemed to be an air-lock. We managed to limp through stages four and five to service but the bent suspension meant the car was all over the place.”  

On arrival at service the decision was taken to retire and repair the car for Sunday. The regulations allow competitors who retire, to re-start at the beginning of the next day, having a hefty time penalty applied. This ‘Super Rally’ system allows crews to complete the remaining stage mileage and pick up valuable championship points which they would have otherwise forfeited. It also means that spectators have a chance to see crews later in the event that would normally have packed up and gone home.

  With car and crew ready for the Sunday re-start, Darren and Neil picked up where they left off, beating Bushe by nearly eighteen seconds on the 7.7 miles Barnes Gap stage. At 16.4 miles, Rousky was the longest of the rally and Darren set about making back some of the Super rally time deficit. Despite overheating the brakes towards the end of this mammoth test, they emerged quickest by a full 27 seconds at the stage finish.

  The stage had been completed with lights ablaze in an effort to relieve the car’s battery, which appeared to be overcharging. “There was a bad smell that we realised was the hot battery,” said Darren, “and by the arrival control for the next stage it was obvious that the alternator was at fault. The car refused to re-start and while we had the bonnet open we spotted oil on the sump guard, but despite topping it up and getting a bump start, the temperature shot up in the stage and we decided to call it a day.”

  The disappointed team is convinced that unseen damage had been caused in Saturday’s accident, the repair of which may mean missing the next round, the Rally of the Lakes, at the end of April. But whatever the outcome, you can follow the team’s progress at www.darrengass.com:  

Darren and the team would like to thank Castrol, Kumho Tyres, Millview Fuels, Dalzells of Markethill, EMC Autopax, PIAA, AC Vehicle Components, Alpha Cam, Crozier Motorsport Engineering, ID Graphics and Sligo Pallets for their continuing support.  

UNLUCKY THIRTEEN STRIKES FOR JENNINGS
Garry Jennings and Rory Kennedy’s defence of the Irish Tarmac Group N title suffered a setback on the Circuit of Ireland Rally this weekend after losing four minutes in a ditch on stage thirteen.

  The new Autocar Logistics backed Mitsubishi Evo 9 arrived at the event sporting menacing black and silver livery and the pair made their intentions clear early on. A string of fastest Group N times launched them to a twenty second lead after just four stages and put them in an excellent fifth place overall at the second service on Saturday.  

The now familiar pairing were not having it all their own way though, as James Cullen and Seamus Leonard both bettered them on the next pair of stages, the latter closing to within fourteen seconds of the class lead. Sean Devine briefly demoted Garry to sixth position overall, but stage seven saw him move back up after Peadar Hurson retired from second.  

This stage also saw a return to the duo’s class winning ways, setting another unbeaten time to lead Group N and hold fifth overall at the overnight halt in Derry/Londonderry. “We’ve had no real problems today,” smiled Garry, “apart from choosing a wet Kumho tyre when it turned out to be just damp in a couple of stages, the car’s run faultlessly.”



The pair started the second day of competition in fine form, posting another class winning time despite a sticking throttle at the end of the 7.7 mile stage. Ahead lay two loops of three stages including two runs at the longest stage of the event, Rousky. At 16.4 miles, the daunting test didn’t faze them and they posted yet more class winning times, narrowly avoiding the punctures that seemed to plague many on stage eleven.

  “We damaged the wheel on a rock that must have been pulled out by the National Rally competitors, but the tyre stayed up and we kept up he pace,” explained Garry, “but we eased off a bit in the second run through Rousky just in case.”  

It was to be the following stage 13, Craig Hill that would prove decisive in the team’s result. “We had a comfortable class lead after Seamus (Leonard) went off on Rousky,” shrugged Garry, “So I couldn’t believe it when we came into a square left and we slid into a ditch. It was such a simple corner.” Visibly upset Garry continued, “It was going perfectly and I just hanbraked it in, we slid on and the car slipped into a ditch on its side. By the time we’d got out we’d lost four minutes and the class lead.”

  The team checked the car at service before the Sunday overnight halt and pronounced it completely undamaged. Unfortunately the 2 ½ minute lead over nearest rival Roy White had gone and the group behind were all tightly packed, meaning Garry and Rory dropped to sixth in class with just the four Monday stages remaining.

  A valiant effort and two more stage wins were only sufficient to climb to tenth overall and fifth in class in the final thirty miles of competition on Monday, but Garry was positive, “I was really upset yesterday but now I’ve had chance to think about it, I’m OK. We set eleven fastest Group N times from the seventeen stages and were never slower than third. On top of that we had a couple of fourth quickest overall times, so the car’s definitely got the pace.” He continued, “What’s more disappointing is that I’m losing Rory from this event, so he won’t be able to defend his title. But I think I’ve found a worthy replacement, James O’Brien will be re-joining the team for the Rally of the Lakes and he’s won the event before.”  

The team only has ten days to prepare for the third round of the championship which starts on the Friday 28th April in Killarney with stages on Saturday and Sunday of the Bank Holiday weekend.  

The Autocar Logistics team would like to thank its sponsors: Kumho Tyres, Walker Contracts, J&M Enterprises, Sligo Pallets Sydare Eggs, Euro Auto Salvage, OMP, Shell Racing Fuels and KG Motorsport for their continuing support.  



Results
1 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Toyota Corolla WRC) 2h 35m 21s,
2 Eamonn Boland/Francis Regan (Ford Focus WRC) 2h 36m 57s,
3 Austin McHale/Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC) 2h 36m 59s,
4 Gareth Jones/David Moynihan (Subaru Impreza WRC) 2h 39m 14s,
5 Tim McNulty/Anthony Nestor (Subaru Impreza WRC) 2h 40m 36s,
6 Roy White/Stephen McAuley (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) GpN 2h 44m 57s,
7 Colm Murphy/Ger Loughrey (Subaru Impreza N12) GpN 2h 45m 17s,
8 James Cullen/Reba Graham (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) GpN 2h 45m 22s,
9 John McGlaughlin/David McElroy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) GpN 2h 45m 55s,
10 Garry Jennings/Rory Kennedy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) GpN 2h 46m 01s.

Class winners:
Ernest McMillen/Desi McGlade (Suzuki Swift),
Damien Tourish/Domhnall McAlaney (Honda Civic),
Alan Cathcart/Paddy Flanagan (Honda Civic),
Roy White/Stephen McAuley,
William Gamble/Benny Granger (Nissan Micra),
Andrew Bushe/Simon Mills (Peugeot 106),
Gareth Jones/David Moynihan.

NATIONAL EVENT:
1 Camillus Bradley/Danny O’Neill (Ford Escort) 1h 21m 23s,
2 Damien Gallagher/Mac Walsh (Ford Escort) 1h 23m 15s,
3 Seamus McCusker/Vincent Fergus (Ford Escort) 1h 24m 19s,
4 Manus Kelly/Kevin McCafferty (Toyota Corolla) 1h 24m 45s,
5 Ronan Curley/John McKinley (Ford Escort) 1h 25m 29s,
6 William Carey/Jimmy Graham (Ford Escort) 1h 27m 03s.

HISTORIC EVENT:
1 Sean Treacy/Billy Regan (BMW 2002 Alpina) 1h 29m 44s,
2 Adrian Kermode/Maurice Beckett (Porsche 911) 1h 31m 11s,
3 Bill Rowan/Peter Rowan (Ford Anglia) 1h 40m 33s,
4 William Stevenson/James Stevenson (Ford Popular) 1h 40m 36s.

Leaders After:
SS1 Derek McGarrity/Chris Patterson (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2-17 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Subaru Corolla WRC)

Stage Winners
SS1 Derek McGarrity/Chris Patterson (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Subaru Corolla WRC)
SS3 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Subaru Corolla WRC)
SS4 Peadar Hurson/Damien Connolly (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS5 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Subaru Corolla WRC)
SS6 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Subaru Corolla WRC)
SS7 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Subaru Corolla WRC)
SS8 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Subaru Corolla WRC)
SS9 Eamonn Boland/Francis Regan (Ford Focus WRC)
SS10 Gareth Jones/David Moynihan (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS11 Tim McNulty/Anthony Nestor (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS12 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS13 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS14 Austin MacHale/Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC)
SS15 Austin MacHale/Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC)
SS16 Austin MacHale/Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC)
SS17 Austin MacHale/Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC)
Photos from SS1




PRE EVENT NEWS
  • O’Mahony and Higgins target points haul on Circuit of Ireland International Rally
  • MRallying Race Against Time
  • Morrow gets set for spectacular season
  • McCLOSKEY UNVEILS NEW MITSUBISHI FOR CIRCUIT
  • JENNINGS TITLE DEFENCE – ROUND TWO
  • GASS MAKES U TURN FOR CIRCUIT
  • Rally Programmes (by Flat 2 the Mat) available
    - List of Outlets
  • EUGENE GEARS UP FOR EASTER SPECTACULAR
  • Garth Jones debuts S10
  • Entry Lists available
  • METEORIC LINE UP PROMISED FOR THE CIRCUIT OF IRELAND
    Gareth MacHale to be No 1 Seed
    Nesbitt not entering.
    Niall McShea to drive 2.5 Ford Orion on National Event.
  • Russell Brookes to return Larne Trophy after 29 Years!
  • Do you think you’ve got what it takes to compete with Derek McGarrity in the Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland International Rally 2006?
  • MARSHALS - GET INTO THE HOT SEAT FOR THE METEOR ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT OF IRELAND INTERNATIONAL RALLY 2006
  • Regulations available
  • Event Website
  • DERRY PUTS NORTH WEST CENTRE STAGE FOR THIS YEAR’S METEOR ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT OF IRELAND INTERNATIONAL RALLY
  • Outline Rally Programme
  • Organising Committee
13/04/06
O’Mahony and Higgins target points haul on Circuit of Ireland International Rally
Carrigaline rally driver Brian O’Mahony and Mayo co-driver John Higgins are looking to bring home the points in round two of the Pirelli Irish Tarmac Championship, the Circuit of Ireland International Rally (April 14-17).

The reigning A6 champions failed to finish the opening round of the series, the Galway International Rally back in February, following a suspension problem and want to get their championship campaign on track next weekend.

The pair will be back in action behind the wheel of their Team Birkbeck Rallysport-run Super 1600 Ford Puma in class A6 of the Easter weekend event, and after winning their category on the rally last season, finishing an impressive 14th overall in the process, both are confident of further success this time out. O’Mahony, 21, said: “After a DNF in the first round we are looking to get some points in the bag. We will also be pushing for a good overall position once again following a decent result on the event last year and a class win would be a bonus. It’s important that we get the points this time out as we will also be missing the Donegal International Rally in June.”

Higgins, 23, said: “Hopefully we can repeat our success of last year, if not better our overall position. We want to get all the points we can get to get our season going.”

The Circuit of Ireland Rally is based in and around Derry and begins on Good Friday at 7.30pm with a ceremonial start before covering around 160 stage miles from Saturday to Monday. Ends.

12/04/06
MRallying Race Against Time
The Circuit of Ireland looms large on the horizon for all the Pirelli Irish Tarmac Rally Championship competitors but already the MRallying team are fighting against the clock. Since crossing the finish line as GroupN victors on the Galway International, their Impreza N10 has moved on to pastures new and the building of an N12 has been commissioned.

February and March proved action packed months for the team despite not clocking a single competitive mile – February saw the launch of a DVD of in car highlights from 2005 and March saw a night held for the team's supporters and sponsors in Colm’s hometown of Athea.

Now, with the Circuit closing quickly, it will be just an achievement to make the Good Friday ceremonial start. The car is currently being assembled at the MSP workshops in Surrey – and even if the MSP team can have the car ready, precious little time will remain for TTEC to organise a test and get some road miles on the Thermia Heatlink backed car before the event.

If the impossible is achieved, Colm and Ger will face an equally tough test on the event – rewarded with a good seeding, the Pirelli and Shell Fuels backed pairing will resume battle in the most competitive class in International rallying with the likes of James Foley, Seamus Leonard, Willie Fannin and Garry Jennings.

The Circuit hasn’t been kind to the Limerick pairing in the past two years, mechanical maladies robbing them of a possible podium finish in 2004 and a fuel shortage catching them out in 2005. 2006 is a new year and with the best possible start under their belts from Galway, Colm and co-driver Ger will be hoping to keep the Transplant Trailers car challenging at the sharp end of the championship.

The Circuit starts in anger on Saturday morning with stages in the Sperrins and Donegal before the teams arrive back in Derry for the ceremonial finish ceremony at the Guildhall Square on Monday. 400 miles lie between the Trackcare Engineering backed car and a second class victory.

For more information about the team, the in car DVD and their sponsors, please log onto www.mrallying.com. Colm and Ger would like to thank all their sponsors and supporters, without whose help none of this would be possible - Pirelli tyres, Shell Fuels, Thermia Heat Link, Transplant Trailers Sales, Trackcare Engineering, Speedline Corse wheels, Eddie Garry car sales, The Connemara Gateway Hotel, Advance Surveys, REMAX Properties and Vanity Case beauticians.
11/04/06
Morrow gets set for spectacular season
Circuit of Ireland and Killarney Rallies entered as pre-season shakedown
First outing in new Evo IX this week
Team confirms British and Irish Championship campaigns
Phillip Morrow launches into his busiest ever season this week when he debuts his new Group N Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX in the Circuit of Ireland Rally. Two weeks later he will contest the Killarny Rally before preparing for the first round of the British Rally Championship and the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge – the Pirelli Rally on 13th and 14th May.

The popular and highly-rated 23 year old from Lisburn, Co. Antrim, will test the Stephen Whitford and DGM Motorsport built Mitsubishi for the first time on Tuesday (11th April). The test will last two days, the team intending to have the car set-up and ready to go for the two tarmac events which follow.

“From what I’ve seen of it the car looks great,” says Phillip. “I’m really looking forward to this season as it will be my first where I have competitive machinery right from the start.”

Phillip’s inaugural outing of the year was as course car on last week’s Astra Stages in North Wales, where he used his trusty Evolution XI to gain a ‘gravel time’ before the season kicks off.

He now sets his sights to tarmac and is relishing the prospect of contesting the Circuit of Ireland Rally for the first time.

“The event is a real classic. I remember watching my heroes compete in years gone by and it’s great to have the chance to do it at last. This will be my first event in Ireland for three years and, although I must have competed in over 50 gravel rallies, it’s only my fourth 100% asphalt event.”

Philip continues: “There’s no better way of gaining experience than entering events. It’s important I get tarmac miles under my belt before the season starts as there are three asphalt events in the British Rally Championship and, thanks to the increased support of Pirelli and a number of other sponsors, I will also be contesting this year’s Irish Tarmac Championship.”

Phillip’s year has already got off to a flying start when more than £40,000 was raised towards his 2006 rally campaigns at a fund-raising evening held by the Ballynahinch and District Motor Club in January.

However, with additional support, a new car and the eyes of the media and the sport watching, Phillip is aware he has to deliver:

“I fully appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to contest two top championships this year. But the pressure is on. A lot of people have pledged their support and I do not intend to let them down. I also have a new, state-of-the art car at my disposal, so the results are down to me. Even so, I still can’t wait to get started!”

Phillip will be co-driven by Derek Brannigan, from Naas, on the Circuit of Ireland and then joined by Daniel Barritt from Burnley for the Killarny Rally. Barritt will then continue as Phillip’s co-driver for the rest of the season.

Phillip’s 2006 British and Irish Rally Champion campaigns are supported by Pirelli, Morrow Fuels, Fitzsamuel Insurance, Lyons European Haulage, Lagan Motor Factors, DGM Motorsport, Kelly’s Toyota, Proflex, PIAA, Speedline Corse, AMS gear kits, BADMC and RPM Promotions.

McCLOSKEY UNVEILS NEW MITSUBISHI FOR CIRCUIT
Connor McCloskey and Crawford Henderson will compete to this weekend’s Circuit of Ireland in a new Mitsubishi Evolution 9 after a confidence boosting performance on the non-championship Rally Ireland in mid March. The event was in addition to the planned Egger-backed programme for the 20 year-old from Kilrea, who posted an impressive tenth overall in his Evo 8 on the World Rally Championship wannabe.  

With the experienced Crawford Henderson alongside, the pair will have plenty of time to get used to each other and their new Pirelli-shod Mitsubishi Evolution 9. They plan to contest the Irish and British Rally Championships as well as the Mitsubishi Evo Challenge and, if time permits, some rounds of the Northern Irish Rally Championship. This ambitious plan has been built on the springboard of Connor’s Fisher Foundation Young Driver Award which he won in 2005. The award has already helped fund a training session at John Haugland’s famous Norwegian ice driving school, teaching Connor invaluable car control skills.

  Having only begun rallying in 2004, Connor is getting used to busy years with eleven events to his credit in 2005. Some fine class and overall results were mixed with frustrating retirements but the Circuit of Ireland was not one of them. 12th overall and fifth in class with names like Jennings, Nesbitt and MacHale ahead was a cracking result which he hopes to better in 2006. “The start of the 2006 season seems a lifetime ago and it was frustrating in Galway. We were in the Evo 8 with instructions to get to the finish in one piece, so hopefully we’ll be able to get to grips with the new car and improve on 2005’s result.” He concluded, “I tested the new car last week and it felt really good, but I’ll have to treat it with some respect until I get more familiar with it.”  

The eight round Irish Tarmac series takes crews to both sides of the Irish border, as well as the Scottish Borders and the Isle of Man, so there is still plenty to play for as round two begins. The new location for the 2006 ‘Circuit’ could not be more convenient, as Connor will have less than 40 miles to travel from home to the start in Derry/Londonderry, where local support should further buoy his confidence.  

The event has a four day format over the Easter weekend with the ceremonial start on Friday 14th April at 19.30 at Derry/Londonderry’s Guildhall Square. The rally travels to stages in the Sperrins area on Saturday and Sunday, covering 126 of the 160 competitive miles before the final day’s stages around the host town on Monday. The finish ceremony is planned for around 16.30 back at the Guild Hall.  

Connor and the team would like to thank Egger (wood based panels), The Fisher Foundation, Euro Components, KBB Doors, Pirelli and Shell Racing Fuels for their support in 2006

JENNINGS TITLE DEFENCE – ROUND TWO
Garry Jennings and Rory Kennedy will continue their defence of the Irish tarmac Championship Group N title on this weekend’s Circuit of Ireland Rally, round two of eight.  

The first round of the 2006 Irish Tarmac Championship didn’t go well for the reigning 2005 Group N Champions. Garry Jennings and Rory Kennedy began their defence of the hard fought production category title in Galway back in February, only to be thwarted by engine failure on the very first stage.  

The disappointment was sufficient to prompt the Autocar Logistics team to invest in a new car. The latest specification Mitsubishi Evolution 9 was unveiled in time for last month’s Rally Ireland where the experienced duo took on some of the best in the World. With business commitments meaning Garry had little time to test the car, he set about learning it as he competed. However, within two stages, gearbox gremlins had dropped the pair to sixteenth and out of contention for the class lead.  

Coming to the Circuit the team now have more experience of working under pressure than most. Having replaced the errant gearbox in double quick time, it had left Garry and Rory with a slim chance of catching the class leader, WRC works driver Chris Atkinson. But the time loss had been too great and the Kumho supported team took second in class and seventh overall. “Under normal circumstances we would have been disappointed with second, but to only have Chris beat us and be well inside the top ten on an event like that was fantastic.”  

The stages of the new look Circuit of Ireland are unfamiliar to most of the crews but Garry has a secret weapon. Rory Kennedy has famously co-driven some of the great names of Irish rallying including the late great Bertie Fisher. “While Rory doesn’t admit to knowing the stages, he knows the area and despite his youthful looks, he’s been rallying for ever!” jokes Garry. The team is looking forward to rejoining the battle for the class lead in the championship that they took in an outclassed Evo 6 in 2005. Although the latest machinery isn’t a guarantee of success, they will definitely be ones to watch as the crews tackle the 160 miles of unfamiliar tarmac around Derry/Londonderry.  

The event has a four day format over the Easter weekend with the ceremonial start on Friday 14th April at 19.30 at Derry/Londonderry’s Guildhall Square. The rally travels to stages in the Sperrins area on Saturday and Sunday, covering 126 of the 160 competitive miles before the final day’s stages around the host town on Monday. The finish ceremony is planned for around 16.30 back at the Guild Hall.  

The Autocar Logistics team would like to thank its sponsors: Kumho Tyres, Walker Contracts, J&M Enterprises, Sligo Pallets Sydare Eggs, Euro Auto Salvage, OMP, Shell Racing Fuels and KG Motorsport for their continuing support.

GASS MAKES U TURN FOR CIRCUIT
  Darren Gass will contest this weekend’s Circuit of Ireland Rally after a change to his original plan to enter a round of the French tarmac championship. He will be accompanied by reigning British Rally Production category champion co-driver Neil Shanks on this, the second round of the Irish Tarmac Championship.  

Being the youngest driver contesting the Irish Tarmac series has not fazed the likeable teen. Likewise, the prospect of living in father Maurice’s shadow has not impaired his ability to get on with it and drive. His motorsport CV rivals that of many much older drivers, having successfully competed in rallycross in a Super 1600 Saxo, along with rallying experience that belies his years.   

 “We had planned to go to the first round of the French Tarmac Championship, but we’re still getting to grips with the suspension settings on the Fiesta and I think it is too early to go that far afield.” said Darren, “I’m really looking forward to doing this event, the format may have changed but it is still one of the classics.”   

The team tested the new Castrol supported car alongside Roman Kresta before the opening round in Galway, and the times were good from the start, leading the class early on. The class lead would elude the pair though, after deranging the rear suspension on a bank on the second day. “We were used to the Saxo having little rear suspension travel so it is taking a while to fine tune the Fiesta set-up. Second place was still an excellent result for us with the new car and team.”  

  Coming to the Circuit of Ireland the team is more confident. With a fine class win on Rally Ireland and new suspension fitted, the Fiesta should go well. Although Darren has little experience of the lanes around the event’s base in Derry/Londonderry, he shouldn’t be at a disadvantage, as the route will be unfamiliar to most crews, the event having moved from its more usual location for 2006. Spectators will be surprised at the pace of the front wheel drive cars, but even when they’re not going fast, the high revving 1600cc engines give the impression of speed and are well worth watching.   

The event has a four day format over the Easter weekend with the ceremonial start on Friday 14th April at 19.30 at Derry/Londonderry’s Guildhall Square. The rally travels to stages in the Sperrins area on Saturday and Sunday, covering 126 of the 160 competitive miles before the final day’s stages around the host town on Monday. The finish ceremony is planned for around 16.30 back at the Guild Hall.  

  Darren would like to thank Castrol, Kumho Tyres, Millview Fuels, Dalzells of Markethill, EMC Autopax, PIAA, AC Vehicle Components, Sligo Pallets, Alpha Cam, Crozier Motorsport Engineering and ID Graphics for their continuing support. You can check on the team’s progress at  

09/04/06
Rally Programmes are now available

Full list of outlets on:
06/04/06
EUGENE GEARS UP FOR EASTER SPECTACULAR
Reigning Irish Tarmac Rally Champions, Eugene Donnelly and Paul Kiely, are aiming to defend their current championship lead on the Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland Rally at Easter. The Circuit of Ireland is Ireland’s most famous rally and has moved base to Derry this year, a move that Eugene sees as a positive step. “It’s good to see rallying moving into new areas so that it involves new people and different hoteliers and the like can see the benefits of having the rally in their area. I know the sponsor, John Conway of Meteor Electrical is very enthusiastic about the event and is introducing some new ideas on the running of the event. He very much wants it to succeed and it’s healthy to see new ideas being put into the sport” commented Eugene.

Eugene’s preparations for the rally have already begun, the car being fully rebuilt at McGeehan Motorsport’s workshops in Draperstown following it’s Rally Ireland victory.
“The more up to date engine will be back from Germany before the “Circuit” so we will be back to the set up we had in Galway, and the car will have fresh suspension and brakes, which it didn’t have in Rally Ireland as the “Circuit”is very important to our Tarmac Championship campaign.” The Modern Tyre Service machine has benefitted from some fresh patterns in the Kumho tyres and this is one area that’s been improved for the Circuit of Ireland. The “Circuit” is renound as being a tough rally, a factor Eugene is well aware of. “ It hasn’t been the luckiest event for me in the past. We had a major roll, which has been shown many times on television!, and then the car gave up on the last day last year. I have to admit my main priority this year is to collect good points for the championship.”

The K.V.C team line up for the ceremonial start on Friday 14th April, with three days of rallying in the Derry, Donegal and Omagh areas ahead of them before the Easter Monday finish. Opposition will include another former Tarmac Champion Derek McGarrity aiming for his fourth consecutive Circuit win, but Eugene is realising the prospect of Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland. “I’m really looking forward to the rally. One thing about the “Circuit” is that the stages are different every year, so every year it is a unique challenge.”



30/03/06
Entry lists available from rally website:
30/03/06
METEORIC LINE UP PROMISED FOR THE CIRCUIT OF IRELAND
The Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland Rally on April 14th-17th, round two of the Pirelli Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is shaping up to be a superb sporting occasion. The three-day rally is all change in 2006, with a new organisational structure, new stages and a new headquarters in Derry.

Leading the 62 strong International field is winner for the last three years, Belfast’s Derek McGarrity in the latest Subaru World Rally Car. He is aiming to break to record for recording four straight victories in a row. It is looking likely that he will have Belfast co driver Chris Patterson on the pacenotes. It was Chris who guided Derek to his first Circuit of Ireland win in 2003, and in recent seasons Chris has been doing all of his co driving at World Championship level for the likes of Kris Meeke, and this year he is leading the Production World Rally Championship with Nasser Al Attiyah. “At the minute I’m not 100% sure whether I can do the Circuit, but I would dearly like to do it, and would love to win it again. I know Derek is really up for it, and there’s no doubt the Circuit is still the most famous rally in Ireland. I could not believe in 2003 how many people around the World really recognise the event,” said Chris. “I haven’t really been rallying at home now for a few seasons, but from what I see of the Irish Tarmac series, the competition is extremely fierce, and rallying appears to be very healthy in general in this country at the moment.”

One crew that will be hard to beat however will be Maghera’s Eugene Donnelly with Paul Kiely on the notes in their Toyota Corolla WRC. Although now over six years old, the Esker team are leading the Pirelli Irish Tarmac series after round one in Galway, but they have yet to win at Easter. The Circuit has not always been fortuitous for Eugene. “It hasn’t been the luckiest event for me in the past. We had a major roll in 2003, which has been shown many times on television, and then the car gave up on the final day last year. I have to admit my main priority this year is to collect good points for the championship.” There is a lot new about the event this year as it moves base to Derry, a move that Eugene sees as a positive step.. “It’s good to see rallying moving into new areas so that it involves new people and different hoteliers and the like can see the benefits of having the rally in their area. I know the sponsor, John Conway of Meteor Electrical is very enthusiastic about the event and is introducing some new ideas on the running of the event. He very much wants it to succeed and it’s healthy to see new ideas being put into the sport.”

The number one seed however will be young Gareth MacHale in his Ford Focus WRC. Gareth receives the number one slot due due to him being an FIA seeded driver after his excellent sixth place finish in the World Rally Championship Rally Mexico. Meath driver Tim McNulty will have the very latest S11 Subaru to play with on the Circuit. Tim was the driver to put Eugene Donnelly under pressure in Galway, and could be the dark horse for the Meteor Circuit. Also on the list is five times Tarmac Champion Austin MacHale. The Dubliner would love to add another Circuit win to his C.V before his retirement from the very top level of Irish rallying. In a similar Focus to Austin’s will be Wexford’s Eamon Boland, fresh from his fine second in Galway, whilst Peader Hurson from Warrenpoint, will hoping to get his 2000 WRC Subaru onto the podium like he did in Galway. One name who will sadly not be entering is Andrew Nesbitt. The 2002 Circuit of Ireland winner and two times Tarmac Champion took the fight with Derek McGarrity right down to the final spectator stage last year, but this year he has elected not to contest the Circuit.

Added to the WRC cars, the superb Production Group N battle, promises ro be a thriller. James Foley, Roy White, Seamus Leonard, Phillip Morrow and Garry Jennings lead the Mitsubishi attack, with round one winner Colm Murphy top of the Subaru brigade. A Production Group N World Champion Niall McShea, will start the two day National Rallyat the wheel of the ex Sydney Meeke rear wheel drive 2.5 Ford Orion. An exciting machine to mingle with the 58 National competitors.

It all promises to be a motorsport feast over the Easter weekend with the ceremonial start on Good Friday kicking off the weekend’s action.

17/03/06
Russell Brookes to return Larne Trophy after 29 Years!
Russell Brookes was one of the great Circuit of Ireland drivers of the 1970s, a double winner in 1977 and '78.

It is a rally that still holds fond memories for the former British champion from Inkberrow in the English midlands - so much so that he has been holding on to one of his trophies for almost 30 years!

"I'm in the process of moving house and I was going through boxes of trophies that had been stored," explains the former Ford and GM works driver, "and there was the Circuit of Ireland's Larne Trophy from 1977.

"I know that all the main cups from those years, like the magnificent UAC Perpetual Trophy and the Gallagher Trophy were returned but this one must have been overlooked.

"I was amazed to see it again and although I couldn't quite remember what I had won it for, it brought back so many memories of the Circuit and all the other Irish rallies I did.

"I loved coming to Ireland and the whole Irish rally scene - it still has a special place in my heart."

The Larne Trophy, which also bears the names of Roger Clark, Adrian Boyd and Dessie McCartney among others, was presented to the winner of class 10 up until 1977 - when it disappeared.

Now Russell is making arrangements to have it returned to the Ulster Automobile Club almost three decades after he last won it.
12/03/06
Do you think you’ve got what it takes to compete with Derek McGarrity in the Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland International Rally 2006?
Three times winner of the Circuit of Ireland, Derek McGarrity is on line to break the record as the first driver to achieve four wins in a row.

Going head to head, Andrew Nesbitt will be just one of the well-known names revving up at the starting line in Londonderry during the Easter weekend (April 14 – 17) to pit his skills in this round of the Pirelli Irish Tarmac championship.

‘We’re looking forward to a great battle between the best teams,’ said John Conway, MD, Meteor Electrical. ‘We are anticipating even more entries from the top teams in Ireland.’

With the deadline fast approaching, Circuit of Ireland Ltd reinforces John’s reminder for teams to send their entries in.

‘The Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland International Rally is a unique event,’ commented Eugene Donnelly, the current Irish Tarmac Champion. ‘It is the only rally to provide new stages each year. Both the teams and spectators are eagerly anticipating a weekend of top rally action.’

Information for Competitors, application forms for Marshals, and regulations are available from:

The Rally is now under new management and has attracted significant funding from main sponsor Meteor Electrical, The Northern Ireland Events Company and Derry City Council, in association with North West Region Cross Border Group, through Destination North West’s Cross Border Tourism Marketing Project between Derry, Donegal and Fermanagh, which is funded through the Interreg 3a Programme for Ireland / Northern Ireland.
28/02/06
MARSHALS - GET INTO THE HOT SEAT FOR THE METEOR ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT OF IRELAND INTERNATIONAL RALLY 2006
With the Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland International Rally fast approaching more people are being urged to get up close and personal with motorsport’s top rally event.

If you follow rally motorsport but somehow wish that you were part of the action too there are opportunities to become a marshal. We have all seen them – the marshals – the dedicated individuals that make the rally ‘happen’.

They’re the crowd controllers, the flag teams; the safety specialists who make sure that the crowds see the action safely while the drivers get on with what they do best.

And although the Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland International Rally is only weeks away, there is still time to register your interest and find out more about marshalling.

If you would like to join the cream of the Pirelli Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in this exciting rally, register your interest with the Circuit of Ireland Ltd (028 7127 9387 www.meteorcircuitofireland.com) Setting off from the Maidan City and with 400 miles of competition, you could be part of the action, playing an integral role as a marshal.

“Marshals play a pivotal role in the Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland International Rally,” commented Meteor Electrical MD John Conway. “It’s exciting, up close and personal with the competitors, and totally fulfilling to play such an important part.”

27/02/06
Regulations and Entry Form available from the rally website:
21/02/06
DERRY PUTS NORTH WEST CENTRE STAGE FOR THIS YEAR’S METEOR ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT OF IRELAND INTERNATIONAL RALLY
The Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland International Rally, a well-known Easter tradition and Ireland’s best-known rally, is to go ahead this year, despite rumours to the contrary

Following months of speculation surrounding the event, the Rally is now under new management and has attracted significant funding from main sponsor Meteor Electrical, The Northern Ireland Events Company and Derry City Council (in association with North West Region Cross Border Group, through Destination North West’s Cross Border Tourism Marketing Project between Derry, Donegal and Fermanagh, which is funded through the Interreg 3a Programme for Ireland / Northern Ireland). In a bold step, the UAC – which has organised the event for the last 75 years – has handed the management of the rally to Circuit of Ireland Ltd who will run the event for the next three years.

For the first time, the City of Londonderry will host one of the most colourful and exciting events on the Rally calendar.

Over the Easter weekend, in what many consider the ‘ultimate’ rally of its type, the cream of the Pirelli Irish Tarmac Rally Championship will set off from the Maiden City for a gruelling 400 miles of competition.

Revving up for a Ceremonial Start at the Guildhall Square on Good Friday (14 April), the rally stages take the cars to the Sperrins and Donegal before reaching the finish ramp back at the Guildhall Square in Derry on Easter Monday.

John Conway, MD of Meteor Electrical - Ireland’s premier electrical wholesale suppliers and title sponsor said:
“Meteor is convinced that this year’s Rally will set a new standard for motorsport in Ireland. “Meteor Electrical’s sponsorship means that top drivers will be pitting their skills in a bid to claim the title in this fantastic rally.”

Likewise, CEO Janice McAleese said:
“The Northern Ireland Events Company has supported the Circuit of Ireland for the past three years and believes it provides many benefits such as increased tourism and positive media interest.”

The Mayor of Derry City, Councillor Lynn Fleming, said:
“Derry City Council is delighted that the bid to host the rally has been successful. It is a welcome addition to the city’s calendar and promises to be a great event for all the family over the Easter holidays. Several thousand rally fans are expected.”

Significantly, for the first time, this year sees the involvment of Fred Gallagher (Clerk of Course Wales Rally GB, Britain’s round of the World Rally Championship). With such a high profile name returning to Northern Ireland to work alongside the Circuit’s Clerk of Course, Neil Malcolm, the combined experience will guarantee the success of the 2006 Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland International Rally. Two more well-known names to be involved are Andrew Kellitt (Events Co-Ordinator for Wales Rally GB) and Bobby Willis (Rally Consultant).

Outline Rally Programme
    Fri 14 April
    The Ceremonial Start for the rally will be held at the Guildhall Square in Londonderry.

    Sat 15 April & Sun 16 April
    Leaving from Derry, the rally travels to stages in the Sperrins area.

    Mon 17 April
    There will be a major service area located in Derry, followed by the final stages in Donegal.
Organising committee
The Meteor Electrical Circuit of Ireland International Rally organising committee comprises of the following: Meteor Electrical, Schism, Ulster Automobile Club, Donegal Motor Club, Maiden City Motor Club, Northern Ireland Events Company.
Information for Competitors, application forms for Marshalls, and regulations are available from: Circuit of Ireland Ltd. 2 Atlantic Quay, River Front, Strand Road, Derry. Telephone: 028 7127 9387.

Topics: Circuit Of Ireland 

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