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Connacht Sligo Stages Rally - 8 Jul 07

Posted: July 11, 2007 1:02 AM - 22522 Hits

Round 7 - 2007 National Rally Championship
Round 5 - 2007 Border Rally Championship
Round 4 - 2007 MSA National Asphalt Rally Championship

  • Video Clips
  • More Photos
  • PRICES RISE TO IRISH CHALLENGE!…
  • O’Mahony/Higgins take another class win on Connacht Sligo Stages Rally
  • McHale and Duffy take Sligo Win
  • MacHALE WINS SLIGO TO EDGE CLOSER TO DUNLOP TITLE (Report courtesy of Dunlop - sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship)
  • Photos

Photos: Roy Dempster

Posted: July 11, 2007 1:02 AM

PRICES RISE TO IRISH CHALLENGE!…
Multiple Asphalt Rally Champions JOHN & CAROLINE PRICE became the fourth crew in as many events to take maximum points on a round of the 2007 MSA Asphalt Rally Championship when they brought their familiar MG Metro 6R4 home to a Top 20 finish on the Sligo Stages Rally at the weekend. The event also qualified for the Dunlop Irish National Championship and this result, in the face of some very stiff opposition, elevates John & Caroline into 3rd place in the points table and in a strong position to fight for the outright title.

Current series leaders STEVE SIMPSON/MARK BOOTH were just over a minute behind the Prices in their Hyundai Accent WRC to maintain their 100% finishing record and they, too, are in prime position to succeed the 2006 Asphalt Champions, DAVID KYNASTON/ANDY RUSSELL, whose miserable season continued after their Audi A3 Quattro was forced out at the end of the opening stage with front differential failure. This was the Devonian crew’s third retirement and, unfortunately, puts them out of the running for back-to-back wins.

TOMMI GRAHAM/MIKE BAILEY returned to the finish in Sligo just behind Simpson/Booth and the Mitsubishi Lancer crew, who have also finished all four rounds so far, are in runners-up spot, sandwiched between the Hyundai Accent and the Prices’ Metro 6R4. Graham overcame some turbo boost problems during the early stages of the rally which, on roads made particularly treacherous by intermittent torrential downpours, were not helpful to his cause!

Having missed the Jim Clark while various issues with their Mitsubishi Lancer were addressed, CHRIS MARSHALL/SIMON HUNTER returned to the Championship in Ireland and came away with fourth-placed points. In common with many others, there were tales of overshoots and minor ‘offs’, but survival is the name of the game and this they did in fine style.

Following a scare prior to the start of the rally when the gearbox had to be removed from DAVE CORRIS/MARK PERRYMAN’s Ford Escort WRC, the pair found the Irish lanes very different to those on their native Isle of Man. Nevertheless, their best result of the season so far ensued and they move up to 3rd in the popular Class B13.

GRAHAM HOLLIS took top honours in the ‘Two-Wheel Drive’ category in his Ford Escort RS and now leads both Class B11 and the ‘Rear-Wheel Drive’ category. However, there is plenty of unfinished business here as ROB & PAULA ALDERMAN (Ford Escort RS) and GEOFF GLOVER/CHARLIE TURNER (Vauxhall Astra RWD) both scored well in Sligo and are keeping in touch with the leader. With two rounds to go, all three drivers are separated by just 11 points!..

Mid- Wales crew PETE HUGHES/CHRIS EVANS were not so lucky on this occasion as their rapid Ford Escort MkII was brought to a halt in the first batch of stages when an oil pipe came adrift.

RICHARD CLEWS/BARRY JAMES had ‘one of those days’ in Sligo which will probably stick in their minds for a long time to come! Whilst outside the car preparing to start the first stage, the driver’s glasses slid off the roof of his Mechatronics Peugeot 106 and, before they could be retrieved, another vehicle drove over them…. Bringing a whole new meaning to the term ‘driving blind’, the crew went on to record a finish and the driver’s perseverance was rewarded with the presentation of the ‘John Price Rallying Star Drive’ salver at the Awards Ceremony that evening. Richard and Barry returned home safe in the knowledge that they cannot be beaten for Class B10 honours this season and, whilst the race for the ‘Front-Wheel Drive’ category is not yet over, they currently hold a commanding lead.

Fellow ‘FWD’ contenders RICHARD BUTLER/MATT DUBBER brought their Honda Civic Type ‘R’ back to the finish without a mark on it aided, in no small way, by the ability to retract the electrically operated wing mirrors in the narrower sections of the route!

ADAM CLEWS/PETER WILLIAMS joined the Championship for the first time in their 1400cc Ford Puma and the North Walian crew can pride themselves in being the only series contenders to take a class win on the event itself. With it, obviously, came maximum Class A5 points.

NICK JAMES/BILL ROBERTSON had hired a Group N Mitsubishi Lancer for the day, but disaster struck on the opening stage. The car punctured but when the crew stopped to change the errant wheel, they found that the ‘quick-lift’ jack was missing and they were forced to make do with a traditional ‘diamond’ version. With various other dramas, it was fully seven minutes before they were mobile again and it goes without saying that the rest of the day was spent trying to play ‘catch-up’. In spite of a disappointing result, the crew can take solace from the fact that their N4 rivals had chosen to miss the trip to Ireland, giving them good points for their efforts!

In spite of the, at times, atrocious conditions during the day, there were only three retirements amongst the MSA Asphalt Championship competitors. This will, of course, be of no consolation to the aforementioned David Kynaston and Pete Hughes or, indeed, to DAVE PRICE whose Ford Escort Mk6 RWD expired on the final stage with differential failure. Nevertheless, he still leads Class B12 with two rounds still to go.

MSA Asphalt Rally Championship contenders now have something of a summer break before the series resumes at the end of August with the Philip White Tyres Ulster National Rally and all the signs are that we are in for an exciting few weeks before the destination of the 2007 title is eventually revealed!

O’Mahony/Higgins take another class win on Connacht Sligo Stages
Carrigaline driver Brian O’Mahony claimed maximum class points once again in the Dunlop National Championship on Sunday’s (8 July) Connacht Sligo Stages Rally.

O’Mahony and Mayo co-driver John Higgins won class 6, finished 12th overall and as second 2WD car in their OM Concrete Products and Fitz Samuels Insurance-backed Super 1600 Renault Clio as they made their debut on the Sligo-based tarmac event.

The day did not run entirely smoothly for the pair as they damaged both rear dampers on a big jump early on in stage three and had to drive throughout the rest of the event with the problem as they were not carrying any spares.

But despite the issue, the crew still managed to win the class by a comfortable one minute 54 seconds ahead of the Renault Clio of Mark Sheahan/Johnathan McGrath to take the full 10 points in round seven of the National series.

“I didn’t take any chances once we had broken the dampers as all I needed to do was take the full points in the class,” 22-year-old O’Mahony said. “It’s great to get another 10 points on the championship class board.

“Other than the problem with the dampers we had a good run, the stages were good and I’m happy with the result.”

O’Mahony and Higgins will next be in action as they make their first appearance at World Championship level when they compete on Rally Finland, round nine of the World Rally Championship (WRC), early next month (3-5 August).

Their next event in the Dunlop National Championship will be on round eight, the Galway Summer Rally on August 26.

McHale and Duffy take Sligo Win
Aaron Mc Hale, with Mayo navigator Killian Duffy, takes his first Sligo Stages Rally win to follow in his fathers footsteps Austin who won the event back in 1983. Bringing to a total four National Championship wins this year places the Kildare man in a very comfortable position to take the Dunlop title.The biggest challenge throughout the day came from Charlie Donnelly with Herbie Balckburn on the notes , who got off to a slow start on the opening two stages but following service set fastest over the challenging , Lough Easkey and Ladies Brae Stages . With only two seconds separating the two crews entering the final Achonery stage , it was Aaron who was to set the fastest advancing his lead to by a further two seconds , placing Charlie Donnelly second for the second consecutive occasion in Sligo.

In the absence of the 2006 Sligo Stages winner Patrick Elliott , who is still receiving physiotherapy following his accident on the Carrick on Suir event, it was expected that the battle throughout the day would be between Aaron and Charlie with the possibility of either , past winner Maguire or indeed Devine pulling something out of the bag.With reports of torrential rain hitting certain areas across the stages , tyre choices was going to be crucial in gaining the advantage. The opening, Gusclad sponsored Bella Bridge stage, was to be the opener and the fastest time over it was set by Sean Devine / Damien Connelly in a WRC Impreza with Mc Hale cautiously coming one second behind and Maguire third. Charlie Donnelly was just settling in having only been out once this year , since last year winning the National Title.One of the Uk entrants contesting the MSA Championship , David Kynaston had an unfortunate early retirement encountering differential problems over the morning stage.

As the crews entered service in Tubbercurry , it was obvious that Mc Hale had turned on the power over the JMG sponsored Achonery sprint when he set fastest , seven seconds faster than Maguire who was the nearest challenger over this stage which was extremely slippery as the rain poured down.Second place finisher Donnelly was fifteen seconds off the leaders time , but with the Maghera mans experience in car set up it was expected that following service times would improve.Coming out of service , crews headed for the Devaney Car Sales Lough Easkey stage , and it was at this time that the reigning Dunlop Champion , Charlie Donnelly set the pace setting a 6.26 with the nearest challenger Maguire setting a 6.27 both having been over this stage in previous years, Mc Hale on a 6.33 . Over the following stage , the Sligo Motorcycle and Lawnmower Centre , Ladies Brae stage, also one for the brave , and it again was Charlie Donnelly who was to set the fastest,9.21 gradually eating into Mc Hale’s lead , who was only able to achieve 9.30 over this mountainous stage.

The second run over the Bella bridge stage was claimed by Mc Hale again which pulled his lead back again to eleven seconds , with Charlie commenting that there was something about that stage he didn’t like. Fastest over this stage first time round , Sean Devine had slipped down to fourth place , stalling the Subaru on a square left junction which cost him some time.

With the loop skipping the Achonry stage and entering service for the final time , it was going to be the last opportunity for Donnelly make that crucial tyre choice to attack the final loop and impact on Mc Hale’s lead. Second time over the Easkey stage began to slightly dry up and Charlie pulled out all stops to make a final attack , setting a 6.16 , ten seconds faster than his first run over it and seven seconds faster than Mc Hale on this run. The Ladies Brae stage was going to be the real tester , Donnelly being across this stage on many occasions in the past should be to his advantage , and as times came in , he took a further two seconds off Mc Hale’s lead over the Brae with only two seconds separating the leading two crews entering the final run over the Achonry stage.

In advance of the crews returning to the finish ramp at the Sligo Park Hotel , the news had broke that Aaron Mc Hale had actually taken a further two seconds back off Charlie Donnelly over the eleven kilometre stage giving him his first Sligo win .

MacHALE WINS SLIGO TO EDGE CLOSER TO DUNLOP TITLE
(Report courtesy of Dunlop - sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship)

Dunlop National Rally Championship leader, Aaron MacHale (Ford Focus WRC) co-driven by Killian Duffy took his fourth straight victory in the series when he won the eight stage Sligo Rally, the seventh round of the series. He finished four seconds ahead of the Toyota Corolla of reigning champion, Charlie Donnelly, who was co-driven by Herbie Blackburn. Ian Barrett/Eoin O’Flaherty (Subaru) won Group N and Gary McPhillips/Mark Tierney (Escort) won the two-wheel drive category.

Sean Devine was quickest on the opening stage – a second ahead of MacHale, with Maguire a further second behind in third. Reigning Dunlop champion, Charlie Donnelly occupied fourth – six seconds off the lead while Ian Barrett set the pace in Group N. Tyre choice in the changing conditions was difficult, out on S.S. 2, Achonry, MacHale was quickest and at the Tubbercurry service halt he was eight seconds ahead of Maguire with Devine, who spun on the second stage, down in third place – ten seconds off the lead. Donnelly was a further ten seconds behind in fourth as he adjusted to the note calling of Herbie Blackburn. P.J. McDermott (Subaru WRC) was fifth. Barrett continued to lead Group N, but Michael Curran had a good run through the second stage to close within two seconds. John Cairns, (Subaru) was next followed by Billy Coleman Award winner, Owen Murphy (Mitsubishi), who had a half spin on the opening stage but recovered well and set a good pace through the second stage to move into ninth overall. David James had a huge moment on the stage, he occupied equal tenth along with Danny McBride and Gary McPhillips, who was the top two-wheel drive exponent. Brian O’Mahony (Renault) was just outside the top ten. UK visitor, David Kynaston retired his Audi with a broken front differential and Willie Fannin was also forced out with differential woes. Sean Gallagher withdrew his Subaru after he lost considerable time when he slid off the road on the second stage.

On the third and fourth stages, Lough Easkey and Ladies Brae, Donnelly reigned supreme while MacHale, who clipped a bale on S.S. 3, setting the pace on S.S.5, the repeat of Bella Bridge. At the second service, MacHale topped the leader board by eleven seconds from Donnelly, who impressed on his way to second. Niall Maguire despite problems with the wipers of his Subaru was third with early leader, Sean Devine, who stalled his Subaru, occupying fourth. Curran moved into top spot in Group N where he was seven seconds ahead of Ian Barett, who opined that he was far too cautious on the third stage, they were fifth and sixth respectively.
PJ McDermott’s Subaru suffered from a lack of traction and along with a 15 second road penalty he dropped to seventh. Owen Murphy continued to post some impressive times, he was eighth from fellow Group N driver, Shane Feely (Mitsubishi). Gary McPhillips was next, he headed the two-wheel drive category and was tenth overall. Well-known co-driver, Paul Kiely, who switched to a driving role, had his Mitsubishi in eleventh place and Brian O'Mahony, who was one of several crews held up when Danny McBride crashed his Mitsubishi, was twelfth and leader of the S1600 category.
Elsewhere, David James retired his Ford Focus; Kevin Kelleher’s Mitsubishi stopped with oil pressure problems and Anthony O’Halloran also bowed out when his Opel Manta caught fire.

Just like he did on stages four and five, Donnelly charged through stages six and seven and cut MacHale’s lead to two seconds. Maguire was 25 seconds further behind in third followed by Sean Devine (Subaru WRC) and Group N pair, Mike Curran and Ian Barrett. MacHale was fastest through the final stage to seal his fourth successive victory and edge closer the national title. Donnelly made a brave effort but he reckoned the condition of the tyres after stages six and seven had lost their advantage, nevertheless, he was quite content with second. The brake pedal of Niall Maguire’s Subaru went soft over the final stages but he was well secure in third ahead of Sean Devine, who damaged a wheel rim on the sixth stage. Mike Curran was a final stage casualty when his Mitsubishi went off at the very first corner. Ian Barrett was perfectly placed to take the showroom category victory. The top ten was completed by Owen Murphy (Mitsubishi), Shane Feely, Gary McPhillips and well known co-driver, Paul Kiely who switched roles and gained his best ever result in his home event. Class winners included Joe MacHugh (Escort Cosworth), Brian O’Mahony (Renault Clio), who nursed his Renault Clio through the final three stages with a broken rear damper. Wesley Patterson (Escort) won Class 13.

Non-starters included Patrick Elliott, who hadn’t fully recovered from a rib injury sustained in the previous round; Glenn Allen Hugh Martin Doherty (Subaru) and Seamus Leonard (Mitsubishi). Michael Barrable, who withdrew his appeal from exclusion from the Raven’s Rock Rally withdrew from Sligo earlier in the week.

Results
1 Aaron MacHale/Killian Duffy (Ford Focus WRC) 61m 13s
2 Charlie Donnelly/Herbie Blackburn (Toyota Corolla WRC) 61m 17s
3 Niall Maguire/Paul McLaughlin (Subaru Impreza WRC) 61m 45s
4 Sean Devine/Damien Connolly (Subaru Impreza WRC) 62m 05s
5 P J McDermott/Sean Harris (Subaru Impreza WRC) 64m 25s
6 Ian Barrett/Eoin O’Flaherty (Subaru Impreza N12B) GpN 64m 25s
7 Owen Murphy/Liam Brennan (Mit. Lancer Evo 9) GpN 64m 45s
8 Shane Feely/Jim McGrath (Mit. Lancer Evo 6) GpN 66m 12s
9 Gary McPhillips/Mark Tierney (Escort 2.0) 66m 13s
10 Paul Kiely/Pat McSharry (Mit. Lancer Evo 9) GpN 66m 32s

JUNIOR RALLY:
1 Anthony Hand/Rodney Perkins (Escort) 35m 34s
2 Colin McMenamin/Patrick McBride (Civic) 35m 38s
3 Daniel Breslin/Rory Thomas (Corolla) 37m 00s

Leaders After:
SS1 Sean Devine/Damien Connolly (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2-8 Aaron MacHale/Killian Duffy (Ford Focus WRC)

Stage Winners:
SS1 Sean Devine/Damien Connolly (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Aaron MacHale/Killian Duffy (Ford Focus WRC)
SS3 Charlie Donnelly/Herbie Blackburn (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS4 Charlie Donnelly/Herbie Blackburn (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS5 Aaron MacHale/Killian Duffy (Ford Focus WRC)
SS6 Charlie Donnelly/Herbie Blackburn (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS7 Charlie Donnelly/Herbie Blackburn (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS8 Aaron MacHale/Killian Duffy (Ford Focus WRC)

Gp N Winners - Ian Barrett/Eoin O’Flaherty (Subaru Impreza N12B)
Photo: Seamus Counihan
Pre Event News
  • Michael Barrable, Glenn Allen, Alan Ring withdrawn.
  • O'Mahony/Higgins set for Connacht Sligo Stages Rally action
  • Full Entry Lists available
  • Time and Distance Schedule available
  • TOP LINE UP FOR SLIGO STAGES
  • Top 20 Entries
  • MSA Asphalt Rally Championship - RE-JIG FOR IRISH VISIT!…
  • Regulations available
  • 25th hosting of Sligo Stages Rally Dinner Dance - (Fri) 27 Apr 07

BACK ROW FROM LEFT ,
PAUL KIELY , LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES JOHN SHERLOCK , VERONICA CAWLEY, ,
ROSLEEN O GRADY DECLAN BREE AND SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ROAD SAFETY OFFICER , VAL BAYNES. ,
FRONT ROW FROM LEFT,,
KIERAN HENRY C.O.C. , JOE GILGAN CLUB CHAIRMAN , CHARLIE DONNELLY.,
Photo: James Burkee
05/07/07
Michael Barrable, Glenn Allen & Alan Ring have withdrawn.

Damien Duffin to co-drive Sean Devine.
Herbie Blackburn in with Charlie Donnelly
Paddy Robinson with Willie Fannin.
Martin Bardy sitting in with Kevin Kelleher.

O'Mahony/Higgins set for Connacht Sligo Stages Rally action
Carrigaline driver Brian O’Mahony will be back in action in the Dunlop National Rally Championship when he contests round seven, the Connacht Sligo Stages Rally, on Sunday (8 July).

O’Mahony and Mayo co-driver John Higgins return to their OM Concrete Products and Fitz Samuels Insurance-backed Super 1600 Renault Clio to make their debut across the stages of the Sligo-based tarmac event.

The crew made up for lost ground in the series as they finished an impressive 15th overall and claimed maximum points in class 6 on the previous round, the Raven’s Rock Stages Rally, to move them up to second in the class standings with 30 points.

The pair, however, will be simply aiming to get a result this weekend as they air on the side of caution ahead of their forthcoming outing on Rally Finland in early August.

“I’ll only be driving for the finish in Sligo as I’ll be minding the car ahead of Finland,” 22-year-old O’Mahony said. “We don’t want to pick up any major damage before our trip over there but we will still be pushing reasonably hard as we want to score some much-needed points in the Dunlop championship as we’re now only three behind the class leader.

“I’ve never done this rally before so all the stages and set-up are going to be new to me but I’m looking forward to it and I hope we can have another good run.”

27/06/07
Full Entry Lists & Time and Distance Schedule available on the club website under Club News
24/06/07
TOP LINE UP FOR SLIGO STAGES
Connacht Motor Club are delighted to publish the entry for the forthcoming Hunt Motors / Sligo Park Hotel – Sligo Stages Rally with thirteen WRC cars among the starting line up , including last years winner , Patrick Elliott and the current championship leader Aaron Mc Hale . As the battle among the 2007 National Championship leadership still remains wide open ,with Glen Allen lying just one point off the leadership and Patrick’s position in third pace being hotly perused by Nial Maguire , Sligo will play a crucial part as the latter two are both past winners . Glen on the other hand , even though quite familiar with the Sligo territory has yet to take an outright National Championship win , but with the form of Arron over the recent Dunlop rounds accumulating two outright wins , he would possibly be entering Sligo as favourite. Among the top starters , and one defiantly not to be ignored is the popular Charlie Donnelly , who was ever so close last year to taking his first Sligo win , and deciding to enter it as , one of only two events contested this season , the other being the Tour of the Sperins which he defended his title.

Adding a little spice to the event this year is the entrants contesting Sligo as one of the rounds of the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship consisting of a total of fifteen , including the veteran of rallying John Price in the 6R4 and David Kynaston in a 4WD Audi A3 both who have competed in Sligo previously . Kynaston a relative recent visitor , competing on the 2003 event when last a round of the Uk series , while Price competed in Sligo as far back as the early eighties. Ironically , this the 25th celebration of the Sligo Stages Rally , that the navigator of John Price on one of those earlier years , Ashley Trimble is also making his return visit to Sligo , this time navigating with another of our overseas visitors Graham Hollis.Current MSA Championship leader Stephen Simpson in a Accent WRC is also travelling to Sligo to defend his position.

At the recent launch of the 25th Anniversary Connacht Motor Club Sligo Stages , Kieran Henry Clerk of the Course , while reflecting on the important history of the event , looked forward to 2007 Stages being a challenging loop of stages but also being an enjoyable occasion for all competitors and spectators alike . The four stage loop , which provides for a starting field of 150 , consists of a mix of new territory never used previously plus an element of stages touched on in the past.The opening stage of the day, after departing Rally Headquarters at 10am , the Gusclad sponsored 16.5 km stage has some familiar tighter sections with a series of right and left hand junctions , consisting of a limited number of long straights .The second in the loop is the, JMG Crash Repairs 11km stage ,totally unknown territory , but tight and twisty high bank sprint.. The Devaney Car Sales sponsored third stage is one defiantly not for the faint hearted , 12km long , flowing but quite a challenge.The fourth of the loop , the Sligo Lawnmower and Motorcycle Centre stage , a 17.5km mountainous run incorporates sections not used for a number of years , but as a whole is demanding on man and machine, and even though forth in the loop , is not the final stage of the day. The central service area based in the heart of the loop is sponsored by National Lube Oils , while the Junior Entry with accommodation for 20 crews is sponsored by Ballybofey Autofactors .The first car is scheduled to be back on the finish ramp at 18.11.

Focusing on the spectator , an road safety awareness campaign in conjunction with Sligo County Council was also launched to run in tandem with the event , in an effort to further heighten attitudes to road safety , targeting the young drivers ,but also acknowledge the success of ongoing campaigns reflected in the reduction of road fatalities.

Top 20 Entries
No Driver /Navigator (Car) [Class]
1 Aaron MacHale/Killian Duffy (Ford Focus WRC) [8]
2 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
3 Michael Barrable/Dermot O'Gorman (Ford Focus WRC) [8]
4 Glenn Allen/Damien Connolly (Toyota Corolla WRC) [8]
5 Charlie Donnelly/TBA TBA (Toyota Corolla WRC) [8]
6 Sean Devine/TBA TBA (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
7 Hugh Martin Doherty/Michael McBride (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
8 Niall Maguire/Paul McLoughlin (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
9 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
10 David James/Jim Crowe (Ford Focus WRC) [8]
11 David Kynaston/Andy Russell (Audi A3 Quattro) [15]
12 John Price/Caroline Price (MG Metro 6R4) [15]
14 Mike Curran/Fabian McShane (Mit. Lancer Evo 9) [4]
15 Seamus Leonard/John McCafferty (Mit. Lancer Evo 9) [4]
16 Kevin Kelleher/Martin Kelleher (Mit. Lancer Evo 9) [4]
17 Willie Fannin/Mark Keane (Subaru Impreza N12) [4]
18 Alan Ring/Adrian Deasy (Subaru Impreza N12B) [4]
19 Frank Wray/Joe McNulty (Mit. Lancer Evo 6) [4]
20 Ian Barrett/Eoin O'Flaherty (Subaru Impreza N12B) [4] MSA Asphalt Rally Championship - RE-JIG FOR IRISH VISIT!…
The movement of a number of events in the UK rally calendar this year has left an ideal slot for contenders in the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship to return to the Sligo Stages Rally (Sunday 8th July) for the first time since 2003. The trip to Ireland marks the start of the second half of the six-round series and, following the Jim Clark National Rally, the race for the title is still wide open. Each competitor’s four best scores count towards their final tally at the end of the season and, so, the pressure on everyone is beginning to mount!

Defending MSA Asphalt Champions DAVID KYNASTON/ANDY RUSSELL will be bringing their Audi A3 Quattro but, although the Devonian crew took maximum points on the Isle of Man, retirements on the other two events so far have left them with a lot of work to do if they are to achieve their aim of back-to-back titles.

The Championship leaders at the halfway stage are STEVE SIMPSON/MARK BOOTH in their Hyundai Accent WRC. Having been declared winners of the opening round of the season on the Epynt Military Ranges, they have maintained a 100% finishing record and currently have a seemingly healthy cushion over the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO9 of second-placed TOMMI GRAHAM/MIKE BAILEY. However, with a maximum of 25 points on offer on each event, any problems could see the situation change very quickly!

Multiple Asphalt Champions JOHN & CAROLINE PRICE are in 4th place in the points table in their MG Metro 6R4 but, having retired from the opening round, have a score ‘in hand’ over NICK JAMES whose Group N Lancer is ahead of them. Nevertheless, Nick has the experienced BILL ROBERTSON sitting with him and a good result this weekend will see them virtually untouchable for Group N Championship honours.

Meanwhile, MARK JASPER has replaced his MG Metro 6R4 with a Ford Escort WRC for this season and has spent some time getting used to his new car. Reunited with Geordie co-driver DON WHYATT, who now lives in Naas, for this event, Mark will be looking to put the disappointment of a retirement on the Jim Clark behind him.

Although they finished the RBS International Manx Rally, former Group N champions CHRIS MARSHALL/SIMON HUNTER were forced to miss the Jim Clark following problems on the Isle of Man with their Mitsubishi Lancer which now runs in Class B13. However, they are making the trip to Sligo and there is still time for them to catch up.

Manxmen DAVE CORRIS/MARK PERRYMAN rolled their Escort Cosworth on their ‘home’ event in early May but, with much burning of the midnight oil, managed to re-prepare it in time for the Jim Clark National Rally just a fortnight later. The car had required two new front wings, two rear-quarter panels, a bonnet, front bumper and various other bits and pieces, not to mention a coat of paint, and still arrived in Kelso ready for the shakedown. As it was being driven off the trailer, the turbo blew and, without a spare, the only course of action open to them was to despatch a mechanic down to Northampton (300+ miles each way!) with the offending item to get it repaired. The task was completed and the turbo refitted, allowing the exhausted crew to eventually take the start – a feat for which the driver earned the ‘John Price Rallying Star Drive’ salver, awarded on each round of the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship for performances ‘over and above the call of duty’!

The Ford Escort Mk6 RWD of DAVE PRICE is no stranger to the roads of Southern Ireland and, having missed the opening round of this year’s MSA Championship, consistent runs on both the Manx & Jim Clark see the farmer from Presteigne in 6th place overall in the points table, just in front of GRAHAM HOLLIS in his Ford Escort RS. Hollis, meanwhile, is a mere one point behind the immaculate Vauxhall Astra RWD of GEOFF GLOVER in the popular Class B11 at the halfway stage and all the main contenders will be in the west of Ireland on 8th July. PETE HUGHES/ CHRIS EVANS and 2006 Clubman’s Cup winners ROB & PAULA ALDERMAN will be fighting amongst themselves, not only for class honours, but also for valuable points in the Rear-Wheel Drive category. Dave Price tops the table as crews head for Sligo, but there are just ten points separating all five drivers – with fifteen available for a win on each of the three remaining rounds!

The Front-Wheel Drive contenders are headed by RICHARD CLEWS/BARRY JAMES in their Mechatronics Peugeot 106 that has won its class on both the events it has contested so far this season. Donegal’s GERARD SHARKEY, co-driven by RACHEL BROCKINGTON from Abergavenny, are their main rivals this weekend and, once again, a good showing will do their class hopes no harm at all!

The Sligo Stages Rally is going to be a tough event for all the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship contenders as, on this occasion, familiarity will not play a part in the overall result. However, they are relishing the challenge of pitting their skills against the top crews in the Dunlop Irish National Championship – and spectators on the day are in for a treat!…

21/05/07
Regulations available
Supplementary Regulations for the Connacht Motor Club promoted Tom Hunt Motors / Sligo Park Hotel – Sligo Stages Rally 2007 , scheduled to take place on Sunday July 8th have been posted to all National and Border championship registered competitors and are also available for downloading at the club website

Sligo Stages Clerk of the Course for the second year, Kieran Henry, is delighted that the July event will present a mix of tight and twisty and fast flowing , all on good tarmac surfaces , comprising of approximately 124 km of stage miles.

The event which is once again based out of the Sligo Park Hotel , is a round of the Dunlop National , the Mc Aree Engineering Border and the MSA Asphalt Rally Championships is expected to attract a large entry across all classes including Class 16 .

In their sixteenth year as title sponsor of Sligo Park Hotel will undoubtedly as always provide the welcoming atmosphere to the adopted home of the rally over the July weekend. Tom Hunt Motors in their seventh year as joint title sponsor will this year ,with the support of Suzuki not alone provide financial sponsorship but also play a dominant role in the profile of the event .
The organising committee are also delighted to have also on board the support of stage sponsors , Sligo Motorcycle and Lawnmower Centre , Gusclad ltd , North West Lube Oils and J M G Crash Repairs. Sponsors of the Junior Class is Ballybofey Autofactors.

Supported by of Sligo County Council Road Safety Division and the R.S.A and running in tandem with the event will be a road safety campaign , in an effort to heighten awareness among general road users to the importance of care on our roads in working towards reducing road deaths.

Entries Open on May 28th with the closing date for entries including priority , being June 19th .

Regulations and Entry Form available on the club website below

26/03/07

Topics: Sligo Stages Rally 

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