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LinksFestival of Motorsport (Historic Stage Rally) Loughgall - (Sat) 2 Jun 07
Posted: June 7, 2007 12:10 PM - 11133 Hits
Festival of Motorsport (Historic Stage Rally) Loughgall Country Park - (Sat) 2 Jun 07
- Armagh Lions Club Festival of Motorsport hailed a huge success!
- More Photos
- Seamus O'Connell/Gabriel Campbell win Historic Rally
- Full Results and Times
- Photos
- Video Clips
Posted: June 7, 2007 12:10 PM
Armagh Lions Club Festival of Motorsport hailed a huge success!
Money raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care last weekend is still being calculated after hundreds of spectators flocked to Loughgall Country Park for the inaugural Armagh Lions Club Festival of Motorsport!
The all family affair was a huge hit with spectators as Armagh Lions Club and North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club Ltd (NAMCC Ltd) pulled out all the stops to create a truly successful event.
The Historic Rally Car Challenge marked the highlight of the proceedings and amidst stiff opposition which included former Irish, British and World champions, it was the local crew of Seamus O'Connell and Gabriel Campbell who emerged victorious. They swapped seconds with John Keatley and Maurice Beckett throughout all four stages, but it was Keatley who held the advantage going into the final test.
O'Connell lost time with a spin at the end of stage three, and he was determined not to let victory slip from his grasp. In a win or bust effort through the final 2.75 mile stage, he emerged clear of Keatley by an impressive 8.6 seconds!
"I'm amazed we managed to beat all of the former World, British and Irish champions!" O'Connell said after the finish. "We just had a small spin towards the end of the third stage, I think I lost about six seconds but we got away with it. It was definitely a great event - I would go back next week!"
With Keatley forced to settle for second position, Stephen and Jaye Nevin arrived home in third ahead of Cahal Curley and Elkin Robinson. The former Circuit of Ireland winner was reunited with a magnificent Porsche 911, and the crew also topped class C3.
Fifth overall, Raymond and Chris Nelson also grabbed class C2 spoils in their Mark 1 Escort, while Glenn Williamson and Mervyn Hawthorne just pipped Alan Jardine and Jonathan MacDonald to sixth position on the final stage. Jardine was rueing a costly problem at the start of stage one but was safe in the knowledge that he had finished ahead of many leading lights of the past.
Those leading lights included Roy Cathcart and Harold Montgomery, who were eighth in their Escort RS1800. Billy Coleman, a former Irish Tarmac Champion and British Rally Champion, finished ninth with navigator Colm Quinn, while 1979 World Rally Champion, Sweden's Björn Waldegård, completed the top ten with Kevin Toner calling the notes.
The slippery conditions took their toll on competitors and not everyone safely reached the finish line. While Drexel Gillespie and Bill Blair had a small incident during the familiarisation run, Philip McDowell and Mark Stirling rolled out of the event near the end of the opening stage. They were caught out at a tightening right-hand corner, sending their Mark 1 Escort off the road and onto its roof.
Former British Rally Champion, Russell Brookes, lost time when he understeered into a metal post with his borrowed Talbot Sunbeam. He still arrived home to record 13th overall but former Circuit of Ireland winner, Tony Fall, was not so lucky. Navigated by Raymond Donnelly, the crew lost an argument with a tree in their borrowed Mini Cooper S during the final stage, spelling an abrupt end to their day.
Competitors in the Apple Blossom Autotest also displayed some spectacular precision driving and on this occasion it was Ken Irwin who took the spoils. 'Speedy', as he is also known, is a former British, Northern Ireland and Irish champion, and he mustered together all of his experience to emerge victorious from five times N.I. Champion, Robert Dickson, while Stephen Ferguson was third.
The static car displays were also a huge hit with spectators, and included a variety of vehicles, both old and new. Combined with the Red Bull display team, spectators enjoyed a wide range of entertainment throughout the day.
With the inaugural Festival of Motorsport hailed a resounding success, Armagh Lions Club and NAMCC Ltd are now looking forward to make the festival even bigger and better next year. With sponsorship from The Donnelly Group, the future of the event is secure, and charities will continue to benefit in the coming years.
Historic Rally Car Challenge top ten results
1 Seamus O'Connell/Gabriel Campbell (Escort MkII) 14m 14.2s
2 John Keatley/Maurice Beckett (Escort RS1800) 14m 22.8s
3 Stephen Nevin/Jaye Nevin (Escort) 14m 36.4s
4 Cahal Curley/Elkin Robinson (Porsche 911) 14m 43.3s
5 Raymond Nelson/Chris Nelson (Escort RS2000) 14m 45.8s
6 Glenn Williamson/Mervyn Hawthorne (Escort RS2000) 14m 48.7s
7 Alan Jardine/Jonathan MacDonald (Escort MkI) 14m 49.9s
8 Roy Cathcart/Harold Montgomery (Escort RS1800) 14m 53.6s
9 Billy Coleman/Colm Quinn (Escort RS1800) 14m 54.2s
10 Björn Waldegård/Kevin Toner (Escort RS1800) 14m 55.0s
Apple Blossom Autotest top three results
1 Ken Irwin
2 Robert Dickson
3 Stephen Ferguson
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Photos:
rallypics.org
neillpics.co.uk
Roy Dempster Photos
Videos
Waylander Video Clips
PRE EVENT NEWS
- Entry List on line
- MLAs sample high-octane action at the Armagh Lions Club Festival of Motorsport press launch at Stormont!
- Photos from Launch
- More top class stars confirmed for Festival of Motorsport Historic Rally Car Challenge!
- Excitement mounts for Festival organisers as world class stars confirm entries!
- Armagh Lions Club and North Armagh Motor Cycle and Car Club Ltd are to continue their joint charity support, with the announcement that they are to co-promote this motorsport spectacular, the “ARMAGH LIONS CLUB FESTIVAL OF MOTORSPORT”.
31/05/07
30/05/07
MLAs sample high-octane action at the Armagh Lions Club Festival of Motorsport press launch at Stormont!
Early morning sunshine graced the beautiful surroundings at Stormont today as Armagh Lions Club and North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club Ltd (NAMCC Ltd) launched their inaugural Festival of Motorsport.
Due to take place in Loughgall Country Park, County Armagh, on Saturday 2 June, Stormont reverberated to the sound of rally and autotest cars as MLAs sampled high-octane action outside Parliament Buildings.
This weekend's Festival is the first of its kind on these shores. Organised to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, the event will consist of a Historic Rally Car Challenge over a 2.75 mile all-tarmac special stage, Apple Blossom Autotest, as well as static cars displays.
It has attracted world renowned talent from home ground and further afield, including 1979 World Rally Champion, Swede Björn Waldegård. He is joined by a number of former British and Irish rally champions and the Festival will also feature some of Northern Ireland's leading autotest talent.
Combined with static car displays, family entertainment (including the Red Bull display team), as well as professional catering facilities, Loughgall Country Park will be a hive of activity this weekend!
Speaking at today's launch, Festival Director Kieran McAnallen said: "I am delighted with the progress that has been made by the Armagh Lions Club and North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club to bring this spectacular event together. From something which started quite small, I can't believe it has grown into such a major sporting event. It promises to be day which the public will enjoy immensely, and with sponsors on board in the form of the Donnelly Group, even bigger and better events are promised for the future!"
It was Armagh Lions Club member, Ivor Ferguson, who conceived the idea just one year ago following the running of the Apple Blossom Autotest (again a joint venture between Armagh Lions Club and NAMCC Ltd). He thought it would be a fantastic idea to bring a historic rally to Loughgall Country Park and turn it into a bigger event.
"It's great to be here today after the Festival of Motorsport was conceived from an initial idea just 12 months ago," Ivor Ferguson said. "The jointly organised original venture included an autotest and static displays in Loughgall Country Park last year. It has grown to include the Historic Rally Car Challenge and much more this year. I'm very pleased to see how it has progressed and we hope to continue this successful event for many years to come."
North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club Ltd is no stranger to organising high profile events, with its Turkington Lurgan Park Rally attracting thousands of spectators to Lurgan in August. Thousands of spectators are also expected in Loughgall this weekend, as competitors of past and present roar into action.
"On behalf of North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club Ltd, it's fantastic to have the use of this magnificent venue," said NAMCC Ltd Clerk of the Course, William Fullerton. "We have a new tarmac special stage this year with a great layout. To run a historic rally is a wonderful new venture for us as a motor club and it's a unique event in Northern Ireland motorsport. It's great to see so much interest in the events which is reflected in the high quality entries."
Indeed, massive interest has been received for the Historic Rally Car Challenge and the event has been boosted by a number of overseas entries. Sweden's Björn Waldegård, the 1979 World Rally Champion, will reacquaint himself with the same Ford Escort RS1800 which he used to win the 1977 Safari Rally.
"It was 30 years ago when I last drove this car," Waldegård said. "I have very fond memories and it's great to have the opportunity to drive it again. I'm really looking forward to the rally this weekend and to be back again competing in Ireland!"
Waldegård will be joined by former British Rally Champion, Russell Brookes. He is twice winner of the British series, and is a former works driver for many teams. He will be reunited with a Talbot Sunbeam, while Irishman Billy Coleman will join the fray in an RS1800 Escort. He is also a former winner of the British Championship, as well as the Irish Tarmac Championship.
A number of other distinguished names can also be found on the entry list, including Cathal Curley, Adrian Boyd, Tony Fall, Ivor Clark and Dessie McCartney. Meanwhile, entries for the Apple Blossom Autotest are equally spectacular, with a number of Northern Ireland's leading lights. Drivers such as Eric Patterson, Noel Cochrane, Ken Irwin, Raymond Donaldson and Sam Bowden are just the tip of the iceberg.
Gates in Loughgall Country Park open at 9am on Saturday with festivities getting underway at 10am. Entry to the venue costs £10 per person (accompanied children under 16 are free), with Marie Curie Cancer Care benefiting from the proceeds. A full colour programme will be available and free parking will be provided.
Historic Rally Car Challenge - top 15 entries
1 Bjorn Waldegard/Kevin Toner Ford Escort RS1800
2 Billy Coleman/Colm Quinn Ford Escort RS1800
3 Russell Brookes/Desmond Mallon Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
4 Cahal Curley/Elkin Robinson Porsche 911
5 Tony Fall/TBA Mini Cooper S
6 Adrian Boyd/Brian Boyd Renault Alpine A110
7 Ivor Clark/Martin McGrath Hillman Avenger
8 Dessie McCartney/TBA Porsche 911
9 Robin Eyre-Maunsell/Norman Henderson Sunbeam Tiger
10 Roy Cathcart/TBA Ford Escort RS1800
11 John Keatley/Maurice Beckett Ford Escort RS1800
12 John McClean/Patrick McBride Ford Escort RS1800
14 Andrew McLoone/James Sharkey Ford Escort RS1800
15 Mervyn Johnston/Stuart Hyland Austin Mini Cooper S
Apple Blossom Autotest (top two in each class)
Noel Cochrane (last year's winner) - MG Midget
Class 1 Robert Dickson - Mini Special
Class 1 Samuel Baird - Wolseley Hornet
Class 2 David Jenkins - MG Midget
Class 2 Mike Adair - MG Midget
Class 3 Eric Patterson - Vauxhall Nova
Class 3 Wallace McKee - Vauxhall Chevette
Photos from Launch:
17/05/07
More top class stars confirmed for Festival of Motorsport Historic Rally Car Challenge!
Excitement is continuing to mount for next month's Armagh Lions Club 'Festival of Motorsport'. Huge interest has been received for the family extravaganza, which will be held in Loughgall Country Park on Saturday 2 June, and additional entries for the Historic Rally Car Challenge were confirmed earlier this week.
Russell Brookes, a former British Rally Champion, has entered the North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club event in an Andrews Heat for Hire Talbot Sunbeam Lotus. Brookes is another well known face in the motorsport scene, and had many high profile battles in rallies across the UK and Ireland. He is a former team-mate of Björn Waldegård (who has also entered the event) and as a former Circuit of Ireland and Ulster Rally winner, the Englishman is no stranger to these shores.
Tony Fall, a former BMW works driver and star of 1970s rallying, will drive a Mini Cooper S. He travelled far and wide during the 70s, and one of his most notable results was achieved in 1973 when he finished fourth at the East African Safari Rally.
Local man Mervyn Johnston, who lists the Irish Tarmac Historic Championship as one of his most notable achievements, has also been confirmed in his Mini Cooper S. John Keatley is another man who has numerous successes to his name, and he will pilot his Porsche 911.
Keeping the rear-wheel-drive Escort fans happy, Roy Cathcart also returns to the fray in his Mark 2 version. He is joined by Alan Jardine, who will have a Mark 1 at his disposal.
The event, which is sponsored by The Donnelly Group (Dungannon) and Donnelly & Taggart (Londonderry), will also feature numerous attractions to keep spectators entertained. The Apple Blossom Autotest will feature some of the country's leading competitors, and the festival will also include static historic rally cars and classic cars.
Professionally catered food and refreshments will be available from a dedicated marquee, while there will be many trade stands and family entertainment, including the Red Bull Display team.
Gates open at 10am with proceedings getting underway at 10.30am. Entry to the venue costs £10 per person (accompanied children under 16 are free), with Marie Curie Cancer Care benefiting from the proceeds. A full colour programme will be available and free parking will be provided.
The entry closing date has been brought forward to accommodate the production of the programme, so competitors wishing to take part are advised to contact entries secretary, Keith Somerville, on 07745 959 141 as soon as possible.
Historic Rally Car Challenge - confirmed leading entries
Björn Waldegård (1977 Safari winning Escort RS1800)
Russell Brookes (Talbot Sunbeam Lotus "Heat for Hire")
Billy Coleman (Escort RS1800)
Cathal Curley (Porsche 911)
Tony Fall (Mini Cooper S)
Ivor Clarke (BRM Avenger)
Roy Cathcart (Escort Mk2)
John Keatley (Porsche 911)
Adrian Boyd (Alpine A110)
Alan Jardine (Escort Mk1)
Mervyn Johnston (Mini Cooper S)
Robin Eyre-Maunsell (TBC)
08/05/07
Excitement mounts for Festival organisers as world class stars confirm entries!
The Armagh Lions Club 'Festival of Motorsport' is quickly shaping up to be one of the highlights of the 2007 Irish motorsport calendar. Organised in conjunction with North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club Ltd (NAMCC), more details of the high octane extravaganza, which will be held at Loughgall Country Park on Saturday 2 June, were revealed earlier today!
The Historic Rally Car Challenge forms the highlight of the festival and organisers have announced an impressive list of competitors who have already confirmed their entries. Famous Swedish rally star, Björn Waldegård, has entered with the original 1977 RS1800 Safari winning works liveried car. The Swede, who is known around the globe for his ability, has a CV which is envied by many of the world's leading rally talent. His entry is an exciting prospect and a major coup for the organisers to attract such a legendary name!
Entries have also been confirmed from other well-known names of the past, including Tony Fall in an original works Mini Cooper S. Scotland's Ivor Clarke will tackle the stages in a BRM Avenger, while notable local names such as Ireland's legend, Billy Coleman, will join the fray in an Escort RS1800.
Adrian Boyd will use a beautiful Renault A110 Alpine, and Cathal Curley is set to bring a magnificent Porsche 911. Leading lady driver Rosemary Smith will drive a Hillman Imp, and Robin Eyre-Maunsell is also included but has yet to confirm his car. Many other notable competitors have expressed an interest but have yet to be confirmed - another world star will be announced soon.
Enjoyment for all the family is guaranteed and plans are well advanced for the numerous attractions which will keep spectators entertained. In addition to the Historic Rally Car Challenge, which will feature four tarmac special stages (each 2.7 miles long), the Apple Blossom Autotest will feature some of the country's leading autotesters as they perform inch perfect handbrake turns in this highly technical sport.
There will also be static historic rally cars, classic cars and some of the latest WRC machinery on display, as well as a plethora of trade stands, not to mention family entertainment and refreshments. It is all in the aid of charity, and since the Armagh Lions Club was formed four years ago, it has raised £130,000. Marie Curie Cancer Care will benefit from the proceeds of this year's festival.
"Both the Armagh Lions Club and NAMCC have been overwhelmed by the response that we've received so far," Clerk of the Course, William Fullerton enthused. "The initial idea came from the Armagh Lions Club and we envisaged that this year would provide a stepping stone which would lead to a bigger and better event in the future. But thus far it has surpassed our expectations, and it really is an exciting prospect for everyone involved, as well as for Irish motorsport in general!"
Organisers have secured a five year sponsorship deal with The Donnelly Group (Dungannon) and Donnelly & Taggart (Londonderry). Their support has not only helped kick-start this year's event, but it has also ensured that the festival will have a long-term future.
"We are delighted to be associated with this unique and exciting charity event," said Terence Donnelly, Managing Director of the Donnelly Group. "With its two main purposes of support to the Marie Curie Cancer Care Charity, as well as providing entertainment for the public, combined with its twin themes of exciting motorsport action and family fun, it aligns very well with our promotional activities."
The magnificent Loughgall Country Park venue is jointly provided by Armagh and City District Council and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). The Festival also has the support of Armagh City Hotel, and without the backing of these entities, the event could not take place.
Organisers have already received massive interest and the entry lists are filling up very quickly. Tremendous prizes are available to competitors in all three events, in addition to the usual trophy awards. Competitors wishing to take part are advised to contact entries secretary, Keith Somerville, on 07745 959 141 as soon as possible.
26/04/07
Armagh Lions Club and North Armagh Motor Cycle and Car Club Ltd are to continue their joint charity support, with the announcement that they are to co-promote this motorsport spectacular, the “ARMAGH LIONS CLUB FESTIVAL OF MOTORSPORT”.
The venue for this exciting venture is the magnificent Loughgall Country Park, owned by Armagh City and District Council and the remainder of the original large country estate now owned and operated by DARD (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development).The estate and country park located in the Co. Armagh village are already well used to the thrills of motorsport, as the venue for the popular Loughgall Country Park Special Stage Rally which takes place in July each year.
The following attractions are to be included at the Festival which has the twin themes of Motorsport and Family Fun:
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• An Historic Rally Car Tarmac Special Stage Rally (4 special stages)
• The APPLE BLOSSOM Autotest
• Historic Rally Car and Classic Car Displays
• Trade stands
• Family Entertainment including music
• Refreshments
The Festival of Motorsport has secured, as its main sponsor THE DONNELLY GROUP, Dungannon and DONNELLY & TAGGART, Londonderry, the well known Northern Ireland motorcar dealerships leaving the organisers very pleased to have this generous financial security, also that the event is set for a long term future with their five year backing of the venture confirmed. Mr Terrance Donnelly, Managing Director of the Donnelly Group said, “We are delighted to be associated with this unique and exciting charity event, which with its two main purposes of support to the Marie Curie Cancer Care Charity and provide entertainment for the public, combined with its twin themes of exciting motorsport action, and family fun, aligns very well with our promotional activities”.
The organisers are also grateful for the assistance being provided by Armagh City and District Council, DARD, Loughgall Golf Club, Armagh City Hotel and the Residents of Loughgall Village, without whose help the event could not take place.
The highlight of the Festival will be the Loughgall Country Park Historic Rally Car Challenge with its 2.75 mile all tarmac Special Stage which is to be run twice in each direction. This unique rally is expected to attract around 50 entries including some of the top drivers and period cars from the 60’s and 70’s which are now rarely seen in competition locally. The Apple Blossom Autotest will feature the regular Northern Ireland competitors whose skills in car control have dominated the sport throughout the UK for so long.
Another first for motorsport in Northern Ireland is the news that, apart from the traditional awards presented to competitors, they will be entered into a very special prize draw with one winner selected from each event:
- Apple Blossom Autotest Prize: Return flights from Belfast together with one weeks stay in luxury apartment in Spain for two people.
- Loughgall Country Park Historic Rally Car Challenge Prize: Fully inclusive trip to the 2008 Monaco Grand Prix, including return flights from Belfast, two nights hotel accommodation and all relevant tickets/passes for two people.
- Static Car Display Prize: Weekend for two people in Madrid including return flights and hotel
More Details:
Upcoming