ALMC Stages Rally - 6 Jul 08

Tourish takes first Evo Challenge win

Posted: July 16, 2008 9:09 AM

Round four of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland, the City North Hotel ALMC Stages Rally, saw Damien Tourish and co driver Domhall McAlleny record their first ever victory in the one-make series for Group N (production class) Mitsubishi Lancers. Owen Murphy and James O’Brian were pleased to finish second with a car that was down on power all day and, winner of rounds one and three, Brendan Cumiskey, with co-driver Conor Foley, finished third following an eventful rally.

ALMC Stages is the only one-day event in this year’s Irish Mitsubishi Championship calendar and featured a three-stage loop, run three times, which provided the capacity entry – which included nine Evo Challenge teams - with a competitive distance of 129 kilometres.

Based 30 kms north of Dublin, the event started on Sunday morning from its sponsor’s hotel, the overnight rain making grip on the the first loop of stages very unpredictable – most drivers opting for wet-weather tyres.

Having not driven the car for two months since round three in Killarney - whilst the team had been trying to cure an ECU fault - Murphy/O’Brien surprised even themselves, when the clock showed them ahead of Tourish/McAlleny by two seconds. However, on stage two, positions were reversed, when Murphy’s car developed a misfire.

With stage three cancelled due to a local farmer not being as happy as he could be about the rally passing his land, crews returned to service with stories of the slippery conditions. Stanley Ballentine/Richard Hyland were the first to be caught out, when their car slid off the road on the very first corner and became beached on the edge of a ditch for nearly a minute. They claimed that they would have got out to push, but they didn’t like the look of the nettles that surrounded the car!

Michael Murray/Aiden Mannion were slowed when their car’s differential pump stopped working during the first stage, whilst Tom Curley/Brian Miller reported to have clipped a bank in SS2, although Curley was delighted that the electrical gremlins that had plagued him for rounds two and three had finally disappeared.

The first Evo Challengers to leave the chase were Darren Caldwell/Martin Costello, who were concerned with the feel of their car’s transmission, spun and, on selecting reverse, broke something serious in the gearbox. As they carried on to the end of the stage they were caught by both Ballentine/Hyland and Carmichael/Lamont, but in the end, had no choice but to retire in what was their return to the Evolution Challenge following an appearance in Galway.

Having started the day cautiously, Colm Murphy/Brian Duggan picked up the pace on SS4 and, as the weather improved and the roads dried out, pulled ahead of Tourish/McAlleny by one second – their move to slick tyres proving to be the right choice. Now in the groove, they continued to set fastest Evo Challenge times on both stages five and six and entered the second service halt leading by 21 seconds.

Murphy/O’Brien were now third, with Carmichael/Lamont elevated to fourth when Cumiskey/Foley rearranged the front of their Evo after hitting a bale when their intercom failed in stage six.

With the final loop of three stages remaining, it looked as though Colm Murphy would finally claim the victory that had eluded him all season. However, when he arrived at the start of SS7 – still on slicks - to find the roads soaking wet and his car’s differential pump not working, he and Duggan realised it would be no easy task. Trying to strike a balance between maintaining a pace which would keep them in the lead, whilst staying mindful of the conditions, they overshot a junction and then got stuck in a ditch. After being pushed out by spectators, they consequently found themselves a minute down on Tourish/McAlleny.

Cumiskey also fell foul of the wet roads of SS7 and matched the damage to the front of his car with that of the rear, when he spun backwards into a tree near the end of the stage. However, this was top be the last stage for Ballentine/Hyland, who clipped a bale, then a stone pillar and a wall, when their car locked-up under braking for a chicane – at over 100mph! Fortunately, both crew members emerged unscathed and, although damaged, their once pristine Evo could well have been worse!

With a return to dry roads for stages eight and nine, Murphy/Duggan went on a mission to claw-back time, but it was not to be, when their car clipped a bridge wall, breaking a front wheel in the process. After changing the wheel at the side of the road, they were able to carry on to the end of the event but, with so much time being lost, Murphy was again robbed of victory.

Taking a calculated approach in the latter stages of the rally, Tourish/McAllenny were able to cruise to their very first and well-deserved Evo Challenge victory, whilst Murphy/O’Brien overcome the frustrations of their lesser-powered car to finish a fine second.

In what has now become customary, Cumiskey/Foley threw caution to the wind on the final stage - claiming that they only had their car’s four doors left to damage - and stormed through to take third from Carmichael/Lamont, who’s fourth place was enough to see them maintain the championship lead.

Curley/Miller drove well and were satisfied to finish fifth, as were Murry/Mannion who claimed sixth – but not so for Murphy/Duggan who ended their day in seventh.

“It was a tough event, but I enjoyed it”, said Tourish at the finish. “I’m delighted to claim my first Evo Challenge win and, following a second place in Killarney, means that I’m now in with a shot at the title.”

Tourish also won Group N, finished fifth overall and picked up the PIAA junior award for under 25 year old drivers.

There is now a break of two months, when the Irish Evolution Challenge resumes with round five in Wexford on 6th & 7th September.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland is supported by: Sunoco Racing Fuels, Pirelli tyres, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland, Performance Friction Brakes, Speedline Corse wheels, PIAA lights, Murray Motorsport, Sparco racewear, Pacenotes and James Foley Rallysport, who are providing a Group N Lancer Evolution for the 2008 Champion to use in next year’s Rally Ireland.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland – Round 4 Results
1 Damien Tourish (Donegal)/Domhall McAllaney (Donegal) 0:59:40
2 Owen Murphy (Cork)/ James O’Brien (Cork) 1:00:16
3 Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/Conor Foley (Ballinode) 1:01:14
4 Alan Carmichael (Ballymena)/Ivor Lamont (Ballymena) 1:01:24
5 Tom Curley (Oranmore)/Brian Miller (Leixlip) 1:03:08
6 Michael Murray (Longford)/Aidan Mannion (Kilcolgan) 1:06:14
7 Colm Murphy (Dublin)/Brian Duggan (Tim Healy Pass) 1:12:08

Retirements
SS1 Darren Caldwell (Navan)/Martin Costello (Trim)
SS7 Stanley Ballentine (Strabane)/Richard Hyland (Omagh)

In-Car

Posted: July 10, 2008 5:07 PM

Colm Murphy/Brian Duggan (Evo 9)


KILLIAN DUFFY & EAMON WALSH (C2-R2)

Video Clips

Posted: July 10, 2008 5:04 PM

Wilson a royal star. - Junior Championship.

Posted: July 10, 2008 5:01 PM

Peter Wilson had his first National Junior rally win on the ALMC Rally, run on his native County Meath. The Kells driver had a number of agonising near misses on earlier rounds but a brilliant drive on the changing conditions last Sunday netted him a famous victory. Wilson was driving a Honda Civic and he won the nine stage event by one minute and twenty five seconds. The result lifts him to second overall in the championship

In second place was another Meath driver in a Honda. Jack Newman is from Ashbourne and it was his best result of the year. Third was claimed by Killian Duffy in a Citroen C2R2 and he was less than a minute behind Newman. Duffy is the current Dunlop National Rally Champion Codriver.

Eamon Power was fourth overall in his Peugeot 106 and that keeps him in contention for the championship. In the main field Power finished 28th overall and won class 10 by almost five minutes. Championship leader Vincent Mc Aree was in fifth position in another 106 and would have been third but for an off on stage six that cost him almost two minutes. In sixth place was Michael Mc Kennedy, in the Toyota Corolla Twin Cam-the only rear wheel drive car in the championship.

Seventh place was a poor return for Jason Ryan after a huge drive. The winner of the first round in Tipperary harried Wilson all day. Ryan was fastest on stage four and had four second fastest times. He was in second place, 22 seconds adrift of Wilson when an engine sensor in the Civic malfunctioned costing eight minutes. The five championship points will take some of the sour taste away. Ross Forde drove his Suzuki Swift to eight place and into third place in the championship.

In ninth place was Patrick Cunningham and like Jason Ryan he deserved better. Cunningham was the winner in the second round in Limerick and was up to second on Sunday when electrical problems resulted in huge time loss on stages eight and nine.

Perhaps the most disappointed driver was Colin O’Toole. The Opel Corsa driver had a lean year to date, with a few early retirements. On the ALMC he won three stages and was third, just behind Wilson and Ryan when a driveshaft failed on stage six. At least O’Toole got the opportunity to demonstrate his pace in the Corsa.

Wilson was delighted with his result. His decision to start the day on wets proved crucial as the first two stages were damp from overnight rain. He had a twenty second lead after two stages. He held this cushion into the mid part of the rally and extended it to over a minute when Ryan, O’Toole and Cunningham encountered trouble.

Leaders SS 1 to 8 P. Wilson.
Stage winners P.Wilson (4), C.O’Toole (3),J.Ryan (1) and E.Power (1).

Thirteen juniors started the rally and there were four retirements:
Damien Mc Carthy (electrics SS1),
Sarah Moynihan (mechanical SS2),
Bernard Mulvihill ( accident SS3)
and Colin O’Toole (driveshaft SS6).

After five rounds Vincent Mc Aree leads the NJRC with 36 points ahead of Peter Wilson (32), Ross Forde (30), Power (28) and Damien Mc Carthy (26).

The next round is the Cork Forestry rally which is a one day event and will be held on Saturday 16th of August.

RESULTS.
1. Peter Wilson/John Kilmurray (Kells) 1.03.21
2. Jack Newman/David Coyle (Ashbourne) 1.04.46
3. Killian Duffy/Eamon Walsh (Claremorris) 1.05.35
4. Eamon Power/William Power (Ferns) 1.05.51
5. Vincent McAree/JP McAree (Ballinode) 1.07.08
6. Michael Mc Kennedy/Andrew Mahon (Cork) 1.12.31
7. Jason Ryan/Tadhg O’Sullivan (Youghal) 1.12.41
8. Ross Forde/Arron Forde (Galway) 1.15.53
9. Pat and Martin Cuningham (Galway) 1.40.48.

205 challenge - BROWNE BATTLES BRAVELY ON THE BOYNE

Posted: July 10, 2008 4:47 PM

Round four of the Irish 205 challenge took place on the ALMC stages rally based out of the City North hotel close to Dublin. Ten competitors made the start of the event with three loops of three stages based in north Meath to be tackled on a day that could have delivered any sort of weather, making tyre choice difficult.

Early pace setter over the first stage was Ulton McGowan co driven by Niall Burns stopping the clocks 3 seconds faster than Dj Browne a good time as he settled with stand in co driver Piaras O Callaghan. Aidan Cooney/Paddy McDonagh and Andy Slattery/Shaun Forde came through next, separated by 6 seconds but down 10 seconds to the leaders. Also dropping time was Barry Mahon/Mark Feely down 16 seconds. Sean Sharkey co driven by cousin Des had a torrid first stage, hitting a bale and spinning dropping 20 seconds to the fastest. Shane Burns, Damien McGuaran and Richard Guerin also setting similar times to Sharkey. Joe Ward completed all the cars through stage one on his second event in the challenge.

Stage two saw McGowan again fastest, Browne was 2 seconds slower. Burns was third quickest 11 seconds down, holding on to third place overall. Slattery and Sharkey were just 1 second apart, Cooney a further 2 seconds back, having spun twice and McGauran also 2 seconds further back.

Guerin/Donal Balfe again kept pace with this bunch with Ward/Paul Guerin also improving their pace with each stage. Mahon lost some time with a misfire but still held fifth.

Stage three was cancelled, so it was service next before the next loop. McGowan and Browne went equal fastest on stage four, leaving just 5 seconds between them. Cooney, Slattery, Sharkey, Mahon and Burns would be within 5 seconds of each other, all seven drivers within 9 seconds of the fastest time. McGauran spun in here dropping time as did Guerin and Ward.

Stage five was a fast stage, Cooney went quickest by 1 second from Mahon with Slattery 3 seconds down. The top two dropped a few seconds in here, McGowan adding 3 seconds to his lead over Browne. Burns and Sharkey were separated by one second with McGauran also showing good pace but would stop on the next road section with a blown engine. Guerin was showing signs of working hard behind the wheel but continued to lose time. Ward was in the same boat but with some electrical trouble as his cause.

Stage six saw Cooney and McGowan share fastest time with Slattery 1 second back. Browne dropped 4 seconds to the leaders with Mahon just 1 second behind him. Sharkey went well on the stage losing just ten seconds and lucky to be still in the rally after fuel pump trouble. Burns also on good form, 4 seconds down on Sharkey.

Stage seven was wet for the crews and Mahon made the most of his tyre choice, 16 seconds faster than leader McGowan to reduce the gap by half. Browne went second quickest to share the lead with McGowan who struggled in the stage. Slattery moved himself ahead of Cooney on the stage into fourth place. Burns came next with McGowan only able to set fifth fastest time along with Cooney.

Stage eight would be telling for the top three, Browne went 5 seconds faster than McGowan to take the lead. Fastest through the stage was Slattery on 7.58 with Cooney setting the same time as Browne on 8.03. Mahon came next 2 seconds down followed by McGowan. Sharkey and Burns matched each other on 8.10. Guerin and Ward held their places in eight and ninth.

The final stage was an eight mile run over the hills close to Bellewstown with plenty to catch out the drivers. The top five all had a fight on their hands. Browne had his first win in sight, McGowan was 5 seconds down but had a championship to think about, Mahon needed a strong result and was only12 seconds behind McGowan. Slattery and Cooney were locked in a battle all day, Slattery with a 6 second advantage and could not catch Mahon for third but could easily lose out on fourth place to Cooney.

As it happened Sharkey went fastest, Browne and Mahon shared second fastest taking 5 seconds from McGowan who was next followed by Burns. The drama was for fourth place when Slattery was slowed by electrical trouble. Cooney was ahead on the road and pushing hard, maybe a little to hard as he slid off on the very final downhill corner losing enough time to settle the result.

So ended a brilliant day on the stages, a fourth different winner from four events and a winning margin of just 12 seconds with third place a further 6 seconds back. Many thanks to all the marshals and organizers for an excellent days rallying.

Final Results..
Browne 1.10.23
McGowan 1.10.35
Mahon 1.10.41
Slattery 1.10.59
Cooney 1.11.26
Burns 1.11.39
Sharkey 1.12.06
Guerin 1.14.30
Ward 1.20.31

Thanks also to the Challenge sponsors
RGR
MARTISPORT
ABR SIGNS
KUMHO TYRES
EARS MOTORSPORT

Results

Posted: July 10, 2008 4:44 PM

1 Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Subaru Impreza WRC) 56m 36s,
2 Kenny McKinstry/Noel Orr (Subaru Impreza WRC) 57m 42s,
3 Mark Courtney/Mick Courtney (Toyota Celica GT-Four) 59m 20s,
4 Tom Holton/Francis Kenny (Toyota Celica GT-Four) 59m 36s,
5 Damien Tourish/Domhnall McAlaney (Mit. Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 59m 40s,
6 Trevor Mulligan/Lisa Roe (Escort Mk II) 59m 56s,
7 Owen Murphy/James O'Brien (Mit. Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 60m 16s,
8 Mark Jasper/Don Whyatt (Metro 6R4) 60m 37s,
9 Fergal Costello/Shane Gilhooly (Mit. Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 61m 09s,
10 Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley (Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 61m 24s.

Group N Production class:
1 Damien Tourish/Domhnall McAlaney,
2 Owen Murphy/James O'Brien,
3 Fergal Costello/Shane Gilhooly.

Full Results:
results.shannonsportsit.ie (Angus Sealy)

Rallynews (by Brian & Liz Patterson)

Photos:

Posted: July 10, 2008 4:32 PM

James Burke Motorsport Photography
crspics.com - Counihan Rallysport Pictures
LINK REMOVED - Sideway Shot Motor Sport Photography
John Bayly (www.rallyfile.com)
Kieran Maguire
kenbutterfield.com
John Boreland Photography
Joe Lane Photos

ALMC Motor Club

Posted: July 5, 2008 11:57 PM

At the Rally Launch: John Carroll COC, Noel Devlin DCOC, Dawn Popham Event Secretary,
Ladonna Tallon Marketing Manager City North Hotel, Dave Popham ACOC,
Ted Gaffney Club Steward.
Photo: John Quirke

Programe Outlets

Posted: July 3, 2008 6:49 PM

Campus Filling Station Collon
Emo Station Slane.
Top filling station Kilmoon Cross.
Applegreen Garages Julianstown
Home Flair West Street Drogheda
Wheelspin Esso Garage Duleek / Drogheda Road
Londis Duleek Village
City North Hotel

Scrutiny slots, Time and distance available

Posted: July 3, 2008 6:48 PM

ALMC Motor Club

Updated Entry List:

Posted: July 1, 2008 10:10 PM

On club website below.

Marshal Meeting Points (& Maps)

Posted: July 1, 2008 10:09 PM

ALMC Motor Club

Evo Challenge battle resumes in County Meath

Posted: June 30, 2008 2:57 PM

After two months since the previous round, the battle for the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland resumes next weekend, when the ALMC City North Hotel Stages Rally hosts round four of the all-asphalt one-make series for Group N (production specification) Lancers Evolutions.

Following a decision to move the fourth round from Donegal, to ensure all registered Evo Challenge crews were able to gain an entry, series organisers are delighted with the reception they have received from the County Meath-based event. Consequently, the only one-day rally in the Evo Challenge calendar has proved to be a popular choice, with nine crews entered - the series’ largest entry so far this season.

The event has also proved popular with other competitors, its full entry list boasting a total of 132 cars, plus a reserve list of 70!

An ‘interesting’ seeding for Evolution Challenge crews sees Owen Murphy, with co-driver James O’Brien, lead the Mitsubishi field away. The 21-year old charger will be looking for better luck this time round, following retirement in round three due to an ECU fault on day one.

Next to start are current series leaders, Alan Carmichael/Ivor Lamont, who won in West Cork and have finished every round so far. They are therefore aiming to continue their 100% points-scoring performance.

Although winning more stages than any other Irish Evo Challenge driver so far this season, Colm Murphy is yet to score, having retired on the second day in all three rounds. With a different co-driver in Anthony O’Conaill, he starts third of the Evo runners this time out and is hoping that the one-day format may well see him to make it to the finish!

Double-winner Brendan Cumiskey starts fourth and, with co-driver Conor Foley, whom he recorded his Killarney Evo Challenge victory, he will be out for a repeat performance – especially as this is his most local event. Stanley Ballentine/Richard Hyland are the fifth Evo Challenge crew to start and, after two podium finishes in the last two events, they have every chance of another good points haul on this event.

Next in line and rejoining the Mitsubishi series after only contesting round one - in which they retired - Darren Caldwell/Martin Costello make a welcome return and are hoping that their local knowledge may stand them in good stead. Seventh Evo Challenge seed is Tom Curley, who has shown good form this season and is destined for a high points score – provided his car is not still plagued by frustrating technical issues.

Surprisingly seeded as eighth Evo Challenge crew are Damien Tourish/Domhall McAlaney, who led the Mitsubishi series in Killarney during day-two, right up to the final stage. Having since found more power from their Lancer’s engine, it is expected they will be a force to be reckoned with next weekend.

Rounding off the Evo Challenge field are Michael Murray/Aiden Marrion, who - with a rebuilt engine – are hoping to finish well above their seeding suggests this time round.

The ALMC Stages Rally starts and finishes at from the event’s headquarters – and its title sponsor’s premises - the City Hotel North Hotel, just off the M1 near Gormanston, about 30 kilometres north of Dublin City Centre. The route features three stages, ran three times, on closed public roads in County Meath, providing a total competitive distance of 129 kilometres.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland is supported by: Sunoco Racing Fuels, Pirelli tyres, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland, Performance Friction Brakes, Speedline Corse wheels, PIAA lights, Murray Motorsport, Sparco racewear, Pacenotes and James Foley Rallysport, who are providing a Group N Lancer Evolution for the 2008 Champion to use in next year’s Rally Ireland.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland – Round 4
List of entries in start number order
15 Owen Murphy (Cork)/ James O’Brien (Cork) (J)
16 Alan Carmichael (Ballymena)/Ivor Lamont (Ballymena)
20 Colm Murphy (Dublin)/Anthony O’Conaill (Ballymakeera)
21 Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/Conor Foley (Ballinode)
23 Stanley Ballentine (Strabane)/Richard Hyland (Omagh)
24 Darren Caldwell (Navan)/Martin Costello (Trim)
31 Tom Curley (Oranmore)/TBC
32 Damien Tourish (Donegal)/Domhall McAllaney (Donegal) (J)
51 Michael Murray (Longford)/Aidan Mannion (Kilcolgan)

(J) = Junior driver

Entry List/Final Instructions / Map of Rally HQ and Scrutiny Location Available

Posted: June 26, 2008 12:36 PM

ALMC Motor Club

National Junior Rally Championship - More tarmac for the Juniors

Posted: June 26, 2008 10:44 AM

The ALMC Stages rally, organised and promoted by Aer Lingus Motor Club, takes place on Sunday 6th July. The event is Round 5 of the National Junior Rally Championship. The rally headquarters is the City North Hotel, Gormanstown, Co.Meath. The City North is about 30 miles north of Dublin on the M1 and accessible at the exit for Julianstown. The event will consist of three stages done three times with a total stage mileage of 90 miles.

The National Junior Rally Championship (NJRC) is in its inaugural year. It is an eight round championship, with four rounds on tar and four on gravel. It is also a class based championship. The winner of the NJRC will be awarded an assisted drive in a national rally in 2009, while the eight class winners (plus two wild cards) will be considered for the Billy Coleman award-worth over thirty thousand to the winner.

To date there has been two forestry rallies (Tipperary and Limerick) followed by two tarmac rallies: Midlands and Cork Mini. Jason Ryan (Honda) set the ball rolling with a fine win in Tipperary while Pat Cunningham (Honda) was the victor in the woods of Limerick.

The two tarmac rallies witnessed the best racing of the season, with Damien Mc Carthy winning both narrowly. He prevailed over Peter Wilson (both in Hondas) by 4 seconds in the Midlands and a mere 1.9 seconds in Cork. Pat Cunningham had a very good third in Cork and these three drivers can be expected to dominate the time sheets today. Perhaps lady luck will smile on Wilson today. He is the local driver and perhaps that will give him the edge over Mc Carthy.

The overall leader in the new championship is Vincent Mc Aree in the Peugeot 106.Mc Carthy trails him by just two points on 26 and Wilson is four more behind on 22.

ALMC Stages Rally Launch tonight @ 7pm in the City North Hotel

Posted: June 25, 2008 4:17 PM

The entry list will be available at the launch. Some guests that will that will be in attendance are last years winner Paddy White along with rally preparation expert James Foley and the famous Rosemary Smith.

There will also a display of rally cars.

Light refreshments will be available, admission is free and all are welcome.

Launch Night, City North Hotel, Gormanston, Wed 25th June at 7.00pm

Posted: June 11, 2008 10:48 PM

Entries still rolling in -- anyone still looking for a place, please get your entry in asap to Event Secretary Dawn Popham entries open until 25th June

"ALMC Stages Rally 2008 Launch Night, City North Hotel, Gormanston, Wed 25th June at 7.00pm All members, competitors and supporters welcome -- light refreshments available

Anyone available to marshal -- please contact Chief Marshal on 087 2488852

ALMC rally to replace Donegal as a counting round of the 2008 Irish Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge

Posted: May 10, 2008 1:43 PM

The ALMC stages Rally will be replacing the Donegal International as a counting round of the 2008 Irish Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge.

Regulations Available

Posted: May 9, 2008 4:12 PM

ALMC Motor Club

Details on 2008 Rally to be announced at club meeting on Wednesday 16th January at 8.00pm.

Posted: January 15, 2008 2:08 PM

ALMC Motor Club, promoters of the ALMC City North Hotel Multi Stage Rally on 6th July 2008 will be holding a club briefing in the City North Hotel Gormanstown on Wednesday 16th January at 8.00pm.

The club will be announcing details of its 2008 rally to be held on 6th July. Speakers will include Tim McNulty. Anyone interested in becoming involved as a competitor, marshal, helper or spectator is welcome to attend or simply joining the club is welcome to attend.

For further details see

ALMC Motor Club