Cavan Stages Rally - 25 May 08

Posted: May 27, 2008 4:48 PM

First 2wd - Gary McPhillips/Mark Tierney


Gp N Winners - Alan Ring/Adrian Deasy

Report (courtesy of Irish Dunlop – sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship)

Posted: May 27, 2008 4:38 PM

Niall Maguire and co-driver, Paul McLaughlin took a hard earned victory on the Hotel Kilmore Cavan Rally, the fourth round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship. At the end of the nine stage rally, their Subaru WRC was eight seconds ahead of local ace, Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman, who finished second for the second year in a row. Monaghan’s, Adrian McElvaney/Paul Kelly (Subaru WRC) were third. Another Monaghan driver, Gary McPhillips (Escort) was the top two-wheel drive exponent, he finished a magnificent fourth overall. The Group N category was won by Kerry’s, Alan Ring (Mitsubishi).

Home hero, Elliott led Kevin Barrett by seven seconds after the opening stage with Dunlop Championship leader, Niall Maguire a further two seconds behind in third. The Mk. 2 Escort of Rodney Wilton held an impressive fourth while fellow rear wheel drive exponents, Gary McPhillips and Manus Kelly (Escort) and Maurice Moffett (Toyota Starlet) were next in classification. Seamus Leonard stalled at a junction and lost over a minute while Michael Barrable (Ford Focus WRC) lost some 20 seconds when he couldn’t pass Leonard’s stricken Subaru. Meanwhile, Adrian McElvaney (Subaru WRC), who had brake problems prior to the stage start, ran out of sequence but then got caught up in a stage blockage. He finished the stage in twentieth place.

Maguire was fastest through the second stage where Elliott spun his Subaru. Second placed Barrett lost some two minutes with a puncture but then bounced back to set quickest time on the third stage.

At the Tullyvin service, Maguire led Elliott by three seconds with Barrable some 15 seconds further behind. McPhillips led the two-wheel drive category despite an overshoot on S.S. 3, he was fourth overall as Wilton retired. Moffett was only a second behind McPhillips. McElvaney moved up the leaderboard to hold fourth place. Early Group N leader, Willie Fannin (Subaru) lost a few minutes with a puncture as Alan Ring (Mitsubishi) took up the lead role.

Out on the second loop, Barrable was fastest on two of the three stages to move into second behind new leader, Niall Maguire, who was 13 seconds ahead of the Dubliner. At the service halt, Maguire opined that he backed off when he thought he had punctured after the left front wheel clipped a stone on the sixth stage.

Elliott did actually puncture on S.S. 4, the episode cost him the lead as he slipped to third – ten seconds behind Barrable and 23 off top spot. McElvaney suffered a puncture on a road section while a sticking throttle added to his troubles, he was fourth.

McPhillips continued to lead the rear wheel drive brigade, he was fifth overall but clutch problems were a source of real concern. Nevertheless, he was 17 seconds ahead of the Toyota Starlet of Maurice Moffett with Manus Kelly (Escort) occupying seventh.

Group N leader, Alan Ring (Mitsubishi) reckoned his tyres were too hard for the conditions, he was 21 seconds in front of Sean Flanagan, who punctured his Subaru on the fourth test. Ring was eighth in a top ten that also featured Russell Woods and Damien Gallagher (Ford Escorts). Both Seamus Leonard and Kevin Barrett (Subaru WRC’s) and Group N pair, Danny McBride and Fergal Costello all retired during the second loop.

Barrable’s challenge ended on the seventh stage with transmission problems as Maguire and Elliott contested the final three stages in a race for maximum Dunlop points. Although Elliott was fastest through all three stages of the final loop, Maguire judged his pace to perfection to take victory and extend his lead over Elliott in the Dunlop series to four points. McElvaney came through to take the final spot on the podium.

McPhillips won the two-wheel drive category with a splendid drive that was accompanied by fourth overall, he finished 38 seconds ahead of Maurice Moffett (Toyota Starlet). Alan Ring (Mitsubishi) took a controlled victory in the Group N category where he was almost a minute ahead of Sean Flanagan. The top ten also included the Ford Escort of Damien Gallagher and Eamonn Daly (Mitsubishi).

Non-starters included Kevin Lynch, Aaron MacHale, Sean Gallagher and Noel Redmond.

Irish 205 Challenge - MCGOWAN SHOWS THE WAY ON THE CAVAN STAGES

Posted: May 27, 2008 4:12 PM

As predicted before the start, the Hotel Kilmore Cavan stages rally would be the toughest event so far for the eleven challenge crews entered. Warm weather, fast bumpy stages and high expectations took there toll right from the start.

The first stage would claim DJ Browne/ Torloc O Reilly, on one of the numerous bumpy corners the little 205 would fly too far and in the process remove a front wheel resulting in immediate retirement. A huge blow to Brownes challenge title bid following his great showing on the previous round. Also in championship trouble are the McGuaran brothers from Enniskillen, Damien and Thomas retiring on stage 1 with engine failure adding another duck on to their score.
Fastest through the 9 mile test was Shane Burns/ Shaun Balfe recording a time 20 seconds faster than Ulton McGowan/ Niall Byrne with Andy Slattery/ Shaun Forde just two seconds further back.
Next came Aidan Cooney/ Paddy mc Donagh a full 26 seconds down with Barry Mahon/ Mark Feely 5 seconds behind, debuting a newly built car following their huge car wrecking shunt on round two. Kenny and David English, Sean Sharkey/ Bernard mc Sweeney and Richard Guerin/ Antoney Linnane all came next separated by just one second each but nearly a minute off the top pace. Bring up the rear on their first event was Joe and Ronnie Ward but loving every moment of the action. Stage two saw local man Sharkey fastest from Burns by one second, 11 seconds further back was McGowan with Cooney 5 seconds down. Slattery was puzzled by his pace a further 5 seconds behind Cooney. Guerin got past English on this stage, 11 seconds quicker with Ward learning the ropes on his baptism of fire start.

Sharkey went fastest again on stage three, 7 seconds better than McGowan with Cooney right on his tail a second down. Slattery was 4 second of this group with Guerin continuing to pull away from English who was showing some contact with the scenery on the front left corner. Also off was early leader Burns out with a burst radiator. Ward was coming to terms with rallying now and was closer to the pace on this stage.

At this point, Sharkey lead by 9 seconds from McGowan with Cooney third 12 seconds down. After first service Sharkey again came out fighting, taking 21 seconds from Cooney with Mahon 3 seconds back and McGowan 18 seconds further down. Slattery would leave the road in here losing over 4 minutes. Mahon reported to be in steering rack trouble which would explain his lackluster pace and restrict his progress for the rest of the day.

Stage five and McGowan moved to the top of the leader board after Sharkey through it all away with a lurid overshoot at a junction causing him to drop 53 seconds. Cooney kept up the chase for the lead with a good time. Guerin pulled out more time on English with Mahon struggling on as was Slattery who was losing minutes trying to get through the stages to service and replace his burst radiator.

Stage six saw McGowan set his second fastest time of the day and stretch his lead out to 30 seconds over Cooney in second place. Sharkey was back in third place now, 40 seconds further back. It was this threesome on their own now as Mahon was nearly 1 minute 30 seconds away in fourth. After second service which was badly needed by some crews, McGowan and Cooney went at it hard, Cooney just 2 seconds slower over the nine miles. Sharkey could not find the speed to stay with this pace and dropped further back. Slattery, Mahon and English battled hard, all separated by just 7 seconds. Guerin lost his place in here being too cautious after a hairy moment in the previous stage. This was also the last stage for Joe Ward who retired at the start of stage eight when the broken exhaust melted the plastic fuel tank.

Stage eight settled the fight when McGowan hammered through the stage 31 seconds faster than Cooney who was suffering tyre wear. Slattery was closer to the pace but Sharkey wasn’t losing 40 seconds and any chance of catching Cooney for second place when his car developed a misfire.

The final stage caused no drama for any of the crews, McGowan again fastest with Slattery, Cooney and Mahon only a few seconds apart. Sharkey managed to hold his place despite his worsen problems. English kept up his pace to beat Guerin again and record another clean sheet and points on the board.

The final position show Ulton mcGowan the first challenge driver home 1 minute 36 seconds clear of Aidan Cooney in second who was delighted to score his first finish. Local man Sean Sharkey came home third 1 minute 13 seconds behind, happy but ruing what might have been. Kenny English finished fourth, his best result so far with Barry Mahon fifth after a great effort to get his car built and running for this event. Richard Guerin took sixth on his second ever rally with Andy Slattery taking seventh place after a character building day full of trouble caused by a bit of shiny tar.

So ended a brilliant day on some of the toughest stages in the country and a new look to the points board heading in to the second have of the season. Many thanks to all of the organizers and marshals of the Cavan motor club for the day.

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

Results / Photos

Posted: May 27, 2008 3:59 PM

1 Niall Maguire/Paul McLaughlin (Subaru Impreza WRC) 77m 54s
2 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) 78m 02s
3 Adrian McElvaney/Paul Kelly (Subaru Impreza WRC) 80m 07s
4 Gary McPhillips/Mark Tierney (Ford Escort Mk II) 81m 35s
5 Maurice Moffett/Jason McKenna (Toyota Starlet RWD) 82m 13s
6 Manus Kelly/Donal Barrett (Ford Escort Mk II) 82m 54s
7 Alan Ring/Adrian Deasy (Mit. Lancer Evo 9 (GpN) 83m 12s
8 Damien Gallagher/Mac Walsh (Ford Escort Mk II) 83m 15s
9 Sean Flanagan/Brian Duggan (Subaru Impreza N12) GpN 84m 07s
10 Eamonn Daly/Kevin Synott (Mit. Lancer Evo 9) GpN 84m 25s

Leaders After SS1 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2-9 Niall Maguire/Paul McLaughlin (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Stage Winners:
SS1 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Niall Maguire/Paul McLaughlin (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS3 Kevin Barrett / Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS4 Michael Barrable / Dermot O’Gorman (Ford Focus WRC)
SS5 Niall Maguire/Paul McLaughlin (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS6 Michael Barrable / Dermot O’Gorman (Ford Focus WRC)
SS7 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS8 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS9 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)

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

Rallynews by Michael & Zoe Patterson

Photos:
James Burke Motorsport Photography
crspics.com - Counihan Rallysport Pictures
Kieran Maguire
John Doyle Photography.com
Joe Lane Photos

ELLIOTT SEEKING ELUSIVE CAVAN VICTORY
(Preview courtesy of Irish Dunlop – sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship)

Posted: May 23, 2008 1:08 PM

Cavan and Monaghan confrontations are not just confined to the realms of Gaelic Games. In motorsport, this season’s Dunlop National Rally Championship has, so far, developed into a battle between series leader and former triple champion, Niall Maguire and local Cavan hero, Patrick Elliott, who is just two points behind after three rounds of the series.

Sunday’s Hotel Kilmore Cavan Rally features another clash of the championship chasing duo, who will be accompanied by a number of their rivals - all seeking vital Dunlop points. Elliott, now armed with a Subaru S12B, a car he debuted on the recent Rally of the Lakes, is the top seed. He has yet to win his home event and last year, was edged out by a single second on the very last stage by Aaron MacHale, who went on to clinch the Dunlop series.

On the last two events, a single second margin separated Elliott and Maguire. In the Circuit of Kerry, Elliott won the event after a tie-break with Maguire while in the last round in Monaghan, Maguire finished a second ahead of Elliott to take maximum points and sole lead of the Dunlop National Rally Championship.

Maguire, seeking an unprecedented fourth national crown, has shown a fine turn of speed on board his S11 Subaru WRC and he will hold no fear entering Elliott’s home ground. Meanwhile, title challengers like Seamus Leonard and Michael Barrable will also have a major input on the nine-stage event.

Derry’s, Kevin Lynch is seeded at number three and is using the Cavan round to further acclimatise himself with his recently acquired S12B Subaru, a car driven by Noel Redmond in previous rounds of the Dunlop series.

Although seeded at number four, last years’ winner in Cavan, Aaron MacHale (Ford Focus WRC) has withdrawn his entry. Seamus Leonard (Subaru WRC) continues his championship chase and will be determined to improve on his fourth place finish in Monaghan.

Meanwhile, Michael Barrable (Ford Focus WRC), who missed the opening round in Mayo and retired in Monaghan, knows that procuring maximum points is vital if he is to mount a serious title challenge. The Swords driver has very little room for error and cannot afford to lose major ground to either Maguire or Elliott.

Elsewhere, the top ten also includes the Subaru WRC quartet of Kevin Barrett, Adrian McElvaney, Sean Gallagher and Noel Redmond.

Barrett is currently fourth overall in the Dunlop series while McElvaney makes his second appearance of the season in a round of the championship having retired from the Monaghan event.

Gallagher, with Cavan winning co-driver, Enda Sherry calling the pacenotes, is seeded at nine while Redmond will be hoping to get much further than he did in Monaghan when his car wouldn’t re-start in the service halt prior to the first stage.

As always, the two-wheel drive category generates great interest in Cavan. Local ace, Rodney Wilton (Ford Escort), who won the category last year and finished twelfth overall, is the top seeded driver in the category. Opposition comes from Gary McPhillips in what is another Cavan/Monaghan clash. Russell Woods, another Cavan driver will also fancy his chances along with Donegal’s, Damien Gallagher and Manus Kelly (Ford Escorts) and Monaghan’s, Maurice Moffett (Toyota Starlet).

Former Patterson’s RallyNews Group N champion, Alan Ring (Mitsubishi) is the highest seeded Group N driver. Opposition includes Cavan born, Willie Fannin (Subaru), Sean Flanagan (Subaru) and the Mitsubishi trio of Fergal Costelloe, Eamonn Daly and Danny McBride. Donegal’s Joe MacHugh (Escort Cosworth) is also competing.

Withdrawn Entires

Posted: May 22, 2008 7:57 PM

Withdrawn Entires up to Wednesday 21st

4 Aaron McHale Killian Duffy Kilcullen Ford Focus 8
10 Noel Redmond Anthony Nestor Carrigduff Subaru Impreza S12 8
46 Gavin Harris Shaun Lafferty Convoy Subaru N11 4
48 Michael Conlon Aidan Boyle Castleblaney Ford Escort MK2 13
52 Kieran McCarra Mark Hamill Ballinode TBa
55 Sean McHugh John Rowland Claremorris BMW M3 14
72 Danny McCormack Brian Smullen Athboy Opel Corsa 12
81 Patrick Herity Justin Gilmartin Ballinfull Toyota Corolla 11
88 Rodney Nesbitt Aidan McAvinue Virginia Ford Escort MK2 12
157 Padraig Neville Seamus O'Grady Wexford Subaru Impreza 4
162 Michael McColgan Paul Gallagher Letterkenny Subaru Impreza 4
165 Declan McBrearty Declan Gallagher Bruckiess Toyota Corolla 11
167 Kevin Kelly Paul Hegarty Letterkenny Ford Escort 14
183 Michael Collum TBA Drumlish Honda Civic 2
182 Seamus Hegarty TBA Letterkenny Ford Escort 13
188 Patrick Farrell Kieran McElhinney Ballyjamesduff Subaru Impreza 15
204 Colin McMenamin Patrick McBride Newtowncunningham Honda Civic 2
208 Connor Brennan Alan Redstone Cross Subaru Impreza WRC 15

Updated Reserve list on Club Website:

Co. Cavan Motor Club

• 2008 National Rally Championship
• 2008 Border Rally Championship

Updated Reserve list on Club Website

Posted: May 21, 2008 11:53 AM

Co. Cavan Motor Club

• 2008 National Rally Championship
• 2008 Border Rally Championship

Irish 205 Challenge Preview

Posted: May 14, 2008 4:12 PM

The countdown is on for round three of Irelands most closely fought one make championship, the Irish 205 Challenge when the crews will tackle perhaps their most difficult event so far on the upcoming Cavan stages rally on May 25th.

The notorious lanes around the county that has a lake for every day of the year has sorted out many an experienced driver who has tried to tame the bumpy narrow high speed gravel strewn roads. A popular belief is if you can finish Cavan you can finish any rally in the country. A cautious approach is best with plenty of respect for the terrain but that is luxury the 205 challenge drivers cannot afford with stage times so tight in this years championship. The last two rounds have been decided by 4 and 5 seconds after eighty stage miles each so it would be a brave man that would hold back and wait for the result to come to them. Leading the championship by five points entering round three is Galway men Shane Burns co driven by Sean Balfe. A steady opening round in tricky conditions brought fourth place points. Round two saw the tribesmen win their first challenge round and score two fastest stage times as well coming home a scant five seconds ahead of the field.

Behind Burns in the points is last years champion co driver Ulton McGowan now behind the wheel of the car that won the challenge, co driven by Niall Byrne they have scored two podium results in their first year of driving. Third on round one was followed by another third on round two after setting some fastest times during the day but were denied a better results by an organizers timing error.

In third place is Cork men DJ Browne and Torloc O Reilly who also lost some ground on round two checking on his fellow competitors involved in an accident and just missed out on his first challenge win by five seconds. A hefty impact when leading the early stages of round one dented his points tally but nevertheless this has been the best showing from Browne who is now in his third season of the challenge.

Perhaps the most surprising start to the season has come from Andrew Slattery and Shaun Forde who are first time competitors to rallying and driving a car built by the families Peugeot dealership garage. Total novices starting the year, these youngsters are showing plenty of bravery on the stages resulting in them leading the most fastest stage time award. A brilliant second in round one was followed by a mechanical failure and a puncture on round two leaving them in sixth place.

Round one winner and favorite for this years crown lies in fifth place in the championship after a car destroying crash on stage five of the last round. Barry Mahon and Mark Feeley face a race against time to have a new car built for Cavan and then get back into some sort of rhythm as quick as possible to score enough points to get their season back on track.

Sixth place belongs to cousins Kenny and David English who are also starting their first seasons rallying. Learning the ropes has given them plenty of heart stopping moments along the way but two good scores and all the miles available will stand to them as the years progresses. Following these come Sean Sharkey who is also a novice but putting in some great times on both rounds. On home ground in Cavan, Sean will be eager to put in a top performance and could surprise the top boys. Damien and Thomas McGauran are next along and will also be looking for a top result to get their year back together after rolling out of round one and a cautious approach in round two. Norman Dunne is next but is unsure of completing the year after a huge accident leaving him with a wrecked car and a few injuries to boot. His co driver Bernard McSweeney who also had some injuries will swap to Sean Sharkey for this event. Richard Guerin and Antoney Linnane are also in the first year and going well after their first rally on round two. After two good showings on the first rounds but without scoring points due to a few indiscretions are novices Aidan Cooney and Paddy McDonagh who put in some very competitive times and should challenge the leaders as the year goes on.

Joining the challenge in Cavan will be Joe Ward who will be contesting his first stage rally so it will be a baptism of fire for joe but judging by a recent test session the speed is there.

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

Entry List, Time and Distance Available

Posted: May 12, 2008 9:54 AM

Details on Club website.

Co. Cavan Motor Club

• 2008 National Rally Championship
• 2008 Border Rally Championship

Regulations Available

Posted: January 28, 2008 10:41 PM

Regulations Available on the Club Website
Entries open on Monday 14th April.

Co. Cavan Motor Club

• 2008 National Rally Championship
• 2008 Border Rally Championship