2009 Forest Championship

Victory for Vincent in Irish Forestry Junior’s Brings Group N Reward

Posted: December 17, 2009 12:35 PM

For 23 year old Monaghan rally driver Vincent McAree, and his co-driving cousin JP McAree, the 2009 rallying season has brought a rich reward for their victory in the Junior section of the Irish Forestry Championship. Thanks to the hard work of the organisers of the Petro Systems Irish Forestry Championship and the generosity of Galway rally driver Daragh Raftery, Vincent McAree will now get a prize drive in Daragh’s Group N Subaru for the first two rounds of the 2010 Irish Forestry series. It’s a significant step up for the young Monaghan charger who has been campaigning a 1600 Peugeot 206 and C2R2 this season, and one he is really looking forward to. “I can’t wait to try the four wheel drive Group N car in the forests. We will have a lot to learn, but if things did go well on the first two rounds, maybe it would be worthwhile to continue in Group N. There’s a big thank you to John Quill who has worked so hard to promote the championship and to Daragh for the use of the car. Also to Motorsport Ireland who are funding the insurance for the car, Sunoco Fuels for providing the racing fuel and Silverstone Tyres for the rally tyres, which all help make it such a great prize. In addition to this British Rally Champion Keith Cronin has offered his services to help advise us on set up and driving techniques, and there would be no better person to teach us a few things about Group N machines.”

Vincent is the first to admit that his 2009 rally campaign wasn’t the best of seasons for the McAree Engineering team, but there was some success. “On the Moonraker we had a good result, first in class and second in Mitchelstown in our old 106, but we had a series of three non finishes with engine maladies with our 206 Peugeot, but I think we have sorted that now with Dynotune now working on the engine. It wasn’t a brilliant season for us, unlike 2008 when we finished second in the National Junior Championship, but we have come out with a prize at the end of it. There is no doubt Craig Breen was the fastest Junior, and due to his third place overall finish in the Forestry series he forfeited this prize, so we were lucky. It was great to see him receive the Billy Coleman Award this year however as he definitely deserved it.” With the help of V-Mac Silos, T-Met Recycling and Premier Welding Vincent also hired a Citroen C2 R2 in 2009 furthering his experience, but he hoping for better fortune in 2010. “I’m really looking forward to driving the Subaru, and to the forest championship again. I think it’s a great series and to be provided an opportunity to try something like this is really special.” It could be a prize drive well worth keeping an eye on in 2010.

Championship Points after Final Round

Posted: August 21, 2009 10:52 PM

Championship Points after Final Round

Forestry Championship Open Day - 26 Jul 09

Posted: July 6, 2009 6:05 PM

Forestry Championship Open Day - 26 Jul 09

Posted: February 12, 2009 12:48 PM

Forestry Championship Educational Day - 11 Jan 09

Posted: December 11, 2008 5:41 PM

Forestry Championship Educational Day - 11 Jan 09

Gp N Prize Drive for the 2009 Junior (Class 9) Forest Champion

Posted: December 11, 2008 5:30 PM

The National Forest Rally Championship Committee are delighted to announce a “Gp N Prize Drive” for the 2009 Junior (Class 9) Forest Champion.  This fantastic prize is thanks to the sportsmanship of two current competitors; Daragh Raferty and Enda Hallinan who have made their Gp N Subaru Impreza available for 4 rounds of the 2010 National Forest Rally Championship.

The lucky winner will enjoy an “arrive and drive package” for the first 4 rounds.  The clubs have pledged free entries, Motorsport Ireland are to cover the insurance (for the first 2 rallies), “Silverstone” are providing free Tyres and “Sunoco” are sponsoring the fuel.  In addition the winner will receive one to one advice (before the first event) from 2007 “Gp N” Forest Champion and current “Billy Coleman Winner” Keith Cronin who has a wealth of experience in Gp N competition.

The Committee are hosting an “educational day” in the Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh Sunday 11th January '09 (2pm – 6pm) where the Junior “Prize Drive” Gp N Impreza will be on display.  With the changing times it is hoped the “Competitor Friendly” Forest Championship will appeal to more competitors.  The aim is to attract newcomers as well as current tarmac competitors to show them a range of clubman cars properly set up for the forests.  Also planned is a demonstration on using “Safety Notes” and the “Safety DVD”.

“Hankook Tyres” have been title sponsors for the last two years and feel their support has run its course.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank “Hankook Tyres” and all at “Tractamotors” for their support and wish them continued success for the future.  Long serving Committee Chairman Willie Walsh is standing down following 6 years at the helm.  PRO Martin Brady is another steeping aside and we owe them both a debt of gratitude for all their hard work. 

John Quill is the welcome new Chairman – a familiar face in the Forest fraternity having previously served as Chairman, minute’s secretary as well as Clerking Cork Forest Rally on a few occasions.  The Committee are confident of appointing a new PRO early in January while the search is on to recruit a new title sponsor.

10 Reasons to Compete

Posted: December 11, 2008 5:29 PM

• Competitor Friendly Format, No Recce - Hassle Free Rallying.
• The Championship is renowned for great sportsmanship & camaraderie.
• Juniors & 1400's run ahead of mainfield.
• 5 Rounds, All scores to count.
• 5 bonus points for starting all rounds.
• Fantastic “4WD Gp N” Prize Drive for Junior Champion.
• Separate 2WD Championship, Producing a “2WD” National Champion.
• Safety Notes/ DVD's available by pre order from “Patterson Agencies”.
• Emphasis on Quality stages, repeat stages will Not run if too badly rutted.
• You Will become a better driver & learn greater car control from sliding through the loose surface stages.

Championship Rounds

Posted: November 13, 2008 12:26 PM

1. Tipperary Sean Conlon Forestry Rally - 8 Feb 09
2. Carrick-on-Suir Wm. Loughman Forestry Rally - 1 Mar 09
3. Munster Moonraker Forestry Rally - 12 Apr 09
4. Cork Jim Walsh Cork Forestry Rally - 15-16 Aug 09
5. Birr Forestry Rally - 11 Oct 09