2010 ALMC Stages Rally - 18 Jul 10

ALMC Stages Takes Top Spot - MSA Asphalt Rally Championship 2010

Posted: November 29, 2010 12:19 PM

The 2010 ALMC Stages Rally won the best rally award at the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship prize giving which took place in the UK on Saturday evening. The Richard Egger sponsored championship included the ALMC stages rally as a counting round for the first time during the 2010 season with a large number of regular championship contenders making the trip to Ireland for the round.
The ALMC event won the award in it’s first year as a counting round which is a remarkable achievement and something which clerk of the course Noel Devlin is very proud.
“It is a fantastic achievement for the club and testament to all the effort that the stages organising team put in advance and during the event weekend, the UK competitors really enjoyed our event and are looking forward to taking part in the 2011 ALMC round. The other rallies in the championship calendar continue to set a very high standard and we are working on next year’s event already and hope to bring some new initiatives to the attract a large entry from both UK and Ireland.

In Car

Posted: August 26, 2010 11:01 AM

Peter Wilson & Brian Daniels (Honda Civic) SS8


Trevor Culbert & Martin Costello (Ford Escort Mk2) - SS8

Daniel Ryan & Jason Ollerenshaw (Honda Civic) - SS3


Richard & Irene Lewsey (Ford Escort) - SS9

Video Clips - Motors TV Coverage

Posted: August 26, 2010 10:59 AM

Video Clips

Posted: August 26, 2010 10:54 AM

Sam Moffett/James O'Rielly take first Evo Challenge victory and jointly leads series.

Posted: August 26, 2010 10:51 AM

Sam Moffatt and co-driver James O'Reilly recorded their first ever Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge victory on Sunday, when they won round five of the Irish series, the ALMC Stages Rally. They took the lead when early pace-setters Neil McCance/Jonny Hart retired on stage five after clipping a bank and shattering a brake disc.

Starting and finishing at the City North Hotel near Drogheda, the ALMC stages rally followed a traditional Irish rally format of running three stages three times, each loop punctuated with a service halt. Enjoying a reputation of being a well-organised and popular event, the changing weather during 137 kilometres of competition was to make this year’s rally tough going for the 140-car field and therefore, the choice of tyres was crucial.

Having taken the Evolution Challenge and the overall event spoils on the previous two rounds, it was perhaps unsurprising that McCance/Hart led the Mitsubishis following the first of the three stages, their decision to contest the first loop on intermediate rubber proving to be a good call. Even so, that didn’t stop the 2009 Champion from overshooting a junction in SS2 because of the slippery conditions.

In contrast, Moffett/O’Reilly had opted for slicks and, although second of the Evos and the Group N runners, were finding the varying levels of grip – or lack of it – more than a little un-nerving. Having not competed since the first round, Geoff McMahon and co-driver Robert Graham admitted they were being cautious as they re-acquainted themselves with their car and were therefore pleased to be third.

Brendan Cumiskey and stand-in co-driver Ronan O’Kane were also familiarising themselves with their surroundings. Having damaged his car in the previous round three weeks ago, Cumiskey had hired an Evo IX for this event. Although not visually dissimilar to his own Mitsubishi, his temporary transport delivered its power and handled very differently – not ideal in the testing conditions and therefore the 2008 Champion was a little disappointed to be in fourth.

With the roads drying out during the first loop of three stages, the heavens opened just as cars left the first service halt in Duleek. Caught out on a set of brand new slicks, it was perhaps inevitable that McCance/Hart would encounter a few issues and, half-way through SS4, the car slid wide and rode up a bank.

Unbeknown to McCance, the lateral impact had caused the rear nearside brake disk to fracture and then, a few miles later, it suddenly shattered as he braked for a ‘turn left at junction’, the pedal going straight to the floor. Fortunately, McCance was able to continue straight on as the road went left and then bring the car to a halt without any problems. Having managed to effect repairs at the side of the road and restore some sort of braking, he and Greer continued to SS5, but unfortunately they had exceeded their maximum lateness and had no choice but to retire.

Suddenly, Sam Moffett who was also on slicks, found himself leading the Evolution Challenge by a comfortable margin of a minute to that of McMahon/Graham and Cumiskey/O’Kane, who were now on exactly the same second as they entered the service halt two. Cumiskey reported that he was still not comfortable with his car, whilst McMahon was concerned that his engine was loosing power, the fault later traced to the turbo-charger.

Much to the relief of all crews, the rain stopped and roads dried out for the final trio of stages. Whilst Moffett/O’Reilly increased their lead – even though they had now swapped to intermediate tyres - McMahon/Graham slipped back, as their power problems became more significant. Therefore, when cars returned to the City North Hotel for the traditional spraying of Champagne, the Evolution Challenge time sheets revealed that Moffatt/O’Reilly had recorded their first Mitsubishi series victory by a margin of one-minute and 23-seconds, with Cumiskey/O’Kane second and 47-seconds ahead of McMahon/Graham.

“We seemed to be caught out on the wrong tyres all day, so it makes getting to the finish an achievement.”, said Moffett. “I’m therefore delighted to take my first Evo Challenge win. It now puts me on equal points with Neil (McCance) and means we are in a great position to fight for the title.”

The sixth round of the Irish Mitsubishi series is the Antrim-based Northern Ireland Rally, which takes place on 21 & 22 August and is the one occasion in the year where crews go head-to-head with teams competing in the UK Evolution Challenge.

For the first time this season, the winner of the Evolution Challenge in each of the three countries it takes place, UK, Ireland and Sweden, will win the same prize: A supported drive in the FxPro Rally Cyprus, the final round of the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge). Then, whichever of the three teams are first home on this event, will be crowned European Evolution Challenge Champions.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland is supported by: Mitsubishi Motors, Pirelli tyres, Sunoco fuels, JRM, Cyprus Automobile Association, Fairways Mitsubishi, Donnelly Group, James Foley Rallysport, Speedline Corse wheels, Murray Motorsport, CL brake pads, Sparco racewear, Pacenotes and PIAA lights - who sponsor the junior award for under 25-year old drivers.

Evolution Challenge - Round five results
1 Sam Moffett (Monaghan)/ James O’Reilly (Monaghan) 1:19:56
2 Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/Ronan O'Kane (Dungannon) 1:21:19
3 Geoff McMahon (Armagh)/Robert Graham (Armagh) 1:22:06

Retirements
SS5 Neil McCance (Comber)/Jonny Hart (Carryduff) Accident/brake disc

MSA ASPHALT RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP - COLE BAGS TOP SPOT!…

Posted: August 26, 2010 10:49 AM

Damian Cole’s quest to succeed Melvyn Evans as REIS MSA Asphalt Rally Champion took another step forward at the weekend when he and co-driver Craig Drew won the Dublin-based ALMC Stages Rally outright. This was the crew’s fourth consecutive maximum score and now moves them ahead of erstwhile leaders John Stone and Lee Carter in the points tables.

The meat of the rally was contained in three stages, each run three times, and intermittent rain showers not only made the going more treacherous but also caused crews some headaches when it came to tyre choice.

Cole’s victory was not without its dramas either – having been running in second place for much of the day, he moved to the front after the leaders hit trouble on the penultimate stage. However, the eventual winner’s progress was hampered by a problem with his Ford Focus WRC’s throttle and an overheating engine. Nevertheless, everything held together to give the Herefordshire crew victory by 13 seconds.

Simon Mauger/Ashley Trimble took third place in their Ford Escort MkII after a superb display of driving in conditions that weren’t ideally suited to their two-wheel drive machine.

2006 & 2008 MSA Asphalt Rally Champions David Kynaston and Andy Russell looked to be heading for a Top Six finish in their Audi A3 Quattro when an under-bonnet fire put them out with two stages to go. This was an especially disappointing end to a promising run, especially as niggling problems have seen ‘DK’ fail to finish a round of the MSA Asphalt Championship this year.

On their first visit to the event, Scots crew David Hardie/John McCulloch brought their Subaru Impreza home to a class win, in spite of problems with the car’s gear linkage which saw it stuck in fifth for the whole of the sixth stage. Careful entry into all the corners was required to maintain the necessary momentum to keep going – the plan worked and David was awarded the ‘John Horton Motorsport Management Star Performance’ salver for his perseverance.

Dave Price and Chris Rice made the trip across the Irish Sea and both gained some useful class points on the day. Dave’s Ford Escort Mk6 RWD had been repaired following an incident with a deer on the Rally of the Midlands and a steady run, without further such interruptions, was recorded on this occasion.

Meanwhile, defending Group N Champion Chris Rice was pleased to complete the event in his Subaru Impreza, despite the car’s rear propshaft bolts coming loose on one stage. The problem was rectified at service, allowing him to continue on to take maximum points in N4.

Pressure of work at the family bakery in Stafford meant that Mark Jasper only arrived in Dublin on Saturday evening, leaving co-driver Don Whyatt, who lives just a few miles from the start, to take care of all the pre-event formalities. However, their pristine Legend Motorsport MG Metro 6R4 was out before the end of the first loop, having lost a wheel on the third stage.

Roger Donnan, who has finished every Championship event he has started since the beginning of 2009, put his Ford Puma S1600 off into a ditch and was OTL before a suitable recovery truck was on the scene to extricate the stricken car.

The next round of the REIS MSA Asphalt Rally Championship is the Tyneside Stages on Sunday 1st August, affording competitors the first of two visits to the Otterburn Military Ranges this season.

Photos

Posted: August 26, 2010 10:39 AM

myrally.ie Sport Photography
James Burke Motorsport Photography
crspics.com - Counihan Rallysport Pictures
TPM Photosport
Hassett Motorsport Photography
cmwi.net
Roy Dempster Photos
LINK REMOVED - Sideway Shot Motor Sport Photography
Peespeed Photography
Tight Angle Photography

Results

Posted: August 26, 2010 10:31 AM

1 Damian Cole/Craig Drew (Ford Focus WRC) 76m 31s,
2 Michael Barrable/Damien Connolly (Ford Focus WRC) 76m 44s,
3 Simon Mauger/Ashley Trimble (Ford Escort Mk2) 77m 41s,
4 Trevor Mulligan/Sean Hayde (Ford Escort Mk2) 78m 23s,
5 Michael O’Brien/Patrick Walsh (Ford Focus WRC) 78m 28s,
6 Brian Brogan/Damien McGettigan (Ford Escort MK2) 79m 33s,
7 Declan McNaughton/Denis O’Mahony (Ford Escort Mk2) 79m 46s,
8 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 79m 56s,
9 Neil Williams/Eurig Davies (Ford Escort Mk2) 80m 15s,
10 Stephen Cullen/Billy Collins (Subaru Impreza N12B Gp N) 80m 47s.

Group N Production class:
1 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly,
2 Stephen Cullen/Billy Collins,
3 Brendan Cumiskey/Ronan O’Kane (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) 81m 19s.

JUNIORS:
1 Alan Bardon/Ed Dunne (Civic) 45m 22s,
2 Billy McCarthy/John Falvey (Micra) 46m 15s,
3 Padraig Doory/Brian Purcell (Swift) 47m 50s.

Full Results:

results.shannonsportsit.ie (Angus Sealy)
Rallynews (by Brian & Liz Patterson)

ALMC Stages Programme Outlets

Posted: July 15, 2010 7:32 PM

Details on:

ALMC Stages Rally

Irish Evolution Challenge - Neil McCance aiming to continue winning streak.

Posted: July 14, 2010 4:26 PM

After just three weeks since round four, the fifth round of this year’s Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland heads to the centre of the country for the Gormanston-based ALMC Stages Rally, which takes place this Sunday 18th July.

Not only winning the previous two Evolution Challenge rounds, current series leader Neil McCance, with co-driver Jonny Hart, also won both events outright. However, whilst this weekend’s rally follows a similar Irish tarmac, one-day format of three stages ran three times, McCance accepts that he will be hard-pushed to perform the same feat again due to the number of WRC and highly modified cars taking part – although he starts as favourite to claim Evo Challenge and Group N honours.

Hoping for better luck than they had on the Ravens Rock Rally three weeks ago, the 2008 Mitsubishi Champion Brendan Cumiskey and co-driver Conor Foley are second seeds in the series and the Production Class for this event. Having shown they can set front-running stage times, they are likely to pose the biggest threat to McCance/Hart this weekend.

Another crew to show they can mix it at the head of the Mitsubishi field are Sam Moffett and James O’Reilly. They delivered their best result of the season last time out when they finished second of the Evo Challenge crews and, by doing so, pushed their way in to second place in the series standings.

Making a welcome return to the Mitsubishi fold, following their initial appearance this year in April’s Circuit of Ireland Rally, are Geoff McMahon/Robert Graham. They contested this event last year in the James Foley Rallysport Evo X and are therefore familiar with the area, but have opted to run their own Evo IX for this year’s outing through the County Meath lanes.

Notable by their absence on this event are John McGlaughlin and Crawford Henderson, the driver’s Evo IX still suffering from a frustrating and un-traceable miss-fire. Another regular crew to be missing the rally are Stanley Ballantine/Donnacha O’Callaghan, but have vowed to return for the next round.

As in previous years, the ALMC Rally starts and finishes from its headquarters at the City North Hotel. The first car leaves the start ramp at 9.30, with the 140-car field embarking on a route which features nine stages totalling 137 kilometres, split into three loops of three. A service halt at Duleek takes place after each loop and the finish is scheduled for 7.16 pm.

For the first time this season, the winner of the Evolution Challenge in each of the three countries it takes place, UK, Ireland and Sweden, will win the same prize: A supported drive in the FxPro Rally Cyprus, the final round of the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge). Then, whichever of the three teams are first home on this event, will be crowned European Evolution Challenge Champions.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland is supported by: Mitsubishi Motors, Pirelli tyres, Sunoco fuels, JRM, Cyprus Automobile Association, Fairways Mitsubishi, Donnelly Group, James Foley Rallysport, Speedline Corse wheels, Murray Motorsport, CL brake pads, Sparco racewear, Pacenotes and PIAA lights - who sponsor the junior award for under 25-year old drivers.

Evolution Challenge entries
10 Neil McCance (Comber)/Jonny Hart (Carryduff)
15 Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/Conor Foley (Ballinode)
16 Sam Moffett (Monaghan)/ James O’Reilly (Monaghan)
41 Geoff McMahon (Armagh)/Robert Graham (Armagh)

Entry List, Time and Distance Schedule and Final Instructions available

Posted: July 13, 2010 10:23 AM

ALMC Stages Rally

ALMC Stages Launched

Posted: July 13, 2010 10:20 AM

The launch of the 2010 City North ALMC Stages Rally took place on Thursday 8th July at the City North Hotel and was well attended by members of the local press, competitors and members of the ALMC motor club. The photo shot was followed by the members of the ALMC motor club motorshow organising committee presenting a cheque for €7,500 to the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation which was the money raised at this year ALMC Motorshow which took place early this year. Noel Devlin clerk of the course for this year’s stages rally addressed the launch, thanking the many club members and local business for their valued support of the event, Noel went on to explain the importance of those who make themselves available to marshal on the weekend and the importance of their work in the success of the event. “We have over 120 entries for the rally which in the times we live is a very good entry for a multi stage one day rally, we are delighted that upwards of twenty of the crews are visiting from the UK. The visiting crews bring much needed support for local business and tourism in the area and we hope that our special stages will leave a lasting impression on them and encourage them to return next year for the rally. The team have done great work in preparation for this year’s event, without the efforts of our club members and the support of the other clubs in the country it would be impossible to stage an event like this. We look forward to seeing lots of spectators out supporting the rally at the weekend and cheering on their favourite drivers” said Noel Devlin at the launch.

This year’s rally is a counting round of the Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Championship, Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge and the Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship. The rally also features the Metro 6R4 Challenge, the BMW M3 Challenge and the new MK2 Escort Challenge for which there will be a special trophy awarded. Leading entries for the rally include Irish tarmac championship regularies Tim McNulty and Paul Kiely in their Subaru Impreza 12B WRC and last year’s winner Michael Barrable will return to his local stages in his ex-works Ford Focus RS WRC05. Another Subaru WRC driver PJ McDermott will take to the stages along with the leading drivers from the UK asphalt championship which includes John Stone with Stephen McAuley on the notes in their Skoda Fabia WRC, followed by a brace of Ford Focus WRC cars driven by Damian Cole and Michael O’Brien. Another of the leading UK crews visiting the ALMC stages is Simon Mauger in his Ford Escort Mk2, Simon will be challenging for overall honours and of course valuable UK championship points. Other notable entries include Kenny McKinstry also in a Ford Escort Mk2, a car which Kenny has a lot of experience driving, Kenny will be closely followed by Declan Naughton from county Antrim driving a similar machine. The battle for group N will be just as fierce with Neil McCance in his Mitsubishi Lancer EVO9 leading the cars off the ramp at the start on Sunday morning, Neil will be pursued by local ace Brendan Cumiskey and county Monaghan’s Sam Moffett both driving Evo9’s. Other notable group N entries include Stephen Cullen in his Subaru Impreza N12, ALMC’s Eugene Meegan with Shorca Kelly on the notes and another of the local drivers Mark Nagle in his Subaru Impreza N12.

The event starts at the City North Hotel on Sunday with the first car due off at 9.30, service area is in Duleek Business Park, with the stages all located south of this location, with Parc ferme and scrutiny both located in the business park beside the rally hotel. The rally features nine stages located in counties Meath and Dublin taking in a generous 180km of competitive stage kilometres. The first competing cars are due back at the finish ramp at rally headquarters at 19.15 on Sunday evening; this will be followed by the rally prize giving in the hotel at 21.00. There are still a small number of entries available for the rally which can be made via the online entry system details and a link to the electronic version can be found on the stages website or via the club website

ALMC Stages Rally

ALMC Motor Club

ALMC Stages Rally Marshals Needed (Marshal meeting points)

Posted: July 7, 2010 2:47 PM

The countdown is on for the ALMC Stages Rally, which is now less than ten days away. To make this a success we require 150 Marshals over the three stages.

This year’s event is a counting round of the REIS MSA Asphalt Rally Championship; Loughran Signs .com Midlands East Rally Championship and the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge. All Marshals will be given a lunch pack and also dinner after the event at rally headquarters, City North Hotel junction 7 on the M1.

The event is a counting round of the ALMC Marshal’s Championship that has been running all year and every marshal on the day will also be entered in a draw for the opportunity to win one of five prizes of a chance to co-drive in a competing car at the club’s Rallysprint taking place in October.

If you are available to marshal or have any queries regarding marshalling on the day, please contact Chief Marshal - on 086 8513313 / +353 86 8513313

ALMC Stages 2010 – Marshal meeting points:

SS1/4/7: Ardcath – Wheelspin (Esso), Duleek @07:45 [GPS: N53°40.026’ W006°23.949’]
SS2/5/8: Garristown – Gough’s (Gala), Garristown @ 08:15 [GPS: N53°34.052’ W006°22.968’]
SS3/6/9: Hollystown – Maxol, Kilbride @ 09:00 [GPS: N53°27.036’ W006°23.727’]

More information on the event can be found on
ALMC Stages Rally
ALMC Motor Club

MSA ASPHALT RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP - COLE HEAPS PRESSURE ON!…

Posted: July 5, 2010 7:38 PM

The Dublin-based ALMC Stages Rally is included in the REIS MSA Asphalt Rally Championship calendar for the first time this year and Damian Cole/Craig Drew will be hoping that their run of success continues as they make the trip across the Irish Sea. The Herefordshire crew have scored maximum points on each of the last three rounds of the REIS-sponsored series and, in addition, have taken outright wins in their Ford Focus WRC on both the Jim Clark National Rally and Rally of the Midlands.

However, in spite of his impressive record of late, Cole is still lagging behind John Stone in the overall Championship Drivers’ points table. The Legend Fires MD has spent much of the season so far getting used to his Skoda Fabia WRC but, at the same time, reliability has seen him cross the finish line of all four events to date, while Cole was unlucky enough to retire from the opening encounter on the Epynt Ranges back in March.

Whilst both Cole and Stone will be keeping a wary eye on each other, neither should ignore the presence of Simon Mauger who will have Manxman Ashley Trimble reading the notes in his Ford Escort MkII. Mauger’s pace in his two-wheel drive car is something to behold – he was leading the Jim Clark National Rally outright before some rain played into the hands of the four-wheel drive cars and he recently took a Top Three finish on Rally of the Midlands. Mauger is currently 3rd in the Championship standings, but close enough to the two drivers in front to benefit significantly should any problems occur in Ireland.

Not only does the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship have a two-wheel drive car in the Top 3, but Roger Donnan’s 1600cc Ford Puma has moved up to 4th after the Midlands. The Stranraer resident has possibly the shortest trip of all the Championship contenders to get to Dublin but, once again, it is reliability that has put him where he is.

Reliability is something that seems to have temporarily deserted the 2006 & 2008 National Asphalt Champions, David Kynaston and Andy Russell. They are bringing their Audi A3 Quattro up from Devon in the hope of opening their account in the 2010 series, having been dogged by niggling problems on previous outings earlier in the year.

Mark Jasper and Don Whyatt, who lives in Dublin these days, are still relying on their MG Metro 6R4 while the Hyundai Accent is readied for competition. The Legend Motorsport car had its best outing to date on the Manx Telecom Rally and the pair both need some more points to move their season forward.

For David Hardie (Dumfries) and co-driver John McCulloch (Newton Stewart), the trip to the ferry across to Belfast with their Subaru Impreza will not be too demanding. Chris Rice, meanwhile, has a choice of ports to which he could transport his Group N example from his home in Gloucestershire. Both he and Dave Price (Ford Escort RWD Mk6) have yet to nominate co-drivers but the chance to increase their points tallies on a popular closed-road event is, obviously, too good to miss!

The route of the ALMC Stages Rally takes in three stages, run three times each, giving a total competitive mileage in excess of 110. The first car leaves the start at 8.50am on Sunday 18th July and returns to the finish at 6.00pm that evening.

ALMC Stages Launch - (Thu) 8 Jul 10

Posted: July 2, 2010 5:11 PM

City North ALMC Stages Rally press launch will place on Thursday 8th July at the City North Hotel, at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend, and light refreshments will be served afterwards.

The Club will make a cheque presentation to the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation proceeds from this year ALMC Motorshow which took place early in May this year.

Entries for the rally can be made via the online entry system details and a link to the electronic version can be found on the stages website or via the club website, regulations are also available for download.

ALMC Stages Rally

ALMC Motor Club

Tim McNulty to take on ALMC Stages Rally

Posted: June 29, 2010 8:53 AM

Tim McNulty will take to the stages for the 2010 City North Hotel ALMC stages rally on Sunday 18th July; McNulty whose last outing was the recent Donegal International Rally will bring his Subaru Impreza 12B to the Co. Louth event.
This year’s event is a counting round of the Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Championship, Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge and the Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship.
The rally also features the Metro 6R4 Challenge, the BMW M3 Challenge and the new MK2 Escort Challenge. McNulty who is based in Dublin will use the event as preparation for the Ulster Rally which takes place in August. The 2010 season has been mixed for the Meath man who won both the West Cork and Cavan stages rally but has failed to finish three of the counting rounds of the Irish Tarmac championship due to a variety of mechanical problems.
“It is great to have Tim as an entry in the event as I believe it will provide a great days competition for both the visiting crews and the local WRC drivers. The event is also certain to provide spectators with a fantastic day’s entertainment, there are some additional high profile drivers that we hope to announce in the coming days” said Noel Devlin Clerk of the Course.
PJ McDermot in his Subaru Impreza is another notable entry in the WRC category; PJ featured strongly at this year’s Donegal International and will be out to win the ALMC event.

The WRC battle will be a tight one with competition from Damien Cole in his Ford Focus WRC05 fresh from his victory on the recent Rally of the Midlands and John Stone taking to the stages in his Skoda Fabia WRC who was second to Cole on the Midlands event. Hot on their heels will be another of the leaders in the UK Asphalt championship fourth placed Mark Jasper who will swap his Hyundai Accent WRC which is still awaiting an engine for his Metro 6R4 to do battle on the ALMC event, Dubliner Michael Barrable last year’s winner will be out to achieve back to back wins on this his home event. Simon Mauger will also provide strong competition for the WRC drivers in his Escort MK2, a series of fastest stage times on the recent Midlands stages had Simon top of the leader board. Entries for the rally are still being accepted and can be made via the online entry system details and a link to the electronic version can be found on the stages website or via the club website at www.almc.ie, regulations are also available for download.

ALMC Stages Rally

ALMC Motor Club

Top Irish & UK Crews Enter ALMC Stages Rally

Posted: June 20, 2010 8:13 PM

The ALMC stages rally on Sunday 18th July with headquarters at the City North hotel has attracted many leading Ireland and UK crews. This year’s event is a counting round of the Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Championship, Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge and the Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship.
The rally also features the Metro 6R4 Challenge, the BMW M3 Challenge and the new MK2 Escort Challenge. The rally with just over four weeks to go has over eighty entries and boasts many top names from the sport.
Last year’s winner Michael Barrable and ALMC member with Dermot O’Gorman alongside on the notes will make the short trip north from his base in Dublin to defend his crown, driving his Ford Focus WRC. Michael will face stiff WRC competition from two of the leading competitors in this year’s Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Championship with John Stone taking to the stages in his Skoda Fabia WRC he currently leads the UK championship. Hot on their heels will be another of the leaders in the UK Asphalt championship fourth placed Mark Jasper in his Hyundai Accent WRC whose regular co-driver Don Whyatt is an ALMC club member, they will both be out for overall honours on the ALMC stages.

The new MK2 Escort Challenge has attracted many of the leading UK and Irish Escort drivers with Simon Maughan making the trip across the water, Simon and new Co-driver Ashley Trimble finished a well deserved 2nd overall splitting the WRC cars on this year’s Jim Clark rally and is certain to be a challenger for the top spot. Simon’s Escort will be joined on the stages by Sam Smyth’s similar machine this coupled with many local Escort crews will ensure a fantastic spectacle for spectators as the sideways men do battle. Other notable entries are Neil McCance in his Mitsubishi Lancer, Sam Moffett and Mark Courtney has entered in his Toyota. Robert Barrable will field his Championship leading Citroën C2R2 on the ALMC Stages competing alongside his Dad Michael, Robert drove very well on last year’s event finishing in the top ten in his then Ford Fiesta. Entries for the rally can be made via the online entry system details and a link to the electronic version can be found on the stages website or via the club website.

ALMC Stages Rally

ALMC Motor Club

ALMC Stages Rally Five Weeks to Go!

Posted: June 11, 2010 10:33 AM

The ALMC Motor Club are busy with preparations for the 2010 ALMC Stages Rally which takes place on Sunday 18th July. The event based at the City North Hotel is a counting round of the Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Championship, Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge and the Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship. The rally also features the Metro 6R4 Challenge, the BMW M3 Challenge and the new MK2 Escort Challenge.

The rally offers competitors a very compact event based just 35 minutes drive from Dublin with easy access via Dublin port and airport. The event service area is in Duleek Business Park, with the stages all located south of this location. The rally will feature nine stages located in counties Meath and Dublin taking in a generous 180km of competitive stage kilometres.
This year the competitive part of the rally will move to some new territory, to roads that have not seen rally cars (in full competition) since 1983. Leading entries for the rally will include last year’s stages winner Michael Barrable in his Ford Focus WRC who will take to stages for the first time since the West Cork Rally back in March. Michael will be joined by his son Robert who his setting the pace in both the Irish and British rounds of the Citroën championships and will be out to impress on his home even The rally is attracting a large number of competitors from the UK due to the events close proximity to Dublin and the fact that this year’s event is a counting round of the Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Championship. The club in an effort to support competitors are offering those interested in doing the rally the opportunity to pay the events entry fee on a stage payments basis, details of which can be found on the dedicated stages website www.almcstagesrally.com. Entries for the rally can be made via the online entry system details and a link to the electronic version can be found on the stages website or via the club website , regulations are also available for download.

ALMC Stages Rally

ALMC Motor Club

ALMC Announce Mk2 Escort Challenge

Posted: May 26, 2010 10:17 PM

ALMC are proud to announce details of the new MK2 Escort Challenge which will run as part of the 2010 ALMC Stages Rally which takes place on Sunday 18th July. This year’s stages rally will once again be based at the City North Hotel just north of Dublin on the M1; the rally is a counting round of the Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Championship, Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge and the Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship.
The new challenge will provide Ford Escort MK2 rally car drivers with an opportunity to go head to head with each other while running as part of the main field. Competitors taking part in the challenge will still have the opportunity to win class honours as part of the main rally while also being eligible to top the challenge event.

This year’s ALMC rally will feature nine stages located in counties Meath and Dublin taking in a generous 180km of competitive stage kilometres.
“Feedback from Escort Mark 2 rally car owners has been very positive they are looking forward to competing against each other on the ALMC stages event while having a chance of not only taking overall event honours but also winning their own challenge event.
The stages will provide the Escorts with plenty of chances to entertain the spectators as they will compete in all nine stages of the rally, indications are we will have a strong entry of MK2’s adding to what will be a great rally” commented Noel Devlin clerk of the course for the rally at the announcement of the new MK2 Escort Challenge.

Entries for the new challenge already confirmed include Trevor Mulligan and Pat Donegan plus an entry from Neil Williams from Wales and Simon Mauger all regular MK2 competitors.
Not only will the MK2’s make a sideways appearance on this year’s ALMC stages rally the club has also confirmed that this year’s rally will also feature the Metro 6R4 Challenge & the BMW M3 Challenge, details of which can be found on the dedicated stages website www.almcstagesrally.com.
Entries for the rally opened last month and interest in the event particularly among UK competitors has been over whelming in part due to the rallies proximity to Dublin and the generous overall stage distance.

More Details:

ALMC Stages Rally

ALMC Motor Club

On Line Entry Open:

Posted: April 1, 2010 3:57 PM

ALMC Motor Club has opened entries for the 2010 ALMC Stages Rally which takes place on Sunday 18th July.
This year’s stages rally will once again be based at the City North Hotel and is a counting round of the Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Championship, Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge and the Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship.

Once again, the Service Area will be in the Duleek Business Park, with the stages all located south of this location. The rally will feature nine stages located in counties Meath and Dublin taking in a generous 180km of competitive stage kilometres. This year the competitive part of the rally will move to some new territory, to roads that have not seen rally cars (in full competition) since 1983. While this will add a new dimension to the event, it brings other organisational challenges, with new housing estates where there were none when run last in the early 1980’s. The stages are challenging but not all are as open as with previous years.

“We have received a lot of enquires already about this year’s event, we are expecting a large entry from the UK as well as a strong local entry. We recently visited the first round of the UK asphalt series and based on the feedback we received many of the top competitors are looking forward to the trip across the Irish sea” said Noel Devlin COC.

This year’s rally will feature two new rallying groups the Metro 6R4 Challenge & the BMW M3 Challenge and is likely to attract a large number of competitors from the UK due to the events close proximity to both Dublin airport, ferry port and the significantly reduced entry fee. The club in an effort to support competitors are offering those interested in doing the rally the opportunity to pay the events entry fee on a stage payments basis, details of which can be found on the dedicated stages website.

Entries for the rally can be made via the online entry system details and a link to the electronic version can be found on the stages website or via the club website.

Shannon Sports IT (EVO On line Entry)

ALMC Stages Rally

ALMC Motor Club

ALMC Stages Set to Discover Ireland

Posted: March 4, 2010 5:11 PM

ALMC Motor Club has teamed up with Discover Ireland to promote the 2010 ALMC Stages Rally which takes place on Sunday 18th July. This year’s stages rally will once again be based at the City North Hotel and is a counting round of the Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Championship, Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge and the Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship. The rally will feature nine stages located in counties Meath and Dublin taking in a generous 180km of competitive stage kilometres. *“It is fantastic to have Failte Ireland on board and to be working closely with them promoting tourism, events in the North East of the country and in the UK. The club and the stages rally team continue to improve and develop the ALMC stages event and we are always looking for opportunities to promote and develop the event, this is one step in that process” *commented Noel Devlin clerk of the course for the event. The ALMC stages event is being promoted via the discoverireland.ie website and is featured in the tourism bodies’ calendar of events for the summer season.

This year’s rally will feature two new rallying groups the Metro 6R4 Challenge & the BMW M3 Challenge and is likely to attract a large number of competitors from the UK due to the events close proximity to both Dublin airport, ferry port and the significantly reduced entry fee. The club in an effort to support competitors are offering those interested in doing the rally the opportunity to pay the events entry fee on a stage payments basis, details of which can be found on the dedicated stages website www.almcstagesrally.com.

Entries for the rally will open later this month and with interest already being expressed both in Ireland and abroad the club are likely to achieve a maximum entry.

ALMC Stages Rally

ALMC Motor Club

Entry Fee Reduced again!

Posted: November 29, 2009 3:07 PM

As one year’s motorsport draws to a close and while some take time to reflect, ALMC is once again digging deep to announce their “Budget “ otherwise know as the  2010 ALMC -City North Hotel Rally Stages Rally.

There are very few motorsport enthusiasts or competitors that remain immune from the tough economic conditions facing this country. Motorsport is a demanding sport, in terms of finding stages and accommodating residents’ concerns, to recruiting marshals. It is many years since we have been faced with falling competitor numbers on events and watched the cancellation of established rallies.

ALMC’s plans, which are detailed in the attached flyer are aimed at providing competitors with an incentive and payment plan options to enable them to rally over 9 great stages in Counties Meath and Dublin – with a Rally HQ only 35minutes from Dublin Port or 20 minutes from Dublin Airport – with yet again, another reduced fee from ALMC.

We have cut our entry fee from €550 in 2008 to €499 in 2009 and now €485 for 2010…………..
We are in the business of providing competitor friendly motorsport and will continue to provide exceptional value and challenging stages over a compact route into the future, no matter how uncertain that may be.

Promotional Flyer

Posted: November 29, 2009 3:06 PM

2010 ALMC Promotional Flyer

Event / Club Website

Posted: November 29, 2009 3:04 PM

ALMC Stages Rally

ALMC Motor Club