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Carlow Stages Rally and Mk II Challenge - 9 May 10

Posted: September 4, 2010 10:02 PM - 36071 Hits

Round 3 - 2010 Honda Cup Ireland
Round 3 - 2010 Irish Evolution Challenge
Round 3 - 2010 South East Stages Rally Championship

  • Neil McCance/Johnny Hart win Carlow Stages
  • Simon Mauger/Ken Blanche win the Mk2 Challenge

Cheque Presentation from Carlow Car Club to the Cystic Fibrosis Association

Photo: Patrick Doyle

Cheque Presentation from Carlow Car Club to the Cystic Fibrosis Association

Posted: September 4, 2010 10:02 PM

Local man Brian Doyle along with the help of Carlow Car Club set about raising some much needed funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland recently. The fundraiser was the brainchild of Brian Doyle who with the full support of the car club decided to run the fundraiser in conjunction with the annual Carlow Stages Rally, the fundraiser kicked off at the launch of the stages rally with a monster raffle taking place with over 60 prizes on offer all kindly donated by local people and businesses, next up was an outing in the Fairgreen Shopping Centre and another in the McDonough Junction in Kilkenny at which there were some rallycars filled with balloons on display and people were asked to guess the correct amount.
Over 200 sponsor cards were distributed out to the club members; the club also donated all proceeds generated from the sale of the rally programmes on the weekend of the rally to this worthy cause.
In all a grand total of €10,000 was raised and it was with great pleasure that this cheque was presented to the CEO of the CF Association at a presentation night in the Lord Bagenal Hotel recently, there was a great attendance on the night with the musical entertainment supplied by The Works free of charge and a special guest appearance by local band Free Fallen Angels.
The money raised will go towards the new purpose built CF patient units in Crumlin Hospital. A big thank you to all who supported this very worthy cause and a big congratulations to Brian and his team for their dedication, hard work and commitment to making this fundraiser such a success.

In Car

Posted: May 12, 2010 11:15 PM

MANUS KELLY / DONAL BARRETT - SS1

Dessie Keenan & Enda Sherry


Steven McCabe & Donal Balfe - Stage 3 (Juniors)


Simon Mauger & Ken Blanche - Stage 1


Whelan/Fitzgerald take maiden Honda Cup Ireland victory in Carlow

Posted: May 12, 2010 4:51 PM

Richard Whelan and co-driver Colin Fitzgerald crossed the line of last weekend’s Lord Bagenal Hotel Stages Rally to record their first ever win in the Honda Cup Ireland. They took the lead on stage six when early front-runners JP Logue/Patrick Durning retired with a broken driveshaft.

The Honda Cup Ireland features three classes: Production, for Group N Cars under 2000cc; Super-Production, for modified cars up to 1650 cc and Group A cars up to 1600cc; Open, for modified cars up to 2050 cc and Group A/R3 cars up to 2000cc.

The event, which started and finished in Leighlinbridge just south of Carlow, featured eight stages on closed roads. These comprised a loop of three stages run twice followed by a final loop of two stages, the total providing a competitive distance of 135 kilometres.

Stage one saw Logue/Durning (Open Class) set the fastest time, 21 seconds ahead of Jack Newman/Tom Murphy (Super-Production) who’s car had developed a misfire. Whelan/Fitzgerald (Super-Production) were also disappointed not to have a clean run through the opening stage, when a puncture slowed them with four km to go, even though they did achieve third-fastest time.

However, more frustrated were Adrian Cannon/Jonathan Rooney (Production Class) when they were held-up after a car in front of them crashed and blocked the road. They then caught another competitor and subsequently exited the stage exactly a minute behind the HCI leaders.

Logue/Durning extended their lead on SS2, whilst Newman/Murphy were pleased that the misfire had now disappeared and were making up for lost time. But for Whelan/Fitzgerald the aftermath of the puncture was still affecting their times, when they found that their spare was a wet-weather tyre – not ideal for a dry and sunny day!

Even after overshooting a junction, Newman/Murphy were the fastest of the Hondas, going three seconds quicker than Logue/Durning and Whelan/Fitzgerald who set equal times. However, after a clipping a large bale and damaging their car’s front brakes when negotiating a chicane, Logue/During were pleased that the first service halt of the day followed.

Also suffering brake problems and glad to be heading to the service area were John Moran/Dave Cummins (Super-Production), whilst Whelan/Fitzgerald were just relieved to still be in the event after damaging their car when overtaking a slower competitor. This relatively close call didn’t detract them from setting the fastest HCI time on SS4 though, stopping the clocks three seconds ahead of Newman/Murphy.

Because they were seeded in the higher numbers, Moran/Cummins and Cannon/Rooney were denied a run through stage four and were awarded a notional time after it was cancelled.

For HCI leaders Logue/Durning, the possibility of a driveshaft problem came to light in SS4, only to become a reality on stage five and bringing their rally to a premature end. In contrast, the remaining four crews were settling into a faster pace, this loop being the second run through the morning’s three stages.

However, for Newman/Murphy the increased pace was short-lived, when the misfire from SS1 returned with a vengeance and this time it was terminal – the distributor later found to be the cause. Cannon/Rooney reported a slipping clutch while Moran/Cummings endured another cancelled stage and subsequent notional time.

With just two stages remaining following the second service halt, the remaining trio of Hondas all held onto their positions, with each crew reporting a trouble-free run back to Leighlinbridge for the finish. Final results showed that Whelan/Fitzgerald were the clear winners by over three minutes, with Moran/Cummings second and Cannon/Rooney third, who had closed the gap to just 11 seconds and were very pleased to have won the Production Class.

“I am absolutely delighted to take my first Honda Cup Ireland victory”, said Whelan. “All of us had problems today, so it was a case of keeping up the pace while keeping out of trouble. It’s also good to be leading the series as well.”

With no recorded finishers on the opening round, the current series standings reflect the results from the Carlow event. Competitors now prepare for round three, when the Honda Cup Ireland heads to Dundalk for the North East Stages Rally on 4th July.

The 2010 Honda Cup Ireland is supported by: Pirelli, Euro M-Sport and Meegan Motorsport.

For further information visit:

Round one results
1 Richard Whelan (Galway)/Colin FitzGerald Super-Production 1:14:53
2 John Moran (Claregalway)/Dave Cummins Super-Production 1:18:05
3 Adrian Cannon/Jonathan Rooney Production 1:18:16

Retirements
SS5 JP Logue (Letterkenny)/Richard Durning Open Driveshaft
SS6 Jack Newman (Ashbourne)/Tom Murphy Super-Production Ignition

Neil McCance/Jonny Hart win Evo Challenge and takes overall event victory.

Posted: May 10, 2010 9:23 PM


Photo: Trevor McGrath


Neil McCance and co-driver Jonny Hart recorded a double-victory this weekend on the Carlow-based Lord Bagenal Hotel Stages, by not only winning round three of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland, but also winning the event overall – the first time McCance has achieved an outright victory in 21 years of competing. Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley claimed second in the Evo Challenge, with Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly third, both finishing in the top-ten overall.

The event comprised eight stages on closed roads south of the host town of Leighlinbridge. A loop of three stages were held before the first service halt and then the same three were repeated before the second with a final loop of two before the finish.

Although just four of the eight crews registered for the Mitsubishi series had entered this one-day event – others unable to compete due to a variety of commitments - Evolution Challenge officials were delighted that rally organisers had seeded them all at the front of the 114 car field.

Dry and sunny conditions greeted crews for the start in Leighlinbridge, the first car away that of John McGlaughlin/Crawford Henderson. However, their place at the front of the field was short-lived, when – on the very first stage – they felt the car handling strangely, the fault traced to a detached plug in the wiring for the diff control.

In contrast, McCance/Hart were flying and posted a time 13 seconds quicker to lead the Evolution Challenge charge and the overall event.  With their car back to 100% for SS2 McGlaughlin/Henderson exited the stage in equal second place with Cumiskey/Foley, but on SS3 things became decidedly worse, when McGlaughlin felt his car rapidly looking power before the engine stopped completely towards the end of the stage.

Although unsure as to the cause, he and Henderson managed to get going again and nurse the car back to the service area. However, the team were unable to rectify the problem and therefore had no choice but to retire.

After the first loop McCance/Hart had extended their Evo Challenge lead to 52 seconds, while Cumiskey/Foley were 37 seconds ahead of Moffett/O’Reilly who were getting to know their new car, Moffett only taking delivery of his replacement Evo IX the evening before the rally.

The second loop of three stages saw the leaders extend their lead further, leaving Cumiskey/Foley and Moffett/O’Reilly swapping stage time behind them. However, in the battle for overall positions the array of Mk II Escorts that followed McCance/Hart were beginning to chip away at the Mitsubishi crew’s advantage and, when crews came into the second service halt, time sheets showed their lead in the Evo Challenge was now nearly two minutes and 23 seconds in the overall event.

With just two stages to go, McCance/Hart were determined to finish what they started and, following a faultless drive through SS7 and SS8, they emerged from the final stage to win the Evo Challenge by over two-and-a-half minutes and the overall event by 15   seconds, providing them both with their first ever outright victory which, in McCance’s case, was after 21 years of rallying.

“My main aim this weekend was to win the Evolution Challenge, but to win the event overall as well is a fantastic bonus,” said McCance, “I tried to put the thought of the outright win to the back of my mind and concentrate on the Evo Challenge, but I must admit that as we got near the finish I did quietly hope that we would do it and therefore I’m delighted with the result.”

Cumiskey/Foley held their sound second place in the Evolution Challenge and finished sixth overall, 53 seconds ahead of Moffett/O’Reilly who were third and eighth overall - all three Mitsubishi crews scoring a top-ten result

The fourth round of the Mitsubishi series sees crews return to South West Ireland for the Ravens Rock Rally, the Carrick-on-Suir event taking place on 27th June.

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 three results
1  Neil McCance (Comber)/Jonny Hart (Carryduff) 1:10:03
2  Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/Conor Foley (Ballinode) 1:12:37
3  Sam Moffett (Monaghan)/ James O’Reilly (Monaghan) 1:13:30

Retirements
SS3  John McGlaughlin (Cookstown)/Crawford Henderson (Magherafelt) Engine

Posted: May 10, 2010 12:30 PM


Simon Mauger/Ken Blanche win the Mk2 Challenge
Photo: M. Schayer Rally Photography

More Video Clips

Posted: May 10, 2010 12:19 PM







Even More Photos!

Posted: May 10, 2010 12:08 PM

Results

Posted: May 10, 2010 11:32 AM

No Driver/Codriver (Make) Total
1 Neil McCance/Johnny Hart (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 01:10:03
2 Simon Mauger/Ken Blanche (Ford Escort Mk2) 01:10:18
3 Manus Kelly/Donall Barrett (Ford Escort Mk2) 01:10:21
4 Dessie Keenan/Enda Sherry (Ford Escort Mk2) 01:10:28
5 Adrian Hetherington/Gary Nolan (Ford Escort Mk2) 01:11:32
6 Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 01:12:37
7 John Waring/Alan Whyte (Ford Escort Mk2) 01:12:40
8 Sam Moffett/James O'Reilly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 01:13:30
9 Neil Williams/Eurig Davies (Ford Escort Mk2) 01:13:35
10 David James/Aidan Kent (Ford Escort Mk2) 01:13:43

1 Kenny O’Brien/Barry Foyle (Vauxhall Nova) 25:38
2 Steven McCabe/Donal Balfe (Ford Fiesta) 25:56
3 Liam McMullan/John Coll (Honda Civic) 26:23

Leaders:
SS1 Neil McCance/Johnny Hart (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN)
& Simon Mauger/Ken Blanche (Ford Escort Mk2)
& Manus Kelly/Donall Barrett (Ford Escort Mk2)
& James Travers/Robert Nolan (Renault Clio)
SS2-8 Neil McCance/Johnny Hart (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN)

Stage Winners:
SS1 Neil McCance/Johnny Hart (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN)
& Manus Kelly/Donall Barrett (Ford Escort Mk2)
SS2 Neil McCance/Johnny Hart (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN)
SS3 Neil McCance/Johnny Hart (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN)
SS4 Manus Kelly/Donall Barrett (Ford Escort Mk2)
SS5 Adrian Hetherington/Gary Nolan (Ford Escort Mk2)
SS6 Neil McCance/Johnny Hart (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN)
SS7 Simon Mauger/Ken Blanche (Ford Escort Mk2)
& Manus Kelly/Donall Barrett (Ford Escort Mk2)
SS8 Simon Mauger/Ken Blanche (Ford Escort Mk2)

Irish Evolution Challenge Preview

Posted: May 6, 2010 11:47 AM

Round three of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland takes place this weekend, when the series heads south to Leighlinbridge and County Carlow for the Lord Bagenal Hotel Stages Rally.

Following Easter’s rounds one and two of the Evolution Challenge on the two-day Circuit of Ireland Rally, the fight for the leading positions could not be closer, with John McGlaughlin/Crawford Henderson winning Saturday’s round one and Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley winning Sunday’s round two. However, despite collecting punctures and finishing second on both days, Neil McCance/Sean Ferris were first on aggregate over the two days and therefore, the points at the top of the table reflect what has so far been a close fight between the leading Mitsubishi crews.

With 2010 being the first time the Evolution Challenge has visited this popular one-day rally and, with the traditionally clubman-based field making up a large proportion of the entry, rally organisers have seen fit to seed the top four Mitsubishi crews at the head of the field. For the series this is a rare privilege, as it is the first time this has happened since it began in the UK in February 2001. It also signifies that Evolution Challenge crews are in with a good chance of scoring an outright event victory this weekend.

John McGlaughlin/Crawford Henderson start as car number one in the band new Evolution IX they debuted on the opening round of the season, recording an impressive victory first time out. However, their weekend was blighted by an intermittent mis-fire, which they hope will not re-appear for this event.

Second away from the start are Neil McCance and stand-in co-driver Jonny Hart, who is intending not have to change so many wheels this time around and that his allocation of punctures for the year was taken care of last time out. The 2009 Evolution Challenge Champion Driver is therefore looking forward to a clean run in an event he has not contested previously.

Following them off the line are winners of round two and the 2008 Evolution Challenge Champion Driver Brendan Cumiskey, with co-driver Conor Foley. After overcoming some mechanical issues in round one, they found their rhythm for round two and were very pleased to record their first Mitsubishi series victory for almost two years.

Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly are the fourth seeds and, quickly getting used to four-wheel-drive, are another crew that may come out on top this weekend. They currently lie fourth in the series standings and will be looking to keep their championship hopes alive.

The remaining registered Evolution Challenge competitors have chosen to sit this event out, with other commitments not allowing them to take part this weekend.

Based in Leighlinbridge, the rally starts at 8.30 am and finishes at 4.30 pm. It features eight stages, one ran twice and two ran three times, which combined, provide a competitive distance of 135 kilometres.

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
1 John McGlaughlin (Cookstown)/Crawford Henderson (Magherafelt)
2 Neil McCance (Comber)/Jonny Hart (Carryduff)
3 Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/Conor Foley (Ballinode)
4 Sam Moffett (Monaghan)/ James O’Reilly (Monaghan)

Dessie Keenan to use Gary McPhilips' Car

Posted: May 5, 2010 5:56 PM

Dessie Keenan, who will be competing in a Mark 2 for first time in 4 years will be using Gary McPhilips' Mark 2 Escort, with his own Engine and Gearbox fitted!

Entry Lists

Posted: May 5, 2010 8:31 AM

No Driver/Co-Driver (Car) [Class]
1 John McGlaughlin/Crawford Henderson (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [ 4]
2 Neil McCance/ TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [ 4]
3 Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [ 4]
4 Sam Moffett/James O'Reilly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [ 4]
5 Terence O'Shaughnessy/Eugene McGrath (Toyota Corolla RWD) [14]
6 Eoin Doyle/Peter Brennan (Subaru Impreza WRC) [ 8]
7 Stanley Ballantine/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
8 William Mavitty/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) [4]
9 Mark Nangle/Nollaig Breen (Subaru Impreza N12) [ 4]
10 James Travers/Robert Nolan (Renault Clio) [3]
201 Simon Mauger/Ken Blanche (Ford Escort Mk2) [22]
202 Seamus O'Connell/Andrew Greenan (Ford Escort Mk2) [22]
203 Dessie Keenan/Enda Sherry (Ford Escort) [22]
204 Manus Kelly/Donall Barrett (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
205 John Waring/Alan Whyte (Ford Escort) [22]
206 Camillus Bradley/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [22]
207 Trevor Mulligan/Sean Hayde (Ford Escort Mk2) [22]
208 Adrian Hetherington/Gary Nolan (Ford Escort Mk2) [22]
209 David Condell/George Condell (Ford Escort Mk2) [22]
210 Sam Smyth/Alan Smyth (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
211 David James/Aidan Kent (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
212 Neil Williams/Eurig Davies (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
213 John O'Donnell/Raymond Scott (Ford Escort Mk2) [20]
214 Trevor Culbert/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
215 Gordon Rogers/Philip McEntee (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
216 Seamus Doyle/Kevin Barry (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
217 Jason Roche/Damien Fleming (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
218 Graham Scallan/Tom Scallan (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
219 Brian Lalor/Mark Bowes (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
220 Enda O'Brien/John Butler (Ford Escort Mk2) [19]
221 Barry Ryan/TBA TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [19]
11 Stephen Cullen/Seamus O'Grady (Subaru Impreza) [ 4]
12 John Hendy/ TBA (Toyota Corolla Twincam) [11]
14 Martin Cunningham/ TBA (Honda Civic) [11]
15 Richard Whelan/Colin Fitzgearld (Honda Civic Vtec) [11]
16 Jack Newman/Tom Murphy (Honda Civic) [11]
17 JP Logue/Patrick Durning (Honda Civic) [13]
18 Allen Treacy/Bob Fitzgerald (Toyota Corolla GT) [13]
19 Michael Cuddihy/Derek Gibbs (Toyota Starlet) [11]
20 Fergal Allen/Brian Sharkey (BMW M3) [14]
21 John Hickey/ TBA (Fubaru Escort RS 4x4) [15]
22 Martin McPhillips/ TBA (Toyota Auris) [11]
23 Trevor Hutton/Tristen Hutton (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [ 4]
24 Shane O'Rourke/Gary Meehan (Mitsubishi Evo 6) [ 4]
25 Graham Kelly/Shane McEneaney (Ford Escort Mk4) [13]
26 David Cullen/John Cullen (Hillman Avenger) [13]
222 Johnny Murphy/Martin Nolan (Ford Escort) [21]
223 Tomas Davies/Paul Wakely (Ford Escort) [21]
224 Hugh Jones/Llion Williams (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
225 Paul Doyle/John Brophy (Ford Escort) [20]
226 Larry Brady/Anne Brady (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
227 Niall Fortune/James Kelly (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
228 John Hade/Sharon Nolan (Ford Escort RS Mk2) [21]
229 Pat Lee/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
230 Liam Howlett/Leo Tector (Ford Escort RS) [13]
231 Michael Dowling/David Dowling (Ford Escort) [20]
232 Michael Nevin/Mike Garahy (Ford Escort Mk2) [18]
27 Dan Mulcahy/TBA TBA (Ford Escort Cosworth) [15]
28 Jack Maguire/ TBA (Ford Escort RS Mk2) [ 1]
29 John Gill/Brian Kirwan (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [ 4]
30 Paddy Murphy/Caroline Cleary (Subaru Impreza N10) [ 4]
31 Peter Murphy/Aiden McLoughlin (Renault Clio) [ 3]
32 Andrew Fanning/Alan McCormack (Ford Puma Kit Car) [ 5]
33 Mark Cullen/Paul Cullen (Darrian T90) [10]
34 Michael Brazil/Ray Fitzpatrick (Peugeot 205 RWD) [11]
35 Francis Kelly/Charlotte Egan (Opel Corsa) [12]
36 Pat Murphy/ TBA (Peugeot 205 GTi) [13]
37 Jack Deegan/ TBA (Peugeot 205) [13]
38 Kevin Gallagher/Gavin Gallagher (MG Super 1600) [11]
39 Ciaran Cloke/Robert Power (Subaru Impreza N) [ 4]
40 Kieran O' Connell/Buckley Gerard (Honda Civic Type R) [ 7]
41 Andres Reid/Willie Fitzpatrick (Austin Mini) [ 9]
42 Tommy Kelly/Richie Cleary (Honda Civic EK4) [ 2]
43 Neil Tohill/Gerard Tohill (Subaru Impreza STI) [ 8]
44 Christy Kelly/Maria Coady (Suzuki Swift GTI) [ 9]
45 Ollie Tynan/Damien McConnell (Honda Civic Vtec) [11]
46 Gavin Walsh/Ger Keohane (Honda Civic) [11]
47 John Moran/Dave Cummins (Honda Civic) [11]
48 Emmet Watchorn/TBA (Peugeot 106) [10]
49 John O'Donnell/Brendan Furlong (Toyota Starlet RWD) [10]
233 Larry Murphy/Lee Murphy (Ford Escort Mk2) [17]
234 Keith Lyons/Sean Moynihan (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
235 Kieran Guinan/Alan Higgins (Ford Escort Mk2) [20]
236 Liam O'Keeffe/Scott Wheeler (Ford Escort Mk2) [18]
237 Ian Gunning/Mick McGrath (Ford Escort) [13]
238 Brian Liddy/Conor O'Neill (Ford Escort Mk2) [19]
239 Tony Canny/Aidan Canny (Ford Escort Mk2) [18]
240 John Murphy/James Duggin (Ford Escort Mk2) [19]
241 Donagh O'Sullivan/Paul Collins (Ford Escort Mk2) [19]
242 Kenneth Corrigan/ TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [19]
243 Peter Rahill/Tommy Rogers (Ford Escort Mk2) [21]
244 Tom Howard /Charlie McEvoy (Ford Escort Mk2) [20]
50 Ger Lyons/Stephen O'Brien (Honda Civic Vtec) [11]
51 James Fitzgearld/Eoin Fitzgearld (Honda Civic EK4) [11]
52 Brian Nugent/Pat Knox (Honda Civic Vtec) [11]
53 Georgier Bell/Ruth Lawrence (Honda Civic VTi) [11]
54 Andrew McCabe/Kim Ryan (Vauxhall Nova) [12]
55 Richard Coleman/Shane Byrne (Vauxhall Corsa B) [12]
56 Andy Horgan/Kevin Horgan (Vauxhall Chevette) [13]
57 Edward Kelly/Paul Kelly (Peugeot 106 GTi) [ 6]
58 Paul Woods/Phil Woods (Honda Civic) [ 3]
59 Albert Dalton/Philip Duggan (Peugeot 106 Rallye) [ 9]
60 Eoin Gregg/ TBA (Opel Corsa GSi) [11]
61 Brendan Curran/Shane Curry (Ford Cosworth 4x4) [15]
62 David Donoghue/Alan Dolan (Citroen C2) [ 1]
63 David Cleary/Padraig Denton (Honda Civic Vtec) [ 2]
64 Niall Murray/ TBA (Honda Civic 1.6VTI) [ 2]
65 Michael Ormond/Paddy King (Honda Civic Vtec) [ 2]
66 Stephen Brennan/Mark Murphy (Honda Civic 1.6VTI) [ 2]
67 Adrian Cannon/Jonathan Rooney (Honda Civic) [ 2]
68 Eoin Neville/Andy Hayes (Citroen Saxo VTS) [ 2]
69 Raymond Moloney/Greaney Richard (Honda Civic EK4) [ 2]
70 Fiona Cullen Driver/ TBA (Ford Fiesta Mark 1) [10]
71 Shane Coogan/John Hennessey (Opel Corsa) [ 9]
72 Noel Coogan/Mick Coady (Peugeot 205 GTi) [10]
73 Jimmy Doyle/Andrew Griffin (Toyota Starlet RWD) [10]
74 Aidan Perse/Gavin Perse (Peugeot 205) [10]
75 David Kearney/James Kearney (Peugeot 205 GTi) [10]
76 Seamus Flynn/Ian Munnelly (Ford Focus) [11]
77 Sam Leech/Shane Griffin (Ford ) [ 9]
78 John Kelly/Chris Mahony (Suzuki Swift GTI) [ 9]
79 Michael Conroy/Patrick Duffy (Peugeot 106 GTi) [ 2]
80 Darragh O'Brien/Niall O'Brien (Peugeot 205 GTi) [10]
81 Shane Kelly/Ger Lawlor (VW Polo) [ 1]

Junior
J1 Shane McGinley/Danny McCloskey (Honda Civic) [24]
J2 Steven McCabe/ TBA (Ford Fiesta rwd) [24]
J3 Liam McMullan/John Coll (Honda Civic EK4) [24]
J4 Johnny Murphy/ TBA (Honda Civic) [24]
J5 Joyce Burrell/Lisa Delaney (Peugeot 106 GTi) [23]
J6 Paul Furlong/Alan Maloney (Ford Escort Mk2) [24]
J7 David Carmody/ TBA (Honda Civic) [24]
J8 John Collum/ TBA (Honda Civic EK4) [24]
J9 Stephen Faughnan/Barry Brady (Honda Civic) [24]
J10 Alan Gibbons/Noel Mulvihill (Honda Civic) [24]
J11 Tonya Fortune/Daniel King (Vauxhall Corsa B) [23]

Entries update

Posted: April 29, 2010 12:22 PM

Entries are still coming in strong with some top names appearing on our entry list, Simon Mauger will be returning this year and Manus Kelly is also set to tackle the stages.
Local man Terence O’Shaughnessy is said to be making every effort to have his Toyota Corolla ready in time for the event while David and George Condell are set to be strong contenders in the MkII Challenge.
Entries are available on the EVO online system or by post to the Entries Secretary
Details at:

Event Format Changed to 8 Stages

Posted: April 29, 2010 12:21 PM

Carlow Car Club would like to announce that due to circumstances beyond our control we have had to reduce our Stages Rally to 8 stages instead of 9 as originally planned.
Every effort was made to avoid this loss but unfortunately it was unavoidable.
Due to this stage 1 will be run twice and stages 2 and 3 three times.

FINAL PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF CLOSING DATE OF 30TH APRIL

Posted: April 23, 2010 10:52 AM

Preparations for the Carlow Stages Rally and MkII Challenge are in the final stages. Entries are coming in steadily, with April 30th as the closing date we would like to remind anyone who is considering putting in an entry that to qualify for the draw for a free entry they must have their entry and payment submitted by this date.

A preview of some entrants to date is John Warring who recently won the national section of the Circuit of Ireland in his revamped MkII, also in a 2.5 MkII is Meath man Trevor Mulligan who last year was leading the event until an unfortunate off on stage 3 forced an early retirement, Trevor is sure to be a hot contender in the MkII Challenge this year.

In the main field Eoin Doyle in his Subaru Impreza is sure to put in some very impressive stage times as is Jack Newman in his class 11 civic.

One of the local hot contenders will be Sam Smith, after finishing 3rd overall last year Sam will be hoping to perhaps go one better this year. Seamus Doyle will also be one to watch out for, entries for overseas are also coming in steadily.

Entries are available on the EVO online system , details below or on the event website:

Marshals Required / Marshals Meeting Points

Posted: April 13, 2010 3:36 PM

It's that time of year again where we need the help from all of the club members to be available to marshal the 3 stages that we have on offer for the competitors. The stage most marshals are needed for is the first stage, but we will still need help for the other two even with help and assistance from the other clubs. For those of you who are competing, we would ask your help from you to encourage your supporters to make contact with our chief marshal to offer their help on the day on 087 2800767 / +353 87 2800767

Meeting points and times are

Stages 1, 4 & 7
The Royal Oak, Bagenalstown, Sign on at 06.15 am Sunday 9th May (Road Close 07.50 am)

Stages 2, 5 & 8
The Fox & Goose, Kilkenny Rd, Clara, Kilkenny, Sign on at 07.00 am Sunday 9th May (Road Close 08.35 am)

Stages 3, 6 & 9
The Long Man, Kilfane, Thomastown, Sign on at 07.30 am Sunday 9th May (Road Close 09.08 am)

4 WEEKS TO GO

Posted: April 13, 2010 3:30 PM

With the rally now officially launched and only 4 weeks to go the final push is now on for to make this years May 9th 2010 Carlow Stages Rally and MkII Challenge as successful as previous years. Entries have been coming in at a steady pace to date, the headquarters for the rally this year will again be the Lord Bagenal Hotel Leighlinbridge, with Boland’s Cars Carlow coming onboard as sponsors of the MkII Challenge. The rally will take place over a route of approximately 160 stage kilometres and 130 road kilometres, it will be a 3x3 format with the stages located around the Kilkenny area with the service area in Gowran Park car park. This year with the economic climate as it is the club have came up with many incentives to encourage entries and to help out competitors and give them a value for money rally, some of these are the reduced entry fee which was set at €540 but has now been reduced to €500, there will also be a draw for a free entry to the rally, any competitor who has his or her entry in on or before the closing date 30th April will be entered into this draw. The draw will take place at drivers briefing on the Saturday night in the rally headquarters and the lucky winner will have their entry fee returned in full and a free days rallying to look forward to the next day.

The complete rally will be televised this year by Michael Bracken and On the Limit Sports and each competitor will receive a free DVD of the rally after the event compliments of On the Limit Sports. As an incentive for our northern and overseas crews On the Limit Sports have agreed to sponsor the HANS for all MkII Challenge entrants Carlow Car Club will sponsor the HANS for any NI and UK competitors in the main field.

For this years event the club have teamed up with The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and are donating all proceeds from the Rally Programme to this worthy cause, there will be fundraising events leading up to the rally and on the day of the rally.
If you would like further information contact 087 2351163 / +353 87 2351163

Carlow Stages is also a counting rounds of Honda Cup Ireland, Southeast Stages Championship and Irish Evolution Challenge.

Entries are available through the EVO online system, on the club / rally websites.

Details on Accomadation also available:

Launch Photos

Posted: April 2, 2010 1:06 PM


At the Rally Launch:
COC Aidan Kelly, Deputy COC Ken Treacy,
Assistant C.O.C Martin Delaney, Club Safety Donal Meaney
And Kris Meeke
Photo: Patrick Doyle

WIN YOUR ENTRY FEE BACK

Posted: April 2, 2010 1:03 PM

It was announced at the launch of the 2010 Carlow Stages Rally/MKII Challenge that the club will hold a raffle for a free entry into this year’s event.
All paid entries received by the closing date, April 30th will be put into a draw, which will take place at drivers briefing.

The winner of that draw will receive a full refund.

Entry forms may be downloaded from www.carlowcarclub.ie or on request from club secretary on 05986 32761 / +353 5986 32761
The Club would like to remind competitors that the entry fee has been reduced to €500.

LAUNCH NIGHT - Thurs 1st Apr

Posted: March 30, 2010 3:11 PM

The launch of the 2010 Carlow Stages Rally and MkII Challenge will take place on Thursday April 1st in the Lord Bagenal Hotel Leighlinbridge at 8.30pm.
A special guest speaker will be in attendance, the fundraising manager of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland will also be in attendance to speak on the fundraising events that will be taking place alongside this years rally.
A raffle will be held on the night to kick start the fundraiser, there will also be a spectacular display of rallycars, finger food will be served and all are welcome.

ENTRY FEE REDUCED

Posted: March 30, 2010 3:09 PM

Carlow Car Club is proud to announce a new sponsor has come on board for their 2010 Stages Rally and MkII Challenge resulting in a substantial reduction in their entry fee.
The entry fee has now been reduced to €500.

Entries are available through the EVO online system, the club website carlowcarclub.ie
or by post to the Entries Secretary, Ms Charlotte Egan, Carlow Car Club, Gilbertstown, Rathoe, Co Carlow.

On Line Entry Open:

Posted: March 26, 2010 4:55 PM

HANS for overseas MkII Escort crews

Posted: March 26, 2010 4:53 PM

As preparations continue to make the MkII Escort Challenge one of the best ever, we are pleased to announce that On the Limit Sports will sponsor the cost of the HANS device to all overseas and Northern Ireland MkII Escort crews. If you do not have a compatible crash helmet you can hire one for the day. (Please note you will have to pre order your requirements).

The entry fee is now set at €540.00 which is excellent value for money for 160 stage kilometres over 9 stages.

More Details:

2010 Carlow Stages Rally and MkII Challenge

Posted: March 26, 2010 4:49 PM

Carlow Car Clubs premier event of the year, the 2010 Stages Rally will be officially launched in the Lord Bagenal Hotel, Leighlinbridge, Carlow on Thursday 1st April at 8.30pm, MC for the night will again be Michael Lyster, RTE sports presenter and of course there will as usual be a special guest appearance. An open invitation welcomes all. Carlow Car Club would like to thank James Kehoe, Proprietor The Lord Bagenal for coming on board and for being our main sponsor again this year, the venue is fabulous , is ideally situated , perfect as the headquarters and the hospitality is top class, so thanks James for your continued support.

There is a new sponsor for the Escort MK11 Challenge this year and we would like to thank Boland Cars, Carlow for coming on board this year, the MK11 challenge is always a very competitive well supported event within the main rally and we are very appreciative of our NI and overseas competitors who have supported this event year after year and look forward to seeing all of them again this year.

The complete rally will be televised this year and we sincerely thank Michael Bracken and On The Limit Sports for all his help and support through the years, On the Limit Sports have also agreed to sponsor the HANS for all MK11 Challenge entrants from NI and the UK and Carlow Car Club will sponsor the HANS for any NI and UK competitors in the Main Field .

The Rally will be a 3 x 3 stage format which is value for money as their will be nine stages with over 160km competitive stage driving, Entries will be available through the EVO online system or by post to the Entries Secretary, Ms Charlotte Kelly, Carlow Car Club, Gilbertstown, Rathoe, Co Carlow, if you need any further information or have any queries on the rally you can phone 059 8632761 or Fax 059 8632269, and we will be delighted to be of assistance to you, Entry Fee is €540 and €250 for Juniors and all competitors will receive a complimentary copy of the On the limit sports event DVD after the event.

For this years event we have teamed up with The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and are donating all proceeds from the Rally Programme to this worthy cause and there will be several other fundraising items on the day such as a raffle, a balloon count etc and we appeal to you to be as generous as possible and our club man in charge is Brian Doyle, Mr Martin Cahill ,Fundraising Manager, CFI will attend the Launch and will also be at the Rally on the 8th and 9th May, and can be contacted on 01 4962201 or email mcahill@cfireland.ie.

Carlow Stages is also a counting Round of Honda Cup Ireland, Southeast Stages Championship and Irish Evolution Challenge so plenty of competition for all , so look forward to seeing you in Carlow on the 9th May.

Event / Club Website

Posted: January 1, 2010 12:01 AM

Topics: Evo Challenge Ireland  Honda Cup (Ireland)  Carlow Stages Rally  South East Stages C'ship 

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