Carrick-on-Suir Raven’s Rock Stages Rally - 27 Jun 10

Neil McCance wins Evo Challenge and takes overall event victory for the second time in a row.

Posted: July 21, 2010 12:16 PM

For the second time in as many events, Neil McCance and co-driver Jonny Hart not only won a round of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland, but also claimed the overall event victory as well! After another masterful performance, they crossed the line to score maximum points in round four of the Irish Mitsubishi series and win the Ravens Rock Rally outright by 22 seconds.

Based in Kilkenny, this was the first time the Evolution Challenge had been hosted by this popular annual event run by the Carrick-on-Suir Motor Club, who extended a warm welcome to the Mitsubishi competitors. With the original number-one seed Craig Breen unable to start the rally, it meant that the first three cars to leave the start were all Evo Challenge crews, with McCance/Hart followed by John McGlaughlin/Crawford Henderson and Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley.

Following a high-profile ceremonial start in the town centre on Saturday evening, the rally got underway on Sunday and followed a traditional Irish format of three stages run three times, with a service halt after each loop. Drama amongst the Mitsubishis started on the very first stage, with McCance/Hart setting a time just one second ahead of McGlaughlin/Henderson.
Unfortunately for Cumiskey/Foley, their rally was short-lived, when their car slid off the road on a tightening right-hander about three-quarters of the way into the stage. Although on a mission towards a good result, Cumiskey was uncertain as to why his car lost its grip.

Sam Moffat/James O’Reilly were the next Evo through the stage and slowed down to make sure that Cumiskey and Foley were okay - which they were - and fortunately the car was not too badly damaged either. Stanley Ballantine/Donnacha O’Callaghan opted for a steady start, the driver admitting that he was a little rusty and having to get used to a new set of brakes.

The second stage saw MCance/Hart ease ahead by eight more seconds, with McGlaughlin/Henderson unsure where they were loosing the time. Moffat/O’Reilly were now in hot pursuit in third, even though they found they had no pace notes for the last part of the stage due to a problem during the recce. However, Jonny Hart came to the rescue and sportingly gave them a copy of his notes for the next run through the same stage.

With SS3 cancelled after one of the course cars went off the road, McCance/Hart were fastest again on SS4, with Moffat second this time and just ten seconds behind. However, the stage signalled bad news for McGlaughlin/Henderson, when their car’s recurring misfire mysteriously returned. Having lost time in the stage, they decided to go back to the service area, the loss of power proving too frustrating for them to continue.

With two of their main rivals out of the way, McCance/Hart were in control and for the remaining stages drove within their limits to ensure that they stayed ahead of the Evo Challenge runners and the overall field. Moffat/O’Reilly, in the mean time, were gathering pace and were only slowed by a spin due to the melting tar in the extremely hot and dry conditions.

With stage nine also cancelled because of an earlier accident, cars went straight to the finish in Kilkenny after SS8 where the time sheets revealed that McCance/Hart had recorded their second Evolution Challenge and outright event victory in succession, with Moffat/O’Reilly pleased to finish second of the Mitsubishis and fourth overall. Ballantine/O’Callaghan were also getting quicker in the closing stages and were satisfied to pick up third place in the Evo Challenge and cross the line in eighth place.

“Having not won a rally outright for 21 years – and then to win two in two months – is fantastic”, said McCance. “Today’s stages really suited the Evo and we had no problems throughout the event. Added to this, the organisers made us feel very welcome, so it was a really enjoyable rally for us all round.”

The fifth round of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland takes place in just three weeks time with the Gormanston-based ALMC Stages on Sunday 18th July.

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 four results
1 Neil McCance (Comber)/Jonny Hart (Carryduff) 50:01
2 Sam Moffett (Monaghan)/James O’Reilly (Monaghan) 51:43
3 Stanley Ballentine (Strabane)/Donnacha O’Callaghan (Mallow) 53:10

Retirements
SS1 Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/Conor Foley (Ballinode) Accident
SS4 John McGlaughlin (Cookstown)/Crawford Henderson (Magherafelt) Misfire

Photos

Posted: July 21, 2010 11:52 AM

Joe Lane Photos
Linda Benson Motorsport Photography
M. Schayer Rally Photography (rallyphoto.biz)
LINK REMOVED - Sideway Shot Motor Sport Photography
Hassett Motorsport Photography
myrally.ie Sport Photography

2WD Winners: Ed O’Callaghan/Ger Clancy

Historic Winners: John Hackett/Michael Hackett

Results

Posted: July 21, 2010 11:45 AM

1 Neil McCance/Jonny Hart (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 50m 01s
2 Ed O’Callaghan/Ger Clancy (Ford Escort Mk II) 50m 23s
3 Brian O’Mahony/John Higgins (Renault Clio S1600) 50m 50s
4 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 51m 43s
5 Paddy O’Dwyer/David Byrne (Nova) 51m 52s
6 Enda O’Brien/John Butler (Ford Escort Mk II) 52m 47s
7 Mark Sheahan/Anthony O’Conaill (Citroen C2R2) 52m 59s
8 Stanley Ballantine/Donnacha O’Callaghan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 53m 10s
9 Stephen Cullen/Seamus O’Grady (Subaru Impreza N12B GpN) 53m 21s
10 Derek Brennan/Robbie Webster (Ford Escort) 53m 21s

Ravens Rock Rally 2010 Final Results

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland Round 4 Preview

Posted: June 26, 2010 9:36 AM

The Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland returns to the South East of the country this weekend for the fourth round of the series, Carrick-on-Suir Motor Club’s Ravens Rock Rally. 2010 sees this classic event host a round of the Mitsubishi series for the first time and, with the leading three cars all Evolution Challenge entries, the event promises to be a high profile occasion for the Group N Lancer championship.

With the original number-one seed Craig Breen unable to start the event in his Ford Fiesta S2000, current Evolution Challenge series leaders Neil McCance and co-driver Jonny Hart head the 110-car field. After winning rounds one and two at the Circuit of Ireland on aggregate and then scoring a resounding victory in round three – which also netted his first ever overall victory in 21 years of rallying – McCance will be hoping for a repeat performance this weekend.

He and Hart are followed off the start ramp by John McGlaughlin/Crawford Henderson. Although having won the opening round in April, McGlaughlin/Henderson have had a frustrating time ever since, their car not performing as it should in rounds two and three due to a down-on-power engine. They are now aiming to put their title hopes back on track and give McCance/Hart a run for their money as have on a number of occasions before.

Making up the leading trio of Evos are Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley. After topping the Mitsubishi time sheets in round two and finishing second in round three, they now hold second place in the series and are another crew in with a chance of winning both the Evo Challenge and the overall event on Sunday.

Running a few cars behind on the road - and seeded in the top-ten - are Sam Moffat/James O’Reilly. Getting quicker all the time as they become more-and-more familiar with their Mitsubishi, they finished third in round three and are expected to be challenging for a podium position again this weekend.

Having missed round three, Stanley Ballantine/Donnacha O’Callaghan make a welcome return to the fold for this event. Always full of surprises, Ballantine and O’Callaghan are also expected to feature well in both the Evo Challenge and overall positions.

This year’s Ravens Rock Rally starts and finishes in Kilkenny and features a traditional Irish format of three stages run three times and a service halt after each loop. The rally starts at 9.00 am and, after covering 114 competitive kilometres over the nine special stages, finishes at 4.30 in the afternoon.

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
2 Neil McCance (Comber)/Jonny Hart (Carryduff)
3 John McGlaughlin (Cookstown)/Crawford Henderson (Magherafelt)
4 Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/Conor Foley (Ballinode)
9 Sam Moffett (Monaghan)/ James O’Reilly (Monaghan)
10 Stanley Ballentine (Strabane)/Donnacha O’Callaghan (Mallow)

Book of Condolence for Tom Maguire

Posted: June 25, 2010 8:25 AM

As a mark of respect to the late Tom Maguire, the Carrick on Suir Motor Club will place a book of Condolences in Recce Sign On.

The book will then be placed in the Hotel Reception for the remainder of the weekend for the general public to sign.

The Club will also hold a minute’s silence during Drivers Briefing on Sunday morning.

Final Instructions No 2, 3 & Programme Outlets available

Posted: June 24, 2010 2:27 PM

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Late Entries will be taken

Posted: June 22, 2010 9:58 AM

Late Entries wil be taken up to the start of the rally.

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Time and Distance Schedule

Posted: June 22, 2010 9:57 AM

Ravens_Rock_Time_Distance_Schedule_2010.xls

Marshal Meeting Points

Posted: June 20, 2010 7:54 PM

Meeting Point SS1
- Grange Inn, Cuffesgrange, Stage commander 087 – 2701995,
Meeting Time 7.30am,
N52.36.029, W07.18.283

Meeting Point SS2
- Old Creamery, Tullaroan, Stage Commander 086 – 2521898,
Meeting Time 8.00am,
N52.39.719, W07.26.605

Meeting Point SS3
- The Green, Freshford, Stage Commander 087 – 2623530,
Meeting time 8.30am,
N52.43.927, W07.23.936

Entry List Available

Posted: June 18, 2010 12:55 AM

The Entry List and Final Instruction 1 are now available to download from the Club Website.

• Carrick on Suir Motor Club

Early Entry Incentive Draw Results

Posted: June 16, 2010 2:32 PM

1st Prize
Full Entry Refund: Winners Mark Dolphin and Martin O’Brien

2nd Prize
Free Entry to the Carrick on Suir Halloween Historic Stages Rally: Winners Eamon O’Connell and Mark Linehan

3rd Prize
Hans Device: Winners Colin Noonan and Brendan Noonan

4th Prize
25 Litres ELF 101 Fuel: Winner Shay Power

5th Prize
A year’s subscription to Pacenotes Rally Magazine for both Driver and Co Driver of the winning crew: Winners Noel Coogan and Mick Brady

6th Prize
2 x Double Rooms for Saturday June 26th: Winners Paul Browne and Margaret Browne

All the Winners are Subject to Starting the Event; if any of the Winners cannot Start a Reserve List has also been picked.

Posted: June 16, 2010 2:32 PM

Statement from Event Committe - Rally is Running

Posted: June 11, 2010 9:55 AM

To Stop Any Rumours The Ravens Rock Rally Event Committee Have Released This Important Statement Regarding the Rally.
"The Event Will Run as Planned on June 27th. It is hoped that this Notice will put a STOP to any gossip out there."

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Event Officials for this year's Raven's Rally.

Important Notice for Historic And Junior Entries

Posted: June 11, 2010 9:54 AM

"To clarify an item concerning the Historic and Junior Competitors in the Event Regulations. The price for both is €270

The Early Entry Incentive Package will close on the 11th of June but enties will remain open right up until the weekend of the Rally."

Early Entry Incentive Plan - Closing 11 June

Posted: June 3, 2010 1:28 PM

Early Entry Incentive Plan on offer, now only one more week to avail of this opportunity.
Closing date the 11th of June.
Read full list of Prizes on Club Site

Generous offer for Honda Drivers.

Full Details + Regulations and Entry Form on:

• Carrick on Suir Motor Club

RACE NIGHT Friday 28th May

Posted: May 22, 2010 9:35 PM

The Carrick on Suir Motor Club will hold a Race Night on Friday Night the 28th of May in the Kilford Arms Hotel, John St, Kilkenny City. The event is to raise funds to help with the running of this year’s Ravens Rock Rally. All are welcome, with the Craic on the Track starting at 8pm. Betting on a Horse will cost you €10 or to Sponsor a Race is €60
For more info go to the club website:

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Regulations Available

Posted: May 14, 2010 9:46 PM

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Early Entry Incentive Prize Draw

Posted: April 28, 2010 11:15 AM

Early Entry Incentive Prize Draw

• Carrick on Suir Motor Club

Rock Moves to Marble City

Posted: April 19, 2010 3:00 PM

After two years of being based in the home town of the Club, Carrick on Suir Motor Club’s premier event the Ravens Rock Rally will move to Kilkenny City this summer. The event has a new management team, a new headquarters and a new stage layout. The rally will bring the best of Irelands Rallying fraternity to the City over the weekend of the 26th and 27th of June

Club member John Rafter heads the new team as Clerk of the Course, Pierce Doheny as Deputy Clerk of the Course, Paula Doheny as Event Secretary, assistants to the Clerk of the Course Billy Collins and Ned Doherty; stage commanders include Barry Roche, Brian Keogh and Seamus Anderson. The Kilford Arms Hotel will play a major role in the staging of the Motorsport event as the Hotel takes over as the Rally Headquarters. The stage layout will see the Carrick on Suir Motor Club return to a three stage repeated twice layout, giving a total of nine fabulous tarmac special stages.

The organising of any event of this size would not be possible without sponsorship and the Carrick on Suir Motor Club are delighted to announce that Suirway Forklifts and rally headquarters the Kilford Arms Hotel will jointly act as chief sponsors the rally. James Coleman of Suirway Forklifts is a devoted rallyman. He is a long standing member of the Carrick Motor Club and has been an integral part of sponsoring club events for a number of years. James is also involved in Motorsport at a national level with Motorsport Ireland and is currently the chairman of the Rallies Committee. With the rally located in the City of Kilkenny, the Kilford Arms Hotel will provide the ideal headquarters. The hotel has a wide range of facilities including its John Street location just yards away from the City Centre and excellent in house amenities.

This Rally will bring to fruition the burning ambition of Clerk of the Course John Rafter. John a native of Threecastles, has been a Carrick Motor Club for over twenty years and has taken part both participating and organising events for many years but this will be his first time to take the reins and lead the organising team for a rally. Just a few weeks ago at the clubs forestry rally John was co driving for friend Shay Power and the pair were class 5 winners in their Mk11 Ford Escort. After the finish of last years Ravens Rock Rally it was decided within the club that is was time to revamp the rally and a change of stage location was the most immediate requirement. It was at this point that John put forward his proposal to run the rally from Kilkenny. John already had his groundwork in place and presented this at a monthly club meeting back in September 2009, the proposal was duly passed and he set to work. John’s history as an organiser started with the job of stage commander on a previous Ravens Rock and culminated with taking charge of the famous Mops Gap stage in the Killarney Historic Rally in 2007. Over that Weekend John worked as Stage commander on no less than three stages, but this only proved to whet his appetite and when the opportunity to Clerk his home event in his home town came along he was not going to miss out.

We are now less than three months away from the first car leaving the start line and I say three months because it takes approximately twelve months to put all aspects of the event in place. As of this time the event Safety Plan and Road Closer Details are finished and the Rally Programme is also in the process of being built.

This year the Ravens Rock Rally is counting round in the Triton Showers South East Stages Rally Championship, the Southern Four Rally Championship and the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland. It is hoped that being part of three of the most prestigious championship in the Country will lead to a bumper entry.

The Club’s Forestry Rally was held on the 7th of March last and in the interest of encouraging competitors to enter the club introduced an incentive plan; this proved very successful and will be pioneered again for the Ravens Rock Rally.

The major segment of the plan includes Television Coverage of the event by Mick Bracken from On the Limit Sports. In conjunction with On the Limit Sports and the Carrick on Suir Motor Club, the 2010 Ravens Rock will be broadcast on Setanta Sports Ireland and Motors TV in over 30 countries throughout Europe. Other features of the incentive plan will be published at a later date.

More Details on the Club website:

Event Website / Details

Posted: January 1, 2010 12:01 AM

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