PCRS expands Hyundai programme with Donnelly Motorsport

PCRS expands Hyundai programme with Donnelly Motorsport

Posted: May 31, 2018 3:41 AM

Leading motorsport preparation firm Philip Case Rally Sport (PCRS) have joined forces with former Irish Tarmac Champion Eugene Donnelly, adding an exciting new addition to their 2018 plans after acquiring a second Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing i20 R5.

The popular County Donegal business has been instrumental in the return of Eugene Donnelly in 2018 after several years away from the Irish series and have been working closely with the Maghera driver who aims to develop the Hyundai for the unique nature of the Irish asphalt.

Now, the collaboration has taken possession of their second Hyundai i20 R5. The additional Hyundai will be used by four-times British Rally Champion Keith Cronin in a deal which Donnelly helped negotiate. Cronin will continue his campaign for a fifth British title after previously using Donnelly’s version for the opening round of the series in April.

PCRS was established in 2005 by Philip Case who has expanded the business at a rapid rate with the firm running cars in all levels of the sport including European and World championships. The arrival of the new i20 from Hyundai Motorsport headquarters in Germany further adds to its impressive credentials.

Donnelly was responsible for brokering the deal for both of the cars and was impressed with Hyundai’s commitment and dedication which has been an important part of the progression of the i20’s setup for the Irish lanes.

“We made no secret of the fact that bringing the i20 to Ireland was part of a long-term plan and I`m really pleased with how we have progressed as a team since the first event,” says Donnelly.

“That says a lot about the work that PCRS have put into the campaign so far this season and bringing another Hyundai into the fold is a really exciting time for us all. It’s one of the best R5’s out there and the Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing team have been fantastic, so it made perfect sense to build on our relationship with them going forward. Special thanks must go to Andrew John for his assistance and it was great to be welcomed to the factory by Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal Michel Nandan.

We have all learnt a lot over the past few months and this will certainly help Keith as he continues his quest for a fifth British title.”

Philip Case is eager to welcome the additional i20 into the workshop.

“After the Hyundai has been through the workshop, Keith (Cronin) will embark on a test programme ahead of the second round of the British Championship which takes place over in Belgium for the Ypres Rally at the end of June,” says Case.

“We look forward to building on our existing customer base with the Hyundai i20 R5, and have already had serious enquiries from across Europe, the British Isles and here at home in regard to the hiring of the car. The collaboration that we have cemented with Hyundai Customer Racing team has certainly opened a lot of doors for us and we really look forward to continuing to work closely with them going forward.”