McHUGH'S RALLY CREW

Posted: June 12, 1999 10:23 AM

For his efforts the Peugeot 205 GTi driver brought home a valuable piece of Cavan Crystal from the event which was Round 5 of the Red Mills National Rally Championship. The strong result gained over the smooth, fast nine special stages north west of Cavan lifts the Bekan Cross, Claremorris native from 9th to 3rd in the overall official standings.

In addition, to the impressive position in the Red Mills Class 14 leaderboard, Sean and his co-driver, Des Kelly, lie in a similar 3rd place in Class in the Four Seasons Hotel Border Series which is run concurrently with the National Championship.

Going into the Cavan Rally, Sean was confident of a good showing after another successful shakedown at Connaught Motor Club's Autocross in Ballisadare where the standard production 1600 cc Peugeot recorded improved lap times over the previous occasion there.

Lack of top seed on Special Stage 1 in Cavan caused by the engine overheating was the only major complaint from the early part of the day but this was quickly rectified by McHugh's Rally Crew Chief Mechanic, Johnny McGarry. However, a more serious problem evolved during the event as the Service Crew was unable to make it back to the service area at the Equestrian Centre on time to meet up with Sean and Des to carry out the necessary checks on the car. Thankfully, the black Peugeot 'rallied' on and completed the remaining stages without fuss to finish 80th overall (from 130) and more importantly the third in Class.

"To say we are pleased is an understatement, the good run in Cavan puts us on sound footing for the remainder of the season. Our next National event in Sligo on July 11th will provide a stern test for us to maintain our position in both Championship tables, but that's our ambition," expressed Sean.
"For the events further down the country, we will require some financial backing and support of this nature to the crew would be gratefully appreciated and acknowledged."

Judging by the growing collection of Awards, Sean says that the proposed Trophy display cabinet is now very much on the cards! Roll on the Sligo Stages Rally.