County Monaghan Motor Club

Castleshane’s Eamonn McElvaney driving a motorbike-engined autocross special was the star of the day as he scored a runaway victory in the autocross held at Hollywood, Ballinode on Sunday last. McElvaney, who has switched from rallying to autocrosing, was faster than anyone on each of his 4 timed runs to take overall victory by 15.26 seconds from 2nd placed Dominic McCaffrey with Karl Moen in 3rd, a further 4.84 seconds in arrears. The top three were all driving autocross specials.
Best of the non-specials was Lauris Zdanovics (Integra) followed by Jonathan McKenna (Peugeot 106), Anthony Masterson (Integra) and David Moffett (Starlet). The top placed Traders Trophy-registered competitor was Michael Carbin, followed by Dessie Keenan and Paul Sheridan, all three driving Peugeot 205s.
The event was notable for the emergence of new young driving talent. The Junior class for 14-16 year olds was won by Derek Mackarel (Corsa) with Aidan Lang (Fiesta) in 2nd place. Derek made it an especially memorable day by beating his father Andy in the overall standings. Paul Barrett, son of leading rally driver Kevin, won the 16-18 year old category in his Vauxhall from Gavin McGivney (Escort), son of Carrickmacross rally driver Gerry.
In class 2B, David Moffett (Starlet) won the battle of the Moffett brothers with Richard 2nd followed by Enda Sherry and Conor Maguire (Escort Mk1). Michael Conlon (Escort) and Andy Mackarel (Mitsubishi Evo) won their respective classes, while Gerry Cassidy (Peugeot 205) managed to finish despite mechanical problems.
It was a landmark day for Monaghan Motor Club as this was the first grass surface autocross event organised by the club in 27 years! Scotshouse man Eamonn McKenna provided an excellent commentary on Sunday and he recalled being in attendance at that last autocross. Niall Maguire’s site proved to be an excellent venue and the event was superbly organised by youthful Clerk of the Course Shane Maguire, assisted by Pauric McCarra and the team. The Tydavnet Millennium Club is the charity that will benefit from the proceeds of the event.