County Monaghan Motor Club

Josh Moffett has moved clear at the top of the Irish Tarmac Championship standings thanks to his 2^nd overall finish on the Ulster Rally. Based in Antrim and Newtownabbey, this event on 17^th and 18^th August was also a round of the British & Northern Ireland Rally Championships. After two days of classic stages in Antrim & Tyrone, Moffett & co-driver Andy Hayes finished 2^nd overall scoring maximum points for the Irish Tarmac Championship.

There was drama before the event as ITC Championship leader, Sam Moffett, was forced to withdraw due to work commitments. Friday consisted of five classic stages at Glendun, Torr Head & Cairncastle. The action was fast and furious with Moffett/Hayes leading at the overnight halt. They were just 4.4 seconds of British Star Matt Edwards in another R5 Fiesta. Welshman, Rhys Yates held 3^rd just 0.6 seconds further back.

Saturday consisted of six stages in the Sperrin Mountains. The lead changed hands as Yates stormed to the front on stage six, before Edwards snatched the lead on Stage 7. The long Dorrvaille stage was next and Edwards maintained his lead with Moffett/Hayes in 2^nd just 8.7 seconds behind. Edwards pulled away on the final loop as Moffett settled for 2^nd place and top championship points. David Bogie/John Rowan climbed to 3^rd by the finish in their Skoda. Moffett now holds a commanding championship lead but with dropped scores and bonus points available in Cork, the title race remains open, with his brother Sam the other main contender.

Mac Kierans guided Alan Smyth to 8^th overall, 3^rd in the National Rally and 1^st in class. Martin Connolly guided William Mavitty to 16^th overall and 1^st in class in their Lancer.

Sheridan Wins in Galway

Paul Sheridan guided Jonathan Pringle to overall victory in the Galway Summer Rally. The event was the 4^th round of the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship. The pair led the event from start to finish claiming their 2^nd win this year after their victory on the Laois Heartlands Rally.

Brendan Cumiskey/Ronan O’Kane finished 2^nd overall in their Skoda Fabia R5. Conor Mohan guided Eamon Kelly to 30^th overall and 1^st in class 11F. Christopher Brennan/Martin Hughes finished 41^st overall and 2^nd in class 11F. Donagh Kelly/Conor Foley switched from the Focus to an Historic Ascona with which they won the Historic class. Seamus Connolly/Gary McCrudden suffered a rare non finish. Justin Smyth/Gregory McQuillan also failed to finish.

Endurance Trial 2018

Regulations are now available for the 2018 Monaghan Endurance Trial which takes place on Sunday August 26^th. Fintan Keenan returns as COC this year after taking on the mantle last year with the Four Season Hotel again serving as HQ. This sport has really kicked off this season with strong entries and the club is expecting approximately 50 crews to make the start. The action gets underway at 10.00am and crews will traverse the various selectives until arriving back at the Four Seasons at 5.00pm. Regulations and entry form can be downloaded from www.monaghanmotorclub.net

Navigation Trial Classes 2018

The night navigation trial season is fast approaching and Monaghan Motor Club is gearing up for that all important kick start with the annual navigation classes. If you have a motor sport interest of any kind the Navigation Trials are the best form of obtaining the correct ‘foundation’ for this sport. The scheduled classes will cover the full range of topics including map reading, timing, car regulations and pace notes for stages rallies.

The classes will start on Friday 24th August at 8pm sharp in the excellent facilities of the Sean Mac Diarmada complex in Threemilehouse. All those interested should contact Shane 0862616120 to book your place for the classes. Registration will also include club membership, maps, romer and all necessary paperwork to complete the 6 week course.