The NAPA Auto Parts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship (ITRC) began last weekend, with Cork Motor Club’s West Cork Rally, which was sponsored by the Clonakilty Park Hotel. Despite the event being Round 2 for the ITRC, it was the first event held, after Round 1, The Galway International Rally was postponed following damage caused to the surrounding area by Storm Éowyn.
The competitive part of the event began on Friday afternoon with two special stages, SS1 Ballinascarthy 1, followed by SS2 Rossmore 1. After these two opening stages, it was into service before a repeated pass of both special stages under the cover of darkness.
A further eight special stages lay ahead on Saturday before a final six special stages on Sunday.
The rally finished on a disappointing note. Jon Armstrong/Shane Byrne were the fastest crew over the event’s eighteen special stages and crossed the finish line of the final stage in first place overall (OA). However, the engine in their Ford Fiesta Rally2 expired soon after, meaning they were unable to drive the car back to the final control which was located in Parc Fermé.
They did eventually get the car back but they were deemed as having received ‘outside assistance’ contrary to Article 6.16 of Appendix 29 of the Motorsport Ireland Yearbook, and as such were excluded from the finishers list.
The event was won by Keith Cronin/Mikie Galvin onboard a Citroën C3 Rally2, who were in 2nd place at the finish line of the final stage.
Josh Moffett co-driven by Andy Hayes was the top Monaghan Motor Club member, finishing in 2nd place driving a similar C3 Rally2.
Arthur Kierans navigating for David Kelly finished 4th OA in their VW Polo R5.
Cathan McCourt/Barry McNulty finished 6th OA, driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2.
Killian McArdle navigating for Joseph Kelly retired on SS15 Sams Cross 1.
The Navigation Trial season comes to a close this Saturday night with Donegal Motor Club’s Eamon Harvey Memorial Navigation Trial. The event will be the final round of the, The Squealing Pig Border Navigation Championship’. The event is being organised by Aidan Friel and Charlie McMonagle and will be based out of Cranford Community Centre, with the first car starting at 20:46.
Oisín Sherlock.
County Monaghan Motor Club 