Click on one of the links below to download Regulations and Entry Form for Mayo Stages Rally 2013:
Mayo and District Motorsport Club held 4 autocross events this year:
Sunday 12 May 2013
Harrington Challenge Points after Round 1
Sunday 9 June 2013
Harrington Challenge Points after Round 2
Young Driver Championship Points after Round 2
Sunday 28 July 2013
Young Driver Championship Points after Round 3
Harrington Challenge Points after Round 3
Sunday 25 August 2013
Harrington Challenge Points after Final Round
5 Star Catering National Loose Surface Autocross Championship Points after Round 6
Deane Pushes Buggy to Another Title
Photos courtesy of John Delaney
Moneygall might be known as the village that found a president but on November 17th it was also the place that found the first ever 5 Star Catering National Loose Surface Autocross Champion.
Derek Deane from Williamstown maintained his one hundred percent record in the inaugural championships, by adding his fifth overall victory, from the opening five rounds and wrapping up the overall title with one round still remaining.
He negotiated his JB Buggy round the rugged track that towards the end of the day would have tested one of Obama’s ATV’s, to pip Kildare’s Padraic McHale by just over two hundredths of a second. Deane, who at this stage of 2013 has applied to his local County Council to build a trophy cabinet, was overjoyed with the win and sealing the overall championships.
Speaking afterwards he thanked Bath O’Donoghoe of 5 Star Catering for sponsoring the championships and is already looking forward to next year’s events and to the battle of retaining his title.
As always Mayo Motorsport Club travelled well to the various rounds of the championships and this time was no exception, with five other members and entourage also making the journey. Adrian Deane, younger brother of Derek, claimed second in Class Six, also in a buggy, sending out a clear message to his older sibling that in 2014 he just might claim that elusive first victory.
James McGreal from Foxford brought his Subaru Impreza home third in Class Six, finding the conditions tricky and glad that he had the benefit of four wheel drive.
Peter McManamon was delighted to bring his Peugeot 205 home third in Class Two. “It made the long trip from Achill worthwhile; it’s a great feeling to bring home some crystal, and the car didn’t miss a beat all day”, a contented Peter said afterwards.
Not so fortunate were Foxford’s Alan Moran and Sean McHugh from Bekan, who experienced ‘one of those days,’ where almost everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong. A damaged radiator on the first run, followed by fuel pump issues on their second runs, topped off with a broken driveshaft on Moran’s final run meant that each of the pair only had one clean timed run out of the three rounds. But at the end of the day, spirits were high in the 206 camp, as they plotted the journey to Cork on December 27th for the final round of the championships that leaves six mayo members still in contention for class awards in the overall championships.
Autocross Report Sunday August 25th:
CONLON STORMS TO VICTORY AS DEANE & MURPHY TAKE TITLES
By Justin Ryan
Michael Conlon in his buggy took his maiden victory at Round four of the Mayo & District Motorsport Club’s Loose Surface Autocross at Harrington’s Quarry near Swinford. In a tight battle he finished just over a second ahead of Derry man James Cassidy in his similar buggy with Ronan Mackle from Down, rounding off a buggy filled podium in third.
Despite not being able to participate due to family commitments however, it was Derek Deane from Williamstown in his JB Buggy who had done enough in the earlier rounds of the Frank Harrington Challenge, to take the title for 2013. Derek won the first three rounds to see him win the coveted championship, as the best three rounds from the four events of the year count towards the final points tally.
Challenge Awards: 1st Derek Deane, 2nd Michael Conlon & 3rd Derek Mackarel.
Harrington Club Awards:
1st Adrian Deane, 2nd Mervyn Deane & 3rd James McGreal.
Shrule’s Noel Murphy rounded off a great year by wrapping up the Mayo & District Young Drivers’ Championship by overcoming the challenge of the Champion from the past two years, Alan Moran from Foxford. The Championship, for Mayo club members under the age of 30, is also decided by the best three scores of the year. Noel had been consistently quick through the year to lead heading into the final round. With Alan’s Kadett giving him problems it paved the way for Murphy to take the title and he did so in style by finishing second in Class 2 in his Honda Civic.
Derek Mackerel continued to defy the odds in his impressive two wheel drive 1600cc Vauxhall Nova to finish fourth overall for the second time in a row and once again win the ultra-competitive Class 2, which featured more than 20 entries. Adrian Deane, brother of the aforementioned Derek, took the family Buggy to finish fifth overall. He was closely followed by Stephen Moore in another buggy and Foxford’s James McGreal in his Subaru who won class 5 for 4 wheel drive cars. Walter Burke from Williamstown was next up and won class 4 in his Escort. 9th overall was Mike O’Connor. Rounding off the top ten was Paul Curran, in doing so he claimed Class 1 honours.
The class 3 battle once again went the way of Club Chairperson, Matthew Murphy, brother of Noel, in his rear wheel drive Corolla. The Mayo & District Club Award was won by former Young Drivers’ Champion Justin Ryan on his return to Autocross action.
The Ladies Award went to Shauna McEveney from Castlebar, who had yet another solid outing in her Toyota Corolla.
Outside of the top ten, Mayo interest included Bekan’s Sean McHugh, claiming 3rd in class 5. John Warren also finished 3rd in class 3. As mentioned earlier, Alan Moran and Stephen Doherty had engine problems in their Kadett which faltered their challenge. The ever improving David Jordan from Westport in his front wheel drive Corolla had a good run to finish 10th in class 2. Tony Langdon and John P Ryan had a day long battle in their similar Honda Civics’, with Tony eventually coming out on top by a mere 4 hundredths of a second. Next two Mayo finishers were father and son duo Patrick McEveney and son Patrick Jnr. This was Patrick Junior’s first foray into Autocross and he steadily improved all day to come away with a fine finish with no major problems. Colm Ronan once again suffered problems in his Nissan Sunny, unfortunately only completing one timed run.
Once again it has been a highly successful year in Mayo for our Autocross events. Finally, thank you to all competitors who have supported our events this year, hope to see you all again in 2014!
Photos courtesy of Rally Through a Lens
Report from Aug 25th:Deanes Hat trick
Derek Deanes run of good luck continued as he annihilated the competition at round three of the Mayo & District Motorsport Club’s Loose Surface Autocross at Harrington’s Quarry near Swinford.
Since his first win Derek seems unstoppable as he now makes it three wins in a row. Deane put in an incredible time on the third run of the day to finish over 5 seconds ahead of his brother Mervyn also driving a similar JB Buggy.
Mervyn managed to fend off the challenges of Martin Tynan in his impressive Mitsubishi Evo 8 to finish second.
Fermanagh’s young pocket rocket Derek Mackarel finished an astonishing fourth place in his two wheel drive 1600cc Vauxhall Nova, bewildering some of the more powerful four wheel drive cars that were well behind him down the rankings.
Monaghan’s Michael Conlon took fifth in his Buggy just half a second ahead of Austin Shinnors from Limerick in his Subaru Impreza.
The next three places were all buggies, Gerald Doherty from Banbridge, Ronan Mackle from Down and the third member of the Deane Motorsport team, youngest brother Adrian, finished in that order only separated by little over two seconds.
Foxford’s James McGreal rounded of the top ten in his spritely Subaru Impreza.
Class winners on the day were Class one, Glen Irwin from Castlederg in his Vauxhall Nova. Class two, the aforementioned Derek Mackarel. Class three, Walter Burke and his Ford Escort from Williamstown. Class four, Martin Tynagh. Class five, James Lucy from Cork in his Subaru Special. Class six honours went to Mervyn Deane, Class seven was won by David Kelly and the ladies award went to Sarah Moynihan from Cork.
The Mayo & District Club Award was won by Adrian Deane.
The event was also the fourth counting round of the inaugural 2013 National Loose Surface Autocross Championships, a series that coincidentally, Derek Deane has been victorious on the opening three rounds off.
This championships, which is being sponsored by Batt O’Donoghoes Five Star Catering from Co. Cork, brought some new faces to the Mayo venue. All of whom were delighted with the facilities on offer and the fast challenging Mayo track.
With one round left in August in the Mayo Championships, Derek Deane is the man to beat following his hat trick of victories. Hopes will be high in the Mayo & District Club that the Williamstown driver can retain the prestigious Frank Harrington Award for overall Mayo Autocross series champion.
Outside of the Top Ten, the next best local competitor home was David Carney from Westport. It was the first time Carney unleashed his impressive C2R2 at the Mayo event. A five second penalty he picked up on his last run foiled a higher place finish for him, but the potential of the Citroen was oblivious to see and more familiarisation with the venue would no doubt see him challenging for overall honours.
Shrule’s Noel Murphy won the battle of the local young drivers. His Honda Civic never missed a beat all day while been pushed to the max by the well developing south Mayo man.
Alan Moran was next home in his Opel Kadett, finishing one place ahead of Bekan’s Sean Mchugh in his Subaru Impreza.
Walter Burke from Williamstown entertained his way to a class three win in his ever-sideways Escort Mark 2.
Padraig Mullen from Ballymote put in a strong performance in his Impreza to finish eighth in class four and two places ahead overall of Mayo Club Chairperson Matthew Murphy from Shrule who was as thrilling as ever to watch in his Toyota Twin Cam.
Ballinrobe brothers David and Ciaran Walsh, on a trip home from Australia, revitalized their Talbot Sunbeam from a five year recess to finish an enjoyable day, having both gotten more fluid and quicker as the day went on. Stephen Doherty from Foxford had a solid performance in his Opel Kadett, finishing just behind the South Mayo pair.
David Jordan from Westport was next to finish, reporting no major issues in his Toyota Corolla and was delighted to come home ahead of the Honda Civic of John Paul Ryan from Shrule, who’s only major issue was jetlag, having only returned from holiday in America a few hours before the event!.
Peter McManamon from Achill overcame early problems to finish the event and replied “No Comment” to rumours that he was selling his Peugeot and investing in a Toyota!.
Siblings Patrick and Shauna McEveney from Castlebar had another good solid outing in their Toyota, despite Shauna slightly modifying the bodywork on the Corolla on her last run.
David Healy from Skreen, had his day cut short in his Nissan Primera when gearbox trouble halted him durning his second loop.
Also suffering gearbox problems was Colm Ronan, his Nissan Sunny refusing to select gears, bringing an early end to the day for the young man from Bekan.
With some body work to straighten before the next day out is Ronan Moore from Crossmolina, while on his second run he turned in a fraction too early to a left hander, clipping a bank and causing his Ford Escort to roll. No major damage only panels and pride.
The final round of the 2013 Mayo & District Autocross season takes place on Sunday 25th August.
5 Star Catering National Loose Surface Autocross Championship-Round 3 – Points after Round 3
Deane’s Reign Supreme
The Deane family name is rapidly gaining a high calibre reputation in the sport of Autocross. On Sunday last, Derek Deane extended his winning streak on the National Loose Surface Autocross Championships to three, with a commanding performance in his JB Buggy.
A total of ten drivers from the Mayo & District Motorsport Club made the trip to do battle at Round 3, the Midland Motorclub event, held in Scramoge, Co Roscommon.
Derek’s biggest rival on the day was his own brother Mervyn, who pushed him all the way and only lost out by less than half a second in the end to make it a Deane One-Two at the finish.
Next best local home was the other member of the Deane Motorsport Team, Adrian, who finished fifth overall, rounding of a great set of results for the Buggy driving siblings from Williamstown.
James McGreal from Foxford in a Subaru Impreza was the highest placed local in a rally car, finishing in tenth place overall and claiming a class win in the process.
Club Chairperson Matthew Murphy from Shrule finished 23, one place ahead of Padraig Mullen from Ballymote. Putting in a good recovery drive was Alan Moran from Foxford, who had drive shaft problems on his opening run, having got this repaired he went on to finish and pick up valuable points for the championships.
Sean McHugh from Bekan blew the dust of his Subaru Impreza but found it difficult to get up to pace on his first autocross event of the year, having concentrated more on tarmac events in 2013.
John Paul Ryan from Shrule and Peter Mc Manamon from Achill rounded off the Mayo posse, they had their own battle all day with Ryan this time claiming the bragging rights finishing two seconds ahead in their equivalently spec’d Class 2 cars.
Next up for the gravel experts is Mayo’s home event on July 28, it is also Round 4 of the National Championships. Check out this website for more details.
Photos courtesy of John Delaney and to www.pabloautocrossteam.com
MAYO AUTOCROSS JUNE 9th Report:
Mayo Autocross Heats up
Derek Deane from Williamstown set a blistering time on his last run of the day to come from behind and win Round 2 of the Mayo & District Loose Surface Autocross on Sunday last in Kilkelly.
The win keeps intact a 100% success rate for Deane and his JB Buggy in 2013, having won every Autocross event he has started in both local and national competitions.
Like it was on the previous event in May, Ian Barrett from Maynooth almost stole the show. He started into the last timed run of the afternoon with a three second advantage over the local man, but yet again had to settle for second in the end. Rounding of the top three was Gerald Doherty from Banbridge, also in a buggy. First car home was Martin Tynan from Clones in his Mitsubishi Evo 8 finishing
4 seconds ahead of another buggy, this one driven by Ronan Mackle who made the trip from Co Down. But the drive of the day had to be 17 year old Derek Mackarel, also from Clones, who, in his 1600cc Vauxhall Nova finished sixth overall beating a number of more powerful four wheel drive cars and a number of other buggies in the process. He also picked up the Class 2 award for being the fastest front two wheel drive car of the day.
Other Category winners included Glen Irwin from Castlederg, once again claiming class 1 in his Vauxhall Nova. Club Chairperson, Matthew Murphy dominated Class 3 in his Toyota Corolla Twincam. Danny Melanaphy from Kinawley, County Fermanagh brought his Ford Focus home first in Class 4. Aforementioned Martin Tynan and Ian Barrett won Class 5 and 6 respectively.
Locally, Mervyn Deane won the Mayo Club Award, Shauna McEveney from Castlebar once more picked up the Ladies Award, Ronan Moore from Crossmolina was 2
in Class 4, and Noel Murphy from Shrule was 3 in Class 2 and the top Mayo Young Driver Championship contender.
Killian Duffy took a short break from World Rally action to swap his pacenotes for the steering wheel of a JB buggy and finished a very impressive 12 overall, two places ahead of Foxford man James McGreal. Former National Rally Champion Aaron MacHale had an enjoyable day back at motorsport away from the usual four wheel drive rally cars that he has been more familiar with to instead double drive the Joe Cullen JB Buggy with Killian Duffy, MacHale reporting that the cockpit of the buggy was a little bit tighter than what he was accustomed to, but that he would return again to the superb venue. Other Mayo members to enjoy and finish the event were David Jordan from Westport, Peter McManamon from Achill, David Healy from Skreen, Niall Morley from Knock, Patrick McEveney from Castlebar, Stephen Doherty, Foxford and Ian Henry from Ballymote. The Opel Kadett of Alan Moran more suffered more misfortune when it finished the day upended after a coming together with a gravel bank on the final run.
Two Mayo events down, two wins for Derek Deane. Can anybody stop the Williamstown man on the remaining two events of 2013?
Clare Autocross Report:
Deane Does the Business Again
Derek Deane from Williamstown made it back to back wins on the second round of the 5 Star Catering, National Loose Surface Autocross Championships, held in Shinrone Quarry, Co Offaly on Sunday last. The event ran by Clare Motor club, seen eight drivers from Mayo & District Motorsport Club make the trip across the Shannon in search of honours.
And similar to round one last February in Clonakilty, the Mayo congregation showed that they don’t lack pace when it comes to loose surface competition, by again claiming three awards.
Adrian Deane displayed that he is getting progressively faster in his recently acquired JB Buggy, and in the near future will no doubt be challenging bother Derek for overall victories, this time he had to settle for 6 overall and 2 in class 6.
Fairing one place better in 5th but winning class 4, (for saloon cars) in the process, was James McGreal from Foxford in his Subaru Impreza. James was delighted with his result as he felt his WRX Subaru was not as sprightly as some of the newer machinery in his class, so we are chalking this class win down to driver expertise!
Derek Deane showed from the start that he meant business, setting fastest times on the opening two sessions, but on the third and final run he found that Whitby Moynan from Tipperary had knocked 5 seconds off his previous best to put himself into the lead. The track having deteriorated badly in parts from all the action was now Deane’s biggest barrier.
He put the power down in his high revving buggy right from the green light, picked a flawless racing line around the track and bet Moynan by just over 1 second, a trilling end to a great days autocrossing.
Also happy to finish the day was club chairperson Matthew Murphy from Shrule, he brought his Toyota Corolla home in 16 overall, after finding conditions tough as his car was taking a pounding over the ruts that appeared on some of the corners.
Achill man Peter Mc Manamon and John Ryan from Headford had their own battle for positions throughout the day, the Achill man eventually taking the bragging rights.
The hard luck story of the day was the Opel Kadett of Alan Moran and Stephen Doherty from Foxford, the pair were double driving the car but on Stephens second run, he turned the car into a corner a fraction to early, clipping the inside bank and overturning the car. The car was not badly damaged but without a windscreen the car was not allowed back out for the last run. Alan had already set a blistering time on his fist run, that in the end seen him finish the event in 15 place overall.
The next Autocross action for the drivers is Mayo’s own loose surface event which takes place on the 9 of June in kilkelly.
MAYO AUTOCROSS: Sunday May 12th – Results
DEANE DOMINATES.
The first Mayo & District Motorsport Club Autocross of the year took place on Sunday. Derek Deane from Williamstown won the event in his JB Buggy, continuing his great form from last year that saw him crowned the 2012 Frank Harrington Challenge Champion. Second home was Ian Barrett from Maynooth, with another member of the Deane family, Mervyn, rounding off an all Buggy Top 3.
Local honours went to James McGreal from Foxford who won the club award. Other locals to fare well were club chairman Matthew Murphy from Shrule who won class 3 in his Toyota Corolla. Alan Moran from Foxford won Class 2 in his Opel Kadett, after a battle of the local young drivers that saw Shrule man Noel Murphy finish just two-hundredths of a second behind Moran.
Shauna McEveney from Castlebar won the ladies award on her first ever day out and also with a good solid performance on his first day driving at an autocross event was young Colm Ronan from Bekan. Both of whom are young drivers who are starting off their Motorsport careers at the correct level, taking part in the Mayo & District Motorsport Clubs -Young Drivers Support Scheme, learning proper car control in a controlled environment.
Round 2 takes place on Sunday 9 June.
Photos below courtesy of Ruthann O’Connor and Stephen Doherty
Some footage from the day’s events by club member Ruthann O’Connor
National Loose Surface Autocross Championship Round 1
Five members of Mayo & District Motorsport Club made the trip to Clonakilty, Co Cork, taking part in the first round of the 5 Star Catering National Loose surface Autocross Championship,
They didnt leave empty handed, Derek Deane from Williamstown took the overall win on the event in his JB Buggy, Matthew Murphy, Chairman of the Mayo Club, from Shrule, finished 2nd in Class 2 in his Toyota Corolla, Justin Ryan from Headford, 3rd in Class in a Honda Civic, Peter Mc Manamon made the trip from Achill to finish 6th in class and John Ryan from Headford 7th in Class.
Great results for the lads who made the long trip to Cork.
2013 5 Star Catering
National Loose Surface Autocross Championship
Plans are now in place for the inaugural 2013 National Loose Surface Autocross Championship. The Championship is being sponsored by Batt O’Donoghoes 5 Star Catering Outlets who covers all types of events nationwide.
The Championship will comprise of six rounds utilising Loose Surface Autocross Events in Skibbereen, Clare, Midland, Mayo, Birr & Cork Motor Clubs. Best 5 events count towards results.
The Championship will comprise of Six Rounds utilising Loose Surface Autocross Events in Skibbereen, Clare, Midland, Mayo, Birr & Cork Motor Clubs. Best 5 Events count towards results.
The championship will have classes for all cars & specials including 4WD. Points scoring will be on a class based system meaning that any driver is capable of winning the championship outright.
The list of Championship events is as follows:
17 February Skibbereen & District Car Club
26 May Clare Motor Club
30 June Midland Motor Club
28 July Mayo & District Motor Club
17 November Birr & District Motor Club
27 December Cork Motor Club
CLASSES.
Class 1: All Saloon cars up to 1450 c.c.
Class 2: All Saloon cars from 1451 c.c. to 1650 c.c.
Class 3: All Saloon cars from 1650 c.c. to 2100 c.c.
Class 4: All Saloon cars 2101 c.c. and over, 4WD & Turbo Charged Saloon Cars.
Class 5: Car Engined Specials.
Class 6: Motor Bike Engined Specials including Buggies.
Class 7: Junior Class for 16 –18 Year Olds holding a Speed National B Licence in 2wd Saloon Cars up to 1650 c.c.
Further information is available from the championship Registrar Eoin Longworth 086 8179297.
|
Final Round 5 Star Catering National Autocross Championship Report Photos by John Delaney Severe winter conditions greeted the two Mayo crews that made the trip, on the day after St. Stephen’s day, to Cork, for the final round of the 2013 National Loose Surface Autocross Championships. |
|
| The inaugural championship which was supported by Bath O’Donoghoe of 5 Star Catering had no fewer than six Mayo members claim awards after the final round points and dropped scores were tallied. There could only of course be one overall winner and given his run of five overall wins from the opening five rounds, no one could argue the merits of Derek Deane lifting the championship crown. Keeping up the winning theme in the Deane household, Derek’s brother, Adrian claimed first in class 6 for motorcycle engined buggies. James McGreal brought his Subaru to an overall second place in class 4, for 4wd saloon cars over 2101cc. Overall class 2 results for saloon cars from 1451cc to 1650cc were dominated by Mayo club members. Matthew Murphy, in his Toyota Corolla finished on top, marginally ahead of Alan Moran from Foxford and Peter McManamon from Achill, who were only separated into second and third by events completed after the pair finished the championships level on points. The final hurrah of the 2013 championships is the prize giving which takes place on Saturday January 18th in the Oakwood Arms Hotel, Shannon, Co Clare. |
Maguire claims Hat-Trick on Mayo Stages Rally 2012
Niall Maguire rolled back the years to claim victory on the McWilliam Park Hotel and Fleet Transport Magazine Mayo Stages Rally on Sunday. With co-driver Enda Sherry, the Monaghan man had to overcome a tough battle with team-mates and Subaru WRC rivals Kevin Barrett and Sean Mullally, before a puncture for Barrett on the penultimate stage proved decisive in deciding the outcome. It was Maguire’s third victory on Mayo soil and puts him into the lead of this year’s Dunlop National Rally Championship after two rounds, while Barrett had to be satisfied with second place after winning this event last year.
Early morning drizzle had left the roads in very slippery conditions for the opening loop of stages, catching out many competitors. Among them were the number two seeds Thomas Fitzmaurice who lost two minutes with a spin in their Subaru WRC, dropping them to 85th place. Thereafter it was a case of damage limitation and the Kerry crew were ultimately very happy to finish in fifth place overall.
Brian O’Mahony and his local co-driver John Higgins from Kiltimagh were held up by the Fitzmaurice incident on stage one in their Duggan’s Sales & Recovery Claremorris sponsored Subaru WRC, but worse was to follow on the second loop of stages when smoke followed by fire enveloped the cabin. Luckily there was no permanent damage, but the Cork / Mayo pairing were disappointed to have to retire early on an event in which they had high hopes of victory.
Barrett had established a fifteen second advantage over the hard charging Donagh Kelly / Kevin Flanagan in a Group N Mitsubishi Evo as the competitors returned to first service with Maguire and O’Mahony close behind, but as the roads started to dry it was Maguire who started to push the pace, beating his team-mate on each of the following three tests to arrive back into second service tied on time with the Maynooth driver.
A close finish looked inevitable after Barrett struck back on stage seven, regaining the lead by two seconds. His chances of a repeat Mayo win were struck a major blow on the following test though, when the Subaru got a puncture, putting Maguire back in front by five seconds with one stage remaining. The Monaghan man was duly fastest again on the final stage, to claim a popular win back at rally HQ, the McWiliam Park Hotel.
Third place went to Donagh Kelly and Kevin Flanagan who were the highest placed Group N competitors in their Mitsubishi Evo. Indeed the Donegal crew had been in contention for overall honours for much of the day until drying roads handed the advantage back to the World Rally Cars.
Tipperary’s Roy White and James O’Brien were happy with their run to fourth in their Rover MG ZR, Roy very happy with the car after suffering problems on the opening National Championship round in Birr. Behind Thomas Fitzmaurice in fifth were the Dunlop Championship Group N winners, Donegal brothers Trevor and Kenny Bustard in their Mitsubishi.
Seamus Leonard and John McCafferty were initially showing atop the leaderboard but a two minute penalty ultimately kept them down in seventh place, Seamus just happy to post decent stage times. On a day that proved challenging for rear wheel drive cars Camillus Bradley and Crawford Henderson from Co. Derry once again proved Masters of Mayo, winning the Dunlop Championship Mark 2 prize for top Escort crew. Two other Escort crews rounded out the top ten, Paul Barrett and Peter Ward from Tyrone ahead of Cavan’s Jonathan Pringle and Martin Byrne.
Once again Mayo & District Motorsport Club received many plaudits for runing a highly successful rally. Testing stages and flawless organisation meant the event ran without hardly a hitch, while the good weather attracted large crowds to see the action at the Ceremonial Start on Saturday as well as on the rally stages. For the hard worked organisers at the rally finish it was a case of looking forward to a well deserved rest but roll on 2013.
***FULL RESULTS***
A huge thank you to all who helped make this year’s Mayo Stages Rally a great success. Well done to everyone involved…
Photo shows Leah Horan, Muire Gan Small, NS Claremorris a winner in the Mayo Stages Rally 2012, Safety Poster Competition gets a cockpit view with Rally driver Kevin Barrett, pictured in his no 1 Subaru WRC (Class 8) at the Ceremonial Start of the McWilliam Park Hotel Fleet Transport Mayo Stages Rally 2012 in Claremorris.
Photo: © Michael Donnelly Photography
How Local Competitors Fared on the Mayo Stages Rally
Photos by James Burke
Top placed local finishers on the 2012 McWilliam Park Hotel and Fleet Transport Magazine Mayo Stages Rally were the brothers Loughney, Colin from Hollymount and Michael from Killala finishing 29 overall in their Ford Escort Mark 2, and taking second in class 12 in the process.
(Pictured are-Colin & Michael Loughney, top local finishers on Mayo Stages Rally, with Coin’s children Eoghan, Ciara and David)
Sean McHugh and Paul McLaughlin were the next best placed locals. After surviving pre-event brake problems and a major moment on stage three, the Bekan / Claremorris duo were delighted to come home safely in 37 place and 5 in class 14, Sean thanking his experienced navigator and his service crew for getting him to his first finish in nearly two years.
Headford / Ballinrobe combination Justin Ryan and Andy Walsh were slightly disappointed at the finish, but only because they had narrowly failed to claim an award for third in the very competitive class 2. This was directly as a result of a rival being awarded a faster scratch time on the penultimate stage because of a stage stoppage. Other than they were very happy to be setting competitive times on their home rally.
Belmullet’s Ciaran Kennedy and his Killala co-driver Patrick O’Hora came home safely in 58 place in their class 2 Honda Civic, two time penalties pushing them down the running order. They finished just one place ahead of the similar car of Tony Langdon and David Loughney from Ballina, who in turn were ahead of another class 2 Civic, this one piloted by Knock’s David and Simon McGuinness.
Mayo Motorsport Club Young Autocross Driver Champion Alan Moran had a successful stage rallying debut, bringing his Opel Astra home safely in 62 place and 7 in class 9. He reported a few minor moments but really enjoyed his day, thanking his sponsors MD Roofing, Moran Nurseries and Deasy’s Garage for their support, as well as James McGreal for preparing his rally car.
As photos below show,the Mayo & District Club Awards went to:
1st -Sean McHugh & Paul McLaughlin,
2nd- Justin Ryan & Andy Walsh and
3rd -Ciaran Kennedy & Pat O Hora (Missing from pics below)
The testing stages saw a lot of competitors fall by the wayside throughout the day, among them a number of local club entrants. They included Mervyn Deane and Trevor Burke from Williamstown, who had reiterated their high seeding with a top fifteen time on the opening test, but then retired on stage two after putting their car off the road.
Number three seeded co-driver John Higgins retired after special stage three following an in-car fire in Brian O’Mahony’s Subaru WRC that was sponsored by Duggan’s Sales & Recovery Claremorris. Derek Bolton from Ballaghadereen and Sean Hassett from Headford saw the engine of the Subaru Impreza let go on stage two, a stage that also saw the demise of Adrian and Aidan Fahy with wheel bearing problems in their Escort.
John Duffy from Crossmolina with co-driver John Egan made it one stage further to the third test before a broken driveshaft brought their day to an early halt, John praising the rally officials for a very well organized rally. Knock’s Niall Morley and Cormac Rally reported a bad day, hitting a bale on stage three, and losing time in the same stage trying to restart their car after a spin, before eventually retiring with a blown engine on the following test. Also having a short day’s rallying were Killala’s Gavin and Raymond Carroll who crashed out of the opening stage…..photos below (with a difference) by http://www.facebook.com/rallythroughalens
Reflecting On A Job Well Done
Cathal Doyle
Afterwards, the overwhelming sense was of relief. Satisfaction at a job well done, delight at seeing the large crowds on the rally stages and hearing the positive feedback from the competitors, but above all relief that the event had passed off safely, that the months of hard work preparing for the 2012 McWilliam Park Hotel and Fleet Transport Magazine Mayo Stages Rally had all been worthwhile.
Clerk of the Course Padraic Roche was entitled to enjoy the platitudes coming his way after what was another hugely succesful event for Mayo & District Motorsport Club. The Killala man has racked up thousands of miles since last November, not just travelling between his home and Claremorris, but also covering every inch of the rally route, trying to ensure every possible scenario of what possibly could go wrong was prepared for. He was not alone, his team of Deputy CoC David Jordan, Assistant CoC Liam Healy and the Stage Commanders and Deputy Stage Commanders have all become famiilar faces to residents of the rally route over the past months.
“At times you wonder if it will ever all come together” reflected Padraic at the rally finish on the trials of organising an event of this magnitude. “Thankfully I had a great team supporting me and any problems that did arise were quickly addressed. I’m delighted that this week-end has gone so well, and a huge thank you has to go to the people of Claremorris and all along the rally route who have been so accommodating and made it possible for us to run this event. We’re also so appreciative of the support of our title sponsors The McWilliam Park Hotel and Fleet Transport Magazine, and all our other sponsors, as well as the Claremorris Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. I think the crowds here and the huge buzz around the town both today and yesterday for the Ceremonial Start are a reflection on what it means to have the rally in this area.”
That sense of a special occasion was reiterated by many people over the rally weekend. At the Ceremonial Start on Saturday evening where a large crowd was in attendance, dignitaries including John O’Mahony TD, Dara Calleary TD, the Chairman of Claremorris Chamber of Commerce Eugene Waldron, and local councillors all noted the importance of having such a major sporting event in Claremorris in what is otherwise a quiet time of year for businesses.
At the rally finish Seamus Gallagher of The McWilliam Park Hotel said that having the rally in the area had been a real boost to Claremoris in the past three years. “We’re delighted with the support from everybody, both participants and the Mayo Rally Club, and I’d like to congratulate each and every one of them for the work they put into this outstanding rally.”
Event Secretary Kathleen Kennedy singled out The McWilliam Park Hotel for special praise. “As a rally headquarters we could hardly wish for a better venue. It is ideally located just off the N17, and with the service park and Parc Feirme adjacent to the hotel, combined with the excellent facilities, it is no wonder it is so popular with everyone involved with the rally. I’d like to extend a personal thanks to Lesley Joyce and Fergal Ryan from the hotel for their unstinting support for the past three years.”
Event sponsor Jarlath Sweeney of Claremorris based Fleet Transport Magazine was another to reflect on a job well done. “I am delighted to be associated with such a successful event and congratulations to Niall Maguire who we are very familiar with through our magzine and his international road transport business.”
Mayo & District Motorsport Club organised a very successful event for local schoolchildren at Bohola National School which is located close to two of the stages on this year’s event. Presented by rally driver Toni Kelly from Donegal, who is also a Road Safety Authority (RSA) ambassador, together with members of Mayo & District Motorsport Club, Mayo County Council’s Road Safety Officer Noel Gibbons, and An Garda Siochana, the initiative provided the school children with a special opportunity to learn first hand about the safety measures that are in place to run a rally, as well as a demonstration of safety equipment on board a current rally car. The presentation was very well received with lots of questions and much excitement about the forthcoming rally.
The Build-Up to a Rally – The Inside Story
A clubman’s Point of View by Justin Ryan
Weeks and months leading up to a rally isn’t all fun and games for competitors. Unfortunately, we as drivers don’t just show up on a Sunday step into the car and drive it hard as we can; if only it was that easy!
The build up to a rally typically starts about 6 weeks beforehand, when you send an entry form away in the post to the motor club along with the expensive entry fee that you have scraped together. Then the work really begins as you start to get the car ready for the event. This could involve anything from putting in a new engine or gearbox to setting up the suspension. Depending on what happened during your last rally, new parts may need to be bought or sometimes new body panels! Safety is something that is paramount in our sport and it is improving every year. The downside is that making the car safer usually costs the competitor money, as new regulations come out every year from Motorsport Ireland.
It could mean you need to add something like an extra bar into the roll cage or buy a new type of harness. All these things cost money and time on the lead up to an event.
In between getting the car ready, you try to round up a couple of sponsors, make sure you have a service crew to help you on the day and double check you have your suit, helmet, balaclava etc. All the while you are in constant contact with your navigator discussing everything about the upcoming event.
The week of the rally brings more headaches and stress. Along with going about your daily routine of work or college you are constantly thinking of the weekend ahead, often making a list and double checking everything on it. It’s an early start on the Saturday morning as you meet your navigator at rally headquarters and set off to do reconnaissance (or recce as we normally call it). This is where you get to see the stages that you will be rallying on the next day for the first time, as you drive them at low speed in your road car. This is possibly the most tiresome part of the weekend as you are allowed to make 3 passes through the stages to make your pacenotes, which takes huge concentration from both driver and navigator. Normally, you are exhausted after making “notes” but you have face scrutiny next, where all the cars are checked by officials to ensure they are safe enough to rally. This is another stressful time, as you anxiously await the verdict of the scrutineers. Although most of the time you know the car is ready and safe, something in the back of your mind always asks “Did I forget something?” The relief of getting the thumbs up is quickly followed by a fast meal, quick chat and straight to bed just as the nerves begin to kick in. A restless night’s sleep later and you find yourself back at rally HQ for driver’s safety briefing and then to parc ferme where your car was guarded safely with the 150 others for the night. But then finally, all the late nights, stress, worrying, phone calls, texts, nerves and anxiousness is all worth it a few minutes later when you’re suited up on the start line ready to tear down that first stage, as your navigator calls 5….4….3….2….1….GO!!
Update No.3:
Rally Countdown … all go from Friday evening
With competitors arriving from Friday afternoon on, the first task for the drivers and co-drivers after signing-on to the event is on Saturday morning March 10, when they drive the rally stages in their road cars making pacenotes to use the following day. Later in the day, the rally cars will be presented for scrutineering where they have to pass stringent road and rally safety requirements before being allowed to take part in the rally. After that the cars are locked away securely in Parc Feirme ahead of the start of the rally.
Ceremonial Start
For the public, the rally gets underway in earnest on Saturday when the leading competitors as well as all the local drivers gather in Claremorris town centre for the Ceremonial Start. Now in its third year, this is a great opportunity to see the rally cars and stars up close, and is especially suitable for families with small children. The town centre will be closed to traffic from 6pm with diversions in place. The rally cars will start arriving from 7pm with the cars passing over the starting ramp where the drivers will be interviewed at 9pm.
When the flag drops….
The serious competition starts on Sunday morning, with the leading cars leaving Parc Feirme at 8.50 am to tackle the nine challenging special stages. The first stage Craggagh Hill between Balla and Kiltimagh runs for the first time at 9.30 am. Stage two, Thorn Hill in the Bohola area gets underway at 10 am, and stage three, Eden, which is near Knock runs at 10.45 am. The cars then return to service adjacent to the McWilliam Park Hotel before tacking the loop of three stages two more times. The leading cars are due back at the rally finish in Claremorris shortly after 5 pm. Full details of maps and times will be available in the rally programmes which will be on sale in shops and garages around the area from Friday evening. Online users can follow Mayo & District Motorsport Club’s Twitter () and Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/mayostagesrally) accounts which will be continually updated during the week-end with all the latest news, times and competitor quotes, or can check into the club website ( www.mayomotorsportclub.com).
Marshals Needed
A small army of people is needed to run an event like the Mayo Stages Rally, and Mayo & District Motorsport Club is looking for people who would like to assist by marshaling on the day. Anyone interested should contact either David Doherty on 087 232 3113 or Garret Hannigan on 087 055 9207.
Top Quality Entry Field
A near capacity entry list promises an intriguing battle for victory on the Mayo Stages, with two Mayo & District Motorsport Club members among those with a genuine chance of tasting victory champagne. Leading the field away are last year’s winners Kevin Barrett and Sean Mullally. The Maynooth / Limerick duo will need to repeat the serious pace that brought them victory last year to once again top the podium. At two are the winners of the opening round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship a fortnight ago, Thomas Fitzmaurice and Fionn Foley from Kerry, while at three, Brian O’Mahony from Cork will be hoping the local knowledge of his co-driver John Higgins from Kiltimagh will be enough to put them atop the winner’s circle on Sunday evening. Championship regulars Niall Maguire and Enda Sherry from Monaghan are followed by Omagh’s Seamus Leonard and John McCafferty. With all the top five seeds in Subaru World Rally Cars, local club member Aaron McHale with co-driver Brian Daniels will be hoping his Ford Focus WRC will be up to the challenge of repeating the Kilcullen man’s victory here a few years ago.
Away from the World Rally Cars, a serious battle is in prospect between competitors in the ever-popular Escort Mark 2’s, for whom a special competition has been established this year as part of the Dunlop National Rally Championship. Drivers like Daniel McKenna, Frank Kelly and Declan Boyle will be pushing the World Rally Cars for pace, particularly if conditions are dry, with a plethora of others hot on their heels. An interesting battle is in prospect in Group N also, with young guns Shane Maguire and Josh Moffett among the favourites in this category.
Locals Line Up For Battle
Perhaps inevitably the current difficult economic environment has meant fewer local competitors taking part on the Mayo Stages Rally compared to recent years, but nonetheless a sizeable number are all set for the challenge of tackling their local rally. Aside from John Higgins and Aaron MacHale, the top seeded Mayo & District Motorsport Club members are Andrew Mullen and Elaine Doherty from Ballisodare in car 21, who are also the title sponsors of the Border Rally Championship through their company Sligo Pallets. At 28 is Mervyn Deane from Williamstown who faces a tough challenge against the top competitors in class 13 in his Escort. At 46 are Colin and Michael Loughney in a class 12 Escort, the brothers having set some impressive times on this event last year. Ballaghadereen’s Derek Bolton has Sean Hassett from Headford co-driving in car 68, a Subaru Impreza. Club chairman Sean McHugh from Bekan starts at 73 in his class 14 BMW M3 Compact, while Ballinrobe father and son team Adrian and Aidan Fahy are at 77 in their class 13 Escort.
Belmullet’s Ciaran Kennedy and co-driver Patrick O’Hora make their return to rallying in car 83, a class 2 Honda Civic, while the class 7 Honda Integra of Crossmolina’s John Duffy with John Egan co-driving is at 86. In car 91, Justin Ryan from Headford and Andy Walsh from Ballinrobe will be hoping to repeat their recent fine form on the Galway International Rally in their class 2 Honda Civic.
Barry Cuffe from Belcarra and Marcus Molloy from Crossmolina start at 93 in their class 13 Escort just one place ahead of the class 12 version of Niall Morley and Cormac Lyons from Knock. Ballina’s Derek McCarthy co-drives the Ford Puma of car 99, Eamonn McCafferty, with another Ballina crew at 100, the class 2 Honda Civic pairing of Tony Langdon and David Loughney. Just behind them at number 101 is the similar car of Knock’s David and Simon McGuinness.
At 109, Mayo Young Driver Autocross Champion Alan Moran from Foxford makes his stage rallying debut in his class 9 Opel Kadett, while competing in the same class are Killala’s Gavin and Raymond Carroll in a Vauxhall Nova in number 113.
Update No.2:
Additional Title Sponsor For Mayo Stages Rally
Mayo & District Motorsport Club is pleased to announce that Fleet Transport Magazine has become joint title sponsor of the 2012 Mayo Stages Rally alongside The McWilliam Park Hotel. Based in Claremorris, Fleet Publications, established in 2003, is Ireland’s leading publisher of magazine titles for the fleet and commercial vehicle markets. As well as Fleet Transport, other titles produced by Fleet Publications include Fleet Car, Fleet Van & Utility, Fleet Bus & Coach, Fleet Trailer & Bodybuilder, Fleet Maritime, Green Fleet Management, and for the mobile leisure sector, Caravan Cruise Ireland magazine.
Group Editor of Fleet Publications Jarlath Sweeney said “Fleet Transport Magazine is delighted to become a title sponsor of the 2012 Mayo Stages Rally. For the third year the rally is based in our hometown of Claremorris, and has proved to be a huge success in the past two years, bringing much benefit to the town and surrounding area. Fleet Publications is a committed supporter of motorsport both in Ireland and overseas, and we are happy to be able to support Clerk of the Course Padraic Roche and his team to ensure the 2012 running of the Mayo Stages Rally is another major triumph.”
In addition to the title sponsors, a host of local businesses have come on board to support the 2012 McWilliam Park Hotel and Fleet Transport Magazine Mayo Stages Rally. These include Supermacs Claremorris, MW Design, Print & Signs Claremorris, Hillside Service Station Claremorris, EPS Ballyhaunis, Morans Family Butchers Belcarra, Claremorris Credit Union, Hastings Insurance Brokers Westport, Claremorris and other offices, Kevin Kennedy Motors Belmullet and Ballina, and KPS Colour Print Knock.
Update No.1:
Gearing Up for McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally 2012
Preparations for the 2012 Mayo Stages Rally which takes place on March 11th are well underway, two months ahead of the popular West of Ireland event.
With the Dunlop National Rally Championship returning to the Mayo roads after a year’s absence, and the rally also the opening round of the 2012 Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship, the stage is set for many of Ireland’s top rally drivers and co-drivers to battle it out for honours in March.
It’s a mixture of old and new for 2012 as, for the third year in succession, the Mayo Stages Rally will be based in the south Mayo town of Claremorris. However competitors will face the challenge of three entirely new stages, each to run three times. Offering a total distance of approximately 123 stage kilometres and 137 road kilometres, they look set to provide a challenging test for competitors.
Once again the McWilliam Park Hotel returns as title sponsor and rally headquarters for the week-end. Just off the N17, but close to the town centre and with the service park adjacent to the hotel, this modern facility is ideally situated for easy access from all locations, and has proved to be a popular location with competitors and visitors to the rally in the past two years.
A new Clerk of the Course comes on board for 2012. Padraic Roche from Killala is an experienced rally official, having undertaken a number of roles in recent years, as well as a regular competitor. He will be ably supported by Deputy Clerk of the Course David Jordan, Assistant Clerk of the Course Liam Healy and Event Secretary Katheen Kennedy, as well as an experienced team of officials.
