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Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan Win ALMC!!
Photos! (Video later in today)
FULL Event Preview & Details!
Evo Challenge is part of this years event!
RALLY NEWS NO.6 Finish/Sunday 6.50 LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 9 – FINAL STAGE
1st (3) Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Impreza WRC) 56.36
2ND (2) Kenny McKinstry/Noel Orr (Impreza WRC) 57.42
3rd (5) Mark Courtney/Mick Courtney (Celica) 59.20
4th (6) Tom Holton/Francis Kenny (Celica) 59.36
5th (32) Damien Tourish/Domhnall McAlaney (Lancer N) 59.40
6th (17) Trevor Mulligan/Lisa Roe (Escort) 59.56
7th (15) Owen Murphy/James O'Brien (Lancer N) 1.00.16
8th (9) Mark Jasper/Don Whyatt (Metro 6R4) 1.00.37
9th (22) Fergal Costello/Shane Gilhooley (Lancer N) 1.01.09
10th (21) Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley (Lancer N) 1.01.24 Kevin Lynch was fastest on just about every stage today to score a very memorable victory in his Subaru Impreza WRC S12B with Kenny McKinstry/Noel Orr 2nd in their slightly older model Subaru. Mark Courtney and Tom Holton had a real nip and tuck battle for 3rd place with Mark just getting his nose in front towards the end. Damien Tourish has scored a fine group N and Evo Challenge win here today although the overall points are still topped by Alan Carmichael.
When Kevin Lynch and his co driver Francis Regan brought their Subaru into the finish Kevin commented. “It was a good day but not easy. We kept up a good pace in the slippy conditions and got a good set up with the new car which seems very capable”. Kenny McKinstry, whose front bumper was showing scars of contact with the road, said. “We came over a big jump on the last stage about 10 miles an hour faster than the first two times and the car was right up on its nose. Overall it was a very good day, brilliant in fact”.
Damien Tourish said at the end that he decided not to go for 3rd place overall, to steady back and concentrate on the Evo Challenge. Owen Murphy is 2nd in the Evo Challenge today despite problems with the ECU on his Lancer. Fergal Costello was 3rd Group N and 3rd Evo Challenge. Brendan Cumiskey survived his earlier accident to tie for 4th with Alan Carmichael, Brendan getting the nod for being faster of the two on the final stage. Mark Courtney was nip and tuck through the afternoon stages with Tom Holton, both in Celicas. Tom Holton said it was one of his best day’s rallying ever despite an overshoot earlier which possibly cost him 3rd place. Tom was one of the drivers caught in the rain in stage 7 and had pure slick dry weather tyres fitted to his Toyota, but cut some grooves in the tyres with a penknife!
Trevor Mulligan had a brilliant run to win the 2 wheel drive honours in his Escort, his co driver Lisa Roe said he was magic in the car and this was first 2 wheel drive victory. Pat Donegal looked as if he was going to take the honours but his Escort retired with a broken drive shaft on the last stage. Maurice Moffett was also right in the 2 wheel drive hunt but his Starlet succumbed to differential failure on stage 7. Stage 7 also accounted for Colm Murphy/Brian Duggan when their Lancer suffered differential failure and then Colm crashed into a wall on a very difficult junction on stage 8. There was torrential rain on that 7th stage which caught several drivers out. One man who retired was last year’s winner Paddy White who was on the wrong tyres for the conditions. John Stone retired his Metro 6R4 with mechanical troubles on stage 9. Emma McKinstry brought here Subaru into 13th place. Billy O’Keefe was 14th and was 2nd in class 8 in his group A Lancer. James Cassidy was 15th and won class 12. Peter Wilson 17th and won class 11. Damien Hagan won class 13. Eugene Meegan won class 7. Barry Evans won class 6 from Killian Duffy.
Finally for now well done to John Carroll and all the ALMC team for a great day’s rallying and our thanks to all who helped and supported the RallyNews service.
BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews.net Click here for full stage times! Photos! CRSPICS.com Pre-Event News HQ and Scrutiny Maps Programe Outlets
Campus Filling Station Collon
Emo Station Slane.
Top filling station Kilmoon Cross.
Applegreen Garages Julianstown
Home Flair West Street Drogheda
Wheelspin Esso Garage Duleek / Drogheda Road
Londis Duleek Village
City North Hotel Marshal Meeting Points (& Maps)
ALMC Motor Club Evo Challenge battle resumes in County Meath
After two months since the previous round, the battle for the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland resumes next weekend, when the ALMC City North Hotel Stages Rally hosts round four of the all-asphalt one-make series for Group N (production specification) Lancers Evolutions.
Following a decision to move the fourth round from Donegal, to ensure all registered Evo Challenge crews were able to gain an entry, series organisers are delighted with the reception they have received from the County Meath-based event. Consequently, the only one-day rally in the Evo Challenge calendar has proved to be a popular choice, with nine crews entered - the series’ largest entry so far this season.
The event has also proved popular with other competitors, its full entry list boasting a total of 132 cars, plus a reserve list of 70!
An ‘interesting’ seeding for Evolution Challenge crews sees Owen Murphy, with co-driver James O’Brien, lead the Mitsubishi field away. The 21-year old charger will be looking for better luck this time round, following retirement in round three due to an ECU fault on day one.
Next to start are current series leaders, Alan Carmichael/Ivor Lamont, who won in West Cork and have finished every round so far. They are therefore aiming to continue their 100% points-scoring performance.
Although winning more stages than any other Irish Evo Challenge driver so far this season, Colm Murphy is yet to score, having retired on the second day in all three rounds. With a different co-driver in Anthony O’Conaill, he starts third of the Evo runners this time out and is hoping that the one-day format may well see him to make it to the finish!
Double-winner Brendan Cumiskey starts fourth and, with co-driver Conor Foley, whom he recorded his Killarney Evo Challenge victory, he will be out for a repeat performance – especially as this is his most local event. Stanley Ballentine/Richard Hyland are the fifth Evo Challenge crew to start and, after two podium finishes in the last two events, they have every chance of another good points haul on this event.
Next in line and rejoining the Mitsubishi series after only contesting round one - in which they retired - Darren Caldwell/Martin Costello make a welcome return and are hoping that their local knowledge may stand them in good stead. Seventh Evo Challenge seed is Tom Curley, who has shown good form this season and is destined for a high points score – provided his car is not still plagued by frustrating technical issues.
Surprisingly seeded as eighth Evo Challenge crew are Damien Tourish/Domhall McAlaney, who led the Mitsubishi series in Killarney during day-two, right up to the final stage. Having since found more power from their Lancer’s engine, it is expected they will be a force to be reckoned with next weekend.
Rounding off the Evo Challenge field are Michael Murray/Aiden Marrion, who - with a rebuilt engine – are hoping to finish well above their seeding suggests this time round.
The ALMC Stages Rally starts and finishes at from the event’s headquarters – and its title sponsor’s premises - the City Hotel North Hotel, just off the M1 near Gormanston, about 30 kilometres north of Dublin City Centre. The route features three stages, ran three times, on closed public roads in County Meath, providing a total competitive distance of 129 kilometres.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland is supported by: Sunoco Racing Fuels, Pirelli tyres, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland, Performance Friction Brakes, Speedline Corse wheels, PIAA lights, Murray Motorsport, Sparco racewear, Pacenotes and James Foley Rallysport, who are providing a Group N Lancer Evolution for the 2008 Champion to use in next year’s Rally Ireland. Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland – Round 4
List of entries in start number order
15 Owen Murphy (Cork)/ James O’Brien (Cork) (J)
16 Alan Carmichael (Ballymena)/Ivor Lamont (Ballymena)
20 Colm Murphy (Dublin)/Anthony O’Conaill (Ballymakeera)
21 Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/Conor Foley (Ballinode)
23 Stanley Ballentine (Strabane)/Richard Hyland (Omagh)
24 Darren Caldwell (Navan)/Martin Costello (Trim)
31 Tom Curley (Oranmore)/TBC
32 Damien Tourish (Donegal)/Domhall McAllaney (Donegal) (J)
51 Michael Murray (Longford)/Aidan Mannion (Kilcolgan)
(J) = Junior driver Click here for full entry list Car No Driver Navigator County Make Model cc Class
1 Paddy White Graeme Stewart Co Meath Ford Focus WRC 2000 8
2 Kenny McKinstry Noel Orr Co Down Subaru Impreza 2000 8
3 Kevin Lynch Francis Regan Co Londonderry Subaru Impreza 2000 8
4 Sean McArdle Gerard McMonagle Co Armagh Toyota Corolla WRC 2000 8
5 Mark Courtney Mick Courtney Co Meath Toyota Celica 2000 15
6 Tom Holton Francis Kenny Co Kildare Toyota Celica 2000 15
7 Pat Donegan Domhnall Lennon Co Meath Ford Escort 2400 14
8 Maurice Moffett Enda Sheery Co Monaghan Toyota Starlet 2400 14
9 Mark Jasper Don Whyatt Stafford MG Metro 6R4 2500 15
10 John Stone Lee Carter Lancanshire MG Metro 6R4 2500 15 Click here for Final Instructions! Click here for a list of accomadation! National Junior Rally Championship - More tarmac for the Juniors
The ALMC Stages rally, organised and promoted by Aer Lingus Motor Club, takes place on Sunday 6th July. The event is Round 5 of the National Junior Rally Championship. The rally headquarters is the City North Hotel, Gormanstown, Co.Meath. The City North is about 30 miles north of Dublin on the M1 and accessible at the exit for Julianstown. The event will consist of three stages done three times with a total stage mileage of 90 miles.
The National Junior Rally Championship (NJRC) is in its inaugural year. It is an eight round championship, with four rounds on tar and four on gravel. It is also a class based championship. The winner of the NJRC will be awarded an assisted drive in a national rally in 2009, while the eight class winners (plus two wild cards) will be considered for the Billy Coleman award-worth over thirty thousand to the winner.
To date there has been two forestry rallies (Tipperary and Limerick) followed by two tarmac rallies: Midlands and Cork Mini. Jason Ryan (Honda) set the ball rolling with a fine win in Tipperary while Pat Cunningham (Honda) was the victor in the woods of Limerick.
The two tarmac rallies witnessed the best racing of the season, with Damien Mc Carthy winning both narrowly. He prevailed over Peter Wilson (both in Hondas) by 4 seconds in the Midlands and a mere 1.9 seconds in Cork. Pat Cunningham had a very good third in Cork and these three drivers can be expected to dominate the time sheets today. Perhaps lady luck will smile on Wilson today. He is the local driver and perhaps that will give him the edge over Mc Carthy.
The overall leader in the new championship is Vincent Mc Aree in the Peugeot 106.Mc Carthy trails him by just two points on 26 and Wilson is four more behind on 22. ALMC Stages Rally Launch tonight @ 7pm in the City North Hotel The entry list will be available at the launch. Some guests that will that will be in attendance are last years winner Paddy White along with rally preparation expert James Foley and the famous Rosemary Smith.
There will also a display of rally cars.
Light refreshments will be available, admission is free and all are welcome. Launch Night, City North Hotel, Gormanston, Wed 25th June at 7.00pm Entries still rolling in -- anyone still looking for a place, please get your entry in asap to Event Secretary Dawn Popham entries open until 25th June
"ALMC Stages Rally 2008 Launch Night, City North Hotel, Gormanston, Wed 25th June at 7.00pm All members, competitors and supporters welcome -- light refreshments available Anyone available to marshal -- please contact Chief Marshal on 087 2488852 ALMC rally to replace Donegal as a counting round of the 2008 Irish Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge
Saturday, May 10 2008 13:43
The ALMC stages Rally will be replacing the Donegal International as a counting round of the 2008 Irish Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge. Regulations Available Click Here!
Organisers of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland have today announced that round four of the Eire-based one-make series for Group N Lancer Evolutions will be the ALMC City North Hotel Stages Rally on 6th July, in place of the Topaz International Donegal Rally on 14th & 15th June, which was initially included in the Mitsubishi championship s six-round calendar.
The move has come about following concerns that not all of the registered Evolution Challenge teams would be able to gain an entry in Donegal, a scenario that was considered unfair for those who would not be able to compete, as Championship Manager Simon Slade explains:
We initially included Donegal because of the rally's excellent reputation. However, as the event got nearer we became aware that it would be difficult to ensure that all of our crews would get an entry. It s a shame, but we fully understand the situation the rally organisers have, with it being so oversubscribed. We therefore looked at moving to another event and the ALMC Stages just outside Dublin on 6th July fitted into our calendar very well.
Slade continues: Although some of our competitors would have liked Donegal to remain as a round of the Evo Challenge, they understand the reason why we have had to make the change. However, with the two events a few weeks apart, it still allows competitors to compete in both if they wish.
Clerk of the Course for the ALMC Stages Rally John Carroll is delighted that his event has been selected as a round of the Mitsubishi championship:
The ALMC Motor Club welcomes the Evolution Challenge. Whilst traditionally a Clubman s event, we are now building-up its status and see the inclusion of the Mitsubishi championship as a step towards this. It is also rewarding for the ALMC members in light of their hard work over the last few years. We are confident that the drivers will not be disappointed with the stages we have in store.
The ALMC Stages Rally will be based at the City North Hotel, approximately 40 kms from Dublin on the M1 motorway. The event will feature three stages ran three times, with a central service area. All of the event s 145 competitive kms will take place in County Meath.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland is supported by: Sunoco Racing Fuels, Pirelli tyres, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland, Performance Friction Brakes, Speedline Corse wheels, PIAA lights, Murray Motorsport, Sparco racewear, Pacenotes and James Foley Rallysport, who are providing a Group N Lancer Evolution for the 2008 Champion to use in next year s Rally Ireland. |
