Peespeed Photography

Results for Feb 4th&5th

2012-02-05T22:07:00.001Z

MOTOR ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUBJENKINS CUP SPORTING TRIAL AT GREENAN, CO WICKLOW:

1Fergil Gregory (Erskine-Yamaha) 2 marks,

2Alan Kilkenny (Kilkenny-Yamaha) 2m,

3Christopher Evans (ETE-Yamaha) 2m,

4 Percy Pennefather (Erskine-Suzuki) 4m,

5Gordon Erskine (Erskine-Yamaha) 5m,

6Iain Meeke (BD-Opel) 5m,

7 Ian MacWilliam (Erskine-Yamaha) 5m,

8John O'Reilly (Erskine-Kawasaki) 6m,

9Paul Needham(Erskine-Honda) 6m,

10Gordon Watkins (Watkins-Yamaha) 7m,

11Joe McCann (JMcVW) 7m,

12 Philip Erskine (Erskine-Yamaha) 9m.

Gradewinners: Alan Kilkenny, Gordon Watkins, Iain Meeke, Gerry Freeman (Kilkenny VW)21m.

MGCC (UlsterCentre) Derek Walker Trial

1. Ashley Lamont / Wesley Lamont (MG Midget) 825.1

2. FrankLenehan / Olwen Blair (Toyota Starlet) 855.2

3. RobertWoodside Jr / Dean Beckett (Mazda MX5) 856.8

4. JamesWilson / Roisin Boyd (Mini Cooper) 866.3

5. SamWilson / Raymond Wilson (Mini Cooper) 872.0

6. HaroldHassard / Raymond Donaldson (Nissan Sunny) 886.0

7. RobertDickson / Catherine Dickson (Mini Cooper) 888.3

8. RichardEarney / Andrew Earney (ToyotaStarlet) 890.1

9. MichaelReid / Malcolm Thompson (MG Midget) 905.2

10. DeclanHendrick / Philip Creighton (ToyotaStarlet) 912.4

ClassWinners: Andy Johnson /George Johnson(Bugatti Brescia) 1136.9, Lloyd Cochrane / Robert Chambers (MG B GT) 1023.4, MichaelReid / Malcolm Thompson, James Wilson / Roisin Boyd, Ivan McAteer / StephenMontgomery (MG Midget) 970.9, Frank Lenehan / Olwen Blair

SAFETY DIRECT GALWAY INTERNATIONAL RALLY (ROUND 1 OF IRISH TARMACCHAMPIONSHIP):

1Darren Gass/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1h 08m 19s,

2Eugene Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Mini John Cooper WorksWRC) 1h 08m 20s,

3Tim McNulty/Paul Kiely (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1h 08m 25s,

4Garry Jennings/Rory Kennedy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 1h 09m 44s,

5Derek McGarrity/James McKee (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1h 10m 07s,

6Daragh O’Riordan/Tony McDaid (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1h 10m 17s,

7Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 1h 11m 19s,

8Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 1h 11m 31s,

9Thomas Fitzmaurice/Fionn Foley (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1h 12m 51s,

10Josh Moffett/Domhnall Lennon (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N), 1h 13m 02s.

Class winners:

EugeneO’Donnell/Sean Harris (Honda Civic),

DavidQuigley/Des Sherlock (Honda Civic),

AnthonyMasterson/Tommy Clinton (Honda Integra),

NATIONAL EVENT:

1Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Ford Escort) 1h 12m 16s,

2Tom Flaherty/Patrick Curley (Ford Escort) 1h 12m 18s,

3John Hendy/Alan White (ToyotaCorolla) 1h 13m 10s,

4Daniel McKenna/Andrew Grennan (Ford Escort) 1h 13m 38s,

5Arthur Kierans/Mac Kierans (Escort) 1h 14m 31s,

6Tom Cahill/Philip Conneely (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) 1h 14m 39s.

HISTORIC/POST-HISTORICRALLY:

1John Keatley/James McKeefry (Porsche 911) 1h 24m 31s,

2Mervyn Johnston/Wendy Blackledge (Mini Cooper S) 1h 29m 06s,

3Ray Cunningham/Adrian Cusack (Mini Cooper S) 1h 30m 20s.

Classwinners: Ernie Graham/Will Graham (Ford Escort), Brendan McAree/J P McAree(Porsche), Martin Creaven/Chris Crowe (Ford Escort), Andy Hennessy/Peter Murphy(Hillman Imp).

JUNIOR RALLY:

1Damien Boyle/Nicola Boyle (Honda Civic) 52m 22s,

2Michael Fitzgibbon/Pa Baker (Honda Civic) 52m 36s,

3Niall O’Sullivan/Chris Horan (Citroen C2) 53m 14s.

CARLOW C C RALLYCROSSAT MONDELLO PARK(ROUND 4 OF MOTORSPORT IRELAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP):

SUPER FINAL:

1 George Tracey (Citroen Xsara) 4m 19.37s,

2 John Kelly (Lancer Evo 7) 4m 21.76s,

3 Ian O’Connell (Lotus Exige) 4m 30.68s,

4 Willie Coyne (Opel Corsa) 4m 34.29s,

5 Dessie Tierney (Opel Tigra) 4m 36.48s,

6 EddiePeterson (Peugeot 106) 4m 43.00s

SUPERCAR A FINAL:

1 George Tracey (Citroen Xsara) 3m 37.05s,

2 John Kelly (Lancer Evo 7) 3m 43.51s.

SOUTHSIDE MOTOR FACTORS MODIFIED A FINAL:

1 Ian O’Connell (Lotus Exige) 3m 43.48s,

2 Willie Coyne (Opel Corsa) 3m 48.44s,

3 Dessie Tierney (Opel Tigra) 3m 56.04s.

SOUTHSIDE MOTOR FACTORS MODIFIED B FINAL:

1 Don Shannon (Volvo S40) 3m 55.69s,

2 Ryan Murphy (Ford Escort) 4m 00.72s,

3 John Dowling (Vauxhall Nova) 4m 04.33s,

4 Chris Grimes (Vauxhall Nova) 4m 06.31s,

5 Mark Halligan (Peugeot 205) 4m 07.04s,

6 Mark Francis (Ford Escort) 4m 07.06s.

RATHGAR MOTOR FACTORS STOCK HATCH 16 VALVE FINAL:

1Graeme Colfer (Peugeot 106) 3m 57.64s,

2Eddie Peterson (Peugeot 106) 3m 57.87s,

3Gordon Lynch (Peugeot 106) 3m 59.03s,

4Eoin Murray (Peugeot 106) 3m 59.52s,

5Aaron Dalton(Peugeot 106) 4m 05.71s.

RATHGAR MOTOR FACTORS STOCK HATCH 8 VALVE A FINAL:

1 Noel O’Brien (Peugeot 205) 4m 01.59s,

2 Ciaran Murphy (Peugeot 205) 4m 03.56s,

3 Mark Halligan (Peugeot 205) 4m 08.98s,

4 Stephen Morrin (Peugeot 205) 4m 10.92s,

5 Damian Farrell (Peugeot 205) 4m 11.29s,

6 Peter McGarry (Peugeot 205) 4m 14.52s.

RATHGAR MOTOR FACTORS STOCK HATCH 8 VALVE B FINAL:

1 Peter McGarry (Peugeot 205) 4m 04.89s,

2 Mike Moran (Peugeot 205) 4m 07.08s,

3 Paul Nolan (Peugeot 205) 4m 10.21s,

4 Tom Murphy (Peugeot 205) 4m 14.17s.

JUNIOR A FINAL:

1 James Fleming (Toyota Starlet) 4m 13.08s,

2 Jake Byrne (Nissan Micra) 4m 13.58s,

3 Sophie Byrne (Nissan Micra) 4m 17.43s,

4 Brian Mullins (Nissan Micra) 4m 19.38s,

5 Eamon Horan (Nissan Micra) 4m 20.72s,

6 Andrew Clarke (Nissan Micra) 4m 22.93s.

RALLY CAR A FINAL:

1 Fergus Lynch (Honda Civic) 3m 51.05s,

2 Thomas O’Rafferty (Opel Corsa) 3m 54.83s,

3 Jack Deegan (Peugeot 205) 3m 56.01s,

4 Pat Murphy (Peugeot 205) 3m 58.67s,

5 Patrick Donoghue (Peugeot 205) 4m 02.26s,

6 Thomas Tutty (Peugeot 205) 4m 19.51s.

SKIBBEREEN &DISTRICT C C 100 ISLES NAVIGATION TRIAL AT SKIBBEREEN, CO CORK (ROUND 6 OF MOTORSPORT IRELAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND ROUND 5 OF MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIP):

1(tie) Alan Shinnors/George Shinnors (Subaru Impreza)

Michael Carbin/EvinHughes (Subaru Impreza) 0 marks,

3Ger Fitzgerald/Daire Hayes (Subaru Impreza) 1m,

4David Beamish/Muireann Hayes (Toyota Carina) 2m,

5Darren Quinn/Nigel McCloughry (Subaru Legacy) 3m,

6Brian O’Mahony/David Swanton (Vauxhall Vectra) 9m,

7Steven Clarke/Michelle McCarthy (Opel Corsa) 20m,

8Joseph Shinnors/Greg Shinnors (Subaru Impreza) 25m,

9Andrew Beamish/Eoghan McCarthy (Nissan Sunny) 29m,

10Alwyn White/Adrian Tobin (Mazda 626) 34m,

11Jason Coulter/Diarmuid O’Donovan (Peugeot 205) 40m,

12Dermot Whelton/Barry O’Sullivan (VW Golf) 47m.

Semi-experts:1 Brian O’Mahony/David Swanton, 2 Steven Clarke/Michelle McCarthy, 3 JasonCoulter/Diarmuid O’Donovan.

Novices:1 David Beamish/Muireann Hayes, 2 Darren Quinn/Nigel McCloughry, 3 AndrewBeamish/Eoghan McCarthy.

Beginners:1 David Forde/Sean Henehan (Subaru Legacy) 62m, 2 Andrew Whelton/Cyril Maguire(Toyota Avensis) 74m, 3 Matt Shinnors/Catherine Levis (Opel Kadett) 103m.

Events for this weekend Feb 4th & 5th

2012-01-30T23:29:00.001Z

DATE: 4/2/2012
CLUB: MGCC
EVENT: Derek Walker Trial
VENUE: Ballymena Livestock Mart, Co. Antrim
START TIME: 09:30
WEBSITE: MGCC Ulster Centre

DATE: 4/2/2012
CLUB: Motor Enthusiasts Club
EVENT: Jenkins Cup Sporting Trial
VENUE: Hoggs Farm, Grenan, Co. Wicklow
START TIME: 11:30
WEBSITE: MEC

DATE: 4-5/2/2012
CLUB: Skibbereen & District CC
EVENT: 100 Isles Navigation Trial
VENUE: Harrington Inn, Timoleague, Co. Cork
START TIME: 21:10
WEBSITE: Skibbereen & DCC

DATE: 5/2/2012
CLUB: Galway MC
EVENT: International Rally
VENUE: HQ: Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit, Galway
START TIME: 09:30
WEBSITE: Galway MC

DATE: 5/2/2012
CLUB: Carlow CC
EVENT: Rallycross
VENUE: Mondello Park, Co. Kildare
START TIME: 10:15
WEBSITE: Carlow Car Club

Results for 28th/29th Jan

2012-01-30T00:28:00.001Z

Abbey Hotel Donegal Forest Rally
1st Garry Jennings / Barry McNulty Subaru Impreza 6 38:56
2nd Stephen Wright / Susanne Wright Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI 6 39:49
3rd Colin Britton / Arthur Kearns Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX 8 40:02
4th Conor Harvey / Paddy Mc Daid Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX 8 40:03
5th Ian Cochrane / Ray Fitzpatrick Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX 8 40:25
6th Frank Kelly / Liam Brennan Ford Escort MkII 5 41:14
7th Gerard Lucey / James Lucey Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII 8 41:14
8th Adrian Hetherington / Gary Nolan Ford Escort MkII 5 41:32
9th Shane Mc Girr / Niall Connelly Toyota Starlet 5 41:41
10th Paul Reid / Karl Reid Ford Escort 5 43:43

Full results on Rallyscore.net

TDC Dave Griffin Memorial Trophy Multi Venue Autotest

1 Eddie Peterson (Mini)1375s,

2 Eamonn Byrne (Starlet)1387s,

3 Ashley Lamont (MG Midget)1411s,

4 Liam Cashman (Starlet)1416s,

5 Declan Hendrick (Starlet)1433s,

6 Daniel Byrne (Starlet)1437s,

7 Michael Reid (MG Midget)1442s,

8 Darren Quille (Colt) 1445s,

9 Niall Murray (Starlet)1456s,

10 Alan Auerbach (Starlet)1460s,

11 Eoin Murray (Starlet)1461s,

12 Philip O’Reilly (Starlet)1473s.

Class winners: Liam Cashman,Daniel Byrne, Ashley Lamont, Dermot Carnegie (Escort) 1480s, Ciaran Timmons(Seicento) 1532s.

Full results on TDC Ireland

TDC Multivenue Autotest - preview

2012-01-27T21:09:00.003Z

This Sunday sees the Trial Drivers Club, more commonly known as the TDC, stage their first event of 2012, a multivenue autotest in Mondello Park. This event in its short time running has grown in poularity and this is evident in the strong entry of 92 competitors. This sort of event which combines the tarmac race track and loose surface sections of the rallycross track give the drivers a chance to experience tests which are longer than those used at normal autotests plus the changes in surface conditions can catch people out. Amongst the entry you'll find former Fiesta/Clio/Alfa/Seat racer Eoin Murray and his brother Niall who won the Ginetta Junior Ireland Championship in 2010, circuit racers John Denning and Ciaran Timmons swap their Abarth Cup and ITCC cars for a Starlet and Seicento, from the rally co driving seats come Brian Murphy and Joe Downey in a pair of Starlets. With multi venue regulars like Eamonn Byrne, Frank Lenehan, Declan Hendrick, John Nolan and Liam Cashman the competition will be fierce. Cashman, who will use another Starlet, will make the long trip up from Cork with fellow Munster men and regular entrants in Munster Autotest rounds Gerry and Timmy Lynch who will share a Ford Escort. From the Northern end of the country comes a trio of fast Midgets....cars not drivers :) in the hands of Ashley Lamont, Ivan McAteer and Michael Reid, travelling down with the MG campaigners will be Starlet driver Richard Earney and the MX5 duo of Wesley Sloan and Gareth Dillon who will be hoping to swap times with TDC member and MX5 pilot Piers MacFheorais. Also competing this weekend is regular visitor to these shores, Anthony Preston who will share a Starlet with Jonathan Bradshaw. Some of the Cento Challenge competitors will make a welcome return in the little Fiats and will no doubt be providing great entertainment for the drivers and spectators alike.
Another regular to multivenues who has being missing from events for the last few months, due to a slight illness and recuperation from an operation, is multiple Autotest and Rallycross Champion Dermot Carnegie, lets hope the doctors haven't taken away any of the Carnegie magic.
The scene is set for an enjoyable days sport with some banter thrown in for good measure and if your coming down for a look remember to wrap up well, Mondello is not the warmest location to be in

More info on the event can be found on TDCIreland.com
Start time is 9:30am with drivers briefing at 9:15am, 6 tests to be completed 3 times each

a few pics from the 2011 event

Carrick on Suir Autotest weekend

2012-01-23T23:01:00.001Z

I was only able to make it to the 2nd day of the Carrick on Suir Autotest weekend which counted for rounds 11 & 12 of the 2011/2012 Hewison Autotest Championship.With tests still being decided and altered when we got there it gave some competitors time to fettle their cars after the previous days tests and also for some running repairs to be carried out, most notable was Gerry Lynch working feverishly to replace/adapt/modify a clutch cable for Liam Cashmans Westfield

When it was all sorted Liam reckoned it was a great job but the pressing question was how long would the warrenty last.......no definite answer was given but I reckon it has well expired by now. After a bit of a wander around to the different test sites to see how things were progressing it was looking like the start albeit delayed was approaching fast, but would you let this group loose on your autotest venue??

Into the first loop of 4 tests and it was Stephen Ferguson ho held a 1.9 second advantage over JJ Farell, both drivers in Mini Specials, best of the Mini Saloons was Eamonn Byrne who was holding third spot with a time of 182.3 for the first 4 tests just 1.6 seconds ahead of the Moke of Paddy Power

In the large Saloon class it was Mark King who was setting the early pace and was 3.5 seconds up on nearest rival Paul Mooney, a fail on test 4 for David Thompson meant he was 5.6 seconds further back Regular Munster Championship competitor Timmy Lynch brought his Westfield along and was mixing it well with Andrew O'Donogue and Darren Quille and was quickest in the Sportscar class at the end of the opening loop.

Stephen Ferguson continued to set a blistering pace during the second loop of 4 tests and extended his lead over JJ by another 3 seconds and Power moved into third spot after Eamonn Byrne suffered a breakage in his Minis gearbox which resulted in a fail on test 8. This meant Daniel Byrne was fastest of the Minis with Norman Ferguson 2nd quickest on the loop and Christy Grimes 3rd quickest. In the large Saloons David Thompson steered his Nova to the top of the class with fastest in class on 3 of the 4 tests and take a 0.3 second advantage over Paul Mooney into the final loop. Andrew O'Donoghue was quickest of the Sportscars over this loop 4.7 secs ahead of Lynch with Quille another 0.5 behind, Lynch remained at the head of the class overall but Quille was reeling the Kerryman in.

A great effort by a number of people saw the Byrnes back out on the third loop after Norman and Stephen Ferguson offered the use of the spare engine/box combo that they keep in their van and then set about helping to carry out the change over.

During the third loop Ferguson continued on the strong pace he started with and ended up with a 9.8second cushion over JJ Farrell, Byrnes fail and some quick times on the final loop saw local man Power take third spot overall. A fired up Eamonn set some quick times on the final 4 tests and when Daniel got a penalty on test 11 it was a class win and 4th overall for Eamonn ahead of nephew Daniel, Christy Grimes held on to third in class with Norman Ferguson 4th. Another good run for Thompson saw him increase his class lead to 4.7 seconds over Paul Mooney, a bad run for King saw him slip down the overall order but still maintain 3rd in class. It was all change in the sportscar class when Lynch had a disaster on the last loop and dropped back to third in class after such a strong showing earlier in the day, it was Quille who benefited the most and some steady but quick driving resulted in a class win for the Kildare man with Andrew O'Donoghue grabbing 2nd.

Best of the Novice drivers during the day was TDC Beginners Champion, Jamie McMillan with newcomer Peter Falvey coming in 2nd, Lisa Knox won the Ladies award while Seamus Anderson was best of the Carrick Club members in his Starlet.

Event winner Stephen Ferguson

Sunday Results

1 Steven Ferguson (Mini Special) 526.7s,

2 J J Farrell (Mini Special) 536.6s,

3 Paddy Power(Mini Moke) 551.7s,

4 Eamonn Byrne (Mini) 567.8s,

5 Daniel Byrne(Mini) 571.5s,

6 Chris Grimes(Mini) 574.8s,

7 Norman Ferguson (Mini) 577.7s,

8 David Thompson(Nova) 578.4s,

9 Paul Mooney(Nova) 583.1s,

10 Guy Foster(Mini) 588.1s,

11 Paul Phelan(Mini Special) 600.7s,

12 Ian White(Mini) 602.9s.

Class winners:Eamonn Byrne, J J Farrell, Darren Quille (Westfield)607.3s, Seamus Anderson (Starlet), David Thompson.

Semi-expert award:Paul Mooney.

Novice awards:Jamie McMillan (Nova) 673.8s, Peter Falvey (Corsa) 762.2s.

Seeded Entrylist for Galway Int Rally

2012-01-23T21:02:00.003Z

Top 10 Historics
H1 Mervyn Johnston Wendy Blackledge Austin Cooper S B2
H2 Ernie Graham Will Graham Ford Escort RS D3
H3 Philip Wylie John Young Ford Escort C3
H4 Ray Cunningham Adrian Cusack Morris Cooper S B2
H5 James Power Declan Kelly Ford Escort Mk1 C3
H6 John Keatley James McKeefry Porsche 911 B5
H7 Martin Creaven Chris Crowe Ford Escort Mk1 C3
H8 John John Spiers Susanne Niedrum Porsche 911 C4
H9 Niall Creighton Gregory Roberts Lotus Cortina B1
H10 John Newman Pat Looney Triumph TBA C4

Top 10 Main field
1 Tim McNulty Paul Kiely Subaru S12B 6
2 Gareth Machale Brian Murphy Ford Focus 6
3 Derek McGarrity James McKee Ford Focus WRC 6
4 Eugene Donnelly Paddy Toner MINI John Cooper Works WRC 6
5 Daragh O'Riordan Tony McDaid Subaru WRC S12 6
6 Darren Gass Enda Sherry Subaru Impreza WRC S10 6
7 Garry Jennings Rory Kennedy Mitsubishi Evo 9 4
8 Alan Ring James O'Brien Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 4
9 Daniel McKenna Andrew Grennan Ford Escort Mk2 14
10 Gary McPhillips TBA Ford Escort Mk2 14

Full entry list available HERE

Donegal Forestry Rally Entry list

2012-01-23T21:00:00.000Z

No. Driver Name/Navigator Name (Car) [Class]
1 Vincent Mc Aree/Damien Connolly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [8]
2 Enda Mc Nulty/T B A (Subaru Impreza WRX) [7]
3 Pat O'Connell/Mark Wiley (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [8]
4 Martin Cairns/TBA (Subaru Impreza WRC) [7]
5 Ian Cochrane/Ray Fitzpatrick (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [8]
6 Colin Britton/ (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [8]
7 Stephen Wright/Susanne Wright (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) [6]
8 Gerard Lucey/James Lucey (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [8]
9 Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan (Ford Escort Mk II) [5]
10 Adrian Hetherington/Gary Nolan (Ford Escort Mk II) [5]
11 Seamus O'Connell/T B A (Ford Escort Mk II) [5]
12 Shane Mc Girr/Niall Connelly (Toyota Starlet) [5]
14 James Coleman/K Shanaghan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [5]
15 Gary Mc Elhinney/Paddy Mc Crudden (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
16 Brendan Comiskey/Conor Foley (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [8]
17 Conor Harvey/Paddy Mc Daid (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [8]
18 Patrick Keenan/Peter Ward (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [8]
19 Sam Moffet/ (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [8]
20 Mark Murphy/Carol O'Keffe (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
21 Jer Connors/Sarah Whelan (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
22 Derrick Jobb/Thomas Nugent (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [8]
23 Mickey Mc Gillin/Aaron Johnston (Ford Escort Mk II) [5]
24 Paul Reid/Karl Reid (Ford Escort) [5]
25 Bob Scanlon/Liam Mc Laughlin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X) [8]
26 Niall Henry/John Rowen (Subaru Impreza N12B) [8]
27 Adrian Mc Elhinney/T B A () [3]
28 Ian Chadwich/Stephen Quin (Subaru Impreza WRX) [6]
29 Pat Price/Stephen Price (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) [6]
30 Ben Gormley/Darren Mc Guiness (Subaru Impreza) [8]
31 Stephen Cullen/Seamus O'Grady (Subaru Impreza) [8]
32 Martin Howley/Shaun Lafferty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [7]
33 Damien Mc Gauran/Thomas Mc Gauran (Toyota Corolla) [5]

100 Joseph Mc Gonigle/Ciaran Geaney (Citroen C2 R2 Max) [10]
101 Andrew Fanning/Derek Bibbs (Ford Ka) [1]
102 Tommy O'Connell/Phillip Hunter (Ford Escort) [11]
103 Ian Downey/T B A (Opel Corsa) [9]
104 Daniel Cronin/Sean Duggan (Peugeot 206) [9]
105 Dean Rafferty/T B A (Honda Civic) [9]
106 Dermot Mc Gorary/Eamonn Doherty (Talbot Sunbeam) [2]
107 Michael Nevin/T B A (Ford Escort Mk II) [2]
108 Trevor Hutton/Tristen Hutton (Ford Ka) [1]
109 Pierce Doherty Snr/Pierce Doherty Jnr (Opel Corsa) [2]
110 Damian Mc Vey/Raymond Scott (Ford Escort) [9]
111 Michael Bradley/Stephen Gallinagh (Talbot Sunbeam) [2]
112 Dermot Mc Cafferty/Gerry Hughes (Subaru Impreza) [6]

Events this weekend Jan 28/29

2012-01-23T20:50:00.002Z

DATE: 28.1.12
CLUB: Donegl MC
EVENT: Forestry Rally
VENUE: HQ: Abbey Hotel, The Diamond, Donegal Town
START TIME: 08:30
WEBSITE: Donegal MC

DATE: 29.1.12
CLUB: Co. Cavan MC
EVENT: Autcross (LS)
VENUE: Latton Quarry
START TIME: 11.00
WEBSITE: Co Cavan MC

DATE: 29.1.12
CLUB: Trial Drivers Club
EVENT: Multi-venue Autotest
VENUE: HQ: Mondello Park
START TIME: 09:30
WEBSITE: Trial Drivers Cub

TDC Multi Venue Autotest Entrylist

2012-01-22T22:14:00.000Z

Entry list for the TDC Multi Venue Autotest in Mondello Park on Sunday Jan 29th has been published and showing the popularity of this sort of event a total of 92 competitors, from North and South of the country and even from across the water, have submitted entries

Car No. Driver Car Class
1 Eddie Peterson Mini 2
2 Clive Peterson Mini 2
3 Eamonn Byrne Starlet 2
4 Daniel Byrne Starlet 2
5 Frank Lenehan Starlet 2
6 Anthony Preston Starlet 2
7 Jonathan Bradshaw Starlet 1
8 Patricia Denning Starlet 2
9 John Denning Starlet 2
10 Eoin Longworth Starlet 2
11 Gareth Dillon: MX-5 3
12 Wesley Sloan MX-5 3
13 Piers Mac Fheorais MX-5 3
14 James Mansfield Mini 1
15 Stefan Walsh Starlet 1
16 Jay Donegan Peugeot 205 2
17 Keith Slowey Starlet 1
18 Mick Kehoe Peugeot 309 2
19 Philip O Reilly Starlet 2
20 David Meeke Corsa 2
21 Richard Meeke Corsa 2
22 Paschal Dunne Starlet 2
23 Shane Dunne Starlet 2
24 Sean O'Toole Starlet 1
25 Declan O'Toole Starlet 1
26 Mark Nugent Starlet 2
27 Robbie Parks Seicento 5
28 Mark Kelly Seicento 5
29 Ciaran Timmons Seicento 5
30 Joe Doran Manta 4
31 Dermot Carnegie Escort 4
32 Martin Nugent Escort 4
33 Billy Fennan Escort 4
34 Ashley Lamont MG Midget 3
35 Ivan McAtear: MG Midget 3
36 Michael Reid MG Midget 3
37 David Jenkins Chevette 4
38 Gerry Lynch Escort 4
39 Timmy Lynch Escort 4
40 Austin Quille Colt 2
41 Darren Quille Colt 2
42 Ian O Brien Starlet 2
43 David McAulay Starlet 2
44 David Shirley Starlet 2
45 Paul Tierney Corsa 1
46 Damien Phillips Starlet 2
47 John Nolan Starlet 2
48 Ian White VW Passat 2
49 Guy Foster Mini 2
50 Damien Doran Mini 2
51 Noel Devlin Starlet 1
52 Alan Kessie Fiat Seicento 5
53 Vincent O Reilly Fiat Seicento 5
54 Aidan Courtney Cinquento 5
55 John Courtney Cinquento 5
56 Richie Tallon Starlet 2
57 Eamon Horan Snr Starlet 2
58 Eamon Horan Jnr Starlet 2
59 Eoin Murray Starlet 1
60 Niall Murray Starlet 1
61 Steven Free Proton 2
62 Karl O Donoghue Rover 200 2
63 Jack Quinn Peugeot 309 2
64 Paul Ramoutar Starlet 2
65 Ian Downey Starlet 2
66 Brian Murphy Starlet 2
67 Graham O Donoghue Rover 200 2
68 James Driver Starlet 2
69 Martin Courtney Carina 2
70 John Heavey Starlet 2
71 Robert Lewis Starlet 2
72 David Milligan Starlet 2
73 James Fisher Civic 2
74 Mick Fisher Starlet 2
75 Kevin Fagan Lancer 2
76 Owen Murray Lancer 2
77 Joe Courtney Cinquento 5
78 Neil Bradbury Cinquento 5
79 Joe Downey Starlet 2
80 Dermot Nolan Seicento 5
81 Conor Nolan Seicento 5
82 Ciaran Garahy Corsa 1
83 Pat Maguire Mini 1
84 Dermot Carroll Fiat128 1
85 John Maher Starlet 1
86 David Hayes Starlet 2
87 Alan Auerbach Starlet 2
88 Richard Earney Starlet 2
89 Stephen Briggs Almera 2
90 Danny O Donohue Escort 4
91 Liam Cashman Starlet 1
92 Declan Hendrick Starlet 1

Results from Weekend 21/22 Jan 2012

2012-01-21T20:11:00.003Z

New Years Stages, Kirkistown
1.Derek McGarrity/James McKee (Subaru S14) 1408s
2. Darren Gass/Nathan Gass (Subaru) 1410s
3. Kenny McKinstry/Ben Taggert (Subaru) 1435s
4. Derek McGeehan/Laurie Smyth (Mini WRC) 1448s
5. John McGaffin/Norman Russell (Subaru) 1474s
6 George Robinson/Tommy Speers (Mitsubishi) 1489s
7 Keith White/David Lyness (Ford Escort) 1521s
8 Sean Cassidy/Damian McCann (Ford Fiesta)1539s
9 Eoin McErlain/Raymond Henry (Mitsubishi)1539s
10 Gerald McFall/Conor O’Loan (Mitsubishi) 1545s

Full results to follow

CORK M C 1000 SHAKES NAVIGATION TRIAL AT MACROOM, CO CORK (ROUND 5 OF MOTORSPORT IRELAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND ROUND 4 OF MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIP):

1 Pakie Duffy/Colin Duffy (Subaru Impreza) 16 marks,

2 Chris Kelly/Sam Johnston (Subaru Impreza) 17m,

3 Darren Quinn/Nigel McCloughry (Subaru Legacy) 30m,

4 Brian O’Mahony/David Swanton (Vauxhall Vectra) 34m,

5 Colin Fitzgerald/Daire Hayes (Subaru Impreza) 36m,

6 Joseph Shinnors/Greg Shinnors (Subaru Impreza) 42m,

7 Martin Dolan/James O’Brien (Subaru Impreza) 61m,

8 Alan Shinnors/George Shinnors (Subaru Impreza) 75m,

9 Dermot Whelton/Barry O’Sullivan (VW Golf) 84m,

10 Ger O’Connell/Denis O’Donovan (Subaru Impreza) 84m,

11 Alwyn White/Adrian Tobin (Mazda 626) 112m,

12 Andrew Beamish/Eoghan McCarthy (Nissan Sunny) 173m.

Semi-experts: 1 Chris Kelly/Sam Johnston, 2 Brian O’Mahony/David Swanton, 3 Martin Dolan/James O’Brien.

Novices: 1 Darren Quinn/Nigel McCloughry, 2 Alwyn White/Adrian Tobin, 3 Andrew Beamish/Eoghan McCarthy.

Beginners: 1 Matt Shinnors/Catherine Levis (Opel Kadett) 208m, 2 Andrew Whelton/Cyril Maguire (Toyota Avensis) 293m, 3 David Forde/Sean Henehan (Subaru Legacy) 366m.

GARDA SIOCHANA M C KEHOE CUP SPORTING TRIAL AT BOHERNABREENA, CO DUBLIN:

1 Brian Conlon (Erskine-Honda) 16 marks,

2 Philip Erskine (Erskine-Yamaha) 19m,

3 John O'Reilly (Erskine-Kawasaki) 24m,

4 Christopher Evans (ETE-Yamaha) 26m,

5 John Bolton (Grasshopper VW) 26m,

6 Gordon Erskine (Erskine-Yamaha) 32m,

7 Joe McCann (JMcVW) 32m,

8 Robin Taylor (VW) 37m,

9 Enda Byrne (VW) 37m,

10 Percy Pennefather (Erskine-Suzuki) 38m,

11 Gordon Watkins (Watkins-Yamaha) 39m,

12 Fergil Gregory (Erskine-Yamaha) 41m.

Grade winners: Philip Erskine, Joe McCann, Brian Miley (VW) 45m, James Ralph (Suzuki) 45m.

CARRICK-ON-SUIR M C AUTOTEST AT WATERFORD (ROUND 9 OF HEWISON TROPHY CHAMPIONSHIP) (DAY 1):

1 Steven Ferguson (Mini Special) 650.2s,

2 Eamonn Byrne (Mini) 664.9s,

3 Paddy Power (Mini Moke) 673.3s,

4 Daniel Byrne (Mini) 680.6s,

5 Chris Grimes (Mini) 698.2s,

6 David Thompson (Nova) 699.0s,

7 Guy Foster (Mini) 710.0s,

8 Paul Phelan (Mini Special) 711.6s,

9 Andrew O’Donohoe (Westfield) 711.9s,

10 Mark King (Nova) 719.3s,

11 Ian White (Mini) 721.4s,

12 Darren Quille (Westfield) 732.5s.

Class winners: Eamonn Byrne, Paddy Power, Andrew O’Donohoe, Seamus Anderson (Starlet), David Thompson.

Semi-expert award: Rory Power (Mini) 761.3s.

Novice awards: Timmy Lynch (Westfield) 776.4s, Jamie McMillan (Nova) 845.7s, Peter Falvey (Corsa) 925.2s.

CARRICK-ON-SUIR M C AUTOTEST AT WATERFORD (ROUND 10 OF HEWISON TROPHY CHAMPIONSHIP) (DAY 2):

1 Steven Ferguson (Mini Special) 526.7s,

2 J J Farrell (Mini Special) 536.6s,

3 Paddy Power (Mini Moke) 551.7s,

4 Eamonn Byrne (Mini) 567.8s,

5 Daniel Byrne (Mini) 571.5s,

6 Chris Grimes (Mini) 574.8s,

7 Norman Ferguson (Mini) 577.7s,

8 David Thompson (Nova) 578.4s,

9 Paul Mooney (Nova) 583.1s,

10 Guy Foster (Mini) 588.1s,

11 Paul Phelan (Mini Special) 600.7s,

12 Ian White (Mini) 602.9s.

Class winners: Eamonn Byrne, J J Farrell, Darren Quille (Westfield) 607.3s, Seamus Anderson (Starlet), David Thompson.

Semi-expert award: Paul Mooney.

Novice awards: Jamie McMillan (Nova) 673.8s, Peter Falvey (Corsa) 762.2s.

New Year Stages Entry List

2012-01-19T13:31:00.002Z

1 Kenny McKinstry TBA Banbridge 2.0t Subaru Impreza
2 Derek McGarrity James McKee Glengormley 2.0t Focus WRC
3 Darren Gass TBA Armagh 2.0t Subaru Impreza
4 Connor McCloskey Francis Regan 2.0t Subaru Impreza
5 Derek McGeehan Laurie Smyth Magherafelt 1.6t Mini WRC
6 Sean Cassidy Damian McCann Magherafelt 2.0t Ford Fiesta 4x4
7 John McGaffin Norman Russell Banbridge 2.0t Subaru Impreza
8 George Robinson Tommy Speers Ballymena 2.0t Mitsubishi
9 Gerard McFall TBA Bushmills 2.0 Mitsubishi E 9
10 Kieron Graffin TBA Toomebridge 2.0t Mitsubishi E9
11 Niall Henry John Rowan Portglenone 2.0t Subaru Impreza
12 Keith White David Lyness Crumlin 2.5 Ford Escort
14 Andy Johnston TBA Killinchy 2.3 Vxl Chevette
15 Fintan McGrady Cliodhna Belfast 2.0 Ford Escort
16 James Kennedy TBA Antrim 2.0 Ford Escort
17 Mark McDonald Robin Pitts Dungannon 2.0 Ford Escort G3
18 Roy Haslett Brian Larmour Ballygowan 2.0 Ford Escort F2
19 Eoin McErlain Raymond Henry Kilrea 2.0t Mitsubishi E6
20 Simon Woodside Suzanne Woodside Templepatrick 2.5 BMW M3
22 Drew Wylie Billy Miskelly Belfast 2.0 Ford Escort
23 Andrew Bustard David Young Castlederg 2.1 Ford Escort
24 Jay Colville TBA Belfast 2.3 Ford Escort
25 William McClurkin Louise McClurkin Antrim 2.0 Ford Escort
26 Stephen McFerran Thomas McErlain Dunloy 2.0 Ford Escort
27 Jeremy Carey Brendan Ingram Dunloy 2.0 Ford Escort
28 Ian Green Amanda Green Ballynahinch 1.9 Peugeot 205 GTi
29 Richard Tannahill TBA Ballymoney 1.6 Ford Fiesta
30 Stephen Smith TBA 1.6 Honda Civic
31 Paul Barrett TBA Banbridge 1.6 Citroen C2R2
32 Liam McAuley TBA Loughgiel 2.0 Ford Escort
33 Colin Price Drew Stewart Kells 2.0 Ford Escort
34 Jason Curran Barbara Love Newtownards 2.0t Mitsubishi E8
35 Johnny Hart Mark McElwee Carryduff 2.0t Mitsubishi E9
36 Chris Byers Joan Gilmore Portaferry 2.0 Ford Escort
37 Maurice McCarthy Brian Fitzmaurice Kircubbin 2.0 Ford Escort
38 Raymond Doyle Marc Nugent Pomeroy 1.6 Ford Escort
39 Robert Irwin Jimmy Grahame Drumbo 1.6 Toyota Corolla
40 Davy McLaughlin Paul McLaughlin Ballygowan 2.0 Opel Kadett
41 Alan Simms Chris Simms Newry 2.0 Ford Escort
42 Willie McKee John Leecocke Antrim 1.8 Talbot Sunbeam
43 Paul Williamson Leslie Armstrong Crumlin 2.0 Ford Escort G3
44 Colin McAleese Robert Stevenson Balnamore 2.0 Ford Escort
45 Alan Courtney Laura Soutar Carrickfergus 4.5 Porsche 928
46 Rory Tougher Harry Armour 1.3 Mini Cooper
47 Harry Brown Martin McGrath Maghaberry 1.6 Hillman Avenger
48 Jonathan MacDonald Gareth McKay Donaghadee 2.0t Mitsubishi E 1
49 Brian Vance TBA Portaferry 1.6 Toyota Corolla
50 Seamus Connolly TBA Middletown 1.6 Toyota Corolla
51 Ian Graham TBA Belfast 2.0 Ford Fiesta ST
52 Robert Haslett Dessie McLaughlin Ballygowan 2.0 Vauxhall Astra
53 David Kennedy Graeme Kennedy Kells 1.6 Vauxhall Corsa
54 Simon Hemphill Ciaran McMenamin Castlederg 1.6 Vauxhall Nova
55 Michael McCarroll Damian McAuley Cloughmills 2.0 Ford Fiesta
56 Robert Coulter Olivia Coulter Crumlin 1.5 Ford Anglia
57 Amanda Gaffney Michael Gaffney 2.0 Vauxhall Astra

All systems go

2012-01-18T20:18:00.002Z

It's all systems go for the start of the Irish Rallying and Racing seasons and it looks like there maybe some healthy battles on the back roads and race circuits of Ireland this year.

On the racing front the recent announcement by the Leinster Motor Club that they will host a 2 day race meeting at the Bishopscourt track on May 12th and 13th has got many competitors excited about this new challenge. It has taken almost six months since Gary Manning first contacted the circuit manager, Wilson McKibben, to get the track examined and approved (subject to certain works being undertaken). A further announcement of classes and the MSA santioned club which will be granted the permit to run the event will released shortly. Keep an eye on Leinster Motor Club and Bishopscourt Circuit for more news and details

One class that definitely plans to be in Bishipscourt in May is the Irish Touring Car Championship who themselves have made a few announcements in recent days. The first of these was the news that tyre manufacturer Yokohama is to be the title sponsor for this years championship and through their wide range of tyres supply the control tyre for all the cars competing this year. Support will also come from Yokohamas Irish dealer Murray Motorsport. The second announcement from the ITCC organisers was that the top points scorers in both Super Touring and Touring classes at the Bishops Court event, Rounds 3 and 4, will win a VIP trip to the WTCC event in Estoril, Portugal. With this added incentive the Bishopscourt event will be eagerly contested by all drivers. More info on the championship can be found on ITCC

Meanwhile the start of the rally action in Ireland for 2012 actually heads for the race circuits this weekend with the UAC run New Years Stages taking part at Kirkistown on Saturday and COC Ronnie Mitchell is pleased to say that over 60 entries have been submitted for the event with Derek McGarrity and Derek McGeehan using the event to test their latest aquasitions, either a FOcus WRC or S14 Impreza for McGarrity and a John Cooper Works Mini Cooper for McGeehan, also entered for Saturdays event is Kenny McKinstry who will be behind the wheel of one of his hire fleet Imprezzas.

Video of handover and test of the McGeehan Motorsport MINI WRC

On Sunday the annual IRCA Marshals payback day happens when a group of marshals from all over the country get treated to some highspeed passenger laps of the Mondello race track as a way of saying thank you for their help on the events during the year. The list of drivers and cars so far includes the following

No	First Name	Surname	Car	Class

1	Eamon	Bates	Swift1.3	1
2	Larry	Power	Swift1.3	1
3	Patrick	Johnson	Astra 2.0	2
4	Michael	Melia	Sierra 2.5	2
5	William	Lawerence	Escort 2.0	2
6	Donal	Ryan	Impreza 2.0	3
7	Jason	Ryan	Starlet 1.6	1
8	Patrick	Ryan	Civic 2.0	2
9	Brian	Kirwin	Escort 2.1	2
10	Niall	Fortune	Escort 2.1	2
11	Neill	Perry	Sierra 4x4	3
12	Brian	Smith	Corolla 1.6	1
13	Paul	Browne	Civic 1.6	1
14	John	Pringle	Escort 2.0	2
15	Ben	Donnelly	Escort 2.0	2
16	Joe	McCarthy	Civic 1.6	1
17	Anthony	Breen	Impreza 2.0	3
18	Moss	Fitzgerald	Corolla 1.6	1
19	Patrick	Donegan	Escort 2.4	2
20	Nicky	Brunton	Civic 1.6	1
21	Anthony	Masterson	Integra 1.8	2
22	Colin	Roche	Starlet 1.6	1
23	David	Coady	Swift 1.3	1
24	Leon	Galvin	Escort 1.6	1
25	Fergal	O' Connell	Starlet 1.6	1
26	Adrian	McElvanny	subaru 555
27	Moris	Moffit	Starlet 2.5
28	David	Moffit	starlet 2.0
29	Anthony	Hand	Escort 2.0
30	Gavin	Furhey	Escort 2.0
31	Declan	Stafford	civic 1.6
32	George	Condell	Striker 2.0
33	Ian	Barrett	subaru 555
34	Paul	Barrett	evo 6
35	Kevin	Barrett	subaru wrc
36	Kenny	Mckinstry	subaru wrc
37	Joe	Connolly	escort2.5
38	Gary	Mcphillips	escort 2.5
39	Jim	McKenna	escort 2.5
40	Martin	Mcphillips	Corolla 1.6
41	Ed	Colton	Peugeot306

This year the IRCA have teamed up with the Share A Dream charity and will be provided some passenger runs for some children linked to the charity. If you wish to make a donation you can on the day or follow the IRCA donation link on My Charity http://www.mycharity.ie/event/irca_marshals_day

A seeded entry list for the Galway Int Rally is expected shortly and with entries having surpassed the 170 mark it has proven that the idea of shortening the event to a single day has been successful. More info on the rally can be found on the Galway Motor Club Website

To have your club, team or event news included send the details via email to Peespeed Photography email

Events this weekend

2012-01-16T20:29:00.001Z

DATE: 21/22.1.12
CLUB: Carrick-on-Suir MC
EVENT: Autotest
VENUE: Industrial Park, Brown’s Road, Waterford
START TIME: Sat 11.00, Sun 10.30
WEBSITE: Carrick on Suir Motor Club

DATE: 21.1.12
CLUB: Garda Siochana MC
EVENT: Sporting Trial
VENUE: Bohernabreena, Tallaght, Dublin 24
START TIME: 11.30
WEBSITE: Garda Motor Club

DATE: 21/22.1.12
CLUB: Cork MC
EVENT: 1000 Shakes Navigation Trial (NT)
VENUE: HQ: Macroom Community Leisure Centre, Macroom, Co Cork
START TIME: 23.00
WEBSITE: Cork Motor Club

DATE: 21.1.12
CLUB: 500MRCI
EVENT: New Years Stages Rally
VENUE: Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co.Down
START TIME: 09.00
WEBSITE: 500 MRCI

DATE: 18/22.1.12
CLUB: Automobile Club de Monaco.
EVENT: Rally (Rnd1 WRC, SWRC, PWRC)
VENUE: HQ: MONACO (98000), Automobile Club de Monaco, 23, boulevard Albert Ier
START TIME: 09:03
WEBSITE: Automobile Club de Monaco

Monaghan Navigation Trial Results

2012-01-15T22:30:00.001Z

1 Andy Mackarel/Liam Higgins (Subaru Impreza) 3 marks,

2 Garreth Beagan/Stephen Thornton (Subaru Impreza) 6m,

3 Michael Carbin/Evin Hughes (Subaru Impreza) 8m,

4 Arthur Kierans/Macartan Kierans (Subaru Impreza) 25m,

5 Stephen Wright/Damien Connolly (Subaru Impreza) 36m,

6 Damien O’Reilly/Thomas Wedlock (Honda Civic) 46m,

7 Damien Treanor/Jonathan McGovern (Subaru Impreza) 54m,

8 Daniel McKenna/Stephen Hagan (Subaru Impreza) 60m,

9 Enda McMahon/Susan McGuinness (Toyota Corolla) 64m,

10 Darren Babington/Laurence Keenan (Subaru Impreza) 72m,

11 Trevor Farrell/Noel Hall (Subaru Impreza) 73m,

12 Cathal McGlone/John Hetherington (Subaru Impreza) 77m.

Semi-experts: 1 Damien Treanor/Jonathan McGovern, 2 Bob Moyna/Shane Maguire (Subaru Legacy) 83m, 3 Donal McArdle/Richard Cassidy (Subaru Impreza) 125m.

Novices: 1 Arthur Kierans/Macartan Kierans, 2 Damien O’Reilly/Thomas Wedlock, 3 Darren Babington/Laurence Keenan.

Beginners: 1 Enda McMahon/Susan McGuinness, 2 Gerry McIntyre/Aaron McIntyre (Subaru Impreza) 109m, 3 Aaron Duffy/Micheal McCluskey (Subaru Impreza) 162m.

Full results available on Monaghan Motor Club Website

Upcoming Events

2012-01-15T19:28:00.000Z

Upcoming events to be covered by Peespeed Photography are
22/01/2012 Carrick on Suir MC Autotest
29/01/2012 TDC Multi Venue Autotest
4/02/2012 MGCC Derek Walker Classic Trial
24&25/02/2012 Race Retro

Want info added to the blog??

2012-01-14T16:57:00.002Z

Any clubs, teams, event organisers, championship organisers or competitors that wish to have their news mentioned on this blog can email me at peespeed09@gmail.com and I'll be sure to add something in to the next blog. The blog will be updated when info is received.

Blog1

2012-01-13T23:42:00.000Z

For 2012 I have decided to do a wee newsy type blog with bits n pieces of Motorsport info and news and brief reports from events and shows I attend during the year.

Well with the 2012 finally here everyone is eagerly awaiting the start of their motorsport year, while Craig Breen is testing and getting ready for the start of the SWRC in Monte Carlo next week, Derek McGeehan is learning all about his recently acquired MINI JCW WRC and Thomas Fitmaurice is testing his recent purchase, a Subaru Impreza WRC. Entries are flowing in for the first round of the Irish Tarmac Championship in Galway on Feb 5th and reports tell us that over 150 entries have been received for the event. The club have taken a brave move in light of the current economic difficulties being experienced and reduced the event to a single day and it looks like the gamble will be a success. Confirmed entries so far include Tim McNulty, Thomas Fitzmaurice, Euene Donnelly, Darren Gass and Derek McGarrity. It is believed that McGarrity and McGeehan will be testing their new cars on the New Years Stages rally organised by the 500 Motor Racing Club at Kirkistown on Saturday Jan 21st.

Meanwhile in the racing world the Dunlop Abarth Championship released their plans for the 2012 season recently with a few changes and reduced costs it is hoped to get many of the Fiats back on track this year.

Race Dates 2012

14/15th April Mondello National
12/13th May Bishopscourt
23/24th June Anglesea
21st July Kirkistown
8/9th September Mondello International (Leinster Trophy)

All 10 races to count for Championship

18/19 August Phoenix Park (non championship)

What it costs for registration and entries
Total cost to the driver for the seasin is €1,150, with €250 to be paid before 27th of January. to be be paid in full by the 24th of February. All registration forms and payments to be sent to Hal McGuckin, 3 Roselawn Court, Castleknock, Dublin 15.

Championship registration date deadline 24/02/2012

What you get for this.
Your championship entry
Entry to all 10 championship Races
1 20 min test session in Bishopscourt
1 20 min test session in Anglesea
Half Price Phoenix Park

Value €2,200
+ website profile and pr work.

Prizes
Top 3 in championship get a Trophy + Prize Money
Top Rookie Trophy + €500

Tyres
Limited to 10 Dunlop Slicks for the season
Dunlop Wets can also be used

Changes for 2012
All cars to carry a forward facing camera
For every point a driver gets on his/her licence for bad driving and misconduct will be dobled and takin away from his/her championship points.
Reverse Grids for race 2

Parts
Pratts of Carlow the main Fiat dealer is willing to supply parts for anyone registered at cost price should they need anything for their cars.

We wish them the best of luck for the coming year and hope to get to Mondello to see the class in action at some point

Barry John McHenry in action at the 2011 Leinster Trophy event

The Trial Drivers Club will host their Multivenue Autotest at Mondello on Jan 29th and entries are available on the clubs website TDCIreland.com and limited to 70, already 46 of these places have been filled with a selection of Retro spec cars and a large proportion of the ever reliable Toyota Starlet. It's also good to see a few of the Northern guys coming down to experience some of our events, I hope they make a few more trips down this way during the year. The event also sees a return for some of the Cento Challenge competitors who made their debut at the first of the TDC's Multi Venues in Mondello in 2011.

Thats all for blog one.......more to come soon