Blog1

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