Campion motors to the rescue of young Cork talents
A much-needed national programme of support and development for the group across the disciplines of rallying, karting and racing was launched by Motorsport Ireland earlier this week in Dublin. Under the banner of “Team Ireland Foundation” it will focus on identifying, supporting and coaching Irish competitors to succeed in all categories of competition both domestically and across the globe.
The principal aim is to place Irish drivers at the forefront of international motorsport.
Campion, who returned from the USA for the launch, is the principal backer. The multi-millionaire businessman, who grew up watching the legendary Billy Coleman, is the co-founder and chief executive of APR Energy, a $1.2 billion company in the United States. “As a young boy in Cork, I found myself struggling with school and at a loss as to what I would do with my life. But I always felt a bond with motorsport after witnessing Billy Coleman competing near my home in Cork.”
He added, “After I heard about the Team Ireland Foundation and how the winner of the Billy Coleman Award would be participating in the programme, I felt I had to return to Ireland to offer my support. I believe that every young person needs to be inspired like I was.
“If some of these young drivers reach their goals and become household names across the motorsport world, then they too might inspire a child somewhere to go out and achieve their goals.”
The chosen drivers are Killarney’s Rob Duggan, Monaghan’s Josh Moffett, Tyrone’s Patrick O’Brien and Boherbue’s John O’Sullivan in rallying and racing aces, Kildare’s Jake Byrne and James Roe and Mullingar’s Jordan Dempsey.
The initiative will be run by Declan Brennan Sports Management and entails specific programmes developed to address nutritional, physical and psychological improvements for the participants over the course of their involvement.
Meanwhile and having enjoyed such a wonderful season last year as he annexed the Triton Showers National Rally Championship and the Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Tarmac Championship with aplomb, Donegal’s Donagh Kelly has decided to curtail his exploits this season and will not defend either title as he concentrates on the expansion of his KN Network business interests.
However, on Sunday, he will wheel out his Ford Focus WRC on the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel Rally over six stages in County Laois. His objective is simple and direct – he is using the event as a shakedown for the forthcoming West Cork International Rally where is aiming to become the first driver to win the rally three times in succession.
Three times National champion Niall Maguire (Subaru WRC) will divert his attention on another national bid to gain that elusive fourth title, how he measures up against Kelly will provide some insight to the task. Clonakilty’s Kevin Kelleher is gearing up for his local event, his West Cork co-driver Andrew Mahon, who is probably better known as a driver, has never co-driven on board a World Rally Car and the pair are keen to iron out any glitches ahead of March 12/13 event.
With a win under his belt from last week’s pacenotes Magazine Rally in Kirkistown, Kenny McKinstry should show some pace in Abbeyleix.
Others like the Subaru WRC trio of British driver Steve Wood, Maynooth’s Kevin Barrett and Tyrone’s Paddy McVeigh are also on national preparation exercises.
The remaining places in the top ten are occupied by Simon Chapman (Proton Satria), Barry Ryan (Ford Escort) and George Condell (Toyota Starlet). The Escort pair of Enda O’Brien and David Condell will add to the level of competition.
In Group N, former Forest Rally champion Pat O’Connell (Mitsubishi) will be expected to be the benchmark for reigning Top Part West Coast Rally champion Shane Maguire (Mitsubishi Evo IX) and Paul Barrett, who will campaign his Subaru.
Other entries are Daniel Cronin, who will have his first outing in the ex-Paul McCann Mitsubishi, Paul Curley (Subaru WRC), Andrew Fanning (Ford Fiesta) and Paul Manton (Subaru). Highlights of the Corrib Oil Galway International Rally will be shown on UTV Ireland at 10.30pm tonight.
