Fitzmaurice leads bumper entry for Kerry Rally

Thomas Fitzmaurice (Subaru) heads a cracking entry for Sunday’s Carlton Hotel Circuit of Kerry Rally in Tralee.

But, having won last year’s event, Fitzmaurice reckons his S12C Subaru, which is due an engine rebuild after the rally, will not have the same power of his opponents. In recent times, the Circuit of Kerry has delivered a nailbiting contest with tie-breaks on four occasions.

Although it’s not a counting round of the Dunlop series on this occasion, the quality of the entry has been boosted by the cancellation of last week’s Easter Rally with Donegal’s Declan Boyle, Glengormley’s Derek McGarrity and Banbridge ace Kenny McKinstry all deciding to take part. Many of the 100-plus entries are seeking points in the Top Part West Coast Championship.

Although Fitzmaurice dismisses his chances, it would be foolhardy to write him off. Nevertheless, Boyle is seen as the one to beat, the Donegal driver having acclimatised superbly to the Subaru as underlined by his victory in the Abbeyleix Rally.

Given he previously competed in a Mk. 2 Ford Escort, his transition has been remarkable.

Meanwhile, the S14 Subaru WRCs of McGarrity and McKinstry are unknown quantities. How they compare should prove interesting. Both will want to acquit themselves well, given their cars will be available for hire from their respective liveries. Having been involved in three tie-break situations, Monaghan’s Niall Maguire knows what it’s like to win and lose in Kerry and cannot be discounted either while Kerry-born, but Maynooth domiciled, Kevin Barrett has performed well on returns to his roots. Donegal’s Donagh Kelly (Subaru WRC) brings the World Car total to seven, a factor that is certain to attract the spectators.

Castleisland’s Alan Ring (Mitsubishi EvoIX) will be on home territory and will be the barometer in Group N. A good performance in Abbeyleix should be of benefit against fellow showroom aces Eugene Meegan and Shane Maguire, a former Top Part West Coast champion. The current incumbent, Tyrone’s Frank Kelly (Ford Escort), is the highest seeded two-wheel drive competitor. Other entries are John Hendy (BMW M3), Cal McCarthy (Honda Civic) and Vincent O’Shea (Ford Escort). The first stage begins at 10.36am, the service park is located adjacent to the Carlton Hotel.

Meanwhile the Irish Sports Council will allocate Motorsport Ireland the sum of €138,834 under the NGB (National Governing Body) core grant funding. It represents an increase of €6,016 on last year’s figure.

Motorsport Ireland will announce the January/February nomination for the 2013 Billy Coleman award next week. There are five bi-monthly nominees along with the winner of the Dunlop Junior Championship, the Junior National Forest champion and a wildcard selection vying for the award.

The new All-Ireland Formula Ford Championship begins in Kirkistown tomorrow where the Northern Ireland Formula Ford Championship and the SuperSeries also begin their respective championships. The 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland has received a capacity entry including current Dunlop Young Driver of the Year winner, Kevin O’Hara, Northern Ireland Formula Ford Champion, Ivor McCullough, Adrian Pollock and USA returnee, Patrick McKenna.

In motorcycling, the Adelaide Masters Series season kicks off with the first three rounds of a 14-race schedule in Mondello Park this weekend. The series has renewed backing from Adelaide Insurance Services along with the support of Dunlop Tyres, Irish Ferries and Safety Direct.

- The Rally North Wales has been postponed due to icy conditions.