Clubs urged to follow Killarney lead as Europeans welcomed

Pioneers of innovation in Irish motorsport, the Killarney and District Motor Club will herald the introduction of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship on next week’s caretll.ie International Rally of the Lakes.

Indeed, Dermot Healy, clerk of the course of the two-day event that is estimated to be worth well in excess of €10 million to the region, is encouraging other Irish motor clubs to follow their lead as it is an area that offers huge potential.

The Killarney event has always been one of the leading lights in attracting European drivers. In the past, Belgian pair Dominique Bruyneel (BMW) and Paul Lietar (Sunbeam) thrilled the fans on their visits to Killarney, while few will ever forget the Bolshik brothers from Russia, who competed in 1991.

While the names of the participants in next week’s fourth round of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship may not be that well known, the array of cars will certainly provide a huge spectacle in Killarney.

In addition, the iconic stages like Moll’s Gap and those in the Beara Peninsula, the best on offer from Irish rallying, will be fascinating terrain for cars and crews.

Just some of the interesting entries in the FIA Historic section in Killarney are Italians Antonio Parisi (Fiat 2300), Enrico Brazzoil, Carlo Marenzana and Maurizio Pagella, in a trio of Porsche 911’s, Swedish pair Henrik Boivie (Ford Escort RS2000) and Christoffer Söderberg (Opel Ascona) and Briton Steve Perez in the legendary Lancia Stratos. US-based Galwegian Frank Cunningham will drive a Ford Escort.

Meanwhile, Millstreet’s Mark Falvey, in the immaculately prepared replica of Billy Coleman’s Mk 1 Escort (00096M), and Lisburn’s Wesley Patterson in his Ford Escort RS1800 are likely to provide strong opposition to the ERC crews. The rally will be based at the Gleneagle Hotel.

Commenting on the plans for the ceremonial start on Friday, May 3, Healy said: “We are endeavouring to show the competitors from the European Historic Championship some of Irish culture — music and dance — and having availability of the car park close to the town centre will allow great flexibility in that role.

“We want to showcase Killarney and the region and give all the crews a great welcome here. It is also an evening for families with plenty of treats for the children.”

The Killarney club introduced the concept of junior rallying in Ireland, now the category is an integral part of the scene highlighted by an Irish Junior Rally Championship.