Busy Breen has sights on Latvia victory
It is a busy 10-day period for Breen, who turns 24 on Sunday, and he will compete in next week’s round of the WRC, Rally Sweden, where he will drive a Ford Fiesta WRC. This should be his last outing in the S2000 car as he is set to debut the T16 on the Circuit of Ireland.
Amongst those standing in the way of a Breen victory in Latvia are Bryan Bouffier in the PH Sport Citroen DS3 RRC (Regional Rally Car), Esapekka Lappi (Skoda Fabia S2000) and Vasily Gryazin (Ford Fiesta S2000).
The seven-round Valvoline Irish Forest Rally Championship gets under way at Clonmel on Sunday with the Sean Conlon Memorial Forest Rally. After decades using a Mitchelstown base, the organisers have gone for a more compact headquarters, servicing and stage locations with the latter just six miles from the town.
Defending national champion Michael O’Brien is the top seed in his Ford Focus WRC, but his appearances in the series are likely to be sporadic — although a strong result could change his outlook.
Another factor for the Churchtown native will be the performance of his son Dan, who also makes the journey across the Irish Sea to compete in a Ford Focus WRC.
Tyrone’s Martin Cairns (Subaru WRC) should provide strong opposition should he get a clean run while former champion John Reid (Toyota Corolla WRC) takes time to get on the pace in contrast to Josh Moffett (Mitsubishi Evo IX), who will push the WRC brigade. Another driver capable of victory is Andrew Purcell (Mitsubishi). Reliability has been his downfall in the past while former national champion Tipperary’s Pat O’Connell (Mitsubishi) is another with winning credentials.
Seeded at 15 is West Cork driver Daniel Cronin, who will drive the 99 specification Subaru WRC belonging to his uncle Denis. It’s a big move for the 23-year-old, who drove a Honda Civic in the Junior category last season.
“I was looking at going four-wheel drive this year and that car was available only to put under guards on it. I actually haven’t even driven it yet. I will tip around on Sunday to get the feel of it and not damage it,” he said.
A high finish would not be surprising for the younger brother of former triple British champion, Keith. Based at Dudley Mills, the first car away is at 11.30am.
The all-Cork crew of Owen Murphy and James O’Brien turn their attentions on the Red Kite Historic Rally in the Welsh forests on Sunday. They will campaign the ex-Russell Brookes Sunbeam Lotus at the request of its owner, British-based Waterford man John Leahy. The former forest champions occupy the number four berth and want to begin their assault on the seven-round RAC Historic Rally Championship in positive fashion. Other Irish interest includes Galwegians Frank Cunningham and Ray Cunningham, both driving a Mini Cooper S.
The National Navigation Trial Championship covers terrain in West Cork with round five, the Skibbereen 100 Isles Navigation Trial, starting from the Randal Óg GAA complex in Ballinacarriga outside Dunmanway at 11.31pm tomorrow night. The 85-mile event also heralds the start of the Carbery Plastics Skibbereen & District Car Club Championship.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
