Ring hopes hired car helps him master the Lakes
The Castleisland native was facing a race against time to have his usual showroom specification Subaru ready in time for the 16-stage spectacular, and decided to hire from Welsh rally preparation expert Mel Evans to ensure his participation in his local rally.
From national titles in Karting and Formula Ford, the switch to rallying spectrum came in 2002 in a Peugeot 206 that lasted for two seasons, when he acquired a Group N Subaru before changing to a Mitsubishi and laterally, a return to a Subaru.
Partnered by west Cork co-driver, Adrian Deasy, success followed with two Dunlop National Group N titles achieved (2006 & 2008) and overall victory in the Southern 4 Rally Championship. In event terms, there were many Group N category wins along with top results such as victory in the 2010 Banna Rally; third in the 2011 Galway International and second overall in the 2012 Fastnet Rally.
Yet, lady luck hasn’t always smiled on Ring — like last year, when he seemed set for third overall in the Lakes, only for the suspension of his Mitsubishi to collapse with two stages remaining. He also bowed out of the lead in Group N of Rally Ireland in 2009. “There was a possibility that the gearbox of my own car would not be back so I decided to hire instead. I’ve not set a target, I have no idea how fast I will be in the car; hopefully, I will do it justice. All the others know their cars very well — Declan Boyle, Donagh Kelly and Darragh O’Riordan will all be very quick, as will Sam Moffett.” As for a podium finish, Ring added, “I think that is an outside chance, a top five is more realistic, a podium finish would take a bit of luck on every side.”
Meanwhile, it looks increasingly likely Garry Jennings will not take part in the rally that begins with a ceremonial start on Friday evening.
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