Boyle says car in top order for title defence

Motorsport: It’s six years since a Tarmac champion made a successful defence of the series.

Tomorrow, as the new season of the Clonakilty Blackpudding series gets underway with the Colm Quinn BMW Galway International Rally, reigning champion Declan Boyle doesn’t feel he is under any pressure.

“The car is in top order again, the team has it like brand new and we’re ready to go.”

The Donegal man, who is also the reigning national champion, identified his principal rivals: “Garry Jennings and Sam Moffett will be the hardest work but on the day there is always one that will surprise.”

Previous Tarmac champions Jennings and Eugene Donnelly line up behind Boyle.

Kesh driver Jennings is ultra quick in his Kumho-liveried Subaru and will certainly be a strong contender. Donnelly was the last driver to successfully defend his title in 2009 – and stands alongside Austin MacHale with five Tarmac titles.

For Donegal’s Donagh Kelly, this has to be the season he makes the breakthrough in his Ford Focus WRC and he will have to be on maximum attack from the start to ensure he keeps pace.

While Monaghan’s Sam Moffett and his brother Josh, both in Ford Fiesta WRC’s, may cope with the conditions better than the other cars.

For local Galway driver and Billy Coleman Award winner Dean Raftery, it’s a step into the unknown as he debuts a Derek McGeehan Mini WRC. Hopefully, he will not allow the pressure of a high seeding affect his driving.

Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet) should again dominate the Modified section. There are six stages tomorrow. Unlike recent years, the Galway event will not offer championship bonus points.

Meanwhile, Craig Breen (Peugeot Rally Academy 208 T16) is targeting victory in Rally Liepaja, the second round of European Rally Championship.

He’s been on the podium on the past two seasons and having celebrated his 25th birthday earlier in the week is in confident mood ahead of tomorrow’s start. “I’m really looking forward to the rally with the confidence of second place (WRC2) in Monte Carlo. We are determined to take another win.” he said.

Elsewhere, Matt Griffin’s tackles the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour in Australia, known as one of the most demanding circuits in the world on both and machine. The Cork driver’s best performance here came two years ago when he claimed second place and fastest lap.

On board the Clearwater prepared No. 33 Ferrari 458 Italia GT3, he will be joined by Singapore based Mok Weng Sun and current World Endurance champion Toni Villander. “The win at the Dubai 24Hour was fantastic but to follow that up with the strong showing we had at Daytona really tells me I am in a good place.” The race begins at 5.50am local time on Sunday.