Waterford’s Andrew Purcell to set pace in Willie Loughman Forest Rally

Andrew Purcell (Mitsubishi) is likely to be the barometer of the pace on Sunday’s Willie Loughman Forest Rally, the first round of the Valvoline National Forest Rally Championship.

Purcell and his rivals will tackle the double loop of three stages, including the classic Gurteen. The Waterford driver took a fine win on his first outing in his Kumho-backed Mitsubishi EvoIX in the Fivemiletown Rally last Saturday, overcoming clutch troubles on the last four stages.

“Yes, the EvoIX is a big step forward, championship points will be the big thing on Sunday to get off to a good start. I have never had any luck in Carrick but, hopefully, that will change. Josh (Moffett), Desi (Henry) and Mick (O’Brien) will be strong.”