Globetrotter Griffin seeks change of luck at Paul Ricard

These are busy times for Cork racing ace Matt Griffin.

Having returned to his Northampton base from Australia this week, following a second-place finish on the Bathurst 12-hour, he flew to France on Thursday in preparation for today’s two races at the famous Paul Ricard circuit. Then, next Wednesday he will be in Italy for some development work with Ferrari and from there it’s straight to Spain for a three-day test with Ram Racing in Jerez.

Today he will team up with Duncan Cameron in their Mtech run Ferrari 458 GT2, for the first International GT Open Winter Series event. Primarily though, his 2013 season will revolve around the European Le Mans Series with Ram Racing as well as the World Endurance Championship with AF Corse, the factory Ferrari team. Griffin will also contest the famous 24-hour Le Mans.

Together Griffin and Cameron have won several races in the British GT Championship along with some wins on the international stage. The Birmingham-based Mtech outfit are regarded as one of the top Ferrari teams.

On this weekend’s circuit, Griffin said: “I have raced there four times but unfortunately it has not been a lucky place for me, I am hoping to change that this weekend.”

The Carryduff Forklift Northern Ireland Championship gets underway tomorrow with the Eurocables Rally at the Kirkistown circuit. Current champion, Derek McGarrity, in his S14 Subaru WRC, is the top seed and has a strong record at the Down venue. Having won the New Year Stages rally last month at the same venue, he is favourite for victory.

The inaugural Five Star Catering National Loose Surface Autocross begins tomorrow in Clonakilty. Over 40 drivers are expected for the Skibbereen and District Car Club-organised event at Campbell’s Pit, Grancore. The six-round series is based on class results rather than overall results with competitors counting their best five scores.

Killarney co-driver Paul Nagle is to rejoin Craig Breen for their outings in the European Rally Championship. Mallow’s David Moynihan, who partnered Breen on the opening round, claimed on his website, their partnership has ended. When contacted yesterday, Breen said an announcement will be made in a few weeks.

Meanwhile, it is understood Breen/Nagle will compete in the Rally of the Lakes in a Mk. 2 Ford Escort owned by James Coleman, one of Breen’s supporters en route to his championship wins over the last two seasons.

Regulations for the Quality Hotels West Cork Rally (March 16-17) should have been available, but it seems a heavy workload within Motorsport Ireland has delayed the process.