Kelly favourite to win in Carrick

THE Irish rallying championship season gets underway on Sunday against the backdrop of a strong statement from the sport’s governing body, Motorsport Ireland.

Clubs and event organisers have been informed that certain individuals have spread misinformation without any regard to the consequences. The letter outlined that Irish Motorsport is a democratic body and individuals can have their say through their clubs or appropriate committee.

Meanwhile, triple forest rally champion, Dermot Kelly, heads the entry for Sunday’s Suirway Forklifts Carrick-On-Suir Forest Rally, the opening round of the KBB Doors National Forest Championship. The Kilmallock driver won the Willie Loughman Memorial event in 2000 and is the favourite to add to that solitary win. Even in the absence of national champion, Eugene Donnelly, who is concentrating on tarmac events, and Dominic McNeill, who skips this round, opposition is still formidable.