McKenna tipped for top job
Following his five-year term in office, Cecil Sparks will not be seeking re-election. The favourite to replace him is Monaghan’s Martin McKenna. Should he move up, his current post as chairman of the rallies committee will also have to be filled. It has been suggested the committees are not as powerful as they used to be. ~
However, that is set to change next year with several high-profile motorsport personnel involved These are challenging times for Irish motorsport and many eel the governing body is not capitalising on the sport’s popularity. Rules, and more importantly their implementation, is another area that needs to be uniformly addressed. Some clubs that have flouted regulations would appear to have escaped any punishment while suspensions were meted out to other offenders.
A more pressing matter is the cost of insurance. Although discussions are ongoing, insurance fees for rallies could rise by as much as 70% Again, the competitors could face the brunt of the increase, which may force clubs to increase entry fees by as much as 60 on a single-day event.
Tarmac Titan: Jimmy McRae, the latest video in the series from Tyndall Productions, is a compelling three-hour marathon for any motorsport enthusiast.
The video also has excellent footage of drivers like Billy Coleman, Russell Brookes, Ari Vatanen, Bertie Fisher, and Austin MacHale.
The titanic battles in the Circuit of Ireland are riveting. Footage of the Cork ‘20’ when the final stage ran through Patrick Street and the Grand Parade are a trip down memory lane. McRae was very popular with Irish rally fans and the video dealing with the seven-time Circuit of Ireland winner, five times British and double Irish Tarmac champion gives an insight into rallying during that very special era.
The on-board footage and camera work is ground-breaking. The comments of McRae’s rivals and the observations of his sons, Colin and Alistair provide another interesting angle to this fine production that is available at all the usual outlets.
The final two rounds of the Yokohama/Jerry Murphy Tyres-sponsored Munster Autocross Championship take place over the festive season. The penultimate round, organised by the Munster Motor Cycle and Car Club, will be held in O’Brien’s Pit, Brinny on St Stephen’s Day with the practice run starting at 10.30am Details from Ger Fitzgerald at 021-4872420 after 7pm.
The following day the Cork Motor Club host the last round in Campbell’s Pit, Grancore, Clonakilty. Three timed runs will follow the practice run that is scheduled for 11am Enquiries to Michael Linehan at 087-2514617 between 9.30am and 10pm.
Ballyvourney’s Gerard Lucey has already clinched the title, his third in as many years. The focus is on second place where his brother, James, has a one point lead over David Forde. In Class 1, Willie Fitzgerald (Honda) has a 22-point cushion over Michael F Linehan (Honda). There is a seven-point difference between Jerry and Andrew Lehane (Class 2) and Mike O’Connor has clinched Class 3. Mark Murphy (Subaru), Joe Shinnors (Escort) and Michael Linehan (Escort) are all vying for honours in Class 4.
Depending on overall awards, Class 5 is likely to be between Richard Percy and Michael O’Connor Jr. Former National Autocross Champion, Jimmy Lucey has won Class 6. The ladies award has also been decided in favour of Breda Piggott and in the Junior Category, Owen Murphy (Suzuki) the top performer at the Ford Academy series in Britain, has a four-point lead over Andrew Lehane (Honda).
Suzuki has announced the line-up for the 2004 Junior World Rally Championship. The four drivers for the seven-round junior series at the wheel of the latest-specification Suzuki Ignis Super 1600 are Guy Wilks (Great Britain, 22), Kosti Katajamaki (Finland, 26), Mirco Baldacci (San Marino, 26) and Per Gunnar Andersson (Sweden 23).
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
