Donnelly signs deal with Toyota

NOT content to rest on his laurels, Eugene Donnelly has already completed a deal that will see the 36-year-old Derry ace drive a Toyota Corolla WRC in next season’s Irish Tarmac Championship.

In a whirlwind week, the Dunlop National Rally Champion will receive the Vard Memorial Trophy at the presentation of awards at the Seven Oaks Hotel in Carlow tomorrow night.

This has been an incredibly successful season for Donnelly, who had six wins and two second places in the ten round Dunlop-backed series.

Success in the Northern Ireland series, which was always close to his heart, and his victory in the Killarney International Rally of the Lakes illustrated his undoubted talent on board the Stan Harper-run ’98 specification Subaru Impreza WRC.

Now that is set to change, following last Monday’s purchase of a Toyota Corolla WRC in the Netherlands from Erik Wevers. In fact, it is the same car that Ian Greer drove to victory in the Tour of Luxembourg in 2001.

In recent weeks, Donnelly had been linked to both a Ford Focus and another Subaru, however, he was so impressed after the test in Holland, he made an instant decision to purchase the car that was driven by Didier Auriol when Toyota contested the WRC.

The car is fitted with a new engine and last year underwent further development work including a full throttle change, full sequential gearbox and Step 3 suspension.

Commenting on his acquisition, he said, “I went to Holland with an open mind, yet within minutes of driving the car, it was obvious I had found what I was looking for. It’s amazingly responsive, what also impressed me was the visibility.”

Unlike his Dunlop championship winning Subaru, the Toyota is left hand drive. “I looked at all the options, I tested a Ford Focus, but bearing everything in mind, especially the Irish Tarmac series, I reckon the Toyota is the best package.”

Donnelly is under no illusions: “I have to learn left hand drive, I know it will take a few events to acclimatise, but the car just feels right and I reckon it will not be far away from its rivals.” I understand a number of other Irish drivers were also interested in the car.

The British Peugeot 206 Championship Awards will also be presented this weekend. As a result, Donegal’s Shaun Gallagher, who won the series, misses the final round of the French Peugeot 206 Cup.

The Billy Coleman award winner faces an anxious wait to see if he can retain third overall and top spot in the Junior category. Meanwhile, Kumho will be the official tyre supplier for next season’s Peugeot 206 Cup series in Britain.

This weekend events include the Leinster Sporting Trial at Newcastle, County Wicklow tomorrow and on Sunday, a 4 x 4 production tTrial at Rockgrove, Coachford; a Loose Surface Autocross near Ballybay in Cavan while the Hewison Autotest Championship continues with a round at Tougher’s Industrial Estate, County Kildare.

The Court of Enquiry set up to investigate procedures on the West Cork Rally last March, adjourned on Tuesday night last, I understand a considered response is expected shortly.

Clonakilty’s Michael Keohane completed his Champ Car test with Dale Coyne Racing at the Seabring circuit in Florida last week. The 23-year-old was pleased with his performance and although no official times were available, he was close to the lap times set by the experienced, Thomas Enge.

An Open Forum in connection with the Munster Night Navigation Trial Championship will take place in the Mallow Park Hotel on Thursday night next at 8pm.

The Titanic World Rally Sprint at the Odyssey Arena and Titanic Quarter, Belfast on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December will feature the Subaru World Rally team. Test driver, Passi Hagstrom will drive Petter Solberg’s championship-winning car over the specially constructed mile long track. This will be the inaugural Irish appearance for the Subaru World Rally team.

The event, which is set to include a number of Irish drivers, will incorporate the first Belfast Indoor Motor Show at the Odyssey Arena.

Former seven-time Circuit of Ireland winner, Jimmy McRae, will drive a Porsche 911 on the forthcoming Killarney Historic Rally (December 7th.). The Scottish ace, who was the top British privateer (17th) in the Wales Rally GB, will drive a three-litre Porsche 911 in the Classic category. Others competing include Dessie Nutt, Steve Perez and James Cullen, who will campaign a 1600cc Ford Escort.