Title rivals bid to cash in on Elliott’s absence

SEVERAL championships unfold over the weekend against a backdrop of well-subscribed entries. The Dunlop National Rally Championship curtain-raiser, the Abbey Court Hotel Nenagh Rally that also counts towards the Top Part West Coast Championship and the Dunlop Junior Championship, has attracted over 150 crews.

Although Patrick Elliott’s late withdrawal – due to business commitments – has denied the Birr Club of their top seed, the Subaru WRC quartet of Niall Maguire, Derek McGarrity, Mel Evans and Kevin Barrett will battle through 120km of special stages to secure maximum points.

Maguire is still weighing up a title bid and adopting a wait and see attitude.But Barrett, who gained his first national event victory on the Galway Summer Rally last season said: “My plan for 2010 is to win the championship.”