Barrett needs big finish in Abbeyleix to boost title hopes
The entry is a blend of Dunlop regulars and younger title contenders that should provide for a good contest.
The rally is also the opening round of the Top Part West Coast Championship.
Brian O’Mahony (Subaru WRC), Robert Barrable (Skoda Fabia S2000) and Thomas Fitzmaurice (Subaru WRC) are virtual novices compared to the top two seeds, Kevin Barrett and Niall Maguire, both in Subaru WRCs.
Barrett, fresh from his second place in Kirkistown last week, occupies the number one berth. The Kerry born driver hasn’t always enjoyed the best of starts to the Dunlop series and if he is to finally land the elusive title, he needs a top finish in Abbeyleix.
Probably the most seasoned campaigner of all, Monaghan’s Niall Maguire, has won three titles and finished runner-up on numerous occasions. Both drivers are extremely familiar with the national format unlike O’Mahony, who makes his title bid in the McKinstry prepared Subaru.
Based on his all too brief outings in the car last October, O’Mahony can make a serious bid for the Vard Memorial Trophy.
He explained: “Both Niall (Maguire) and Kevin Barrett) are very familiar with the series and know how to pace themselves. Robert (Barrable) will also be quick, his car is suited to tighter and twisty stages rather than long straights. Thomas Fitzmaurice (Subaru WRC) is somewhat of an unknown quantity. I will take it easy on the first stage and try and control my pace, I’ll be trying for the win though.”
Barrable won the Sligo round of last year’s Dunlop series and finished second to champion, Tim McNulty in Carlow and Cavan, he too has the ability to forge a strong challenge.
Garry Jennings is a dramatic late entry and will drive the ex-Donnelly Toyota Corolla WRC that should make for an even more fascinating encounter; he will be co-driven by the car’s owner, Herbie Blackburn.
Kerry’s Thomas Fitzmaurice could be the surprise packet. He debuted the ex-Patrick Elliott car in Galway and can become a force. Third overall last year, Limerick’s Colm Murphy will relish the prospect of comparing his Group N Subaru against the WRC contingent.
The top ten also includes Wexford’s James Stafford (Darrian), British driver Steve Simpson (Subaru WRC), Clonmel’s Roy White and Shane Maguire (Subaru). The new Dunlop National Mark 2 Escort Champions Trophy has attracted Mike Quinn, Declan Boyle, Frank Kelly, Camillus Bradley, Pat Donegan, Trevor Mulligan, Michael Conlon, Michael Curran, Neil Williams, Russell Woods, James Coleman and Aidan Walsh.
Meanwhile, Garry Jennings (Subaru) is the leading entry for tomorrow’s Omagh Fivemiletown Spring Rally, Ian Cochrane (Mitsubishi), Martin Cairns (Subaru) along with Escorts aces, Seamus O’Connell, Frank Kelly, Adrian Hetherington are amongst the opposition.
British-based Cork driver Matt Griffin competes in this weekend’s Armor All Bathurst 12 hour race. He rejoins Clearwater Racing in the Ferrari 458 GT3 where his fellow drivers are the experienced Australian GT driver Craig Baird and current Asian GT Champion Mok Weng Sun. Last month, driving for AF Corse, Griffin won the Abu Dhabi 12-hour.
He said yesterday: “Nothing is certain in Endurance racing but going to Bathurst with a win already under my belt definitely gives me a bit more confidence. It will be a huge task as there are many top teams and drivers, but Clearwater have put the pieces in place we need for success.”
Motorsport Ireland Dunlop Young Racing Driver of the Year for 2011 Aron Smith (22) has signed for the Motorbase Performance team where the Dubliner will race alongside Mat Jackson and Liam Griffin on what will be his debut season in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Smith will drive a Ford Focus and his first race is at the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on April 1.
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