Local knowledge not a factor for Cronin at West Cork Rally

Some of the Ballylickey driver's rivals will be more familiar with the 18 stages.

Irish Tarmac Championship leaders Ballylickey’s Keith Cronin and his Killarney co-driver Mikie Galvin (Ford Fiesta Rally2) seeking victory in the Clonakilty Park Hotel West Cork Rally, the second round of the campaign. Picture: Martin Walsh.

The first ever three-day Clonakilty Park Hotel West Cork Rally slips into gear on Friday, with Keith Cronin (Ford Fiesta Rally2) arriving in Clonakilty as leader of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship following his victory in last month’s Galway International Rally that marked his return to the series after a lapse of eight years. 

However, the Ballylickey man won't be relying on local knowledge. The 50km or so journey to Clonakilty is the shortest of his championship campaign. But some of his rivals will, ironically, be more familiar with the 18 stages.