Callum Devine seeking back-to-back wins in Donegal International Rally

With the series based on the best five scores from seven rounds, there’s still all to play for but the stakes are high.

Fri, 21 Jun, 2024 - 06:47

Martin Walsh

It's Destination Donegal - for the Irish Tarmac title-chasing trio of Cork’s Keith Cronin (Ford Fiesta Rally2), Welsh driver Matt Edwards (Ford Fiesta Rally2) and Derry's Callum Devine (VW Polo GTi R5) for the three-day Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally that consists of twenty special stages including the classics Knockalla, High Glen, Atlantic Drive and Fanad Head.

All three have won a round of the Samdec Securities backed series thus far but Cronin, who won the first two rounds in Galway and West Cork, is the only one of the trio to finish all four rounds. The Ballylickey ace has accumulated 72 points followed by Circuit of Ireland winner Matt Edwards (58.5points) and Rally of the Lakes winner and defending Tarmac champion Callum Devine (41points).

With the series based on the best five scores from seven rounds, there’s still all to play for but the stakes are high especially for Devine, who hasn’t the security of a safety net due to his non-finishes in West Cork and the Circuit. However, he will take the positives from his victory in Killarney as he seeks back-to-back wins in the north-west.

But, it’s not an easy task, especially when trying to remain in the title hunt. However, with his knowledge of the terrain, particularly on the first run over the stages, could be key to unlocking the advantage. Edwards, whose presence in the series has upped the ante, has some unfinished business in Donegal. Two years ago he led the rally early on the final day only to suffer a huge crash. Last year he fought his way back from an opening stage time loss to finish second behind Devine. Similar to Devine, his recent knowledge of the stages should be of benefit.

It's in sharp contrast to Cronin, who returns to Donegal for the first time in eight years. In the first full season of the R5 (since re-braded Rally2) era Cronin led entering the final stage where he was eclipsed by a mere 0.5s by the late Manus Kelly (Subaru WRC) - Cronin eventually went on to win the 2016 Tarmac title. The West Cork driver put the Donegal event in context. “It isn’t necessarily being the fastest as I have seen over the last few years watching the event. Anything can happen, the weather can also play a part. The three days is hard on cars.” He highlighted the Devine and Edwards rivalry.

“Competing against each other in Donegal they have brought each other on to a new level. Then, there Josh (Moffett) he goes well there (Donegal) too.”

There’s no doubt that a third win in the current series would put Cronin in the driving seat for the title race. His plan is somewhat of a balancing act. “It’s all about staying in touch and making sure one is there or thereabouts on the Sunday. I think Callum and Matt’s most recent experience of the event will have a bearing on the outcome of the event. It's a long, long rally for sure, 275 stage kilometres, there’s so many things that can go against you, we may take a more gradual approach than we have for some of the other rounds so far.”

Meanwhile, Josh Moffett (Citroen C3 Rally2) has yet to find the pace that was so predictable in past seasons, it remains to be seen if he can finally match and possibly even beat the aforementioned trio. Welsh ace Meirion Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) along with locals David Kelly (VW Polo GTi R5) and Declan Boyle and Derry’s Desi Henry in Citroen C3 Rally2 cars are also in the starting top seven. Today’s first leg is over a loop of three stages in Carndonagh, which are repeated in the afternoon.