Motorsport: 'I’m not at my full potential yet' - Derek Mackarel out to extend lead

The Clones driver sets off from the start line of the railer Parts and Spares Lakeland Rally in Enniskillen as leader of the Sligo Pallets Irish Forest Rally Championship.

Monaghan’s Derek Mackarel (Ford Fiesta R5) hoping to extend his lead in the Sligo Pallets Irish Forest rally Championship on the Trailer Parts and Spares Lakeland Rally in Enniskillen. Picture: Martin Walsh.

From his days of hurtling his Vauxhall Nova to the limits and sometimes beyond, Monaghan’s Derek Mackarel has taken time to adjust to his Ford Fiesta R5. It’s time well spent during the transition as he sets off from the start line of tomorrow’s Trailer Parts and Spares Lakeland Rally in Enniskillen as leader of the Sligo Pallets Irish Forest Rally Championship.

The 28-year old Clones driver is aware that there’s still much to do before the series ends with the Clare Forest Rally. However, he’s received an unexpected boost as he leaves his Fiesta in homologated mode (Class 10) unlike most of the Lakeland top 10 contenders that have opted to switch to Class 11 (non-homologated) - allowing them to use a bigger restrictor for more power but prevents them from scoring points for the Irish Forest series.