Spin through Clon for West Cork Rally will get tourist season in gear

Clonakilty rally driver Cal McCarthy with (left to right): Steve Davis, clerk of the course, Greg McCarthy, chairperson Cork Motor Club and David Henry (general manager Clonakilty Park Hotel) at the launch of the Clonakiulty Park Hotel West Cork Rally in Clonakilty.. Picture: Martin Walsh.

Clonakilty town centre will come alive with competitive action during this year's Clonakilty Park Hotel West Cork Rally (March 13-15) as the first stage begins with the steep incline of Barrack Hill before heading out into the countryside for the remainder of the first of two stages on the Friday evening. It's the first time in well over a decade that a town stage will be part of the format. The launch of the event took place at the award winning town on Sunday afternoon as details of the three-day rally, the second round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship were announced.

There are 16 stages in total, two on the Friday night, eight on Saturday and six on Sunday - including the classics Rossmore, Ring and Ardfield. Clerk of the course Steve Davis said, "Entries are open as of last Friday and we are allowed to have 160 crews, if we received anything near 150 we would be happy with that.