Motorsport Ireland annual congress likely to centre discussions on 2027 calendar

Meanwhile, Clonmel's Casey Jay Coleman (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) continues his continental exploits tomorrow where he is seeded at six in the opening leg of Rallye de Granada

Motorsport Ireland president Aiden Harper. Picture: Martin Walsh

In what at times has been a turbulent season, Motorsport Ireland holds its annual congress tomorrow Saturday in Athlone. Not much seems to have changed from the first iteration of congress in 2021. For whatever reason an agenda that was embargoed until 1.00pm yesterday (Thursday) is likely to centre discussions on the update in relation to the Strategic Structure Review, insurance and the 2027 calendar.

Although the affiliated clubs were not allowed to put forward motions and the governing body are continuing its media ban, the Irish Examiner has been advised that the exclusion of any item from the agenda does not preclude its consideration.

Indeed, such matters are likely to surround clarity on refuelling, the appointment of an MI appointed Fuel Compliance Officer and controlled fuel for homologated cars, both from the 1st of January 2027; the pause that was introduced last year pertaining to regional nominations. Others like Courts of Inquiry, Coroners' Court and Courts of Appeal that created unwanted headlines are sure to be reflected upon.

In recent weeks, following an appeal by a competitor, who was excluded from a race due to a technical infringement was re-instated after a court found that the procedures for stewards to hold a hearing were not upheld to the required standard. The appeal fees (€3,000) were returned. A total of 16 (sixteen) recommendations arising from Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn into a tragic accident in 2022, whilst acknowledging that some may, and others are, in the process of being implemented are in itself a portrayal of inefficiencies within the sport.

Outside of media, tyre suppliers and car preparation teams - often deemed as "stakeholders" also have no representation at congress.

According to ADC MSC (Actions, Decisions, Communications - Motor Sport Council) of the Motorsport Council held on the 25th August last, John Naylor resigned from the Board of the IMF (Irish Motorsport Federation). Mr. Naylor is the current vice-president of Motorsport Ireland and also a member of the RIAC (Royal Irish Automobile Club) and for several years, was the negotiator in relation to insurance. No reason was provided in what seemed a surprise resignation.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner yesterday, Mr. Naylor explained his position, "I didn't agree with the direction of the Strategic Review and the way the IMF were going with it." The Irish Motorsport Federation (operating as Motorsport Ireland) is a subsidiary and delegated authority of the Royal Irish Automobile Club (a private members' club), who is the official holder of the sporting power in Ireland on behalf of the FIA, the world governing body for motor sport. The RIAC delegates this sporting and regulatory power on an annual basis to Motorsport Ireland.

The partnership between Kesh native Jon Armstrong and Donegal's Shane Byrne has ended by mutual consent. During their first season together, pair won two rounds of the ERC - Rali Ceredigion and Rally Croatia and finished second overall in the series. This year they stepped up to the top tier of the WRC onboard an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally1, they contested the entire series with a best place finish of seventh. Armstrong announced the split on social media where speculation continues as to the identity of his new co-driver. The Irish Examiner understands Monaghan's Conor Mohan is a key contender for position.

Meanwhile, following his European Rally Championship Rally2 debut on last week's Rally 6 Cities North of Portugal, Clonmel's Casey Jay Coleman (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) continues his continental exploits tomorrow where he is seeded at six in the opening leg of Rallye de Granada. Finland's Roope Korhonen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) is the top seed.

While Coleman took time to settle and gain as much seat time as possible in what was the final round of the ERC, Korhonen was at the cutting edge and led for a time until his Toyota suffered a transmission issue that eventually dropped him to third, Campaigning the RLA Autosport run Skoda under the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy banner, Coleman will be co-driven by Killian McArdle as he continues his preparation for a full Rally2 ERC season in 2027.

The Skoda Parts Ireland National Endurance Championship series will be decided on Sunday's Skibbereen and District Car Club's event that will be based at the Lisavaird Co-op complex (10.01am) near Clonakilty. Dubliner Graham O'Donoghue and Birr's TJ O'Brien, both in Toyota Starlets, will vie for the title over the twenty tests set throughout locations in Rosscarbery and Clonakilty. O'Donoghue holds a three points advantage.