Subaru tests in Finland

In preparation for August's Finland Rally, the 555 Subaru World Rally Team completed a four-day test near the town of Jyvaskyla this week. Regular team drivers Tommi Makinen and Petter Solberg notched up a total of 893kms between them at the wheel of a Subaru Impreza WRC2002 test car.
Tommi Makinen drove for the first three days on three separate test roads. On the first day the team used a fast, smooth stage with big jumps before moving to a more twisty, sandy surfaced road for the second day. The third road provided a mixture of smooth high-speed sections and twisty corners. Tommi concentrated on transmission, damper and differential set-ups and also tested new tyre constructions from team partner Pirelli.
Petter Solberg took over driving duties for the final day of the test and moved to another contrasting road that featured a narrow, sandy base with slight corners and small jumps. The Norwegian worked on brake settings as well as evaluating damper, differential and transmission set-ups. Petter also tested a variety of tyre constructions designed to suit the changeable Finnish weather conditions.
Tommi and Petter will be back in Finland for another pre-event test just before the reconnaissance starts on 5th August. Between now and then, the teams' attention will turn to the next event, the challenging Safari Rally of Kenya, which begins in two weeks time. Building on two days of rough-road testing in May, the team will begin a four-day pre-event test in Kenya next Monday.

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McRae announced for Punchestown

Ford WRC ace to head entry at Punchestown Rally Spectacular

Former world rally champion Colin McRae and the Ford World Rally team have confirmed they will attend the World Rally Experience at Punchestown Racecourse on July 21.
Probably the biggest name in world rallying thanks to his spectacular driving style and millions of devoted PlayStation gamers, the 33-year-old Scot will drive a Ford Focus WRC in the event and give his huge Irish following the rare opportunity to see the winner of the recent Acropolis Rally in action on Irish soil.
A former Circuit of Ireland Rally winner McRae, who will be in action on the Safari Rally the weekend prior to the World Rally Experience, heads the 40 strong entry for the event which runs over the 4Km asphalt perimeter track around the Co.Kildare racecourse.
Set to be an action packed day with entertainment for all the family, tickets for the World Rally Experience are available from local Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.ie
Oisin O Briain

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4Wd Cars to be banned ?

The FIA Sports Council today made a shock announcement that from January 1 2003 all Group A 4WD turbochargd cars including WRC cars will be prohibited from FIA Regional Championships
Although coming as an initial shock the spiralling costs of aquiring and running these cars seem to justify the decision.
The ban will only affect the FIA Regional Championships such as , The European , Middle East or Asian Pacific and is understood NOT to affect the like of The Toshiba Tarmac or Dunlop National Championship.

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Ravens Rock Preview

This Sunday sees the Ravens Rock 2002 Rally being promoted by Carrick-On-Suir Motor Club.The event is sponsored again by Suirway Forklifts and has its headquarters in Jurys Hotel in Waterford.
The event is unique in that it is a counting round of both the Dunlop National and the Get Connected Championship ,as well as the South East stages and Ford Ka Championship, and under the guidance of Lady Clerk of the Course Ann Marie Fitzgerald has attracted an oversubscribed entry.

Top Entries:
1 ... Michael Barrable Dermot O' Gorman Dublin Subaru W R C 8
2 ... Melvyn Evans Alun Davis Wales Ford Escort W R C 8
3 ... Niall Maguire Paul Mc Loughlin Monaghan Subaru Wrc 8
4 ... Steve Fleck Mark Aspinwal Berkshire Subaru Impreza 8
5 ... Robert Woodside Dean Beckett Antrim Subaru Impreza 8
6 ... John Price Caroline Price Herford MG Metro 6R4 15
7 ... David Armstrong Herbie Blackburn Armagh Ford Escort R.S. 15
8 ... Richie Curran Gerry English Carrick On Suir Ford Escort Cosworth 15
9 ... Patrick Elliott Sean Moriarty Cavan Sub. Impreza 8
10 . Sean Gallagher Liam Costello Carrick On Shannon Ford Escort 15
11 . Cathal Arthurs Bob Kelly Down Toyota Celica 8
12 . Tony Davies Brian Hardie Bucks Subaru Impreza 8
14 . Tim Ball Rob Watson Wiltshire Darrian T 90 13
15 . Joe McHugh Dermot Mc Hugh Donegal Ford Escort Cosworth 15
16 . Jon Mercer Aled Davis Herfordshire MG Metro 6R4 15
17 . Kevin Barrett Sean Mullally Maynooth Subaru W R C 8
18 . Geoff Kitney Des Moran Wales Ford Sierra Cosworth 15
19 . Bob Fowden Jerry Hynes S. Wales Mitsubishi. Evo 6 4
20 . Jimmy Lambert James Coleman Clonmel Ford Escort Mk11 13
21 . Derek Smith Darragh Cafferey Wicklow Ford Escort 14
22 . John Dalton Gwynfor Jones Wales Darrian T 9O 14
23 . Gwyndaf Evans Dilwyn Llewellyn Wales Subaru Impreza 3
24 . Dave Cooling Martin Haggett Warks Ford R S 2000 7
25 . Nigel Hicklin Sam Mc Mullan Antrim Subaru Impreza 8
26 . Eddie Kinirons Tom Kinirons Kildare Toyota Celica Gt4 8
27 . Aaron MacHale Damian Connolly Dublin Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5 4
28 . Mac McKenna John Loughran Monaghan Peugeot 205 13
29 . Tom Holton Andrew Cullen Meath Toyota Celica 8
30 . David Long June Long Kilkeeny Ford Sierra 14

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Donegal reaction to Tragedy

The Organisers of the Shell Donegal Rally 2002 have released further details of the fatal accident, which occurred on special stage two, at Cloghan, Co. Donegal yesterday. This comes following the statement issued by MotorSport Ireland, relating to the emergency meeting called in Dublin early on Sunday morning.
A spokesman for Donegal Motor Club said that the accident occurred near the start of the test on a bumpy straight. A competing car veered abruptly off the road, colliding with two safety marshals and a photographer.
Following competitors gave immediate notice of the accident and the Rally rescue plan was put into operation. The main rally was automatically diverted away from the area and competitors were held at a service control
. The Rally medical and rescue teams arrived at the scene within minutes and began treating those involved. Despite their intensive efforts two men George Clarke aged 22, from Moville in County Donegal and Gerard McKenna, aged 22, from Co. Armagh succumbed to their injuries. The other person injured, local photographer Mr. Clive Wasson was removed to Letterkenny General Hospital for treatment of his injuries and later transferred to Dublin. Mr. Wasson is a very good friend of Donegal Motor Club, and his family has close ties to the Motor Club for almost thirty years.
Rally officials and competitors were devastated at the news. A Club spokesman commented: "Our sport relies on safety marshals to monitor and control spectators while the event is running. George and Gerard had secured the area and were themselves positioned off the road and away from the anticipated path of the competing cars. It is very difficult to accept that they were hurt while protecting others.
It was through their action that members of the public spectating on the stages, were prevented from entering this particular area, and as a result no other casualties occurred."
He continued: "We are all absolutely stunned by this. Our hearts to out to the Clarke and McKenna families in their loss. Everyone here, from the officials to the competitors, are deeply upset and distressed by the accident, and cancelling the Rally was our first thought."
"We are heartbroken that these two young men have lost their lives through their involvement with the Rally and that Clive Wasson has been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families and we extend our condolences to them.
Additionally as a Club, we would like to extend our grief for other young lives lost, particularly those lost or missing in our County last week.
The young student who attends a Letterkenny college, was drowned on a canoeing trip in France, and the young tourist missing while out walking on the west coast on the County. We really feel for these people, their families and friends, at this time."
DONEGAL MOTOR CLUB
Released by Declan Mc Cay & Damian Crawford

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Lancashire and Hall lead Border Rally

Former Border Champion Trevor Lancashire with Noel Hall have now accumulated the perfect score of 40 points after another Class 12 win in Newry to take a clear lead in the 2002 Four Seasons Hotel Border Championship. Not only did the Monaghan crew beat Border Series regulars in the Mourne Stages Rally, but many Northern Ireland Championship competitors as well. With two rounds to go in this years Series, Lancashire and Hall (Escort MKII) are now in a strong position to lift not one but two main prizes- the Derryveagh Crystal Perpetual Trophy for the overall champion, but also the Brian McGrath Memorial Trophy dedicated to Class 12.
According to Border Series Registrar, John Duffy, the outcome is now a lot clearer. "The outcome of the Newry and District Motor Club's Mourne Stages Rally held on Saturday 15th June gives a clearer picture of the likely destination of the 2002 Four Seasons Hotel Monaghan sponsored Border Championship. Many of the usual Border contenders were present while others decided to forego an excellent days Motorsport at the unbelieveable price of E290. Who said that it is impossible to get entries for Tarmac Stages Rallies or that clubs do not run value for money events?" he stressed.
"With Trevor and Noel on maximum points, there are a number of other competitors on two Class wins. They collectively have every chance of winning their Class in the remaining rounds in Sligo and Donegal, the Championship could yet go to a tie break situation, where the 5th and 6th score could come into play," states John. "So while Lancashire / Hall cannot increase their score, they could still be overtaken for the Championship if the tie-break situation arises.
Other Border regulars who also won their classes in Newry were Paul Gallagher/Karl Reid (Toyota Corolla) from Letterkenny who now have two wins in Class 11 after a poor start to the season. You may recall that Paul Gallagher was pipped at the post by Mayo's James McGreal for the Drivers title in 2000. Karl Reid did however take the overall Navigators honours that year.
Another crew coming back to form after a slight hiccup in Cavan are the McElhinney brothers, John and Brendan from Donegal who won Class 1 in a Suzuki Swift against strong opposition. They now have three class wins to date.
Don't overlook Monaghan's John Kelly who won his class in Newry, but unfortunately did not score full points as there was only four starters in the category. This combined with the fact that he was a non-starter in Mayo could however affect his challenge for an overall placing at the end of the season. That said, the Corolla driver has to be considered with two wins in Class 16 with full points in Monaghan and Cavan.
Current Dunlop National Championship leaders Niall Maguire and Paul McLoughlin (Subaru WRC) although non-runners in Newry are still in with a shout while Roger Kennedy (Peugeot 306), Danny Conaghan (Escort) and Norman Armstrong (Escort) have had their ups and downs combining two class wins with non finishers on other events.
John Duffy again, "while some crews make a strong start to the season, there are others that start slowly and finish well. For example, Eugene Donnelly and Paul Kiely, who are also contesting the National Forestry and the Northern Ireland Championship did not enter Mayo or Monaghan but have had two great results in Cavan and Newry and along with it recorded class wins." So, as the Border Championship heads west for the next round in Sligo, the chances are that the most popular clubmans series will not be decided until it reaches it climax at the Donegal Harvest Rally.

Overall Positions
Trevor Lancashire/Noel Hall (Monaghan) 40 Points / Leads Class 12
John McElhinney/Brendan McElhinney (Donegal) 37 Points / Leads Class 1
Shane Orr/James Gallagher (Donegal) 33 Points / Leads Class 2
Niall Maguire/ Paul McLoughlin (Monaghan) 30 Points / Leads Class 8
John Kelly/John Higgins (Monaghan/Mayo) 29 Points / Leads Class 16/ 27 Points/ Leads Class 16
Roger Kennedy/MartinCarey (Nutts Corner) 29 Points / Leads Class 3
Brian Black/Liam McLoughlin (Armagh/Donegal) 29 Points / Leads Class 9 / 21 Points / Leads Class 9
Paul Gallagher/Karl Reid (Donegal) 29 Points / Leads Class 11
David Armstrong/Herbie Blackburn (Armagh) 28 Points / Leads Class 15
Mac McKenna/John Loughran (Monaghan) 27 Points / Leads Class 13
Douglas Richardston/Paula Richardson (Dublin) 27 Points / Leads Class 14 / 18 Points / Leads Class 14
Kenneth Mulvaney/Brian Cleary (Sligo/Mayo) 23 Points / Leads Class 5 / 12 points / Leads Class 5
Derrick Jobb/Killian Duffy (Tyrone/mayo) 22 Points / Leads Class 4
Breen McNamee/Keefe Kilcoyne (Meath/Mayo) 19 Points / Leads Class 7/ 18 Points / Leads Class 7
Brendan Cumiskey/John McCafferty (Monaghan/Donegal) 13 Points / Leads Class 6 / 11 Points / Leads Class 6
Robert McDaid/Stewart McClean (Derry) 12 Points / Leads Class 10

Jarlath Sweeney

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Statement from Motorsport Ireland

Sunday 23rd June 2002

The full Motorsport Commission, the

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Donegal Internatioinal Tragedy

The Donegal International Rally has been cancelled following an accident on Stgae 2 in which a competing car left the stage and hit a group of onlookers
The following statement has been released

During the running of a stage of the Shell Donegal International Rally, an accident occurred at Stranabritick, Cloghan, Brockagh when a competing car left the road.
Emergency services were immediately on the scene and the event was halted. Despite their very best efforts, two people were fatally injured, and another was removed to Letterkenny General Hospital
The Organisers of the Rally have expressed their deepest sympathy to the families of the bereaved.
The remainder of the Donegal International Rally has been cancelled by the Organisers.
Shell, as sponsors, fully supports the decision of the Donegal Motor Club and their thoughts are with the family of the bereaved at this tragic time.



Our Thoughts and Sympathies go out to their families , competitors and Donegal Motor Club
In the light of what has happened the Motor Sport Commission (Ruling Council) will meet in emergency session this Sunday and a statement should follow afterwards
The event was being led by Andrew Nesbitt(Subaru WRC) with a 11 second advantage over Peadar Hurson (Celica ST 205) and Mark Higgins (Corolla WRC) a further 5 secs in arrears

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Kenny for Ten Lurgan Parks?

This year's Saturday 6th July SEAT Lurgan Park Rally is already attracting interest from top competitors, including 9 times winner Kenny McKinstry (Subaru WRC) as well as some interesting cross-channel drivers including Neil Simpson (Corolla WRC).
The total prize fund is almost £5000. Banbridge man McKinstry would dearly love, not just to take the lion's share of that tasty prize fund, but round up his total number of wins to ten. It would be a feat that surely would never be repeated and fully justify Kenny's title of 'King of the Park'
The format of the rally has been changed somewhat from last year. There will be 8 special stages this time, featuring more gravel tracks 'around the lake'. Start time is 10.45 on the Saturday morning.
The entry is once again restricted to just 40 cars, to keep the event the slick showcase which it has become since it's inception in Craigavon Council's lovely Lurgan Park 23 years ago.
Racing driver Martin O'Connell, a former F3 and Formula Ford Champion, as well as being a current World Sports Car competitor, is hoping to drive in Lurgan Park in Stephen Carway's Ford Escort World Rally Car, co-driven by Sean Mullally.
Personalities are always a feature of Lurgan Park, and this year Armagh's Maurice Gass, who always goes well in Lurgan Park and considers it his local event, has BBC lady Karen Patterson co-driving his Subaru Impreza WRC.

Issued by Brian & Liz Patterson

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Donegal Rally Preview

"Mind Blowing" is the only way to describe Andrew Nesbitt's performance in winning the last Shell Donegal International Rally two years ago. The Armagh man was fastest on all 25 of the special stages. Andrew is back, bidding for his fourth win. The rally is back, with all the buzz, the hype, the rally fever that sums up the Shell Donegal International.
There is not a hotel bed to be had within a fifty-mile radius of Letterkenny over the coming weekend of the 21st - 23rd June, emphasising the popularity of the rally. Indeed, following the enforced lay off for the rally in 2001 due to foot and mouth precautions, if anything the breathing space has meant even more enthusiasm than before.
Irish Shell is again sponsor of the Shell Donegal International Rally. The Company is proud of its long commitment which will see the sponsorship extend to 20 years of continuous involvement, thus making it the longest continuous sponsorship in rallying in Ireland.
This year's event, which is co-sponsored by Donegal Oil and Inishowen Oil Company, will take place over the weekend of the 21st, 22nd 23rd June. The event will he based in Letterkenny with rally Headquarters in the Mount Errigal Hotel.
Tarmac Champion Andrew commented before the press launch, "Donegal is very special. The atmosphere is fantastic, with the huge crowds, and the Donegal roads are a superb place to race, and of course there is always great hospitality. I've enjoyed the two rallies so far this year in the Championship, especially winning in Killarney after our problems.
Asked about going for his fourth Donegal win, Andrew continued, "We'll take things as they come, Peadar Hurson surprised me on the Circuit with his speed, Derek McGarrity led in Killarney, Eamonn Boland is showing great speed in his Subaru and is lying well up in the points. Austin McHale I think will get his Corolla sorted and can never be discounted. "
Andrew continued, "We will have the same Subaru WRC as we had in Killarney, the P2000 with the sequential box, I was hoping for the two door but Prodrive is in a transition period, with something new coming. The car should be good. I had an old back injury recurrence after Killarney. I must have aggravated it on a compression jump, and I can only hope that doesn't give trouble in Donegal. Otherwise everything looks OK, and I'm really looking forward to it, but we must wait and see what happens. That is what it is all about! I have heard that some of the traditional stages have been changed. I don't know to what extent yet, but as far as I am concerned the roads can't he much tighter than the Circuit of Ireland or faster than Killarney, and I won both! A look down the bulging entry list - 152 strong and with a huge reserve list testimony to the demand for Donegal action amongst the rally crews - reveals a veritable who's who of Irish rallying. Current Champion Nesbitt is naturally seeded at 1, then Derek McGarrity, also in a Subaru WRC at 2 and Eamonn Boland, just 8 points behind Nesbitt in the Toshiba Tarmac Championship points, at 3, to make it a Subaru top three.
Five times Tarmac Champion Austin McHale is at 4 in his Toyota Corolla WRC, then its Carndonagh's Daniel Doherty, very much an up and coming driver, at 5, and former National Champion Peadar Hurson in his older model Toyota Celica at 6. Letterkenny's Paul Harris, David Greer, Hugh Martin Doherty and Pete Doughty make up the top ten.
The highest placed GpN driver is former British and Irish Tarmac GpN Champion Trevor Cathers at 11. Omagh man Cathers in his Mitsubishi Lancer currently leads the category points in the Tarmac Championship and indeed the battle amongst the GpN drivers to see who can topple the 'king' should he yet another highlight of this Shell Donegal Rally. Killarney's Donie O'Sullivan and Omagh's Seamus Leonard in their respective latest model Impreza's are the men 'most likely to' just as likely to spring a surprise however are Andrew Stewart, Roy White, Seamus Heron, Adrian McElvaney and several more. One of the great attractions of the Shell Donegal over the years has been the emergence of new heroes, and this year's event should be no exception.
Maintaining the International flavour that the event is famous for is the visit of Vincente Frontinan from Boston, Frank Cunningham also hailing from Boston and the return of Malachy Crawford. In total there are 16 overseas crews, 8 English,2 Scottish,2 from the Isle of Man, and the three from the United States. As usual there is a strong Historic entry for the Rally, headed by Martin Freestone in a Mk 1 Escort, Mervyn Johnston in a Mini Cooper, Drexel Gillespie in a Lotus Cortina, Philip Wylie in an MGB & Niall Creighton in a Lotus Cortina.
The route this year is just as tough, long and demanding as it has ever been. New Clerk of the Course Tom Higgins and the Donegal Motor Club members have worked hard to create a superb challenge for the drivers. At a Pre Press meeting Tom said, "I am excited about the 2002 event, and the challenge for the organising team, to try out some new ideas. There will be a mix of new features for both the competitors and spectators, while some of the traditional favourite stages will still form part of this top Irish event". "The competition this time is out of this world, not a step too far from World Championship Rallying. The number of competitive cars as well is fantastic. Hopefully the spectators will appreciate how lucky they are to enjoy such free entertainment for the weekend, as well as respect what they have, the countryside, private property, and the privilege of being part of "Donegal." One of Tom's first headaches has been to try and sort a hundred and fifty one cars from the two twenty entries, a daunting task for any COC. But such is the popularity of the Donegal Rally and rallying in general after the enforced lay off of last year.

Event Details:
Scrutineering will take place in the Silet Factory premises, situated at Ballyraine commencing at 4pm on Thursday 20th June. There the cars will be checked for compliance with technical as well as safety regulations. This will also allow the public to see the rally supercars close up. A viewing area will be cordoned off to the public. The Rally proper will start from its new location at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny at approximately 12.00pm on Friday (21st June). Drivers will compete over eight stages, a format of four stages each done twice, before returning to an overnight halt at Pare Ferme at the Courtyard Shopping Centre car park.
Saturday (22nd June) is the day when the Rally starts in earnest. As is normal, Saturday takes in the famous stages of High Glen, Port Lake, a new one, just for the craic, Kindrum, Fanad Head, and Knockalla, all being done twice with centralised servicing in the Milford area. Saturday will also see the inclusion of Historic rally cars who will start on the second loop on the Saturday morning.
On Sunday (23rd June) the Rally heads to the Inishowen Peninsula with a midday start in the Moville area. There will be seven stages in all, three being done twice and a single stage also to be completed before a return to the victory ramp outside the Mount Errigal Hotel on Sunday evening at approximately 18.30.

Once again the rally organisers expect thousands of spectators and the number one priority of the Club will be to ensure their safety and enjoyment. The Motor Club will be working in close liaison with the Donegal Road Safety Working Group which comprises of An Garda Siochana, the North Western Heath Board and the Donegal County Council.
All to play for then for the drivers in the Toshiba Computers Tarmac Championship, and as Daniel Doherty says, "there are any amount of potential winners".
With 8 points separating 1st & 2nd place in the Championship, the Shell Donegal International will be crucial to many of the main contenders. This is the mid point event for overall honours and with fifteen points for the winner there is sure to be an immense battle to see who sprays the champagne at the finish ramp on Sunday evening.
Latest News
Clerk of the Course Tom Higgins has revealed that Mark Higgins, the former British Rally Champion and current Works driver for Ford and Hyundai, will drive a WRC car in this year's rally. In terms of a shake up for the stars of Irish rallying, they don't get much bigger than this.
His car for Shell Donegal is a Toyota Corolla WRC prepared to full works spec by David Greer Motorsport. Development of the Corolla has continued and it is a potent device. Austin McHale drives one, and Didier Auriol has just won the Rally of Portugal in a similar car.

Mr. Tom Higgins, the Clerk of the Course for the Shell Donegal International Rally 2002 has issued an appeal to spectators to plan their movements carefully for the June 21st-23rd event, and drawn attention to a late change to the Port Lake stage.
"We are aware of the huge interest this year's rally has already sparked. With the announcement that Mark Higgins is to compete in a Corolla WRC prepared by David Greer Motorsport we expect there will be a further surge of interest. The phones have not cooled since the news broke."
"We are asking spectators to plan their movements carefully. The route has been changed quite a bit this year, particularly on Saturday afternoon. It won't be possible to move as freely between stages as before. The Kindrum stage on the Fanad peninsula is very different. As usual, no entry will be allowed at a stage start or finish."
"Spectators should try to be in position as early as possible, and take care not to cause blockages where they park While I add the usual request that they obey the marshals, I think most people now realise that rally organisers always put safety first. Should our safety advice go unheeded then the stage will not run."
"There will be heavy traffic along the rally route generally and we ask that everyone drives safely at all times. We are once again supporting the Donegal Road Safety Initiative and the Gardai will be monitoring traffic closely."
"There is one big change to the Rally route that arose after the stage map went to print. We have shortened the Port Lake stage to facilitate a wedding. Who says we are not romantics at heart! We wish the happy couple all the best on Saturday 22nd June and for all the years ahead."
"The Port Lake stage, as printed on the map, almost circles back on itself. Going from the start, just beyond the point where it comes close to meeting, the route now turns right. It travels near the townland of "Roshine" to join the stage again, thereby cutting out the northern part of the test. People should note the change and plan accordingly."
"Finally, our sponsors Shell, with Donegal Oil and Inishowen Oil have arranged the visit of two Ferrari F1 cars to the rally with a pitstop challenge. You can have a go at changing tyres against the clock with your friends. So, from lovebirds to Formula 1 mechanics, the "Donegal Experience" promises the best of everything this weekend."

Damian Crawford & Declan McCay. Press Officers.

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McHale set for Donegal

Austin McHale (Rathcoole) is looking forward to returning to the tarmac in Ireland for this weekend's Shell Donegal International Rally (Friday, June 21/Sunday, June 23) following the two gravel events in the UK in which his Toyota Ireland Corolla WRC was dogged with punctures. Despite the flat tyres caused by roadside rocks on both the Welsh and Scottish Rallies, the five times Irish Tarmac Champion was pleased with the performance of the left-hand drive Corolla in the British Rally Championship. However, four punctures alone in Scotland dropped him from fourth place going into the last stage to eighth at the finish, having lost over four minutes. McHale finished the third stage on a front puncture, which happened on the start line and then collected a rear flat on the next stage. At the end, a final demoralising puncture on the last stage dropped him off the leaderboard.
In Wales at the end of May, rocks again caused mayhem and despite lying fifth for the early part of the event, suspension damage and punctures dropped him down the order in the Toyota Finance-supported Corolla.
Donegal - the third round of the Toshiba Computers International Tarmac Championship - is one of his favourite rallies, and he hopes that punctures on the tarmac event will be a problem he won't have to consider. With Brian Murphy (Newbridge) in the co-driver's seat as usual, McHale is hopeful of a top three finish. He said: "We're back on tarmac for the rest of the season and I'm looking forward to Donegal. I'm more used to the left-hand drive now and am quietly confident with the car, which is going very well and has been rebuilt after Scotland for Donegal. Although the Corolla is no longer in the World Championship, I feel it's still a very competitive car."

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2002 Focus Challenge Delayed

FORD IRELAND POSTPONE THE OPENING ROUND OF THE 2002 FORD IRELAND FOCUS RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP.
Ford Ireland has taken the difficult decision to postpone the opening round of the 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship.
The 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship, will not start as originally planned with the 2002 Shell Donegal International Rally. The decision was taken to postpone the opening round as all the cars are not yet ready due to late arrival of ECU's and there is insufficient time available to test the cars comprehensively before the opening round. The Championship will now commence with the Stonethrowers Rally in August and another date will be added to the 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship calendar. "It has been a very difficult decision to make and a decision that was not taken lightly. However when the full facts were examined we felt that without all eight cars running in Donegal it would not be fair to all the competitors involved. We will now wait until August when the Championship can start in its full glory," said Declan Foley, Brand Manager, Ford Ireland. "We all are extremely disappointed that the 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship could not start with the 2002 Shell Donegal International Rally, as Donegal is probably the premier event in Ireland and to miss such a wonderful opportunity is devastating from everybody's point of view. However we must look to the future and to the Stonethrowers Rally where there will be at least eight Ford Focus's competing" said Tom Collins, Championship Director, Protec Promotions Ltd.

The extra date believed to be added is the Clare Stages Rally on 22nd September.Also believed to be on the line up is a launch of the 2002 Challenge at the Punchestown Rallymasters on July 21st at which it is rumoured Colin McRae will attend

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Donegal International Entry published

The event which is based in Letterkenny will take place on 21st to 23rd June over 25 stages in the Donegal area
Top Entries:
1 Andrew Nesbitt James O Brien Subaru WRC Armagh 8
2 Derek McGarrity Chris Patterson Subaru Impreza Glengormley 8
3 Eamon Boland Damien Morrisey Subaru Impreza Wexford 8
4 Austin McHale Brian Murphy Toyota Corolla WRC Rathcoole 8
5 Daniel Doherty Michael Doherty Subaru Impreza WRC Carndonagh 8
6 Peadar Hurson Ian Porter Toyota Celica 205 Warrenpoint 8
7 Paul Harris Eugene O Donnell Subaru Impreza Convoy 8
8 David Greer Toyota Corolla WRC Carryduff 8
9 Hugh Martin Doherty Joe Friel Subaru Impreza Bunbeg 8
10 Pete Doughty Tim Sturla Subaru Impreza WRC Nottingham 8
11 Trevor Cathers Gordan Noble Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 5 Tyrone 4
12 Maurice Gass Geoffrey Orr Subaru WRC Armagh 8
14 Donie O Sullivan Paul Nagle Subaru Impreza Killarney 4
15 Seamus Leonard Kevin O Brien Subura Impreza Omagh 4
16 Denis Biggerstaff Damien McCann MG Metro Dromara 15
17 Tim Mc Nulty Julian Nangle Subaru Impreza Meath 8
18 Ivan Stewart Ford Escort Cosworth Kilmacrenan 15
19 Owen Lamont Guy Carusle Subaru Impreza Hillsborough 8
20 David Armstrong Herbie Blackburn Ford Escort RS Newtownhamilton 15
Full entry list is available from Donegal Motor Club

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Wexford Single Stage Preview

Gorey's David James is top seed for Saturday's Fethard Rally - another opportunity to exorcise the ghosts of past close shaves.
James, driving a Ford Escort in the Wexford Motor Club event, has finished second in three rallies in his backyard in recent years the 1999 Lighthouse Rally, the Courtown Single Stage two years ago and last year's December Wexford Rally.
Assisted by Ron Guha, James has one thing in common with the rest of the top eight seeds. Carlow competitors John Nolan and John Hennessy, Tipp duo David Percy and Shay Power, Wexford's Liam Wall, Wicklow's Trevor Culbert and Waterfordian Eamonn Murphy all drive Escorts.
Chances are Saturday's champion may have Forded their way to victory. The testing ten-mile course near Fethard in South-West Wexford will be traversed four times - once, on a familiarisation run, starting at 11:15, with three timed runs, commencing at 12:45, 2:45 and 4:45.
Prizes will be awarded the top three overall and in each class, with the awards ceremony taking place at Rally HQ of Fethard's Naomh Seosamh Hotel. The last rally to be stage in Fethard produced drama, when Martin Taggart took advantage of final stage spins from Jimmy Lambert and David James to snatch a remarkable triumph.

Top Entries:
1 DavidJames / Ron GuhaWexford ford escort2000
2 JohnNolan / Tba Carlow ford escort2000class 13
3 LiamWall / Thomas KellyWexford ford escort1993class 13
4 David Percy / Bob KellyTipperary ford escort2000class 12
5 TrevorCulbert / James Glynn Wicklow ford escort2000class 13

Will Downing,

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Ramanen takes 206 victory

Day 2 of round three of the TOTAL supported 206 Super Cup saw an amazing finish as Marko Ramanan, the Thetford based Finn, triumph over Patrick Richard, the 28 year old from Whistler, Canada on the very last stage after the Canadian rolled out of the top spot.
The opening stage of the day Ae 1 was the longest of the rally at 18.78 miles and Garry Jennings saw instant drama. His tiny one-second overnight lead evaporated when he somersaulted into a ditch in the fog. Richard moved into the lead although he backed off when he saw Jennings stranded. Ramanen also pulled back a little, saying; "I eased off when I saw Jennings off, Ae is my favourite stage so I'm happy to push later if I need to." Joint fastest on the opener was the hard charging Shaun Gallagher finishing on an identical time to Ramanen. Faulkner was next up a mere 1.2 seconds back.
Richard had visibility problems with the fog and Ramanen gained over 10 seconds on the Canadian.
Gallagher posted further intent on the next stage Windy Hill 1. He was fastest again from Martin Evans who was delighted to have a clear stage and found the pace, Richard Sykes was less than a second back with Ramanen and MacHale filling fourth and fifth. Gallagher was delighted at setting the pace having spun deliberately on the opener whilst attempting to miss a tree after a right three tightened more than expected. Sykes was also in a better mood and was beginning to look at the times again with his thoughts firmly on moving up the order. Stage 9 Castle O'er saw Ramanen again chip into Richard's lead, narrowing the gap between the pair to a slender 3.8 seconds with another fastest time. Faulkner was lurking behind the pair waiting to take advantage of any slip up and Gallagher had now moved into fourth place with Dunbabin a fine fifth.
Richard had broken an engine mounting through Stage 9 missing gears as the engine rocked back. He also lost the power steering but still took over 8 seconds from Ramanen through Stage 10 Twiglees. Gallagher split the pair in 3rd whilst. Sykes took 4th in a last ditch attempt to move up the order. Graham McClintock was fifth fastest, posting his first top five time, this coming after he had earlier rolled the car onto it's side removing much of the nearside glass. With the cancellation of the final stage Windy Hill due to the dreadful conditions combined with earlier delays the 18.78 miles of Ae2 was the decider. In another dramatic twist, disaster struck Richard, when he cut a corner a little too far rolling three times and out of the event. With Richard retired Ramanen moved into top spot and he commented at the end of the stage; "We had an absolute mental speed up to when we passed Richard who had gone off. After that we drove slow enough to win." Pat Richard's service crew won the Hella Cool Box and Ben and Simon Roper the Total Spirit of the Rally Award.
RSAC Scottish Peugeot National Rally - Provisional Positions

1 Marko Ramanen / Ian Bevan 2:04:46.8
2 Mike Faulkner / Alan Clark 2:05:54.3
3 Shaun Gallagher / Richard Pashley 2:07:35.1
4 Daniel Dunbabin / Clive Dunbabin 2:07:48.7
5 Rob Russell / Marc Jones 2:08:26.5
8 Graham McClintock / Martin Kernick 2:11:38.6
o be sponsoring the event this year, and I'm glad I can put something back into the sport I enjoy so much",