Wexford Rallysprint – Members Round-up
As many will have noticed, the November rally round up didn’t include the Wexford Rallysprint held on the old Albatros site. Given the fantastic results of Wexford competitors, we thought it best to give the event a round up of its own.
In the overall standings, top Wexford club member was the Kilkenny based Brendan Stone. A great run by Brendan saw his best ever result (we think!) at 2nd overall, beaten only by R5 machinery. Congratulations to Brendan on a fantastic result!
In the class results, no less than 5 of the 12 classes were topped by Wexford men. Sean Cahill took the honours in class 1A. While the official results show him winning in a Fiesta R5, we understand he had significantly less power under the bonnet of the Opel Corsa he drove to victory! Sean was double driving fellow Wexford man James Sinnott’s Corsa, who followed Sean home in 2nd place, just 1.2 seconds behind. Wexford clubman Jp Ruth completed a Wexford lock out of the class 1A podium, just a further 10 seconds back. Close racing all round.
Jonny Murray and Mark Halligan both drove the plucky little Fiat Seicento on the day. Although just outside the class 1A podium, we think bragging rights between the pair is more important anyway! Jonny pipping mark but under 3 seconds to be fastest Cento man on the day
Class 1B was another Wexford lockout. Kenny O’Brien in the immaculate Nova led the way, with club stalwart Brain Kirwan following him home in 2nd. Kenny just missed out on an top 10, finishing 11th overall. Elain Kirwanrounded out the class 1B podium followed by Leanne Carroll in 4th – a great showing from the ladies.
In class 2A, his years of experience stood to George Leech coming 2nd in his ever present Corsa. George has been a senior figure in the club for many years and can always be relied to to support club events. A true example for the up and coming juniors.
Class 2B had another Wexford lock out. A spectacular showing from Ken Power in the 106 sealed the class win and top 2wd drive, arguably the drive of the day. Such was the pace of Ken that he come home almost a minute ahead of the competition, with outgoing Club Chairman Garry Bradley in 2nd place. Garry continues to build his pace as gets used to his new Mini and just pipped Barry Hennessey by 2 seconds who came in third. Barry enjoyed drifting the CRX around the track. Adam Darcy rounded out the class in 5th in his 106.
Class 3A honours, and 2nd 2wd overall went to Seamus O’Grady in the 205. Seamus can always be relied upon for a good finish and no different here. 3B was won by John Hayes in the civic R3. John was delighted to take 3rd 2wd, just over 7 seconds behind Seamus. John was bouncing back from an uncharacteristic off in the Wexford Rally. Fellow Wexford man, Ray Kirwan, took his DoneDeal.ie sponsored civic home in 4th.
In class 5B, south of the county man, Ollie McPhillips took his new fiesta home in 2nd place. Some very quick times from Ollie saw him take 6th overall.
Class 10 was another all Wexford affair. Some of the best competition can be found in the junior classes, and this was no exception. Ultimately, it was Josh Power who took the win in the Wexford Motor Club Academy Peugeot 106, run by NCRS. Only 0.2 of a second separated 1st and 2nd after the first 2 runs, with Josh ultimately pipping Jack Kennedy to the win. Lots more racing to come from this pair we suspect! Fellow local Wexford man Cian Murphy took the 3rd podium spot in his 106. All 3 drivers have bright futures ahead of them. Thanks to all Wexford competitors who supported the event by competing and of course everyone who helped and supported in running the event. Keith Naylor and David Byrne on setup as well as Pierce and Jack Handrick for the digger work. Special congratulations to first time COC David Busher on a fine event.
We would like to extend our condolences to Ken Power on the sudden passing of his brother John recently. May he rest in peace.
