McKinstry Motorsport Rally Timed Trial and Junior Stages Rally – Final Instructions 1
Click the links below for Final Instructions 1
McKinstry Motorsport Rally Timed Trial and Junior Stages Rally is Go Go Go!
Kenny McKinstry, event sponsor, is the leading entry in his Subaru WRC for this weekend’s Kirkistown Race Circuit based event.
Entries are still available and will close on Thursday, so any potential competitors get in touch urgently with Martin Heaney, Secretary of the Meeting, tel: 07802515680
Other leading entries include Kevin Barrett Subaru WRC, Wesley Patterson Escort MK2 and Drew Wylie Escort Mk2
Remember dual entries are acceptable so one car and two drivers!
Kenny said “He is looking forward to the event and competing on the testing but safe stages laid on by North Armagh Motor Club at Kirkistown and the really good day’s craic they had at last year’s event”
Action kicks off with the first run of eight stages (four runs each of two 95% tarmac stages) to take place at 10.00am.
Six Junior crews including the two main Championship contenders, Ben Crealey and Kyle White will be competing on the Stage rally, which is running alongside the Rally Timed Trial, to decide the series winner in the final round of this year’s Junior 1000 Rally Challenge.
Oct 30, 2012 | View Post
McKinstry Motorsport Rally Timed Trial Entry Deadline Fast Approaching!
North Armagh Motor Club Ltd’s deadline for competitors to submit their entry for next Saturday’s McKinstry Motorsport Rally Timed Trial, which will be held at County Down’s Kirkistown Race Circuit is fast approaching!
The closing date for entries will be Monday 29 October 2012, so don’t delay, submit your entry today!
We have laid on a fantastic value for money event. For just £110, competitors will tackle ten timed runs through the 1.5 mile stage, which will be held on a 95% tarmac and 5% loose surface.
Eight stages will count towards the overall times, and helping to keep costs to a minimum, scrutiny will be held on the morning of the event.
The rally timed trial is now doubling up as the final round of the 2012 Junior 1000 Rally Challenge Ireland, which should make it a great spectacle. We need to make a decision this weekend at the latest whether the events run or not so, if you’re interested, please get your entries in before then.
For a cheap day of motorsport thrills, get your entry in quick!
For more details, contact Martin Heaney, 61 Drumlin Road, Donaghcloney, Craigavon, County Armagh,
BT66 7NJ.
Email: martinheaneyspark@googlemail.com
Telephone: 07802 515680 between 18:00hrs and 22:00hrs
Oct 23, 2012 | View Post
McKinstry Motorsport Rally Timed Trial – Regs and Entry Form!
Regulations and Entry Forms are now available for this year’s McKinstry Motorsport Rally Timed Trial, on Saturday 3 November, Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co Down.
Entry fee is £110 and dual entries are acceptable.
For a cheap day of motorsport thrills, get your entry in quick!
DOWNLOAD REGULATIONS AND ENTRY FORM
The secretary to whom all entries must be sent by post is:
Martin Heaney, 61 Drumlin Road, Donaghcloney, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT66 7NJ.
Email: martinheaneyspark@googlemail.com
Telephone: 07802 515680 between 18:00hrs and 22:00hrs
Oct 05, 2012 | View Post
MEEKE MIGHTY IN LURGAN!
PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release: 30th July 2012
MEEKE MIGHTY IN LURGAN
Dungannon’s Kris Meeke and his co-driver Gerry McVeigh from Cookstown took their McGeehan Motorsport Mini WRC to a clear win on last Saturday’s Orchard Motorsport backed Lurgan Park Rally. They surged into the lead on stage 2, thereafter dominating the timesheets. Eleven times Lurgan Parkwinner Kenny McKinstry, who was driving John McGaffin’s Subaru this time, and indeed had John’s daughter Lesley co-driving, was a clear 2nd at the end. The race for 3rd place was a lot closer. Garry Jennings (Subaru 555) just shaded first stage leader Derek McGarrity (Mini WRC) for the final podium place.
At the finish, Kris Meeke, who has spent very little time in a rally car of late due to budget cutbacks, and indeed who had spent the previous week on his pushbike chasing after the Tour de France, commented. “As well as a good challenge, it was a great day out. The biggest test was the changeable conditions. However the Mini WRC is a really precise car to drive, especially in the steering. The car was well fit for it.”
The opening stage was damp, green in places, a little greasy. Derek McGarrity was fastest from Kris Meeke with Kenny McKinstry 3rd. Just 2s covered the three cars. Stage 2 was a repeat of the first one. Meeke was 5s quicker than his first run to move into the lead. The former Intercontinental Rally Challenge Champion finished the stage with a broad grin on his face and commented. “That was a lot better.” Indeed it was. From then on he never looked back, and showed all the flair that took him into theWorld Rally Championship arena.
Not so happy was Derek McGarrity. He made a small mistake on the stage, and on the following one, which saw him relegated to 3rd and then to 4th following another slip-up. Kenny McKinstry on the other hand didn’t make a mistake all day in maintaining his 2nd place. The Banbridge man commented at the end. “We had a good day, but I was always going to be up against it with Kris Meeke. We were best of the rest, which wasn’t so bad.”
An unknown quantity before the start was just how well Garry Jennings would go in his old model Subaru 555. He bought this car earlier in the year for a bit of fun in the forests, and indeed has won a few rallies. The Fermanagh man drove well in the Park, but found the car simply outgunned in the fast sections. Still 3rd place, ahead of Derek McGarrity’s Mini WRC wasn’t such a bad result at all.
Maynooth’s Kevin Barrett, who had his 19-year-old son Paul co-driving, had a steady run to 5th. Derek McGeehan, with Laurie Smith co-driving, rounded off the top six. Derek was driving the first right hand drive Mini WRC built by Prodrive. The car was delivered just two days before the rally, which left little time for ‘set-up’. The car performed immaculately. Indeed, it was quite something to see three Mini WRC’s together in the beautiful environment of Craigavon Borough Council’s Lurgan Park. It certainly broke the Subaru dominance of recent years.
Outside the top six Kinallen’s Stuart Biggerstaff took 7th place in the family’s classic Metro 6R4. The car’s only hiccup was a broken power steering pipe in stage 4, as a result of clipping a bale. Former NI Rally Champion Stuart had Danny O’Carroll, a star of the TV show ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’ co-driving. Not only did they have a good rally; they had a great laugh as well!
Norfolk’s Ray Brammer took 8th in his Subaru. Ray set some good times, despite a few small overshoots in the slippy conditions. John McKeown, despite feeling a bit rusty following a break from rallying, did well to bring his newly constructed Escort WRC into 9th. Alan Carmichael struggled a little on his first competitive run in a left hand drive Subaru and finished 10th.
Gilford’s Mark Doyle slipped out of the top ten when his Celica slithered into the scenery at one point. His brother nipped home for a couple of wet weather tyres, and with those fitted Mark battled back to 11th. Martin Teggart, who had his nephew Ben co-driving, finished the day 12th overall and won the best Escort accolade for his efforts. There was an enthralling battle in the FIA Historic category and seven times Circuit of Ireland winner, Jimmy McRae, came out tops in that one. McRae was driving Lisburn man Wesley Patterson’s Escort RS1800.
Orchard Motorsport Lurgan Park Rally Top Ten:
1st (1) Kris Meeke/Gerry McVeigh (Mini WRC) 16.09.1
2nd (2) Kenny McKinstry/Lesley McGaffin (Impreza WRC) 16.39.4
3rd (4) Garry Jennings/Kerry McCarter (Impreza 555) 16.47.7
4th (3) Derek McGarrity/Kieron Graffin (Mini WRC) 16.49.6
5th (5) Kevin & Paul Barrett (Impreza WRC) 17.02.8
6th (6) Derek McGeehan/Laurie Smith (Mini WRC) 17.03.4
7th (7) Stuart Biggerstaff/Danny O’Carroll (Metro 6R4) 17.14.6
8th (10) Ray Brammer/Damien Fleming (Impreza WRC) 17.16.1
9th (12) John McKeown/Tommy Speers (Escort WRC) 17.29.1
10th (11) Alan Carmichael/Neil Doherty (Impreza WRC) 17.42.7
Class Winners:
CL1 Andrew Mullan/Elaine Doherty (Lancer): CL2A Ronan Lynn/Niall McKeegan (Civic): CL2B Martin & Ben Teggart (Escort): CL4 Garry Jennings/Kerry McCarter (Impreza 555): CL5 Kris Meeke/Gerry McVeigh (Mini WRC): CL6 Gary Owens/Denver Rafferty (Escort): CL7 Jimmy McRae/Eamonn McGarrity (Escort).
Issued by: Brian & Liz Patterson: Patterson Agency Ltd.
Tel: 0044 2890 844111
Email: pattersons@rallynews.net
Jul 31, 2012 | View Post
No Sallying for Meeke in Lurgan!
Press Release: For immediate release: 11th July 2012.
No Sallying for Meeke in Lurgan
World Rallying star Kris Meeke is to drive one of the iconic Mini WRC machines at this year’s 28th July Orchard Motorsport backed Lurgan Park Rally. Over the years the Rally has enjoyed an unrivalled reputation for attracting star names and drivers. With the addition of Kris Meeke, along with Darren Gass going for his hat-trick of wins this year’s event could be one of the best ever. Kenny McKinstry, long dubbed ‘The King of the Park’, will certainly not be out of the reckoning either as he bids for his 12th Lurgan Park victory.
Indeed when Kris Meeke was presented with the opportunity of driving the state of the art McGeehan Motorsport Mini WRC, he didn’t hesitate. Kris commented, “I grew up with the Lurgan Park Rally. I remember hiding in the bushes to watch Michael Sundstrom in a Peugeot 205 T16, and so many other great drivers over the years. I’ve only competed there once. That was in a Mk2 Escort. It won’t be a case of sallying round this time. I’ll definitely be trying to win. It’s a difficult proposition – it’s in between a rally and an autotest, specialised. Making the pace notes on a bicycle is a long way from a world rally stage. I’m happy enough to give it a go. I am looking forward to it.”
The Meeke drive is backed by event sponsor Brian Stinson’s Orchard Motorsport concern in Armagh, as well as the Rushmere Shopping Centre Craigavon, and McGeehan Motorsport themselves. Indeed Derek McGeehan hopes to enter and compete, with Laurie Smith co-driving, in a second Mini WRC. This is a new right hand drive car due to be delivered to McGeehan’s Draperstown workshop by Prodrive just in time for the rally. The car Kris Meeke will use is the left hand drive version, the same as he drove on the World Rally Championship. Gerry McVeigh Cars is also lending its weight to the Meeke entry, and indeed Gerry will co-drive.
The North Armagh Motor Club’s Rally, all within the environs of Craigavon Borough Council’s beautiful Lurgan Park, has a proud history of a family day out motorsport event. It first took place in 1980, when the late, great Bertie Fisher won in a Sydney Meeke prepared Escort. Kris Meeke’s entry this year marks another turn of the wheel.
Issued by Brian & Liz Patterson: Patterson Agency Ltd. Tel: +44 2890 844111 e-mail: pattersons@rallynews.net
Jul 11, 2012 | View Post
Orchard Motorsport Lurgan Park Rally – Regs and Entry Form!
Regulations and Entry Forms are now available for this year’s Orchard Motorsport Lurgan Park Rally, on Saturday 28 July, Lurgan Park, Craigavon, Co. Armagh.
Entry forms should be returned to:
Keith Somerville, 63 Markethill Road, Armagh, BT60 1NX.
Telephone; (028) 3752 7045 Mobile: 07745 959141
Email: ksomerville@namcc.com
Jul 11, 2012 | View Post
Rainbow Communications Loughgall Country Park Rally – Seeded Entry List!
Click the link below for Seeded Entry List
Jun 27, 2012 | View Post
Rainbow Communications Loughgall Country Park Rally – Final Instructions 1
Click the link below for Final Instructions 1
Jun 26, 2012 | View Post
Maestro McRae for Lurgan Park!
PRESS RELEASE: For immediate release 11th June 2012
Maestro McRae for Lurgan Park
The ever-popular Lurgan Park Rally, again backed by Armagh man Brian Stinson’s Orchard Motorsport business, is well on track this year for Saturday 28th July. Even before the regulations are issued this week, 7 times Circuit of Ireland winner and ‘Tarmac Maestro’ Jimmy McRae has agreed to compete, driving Lisburn man Wesley Patterson’s fabulous Escort BDA.
The Lurgan Park Rally, in it’s 33rd year of running, will this year feature 8 special stages through the lanes of the beautiful Craigavon Borough Council Lurgan Park. With its natural amphitheatre layout and centralised paddock location, the Park is ideally suited for the rally and its family orientated ambience.
The fully televised rally will be open to fifty competing cars, including historics and the Escort Mark 2 Challenge. In addition there will be family entertainment of all kinds. Further information can be had at www.namcc.com For regulations contact the Secretary of the Meeting Keith Somerville on 07745 959141.
Issued by Brian & Liz Patterson:
Patterson Agency Ltd. Tel: 0044 28 90844111 or pattersons@rallynews.net
Jun 10, 2012 | View Post
Rainbow Communications Loughgall Country Park Rally 2012 – Regs and Entry Form!
Regulations and Entry Forms are now available for this year’s Rainbow Communications Loughgall Country Park Rally, on Saturday 30 June, Loughgall Country Park, Co. Armagh.
Entry forms should be returned to:
Barry Taggart, 12 Clanconnel Gardens, Waringstown, Co. Armagh, BT66 7RP.
Tel: 028 3882 0854 Mob; 07771 892423 (No calls after 10pm)
Email: btaggart@namcc.com
May 16, 2012 | View Post
“Stormont Stig” launches Loughgall Festival 2012
PRESS RELEASE
“Stormont Stig” launches Loughgall Festival 2012
‘Stormont Stig,’ otherwise known as the Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy, launched the Loughgall Festival of Motorsport at Stormont on Monday, 14th May.
The Loughgall Festival of Motorsport and Classic Country Lifestyle Fair takes place this Saturday, 19th May at Loughgall County Park organized by Armagh lions Club and North Armagh Motor Club.
Now in its sixth successive year, the Festival has been able to supply £10,000 annually to the event’s nominated charity.
This year it the turn of RNLI Lifejackets Appeal which aims to kit out all the crews with new state-of-the art-lifejackets and plans are well under way for a great day out for all the family.
Organised jointly by Armagh Lions Club and North Armagh Motor Club Ltd the aim of the event is to raise funds for the designated charity whilst providing all the excitement of a rip-roaring historic rally and dynamic auto-test for the mechanically minded, or a more sedate static display of over 200 cars alongside the tempting tastes of classic country produce and all the delights of rural lifestyle trade stands.
Launching the Festival as the ‘Stig’, Danny Kennedy said: “Loughgall Festival of Motorsport is an important event in the tourism calendar, which attracts local and overseas visitors. It’s a great day out for rally enthusiasts and hosts a wide range of other attractions, while raising money for the RNLI Life Jackets Appeal. I’m proud to support this very worthwhile appeal that carries out vital, life saving work around our coast line.”
This year there will be a specialist demonstration on the use of locally produced foods by one of the country’s top multi-award winning chefs, Robert McDonald, who joins us from Digby’s in Killylea. With his fine cuisine, Digby’s have just won County Armagh Gastro-Pub of the year 2012 for the second year running. Robert is the only chef in Northern Ireland to be a member of the Master Chefs of Great Britain, and he thrives on introducing people to fresh ideas using traditional produce. The kitchen unit for the demonstration has kindly been provided by Good Food Ireland.
Title sponsor Harry Burke of Burkes of Cornascriebe Said, ““This is the third year Burkes of Cornascriebe Ltd have supported this event and we are proud to be associated with Armagh Lions and North Armagh Motor Club. This event has been very popular with both competitors and spectators and Loughgall Country Park is a spectator friendly venue. The stages are set in the Country Park and are good quality tarmac; all easily accessible with central service open to the public right beside the static car display where there will be several hundred beautiful old classic sports and competition cars on display.
Our first association with this event was 2010 and was part of Burkes 100 year celebrations we were so delighted with the public response we could do no less than support it again. Burkes will have a selection of New Holland tractors and skid loaders on display in the Country Park. We are delighted the Lions are supporting the RNLI – such a worthy cause but not just for this reason. Burkes have been proud suppliers of New Holland tractors suitably modified, to the RNLI over recent years. We at Burkes of Cornascriebe look forward to welcoming you, our friends and customers at the Festival of Motorsport Saturday 19 May in Loughgall Country Park. Be there or you will be sorry you missed it!”
Clerk of the Course William Fullerton said; “The format of the Special Stage Rally for Historic Rally cars, the Apple Blossom Autotest and the Historic and Classic Vehicle Display along with Trade Stands has proved very successful. However, without the main sponsor, Burkes of Cornascriebe it could not happen and we are also grateful for the help and support of Armagh City and District Council, Dept of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Forest Service and the many voluntary marshals and officials.
“The main event, the Historic Rally will this year have six all tarmac Special Stages in the scenic parkland and spectator friendly setting of the Loughgall Country Park. It is the only event in Northern Ireland with the emphasis on Historic Rally cars. We welcome back last year’s winner Cookstown man Keith McIvor in his Porsche, second overall last year, Donal Connolly from Letterkenny in the Ford Escort RS2000 and Lisburn’s Wesley Patterson in his new Ford Escort RS2000. With competitors of this quality we are confident it will be an exciting day of rally action.”
Further information and regulations can be downloaded from this website or from the event Secretary Keith Somerville on 07745 959 141
Autotest Regulations can also be downloaded from this website and from event Secretary Gordon McKeown on 07703 187 491
Information on the Classic Country Lifestyle Fair is available from Ivor Ferguson on 07712 647 546
May 15, 2012 | View Post
