Rainbow Telecom Loughgall 2WD Rally regs/entry form available
Regulations and entry forms are now available for the Rainbow Telecom Loughgall Stages Rally. Open to two-wheel-drive cars only, the event will take place on 2 July.
Festival of Motorsport – Historic Rally Car Challenge Regs
Regulations are now available for this year’s Historic Rally Car Challenge, which will form part of the Burkes of Cornascriebe Loughgall Festival of Motorsport, on Saturday 21 May.
Apr 21, 2011 | View Post
North Armagh Motor Club Ltd Statement
The first round of the Hankook Northern Ireland Rally Championship, held at Kirkistown Race Circuit on Saturday 19 February 2011, was abandoned.
Plumbridge businessman, Cyril Doherty (competitor no. 20), suffered a suspected fatal heart attack whilst competing in his Subaru on special stage four of the rally.
The car came to a halt against the tyre barrier and medical and emergency services were with Mr. Doherty within two minutes. The medical team then travelled with Mr Doherty to the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, where very sadly he was pronounced dead.
The rally was immediately abandoned and final results declared as at the finish of Special Stage 3.
All members and officials of North Armagh Motor Club Ltd. wish to pass on their sincere condolences to Cyril Doherty’s family, friends and rally team.
ENDS.
North Armagh Motor Club Ltd.
www.namcc.com
Feb 21, 2011 | View Post
Navigation Rally School 2011
Learn the art of navigation, make new friends and participate in low cost motorsport. No rally car required! Everyone is welcome at the Tandragee Golf Club for the first navigation rally school evening, which is co-promoted by Newry & District, North Armagh and Rathfriland Motor Clubs, on 31 January at 7.30pm.
Call David McElroy on 0777 338 1243 for more details!
Jan 30, 2011 | View Post
Magic Bullet (Kirkistown) Stages – Regs & Entry Form
Regulations and entry forms are now available for round one of the 2011 Hankook MSA Northern Ireland Stage Rally Championship, the Magic Bullet (Kirkistown) Stages Rally.
The event, which takes place on Saturday 19 February, has a new sponsor in the form of Magic Bullet Fuel Treatment, and will feature six stages based within the confines of Co.Down’s Kirkistown Race Circuit.
DOWNLOAD REGULATIONS & ENTRY FORM
http://www.anicc.org.uk/Resources/Documents/20120218_NAMC_MagicBulletStagesRally_RegsEntryForm.pdf
Jan 24, 2011 | View Post
Omagh Motor Club wins charity quiz!
Congratulations to Omagh Motor Club on winning this year’s charity quiz, which was kindly supported by Wesley Patterson – Digital Fire and Security.
Despite the difficult weather conditions forcing us to make a last minute date change to Tuesday 14 December, 15 teams still managed to turn up, and everyone had a very good night!
There were plenty of very good questions set by “Quizical”, and congratulations must go to Omagh Motor Club on coming up trumps!
Dec 14, 2010 | View Post
Annual Motorsport Charity Quiz!
ANNUAL CHARITY MOTORSPORT QUIZ
Kindly supported this year by Wesley Patterson – Digital Fire and Security
7.30pm Wednesday 08 December 2010
Tandragee Golf Club, Tandragee, Co Armagh
Entry fee £50.00 per team of four people which includes buffet supper and team prizes.
The questions will not be too difficult and while concentrating on motorsport they will include general knowledge as well.
Please support this popular fun charity evening (now in its 6th year) from which proceeds go to our club charity, Armagh Lions Club and contact either of the following club members ASAP but not later than Friday 03 December to confirm your team entry and secure one of the maximum 30 places.
William Fullerton
mob: 07703219742
Brian Carson
mob: 07900133511
Martin Heaney
mob: 07802515680
Dec 06, 2010 | View Post
Orchard Rally – Final Instructions
Final instructions for the Orchard Rally are now available for download!
Oct 07, 2010 | View Post
Rally Time Trial Regs and Entry Form!
Rally action is all set to go at the Nutts Corner Circuit on Saturday 30th October with a rally timed trial run by North Armagh Motor Club.
The event features a 1.7 mile stage, with competitors completing almost two laps of the circuit. Two sections of the gravel rallycross track are used while the remainder is tarmac.
“This is the events third year at Nutts Corner and we hope to build on the success of the previous events” said Clerk of the Course Clive Latimer. “This year’s entry fee has been frozen and we hope to see a full entry to face the challenges of the circuit”
Each driver will be allowed one practise with up to five timed runs and the winner will be the competitor who sets the fastest of any of their timed runs.
Expect some very close and exciting competition throughout the day with good spectator points around the course. The first practise starts at 10.00am and spectators can pay at the gate.
Regulations and entry forms are available below or by contacting event secretary Mr Gordon McKeown on 07703 187 491 or 028 3832 2156 before 9pm
Oct 07, 2010 | View Post
Darren Gass wins Lurgan Park Rally!
Last Saturday’s Orchard Motorsport Lurgan Park Rally was won by Armagh’s Darren Gass, with 11 times winner Kenny McKinstry 2nd and Glengormley’s Derek McGarrity 3rd, all three driving Subaru Impreza World Rally Cars.
For 22 year old Gass, a former British Junior Rally Champion and Pirelli Star Driver, this was his first win in Lurgan Park. The rally has had many illustrious names on the winner’s trophy since the event’s inception in 1980 and Darren Gass is the youngest winner.
Multiple Circuit of Ireland winner Derek McGarrity led through the morning stages, but stalled his Subaru at a tight corner on the first afternoon stage. Although he only lost a couple of seconds, Glengormley man McGarrity slipped to third. That’s how tight it was at the top.
The battle for the lead then was between seasoned campaigner McKinstry and newcomer Gass. Kenny drove brilliantly through the afternoon’s tests, in his own words ‘ticking all the boxes’, but Gass had the edge. Although denied his 12th win, ‘King of the Park’ Kenny had one consolation in that Gass was driving one of Kenny’s ‘Hire Subarus’.
Gass did have one lucky escape in stage 5 when his Subaru slid very wide, off the course, and he had to hurl the car over the grass, back on track. In the process he went to the wrong side of a bale, which could have incurred a penalty, but the officials deemed it a racing incident which gained him no real advantage.
Interestingly, Darren was left without a co-driver the night before the rally and at midnight enlisted his cousin Nathan, who had no real rally experience.
Current Tarmac Champion Eugene Donnelly made his first rally outing of the year and finished a creditable fourth, driving his old Corolla WRC. Donnelly was also promoting the Children’s Hearbeat Trust associated with the Clark Clinic and children with serious heart conditions.
Fermanagh’s Garry Jennings had a quiet enough run by his standards and brought his Subaru to the finish unscathed in fifth. Wesley Patterson from Lisburn had a giant killing run in his Ford Escort Mk2 to finish 6th o/a and win his class.
There were many shapes and sizes of cars in the Park for the rally and in particular some classic GpB rally machinery. It all added up to a great day’s entertainment for the huge crowd of spectators who turned up. Despite some heavy rain before the rally the Park stayed as pristine as ever, a real credit to Craigavon Borough Council.
Orchard Motorsport Lurgan Park Rally Top Ten:-
1st Darren Gass/Nathan Gass (Impreza WRC) 15.27.0
2nd Kenny & Emma McKinstry (Impreza WRC) 15.28.3
3rd Derek McGarrity/James McKee (Impreza WRC) 15.30.1
4th Eugene Donnelly/Daragh Mullen (Corolla WRC) 15.34.2
5th Garry Jennings/Damien McPartland (Impreza WRC) 15.40.7
6th Wesley Patterson/Martin McGarrity (Escort) 16.20.7
7th Brian O’Mahony/John Higgins (Metro 6R4) 16.26.6
8th Mark Massey/Paul McKenna (Impreza N) 16.30.5
9th Gary White/Alan Purdy (Subaru) 16.34.1
10th Kieron Graffin/Vincent Fergus (Lancer N) 16.41.8
Issued by: Brian & Liz Patterson
Patterson Agencies Ltd: Email: PATTPACE@aol.com
Aug 02, 2010 | View Post
Orchard Motorsport Lurgan Park Rally
This Saturday (31st July) some of the best rally drivers and cars in the country will compete through the lanes of the beautiful Lurgan Park. The rally, which first took place in 1980 and was won by the late Bertie Fisher, is a real showcase event featuring both exciting competition and a unique social atmosphere radiating from the central service paddock.
Banbridge man Kenny McKinstry has rightly been dubbed ‘King of the Park’. He drives one of his own Subaru World Rally Cars. Kenny will be doing his utmost to make it his 12th Lurgan Park win this weekend. He has maintained over the years, that to win in Lurgan Park, “you have to get the first stage just right, as well as the final one, plus all the stages in between, as the slightest slip can cost victory.”
Kenny will however face strong opposition. Ironically, if Kenny doesn’t win, he could well be beaten by one of his own cars. He has hired Subarus to Darren Gass and Garry Jennings and also prepares Dubliner Kevin Barrett’s Triton Showers backed Impreza.
Derek McGarrity, this year’s Circuit of Ireland winner and former multiple Tarmac Champion, could perhaps be McKinstry’s chief stumbling block for that 12th win. McGarrity has come close to winning Lurgan Park several times, but it has always slipped from the Glengormley man’s grasp.
As ever, Lurgan Park has a select and very interesting entry. There are a couple of Metro 6R4’s to provide a contrast to the Subarus and there is a terrific line-up of Escorts, which should provide plenty of all sideways exciting motoring. Several drivers are making quite a trip to compete on the event. Callum Duffy and James MacGillivray are bringing their respective Escorts from the Isle of Mull. Ray Brammer is travelling from Kings Lynn in Norfolk to compete in his Subaru Impreza WRC.
Just over forty cars will tackle the 8 special stages and an added bonus this year will be a high quality selection of rally cars from the GpB era – a full house Audi Quattro, a Peugeot 205T16, a Ford RS200 and several more equally exciting cars. The start ramp will be in the park beside the paddock. The first car goes over the ramp at 10.15, with the first stage commencing at 10.30. The champagne finish should take place at 5pm.
The Orchard Motorsport Lurgan Park Top Ten
1 Kenny McKinstry/Emma McKinstry (Impreza WRC)
2 Derek McGarrity/James McKee (Impreza WRC)
3 Darren Gass/Andrew Cullen (Impreza WRC)
4 Kevin Barrett/Paul Barrett (Impreza WRC)
5 Garry Jennings/Damien McPartland (Impreza WRC)
6 Mark Doyle/Cormac Doyle (Toyota Celica)
7 Gary White/Alan Purdy (Impreza WRC)
8 Denis Biggerstaff/Graeme Stewart (Metro 6R4)
9 Brian O’Mahony/John Higgins (Metro 6R4)
10 John McGaffin/Lesley McGaffin (Impreza WRC)
At a reception in Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre on Monday to launch this year’s rally, the Worshipful the Mayor of Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray MLA, emphasised on behalf of Craigavon Borough Council how welcome the event is in Craigavon. Orchard Motorsport’s Brian Stinson commented, “This is my 2nd year to sponsor the rally and it is great that in these difficult times it is shaping up so well. The rally has a great history and I’m more than happy to play my part in keeping that going.”
Clerk of the Course Barry Taggart and Event Director William Fullerton represented the organisers, The North Armagh Motor Club. William Fullerton commented. “The event has reached such a state of sophistication over the years that without the help of many organisations and individuals the rally wouldn’t be able to take place, and on behalf of the organisers we express our sincere thanks.”
Issued by: Brian & Liz Patterson:
Patterson Agencies Ltd.
Tel: 02890 844111: Email: PATTPACE@aol.com
Jul 27, 2010 | View Post
Thousands raised for charity at Festival of Motorsport!
Historic Results l Modified Results l Autotest Results
(Image: William Neill) Thousands of pounds have been raised for Cancer Research UK (Northern Ireland) and other Lions charities after Saturday’s Burkes of Cornascriebe New Holland Agriculture Loughgall Festival of Motorsport!
The event, which was based in Loughgall Country Park and jointly organised by North Armagh Motor Club Ltd and Armagh Lions Club, attracted thousands of spectators to the venue for the motorsport extravaganza.
Featuring the Historic Rally Car Challenge, Apple Blossom Autotest, static classic and historic car displays, as well as an autojumble, the event provided plenty of entertainment for spectators who flocked to the beautiful venue.
“It was fantastic to see so many people in Loughgall Country Park helping to raise funds for some very worthwhile charities,” said Malcolm Dawson of the Armagh Lions Club organising committee. “Everyone who attended played their part in raising money, at the same time as enjoying a great day out for all the family. Thank you to everyone who helped and we’re already looking forward to another successful Festival in 2011.”
Mayor of Armagh City and District Council, Councillor Jim Speers, flagged the Historic Rally Car Challenge competitors away from the start ramp. More than 60 crews tackled eight stages through the Loughgall Country Park lanes, which remained dry throughout the course of the day.
In the historic category, it was Tommy O’Connell who headed crews home in his Ford Escort RS1800. Navigated by Sean Magee, the result marked an early 21st birthday present for the Dungiven driver, in what was his maiden rally victory.
“I’m over the moon!” O’Connell said afterwards. “It was very close between myself and Keith McIvor. Thankfully it stayed dry, or I reckon it would have been even closer!”
Two stages from home, less than seven seconds separated O’Connell and McIvor. Sadly for challenger McIvor, his Porsche 911 broke its differential during the penultimate stage, slamming the brakes on his rally.
Just 12 months earlier, it was O’Connell’s father, Seamus, who won the event. But this year it was O’Connell junior who was overjoyed when he lifted the winning trophy. He finished ahead of the Mini Cooper S belonging to Colin McDowell and Ian Evans, with Paul Cartmill and Adrian Park third in their Sunbeam.
In the modified category, Wesley Patterson and Martin McGarrity again proved to be unbeatable in their Mark 2 Escort. The crew have dominated the event in recent years so there were few surprises when they emerged victorious once again.
Patterson arrived home almost 36 seconds clear of second placed Mervyn Wedlock and Damien McCabe, with Michael Conlon and Aaron McQuaid third. Such was the domination of the Escort crews the only one competitor inside the top 15 overall was not driving an Escort!
The Festival also featured the Apple Blossom Autotest, which was organised in conjunction with MG Car Club Ltd (Ulster). A number of leading autotesters displayed their skills, with Robert Dickson emerging as the winner in his Mini Special.
Dickson performed some inch perfect driving manoeuvres to take the victory from Mark King’s Vauxhall Nova, while Noel Cochrane was third in his Ford Special.
“Thanks to everyone who attended to make it another successful day for the charities,” said Historic Rally Car Challenge Clerk of the Course, William Fullerton. “Thanks must also go to Burkes of Cornascriebe New Holland Agriculture who were title sponsors for the second year, as well as many other associate sponsors.”
There were numerous rally winners and autotest winners, but the real Festival of Motorsport victors were Cancer Research UK (Northern Ireland) and other charities. Monies are still being counted but it is expected that a substantial amount has been raised once again.
With another successful event behind them, Armagh Lions Club and North Armagh Motor Club Ltd are already making plans for 2011. More details will be announced in due course on www.namcc.com.
ENDS.
Historic Rally Car Challenge – top 5 overall
1 Tommy O’Connell/Sean Magee (Ford Escort RS1800) 34m15.8s
2 Colin McDowell/Ian Evans (Mini Cooper S) 36m23.1s
3 Paul Cartmill/Adrian Park (Talbot Sunbeam Ti) 37m00.8s
4 John Hughes/Mark Daly (Ford Escort Mk I) 37m06.0s
5 John Byrne/Keith Byrne (Talbot Sunbeam GLS) 37m11.8s
Modified category – top 5 overall
1 Wesley Patterson/Martin McGarrity (Ford Escort Mk II RS) 31m32.2s
2 Mervyn Wedlock/Damien McCabe (Ford Escort) 32m08.1s
3 Michael Conlon/Aaron McQuaid (Ford Escort) 32m09.2s
4 Martin Teggart/Russell Harold (Ford Escort) 32m29.5s
5 James Kennedy/Rodney Torrington (Ford Escort Mk II) 32m43.1s
Apple Blossom Autotest – top 5 overall
1 Robert Dickson (Mini Special) 542.5
2 Mark King (Vauxhall Nova) 594.9
3 Noel Cochrane (Ford Special) 612.1
4 Richard Allen (Vauxhall Corsa) 616.5
5 Gareth Dillon (Sylva Stryker) 618.7
Jul 06, 2010 | View Post
Burkes of Cornascriebe New Holland Agriculture Festival of Motorsport leading entries announced!
DOWNLOAD: Full entry list
DOWNLOAD: Final Instructions
The leading entries for this Saturday’s Burkes of Cornascriebe New Holland Agriculture Loughgall Festival of Motorsport, which is jointly organised by North Armagh Motor Club Ltd and Armagh Lions Club, have been announced at Armagh Council Offices.
The event, which is in aid of Cancer Research UK (Northern Ireland) and other Lions charities, has received another stunning entry for the Historic Rally Car Challenge and Apple Blossom Autotest. The Festival will also feature a large array of static historic and classic car displays, as well as an autojumble.
Armagh Lions Club member, Malcolm Dawson, said: “The Club is very grateful to all of the event sponsors but in particular North Armagh Motor Club. Without their support and expertise over the years, we would not have been able to support the many good causes that we have.”
Based within the beautiful surroundings of Loughgall Country Park this Saturday 3 July, a wide range of machinery has entered the Historic Rally Car Challenge. From Porsches to Escorts, as well as Sunbeams, Minis, Kadetts and Anglias, this weekend’s spectacular will provide a real blast to the past!
“I’m delighted to once again be involved with this year’s event,” said event sponsor Harry Burke, director of Burkes of Cornascriebe. “The classic car show, Apple Blossom autotest and high speed historic rally cars from years gone by will be a fantastic spectacle.”
Entries in the Historic Rally Car Challenge include Keith McIvor in his Porsche 911. He will lead the field away from the start ramp, while Alan Jardine, who briefly led the 2009 event, starts with number two on his doors.
John Keatley, another competitor in a Porsche 911, is next in line ahead of Tommy O’Connell. O’Connell finished third last year behind his father, Seamus, and second placed Dessie McCartney. Neither of two drivers have entered the 2010 event, leaving O’Connell, who only started rallying in 2009, with high hopes of an even better finish.
The modified category has an equally impressive line-up with last year’s winner, Wesley Patterson, topping the entry in his Mark 2 Escort ahead of Mervyn Wedlock. They will face stiff opposition from the likes of James Kennedy, Martin Teggart and Michael Conlon.
Almost 20 entries have been received for the Apple Blossom Autotest, which is being assisted by MG Car Club Ltd (Ulster). Competitors include Robert Dickson in his Mini Special, Trevor Faulkner (Caterham S3), David Jenkins (Beach Buggy) as well as Adam and Wallace McKee in their Chevette.
“It’s great to have the support from an enthusiastic Armagh City and District Council as well as Burkes of Cornascriebe and New Holland Agriculture,” Clerk of the Course William Fullerton said. “Working with Armagh Lions Club for the fourth year in a row has been a pleasure, and we’re looking forward to a safe and enjoyable day.”
Gates open at 8.30am and the admission fee of £10 includes free car parking and use of the park and ride system, while accompanied under-12s can enter free of charge. The Historic Rally Car Challenge will start at 9.50am and all proceedings will be finished by 5.30pm, when prizegiving will take place in the centre arena. More details can be found online at www.namcc.com.
ENDS
Historic Rally Car Challenge – top 10 seeds
1 Keith McIvor/TBA (Porsche 911)
2 Alan Jardine/Jim McSherry (Ford Escort Mk1)
3 John Keatley/TBA (Porsche 911)
4 Tommy O’Connell/Sean Magee (Ford Escort RS1800)
5 Gary Owens/Ciaran Donnelly (Ford Escort)
6 Philip McDowell/Thomas Purdy (Ford Escort Mk1)
7 John Byrne/Keith Byrne (Talbot Sunbeam GLS)
8 Colin McDowell/Ian Evans (Mini Cooper S)
9 Rory Tougher/Harold Armour (Morris Mini Cooper S)
10 Malcolm Pedlow/Billy Regan (BMW 2002)
Modified category – top 5 seeds
22 Wesley Patterson/Martin McGarrity (Ford Escort Mk2 RS)
23 Mervyn Wedlock/Damien McCabe (Ford Escort)
24 James Kennedy/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2)
25 Martin Teggart/Terence Teggart (Ford Escort)
26 Michael Conlon/TBA (Ford Escort)
DOWNLOAD: Full entry list
DOWNLOAD: Final Instructions
Jun 29, 2010 | View Post
Regs and entry form – Burkes of Cornascriebe New Holland Agriculture Loughgall Festival of Motorsport
Regulations and entry forms are now available for download – CLICK HERE.
For more information about the event, contact entries secretary, Keith Somerville, on 07745 959 141.
Jun 07, 2010 | View Post
All Systems Go For Loughgall’s Charity Motorsport Festival!
DOWNLOAD – REGULATIONS AND ENTRY FORM
Plans are already well advanced for the 2010 Loughgall Festival of Motorsport, which will be held in aid of charity on Saturday 3 July.
This year’s festival, which will be located within the confines of the beautiful Loughgall Country Park, will again be sponsored by Burkes of Cornascriebe New Holland Agriculture, and supported by Armagh City and District Council.
“I’m delighted to once again be involved with this year’s event,” said Harry Burke, director of Burkes of Cornascriebe. “Last year’s Festival was a massive success and I’m pleased to be able to support such a high profile event once more.”
The Festival, which is jointly organised by North Armagh Motor Club Ltd and Armagh Lions Club, will feature a Historic Rally Car Challenge, Apple Blossom Autotest, static displays of vintage and classic cars, as well as an autojumble.
Now in its fifth year, the festivities will again be a huge hit with spectators, and it is all in aid of Action Cancer UK (Northern Ireland) and other Lions charities.
Armagh Lions Club member Malcolm Dawson said: “The Club is very grateful to all of the event sponsors but in particular North Armagh Motor Club. Without their support and expertise over the years, we would not have been able to support the many good causes that we have. Indeed, thanks to the success of last year’s event, we were able to donate £10,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support.”
There will be four main themes to this year’s festival, with the Historic Rally Car Challenge, Apple Blossom Autotest, static displays and autojumble.
The rally will consist of eight all tarmac special stages, and there will be the added bonus of a cavalcade run through the stage by special historic rally cars and classic vintage vehicles during the midday break.
Meanwhile, the Apple Blossom Autotest, which is being organised in conjunction with MG Car Club Ltd (Ulster), will run independently of the rally. It will feature mostly classic cars and will involve some spectacular precision driving.
Clerk of the Course, William Fullerton, said: “Every year, the success of the Festival of Motorsport depends upon the co-operation between a large number of volunteers and organisations.”
“I’d like to take this opportunity to once again thank Armagh City and District Council, as well as the Department of Agriculture, for the use of Loughgall Manor Estate and Loughgall Country Park,” Fullerton continued. “Without their continual support through providing such a wonderful venue, an event of this calibre would simply not be possible.”
The event provides a perfect opportunity for a family outing, with entertainment for all ages guaranteed. Free car parking will be in operation during the day.
An admission fee of £10 will be payable at the entrance gates, which open at 8.30am on Saturday 3 July.
The Historic Rally Car Challenge will start at 9.30am and all proceedings will be completed by 5.30pm, when the prize-giving will take place in the centre arena.
May 25, 2010 | View Post
