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“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, 19^th 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

Loughgall Festival of Motorsport Historic Rally Car Challenge Entry List Revealed!

(Photo courtesy of Gary Craig Photography)

The seeded entry list for this weekend’s Burkes of Cornascriebe Loughgall Festival of Motorsport has been revealed!

DOWNLOAD NOW to find out who will be in action this Saturday!

May 14, 2012 | View Post

Loughgall Festival of Motorsport 2012 Date and Charity announced!

PRESS RELEASE

Festival of Motorsport 2012 Date and Charity announced

The organisers of the Loughgall Festival of Motorsport & Country Lifestyle Fair 2012, are pleased to announce the charity for this year’s event is RNLI Lifejackets for Lifesavers Appeal.

Now in its sixth successive year, the Festival which is jointly hosted by Armagh Lions Club and North Armagh Motor Club has raised £50,000 for local charities since its inception. This year’s Festival is on Saturday 19^th May having become an annual fixture in the glorious village of Loughgall – right at the core of the Orchard County.

Lions President Tanya Fowles said, “Following on the success of the previous years, we are aiming to provide £10,000 to RNLI which will go a considerable way in their Lifejackets for Lifesavers Appeal. As 2012 marks the centenary of the launch and tragic loss of Titanic, we decided to support the brave volunteers of RNLI who put their lives at risk to save others at sea. They are currently fund-raising to replace all their lifejackets with new state-of-the art versions and the figure required is estimated at £22,500.”

Along with the now famous historic rally which sweeps through the majestic grounds of Loughgall Country Park, there is also the dynamic Auto-Test, and a vast static display of classic and vintage vehicles, which this year is promising to have some extra special exhibits on show.

Further to the tasty addition introduced last year, the Festival is building on the rural enterprise theme with a Classic Country Lifestyle Fair incorporating farm and local food produce from succulent savouries to delightful delicacies. There will also be trade stands with country clothing and equipment, agriculture, machinery, equestrian, outdoor pursuits and lots, lots more!

There’ll be plenty to occupy the children, as well as an area set aside for a picnic in the park.

Tanya added, “It’s going to be a great day in Loughgall and Armagh Lions wish to express their gratitude to our friends at North Armagh Motor Club, without whom the event simply cannot happen. They take the time from organising their other major annual events to run this Festival and it is through them, our sponsors and those who attend on the day we can aim to provide that all-important £10,000, to RNLI for new lifejackets.”

RNLI Area Project Worker Sharon Pollock said; “There are two types of lifejackets – in shore and all weather. Both are designed for search and rescue, securing increased safety and fitted with a water activated emergency light and integral flare pockets for day or night distress flares There are also pockets for casualty case kits and various other equipment. This is an essential development for RNLI kit and all our crew members are looking forward to the benefits their new lifejackets will bring. On behalf of our dedicated volunteer crews, thank you for your consideration.”

For further information contact 028 37527150; follow us on Flickr or email lionsclubarmagh@gmail.com

Photo Caption

Making waves onboard the Kilkeel Lifeboat with the RNLI crews from Kilkeel and Newcastle were Armagh Lions Isaac Beattie and Malcolm Dawson, with Dandy Lion at the helm. RNLI Lifejackets for Lifesavers Appeal is the chosen charity for Loughgall Festival of Motorsport & Classic County Lifestyle Fair 2012, organised by Armagh Lions Club and North Armagh Motor Club.

Mar 30, 2012 | View Post

Loughgall Festival of Motorsport 2012 Flyer!

Mar 29, 2012 | View Post

McGarrity Wins Carryduff Forklift N.I. Rally Series Opener!

(Image: Graham Curry)

– Glengormley’s Derek McGarrity claims emphatic victory at Magic Bullet Stages Rally.

– 14-year-old Portadown driver Ben Crealey secures round one victory in inaugural McGrady Insurance Junior 1000 Rally Challenge Ireland.

Derek McGarrity and navigator James McKee claimed victory at the opening round of the 2012 Carryduff Forklift MSA Northern Ireland Rally Championship on Saturday.

The Glengormley rally car and helicopter dealer was in dominating form at the Magic Bullet Stages Rally, held at County Down’s Kirkistown Race Circuit.

Driving his Subaru Impreza WRC S14, McGarrity led the event from start to finish, eventually claiming the win by 38.3 seconds from Kevin Barrett and Declan Tumilty.

The event winner was on the top of his game from the start. While others struggled in the early morning slippery conditions, McGarrity emerged from stage one with an impressive 15.4 second lead.

Those in trouble included reigning N.I. champion, Kenny McKinstry. The Banbridge pilot spun and stalled his Subaru during the opening test, losing a mammoth 50 seconds.

Former champion Connor McCloskey was another in trouble after a wrong tyre choice left him slipping and sliding around the track. Both McKinstry and McCloskey found themselves outside the top 30, and their hopes of challenging for victory were ruined.

Event leader McGarrity already had a healthy cushion between himself and his rivals, but he continued to set the pace throughout the day. He went on to set fastest times on all but one stage, leaving him with another Kirkistown victory under his belt.

Kevin Barrett and Declan Tumilty were the image of consistency throughout the event. They held second overall from start to finish, gradually increased the gap between themselves and the remainder of the pack as the day progressed.

In the tussle for third, Ray Brammer and Derek McGeehan locked horns. McGeehan took first blood, moving his Mini WRC into the top three after stage one. But Brammer fought back, and two stages later, it was the Impreza WRC pilot that occupied third overall.

McGeehan and navigator Laurie Smyth were to have the last word though. They picked up their pace through the final two tests to retake the position and claim third overall. Brammer and navigator Jody Wilson finished less than five seconds adrift in fourth.

Reigning champion Kenny McKinstry, who had Martin Cairns calling the notes, enjoyed a superb recovery drive after his stage one problems to take fifth overall. But unfortunately for former champion Connor McCloskey, car troubles forced him out of the rally after stage four.

In the battle among the production category crews, Trevor Ferguson and David McElroy secured the award from Neil and Tanya McCance, while top two-wheel-drive honours were sealed by Drew Stewart and David White. They finished 25 seconds ahead of Simon Woodside and Steven Dowds.

Junior 1000

The event also hosted the opening round of the inaugural McGrady Insurance Junior 1000 Rally Challenge Ireland. The series is open to 14-16 year old drivers in 1000cc cars, and there were seven young hopefuls at Kirkistown.

They each contested four stages during the day, and it was one of the youngest drivers entered that went on to win the event. 14-year-old Portadown teenager Ben Crealey, with Liam Regan navigating, secured the win by more than half a minute from Kyle White and Alan Purdy, with Rhys Bunting and Andrew Bushe third.

Round 2 – McGrady Insurance Stages

Round two of both the Carryduff Forklift N.I. and McGrady Insurance Junior 1000 series will bring competitors to Bishopscourt on 17 March. The event, which is also sponsored by McGrady Insurance, welcomes all spectators and features a hugely popular jump. More details can be found online at www.nirally.com.

Carryduff Forklift N.I. R1 Results

1 Derek McGarrity/James McKee (Impreza WRC) 25m13.4
2 Kevin Barrett/Declan Tumilty (Impreza WRC) +38.3s
3 Derek McGeehan/Laurie Smyth (MINI WRC) +1m02.6s
4 Ray Brammer/Jody Wilson (Impreza WRC) +1m07.2s
5 Kenny McKinstry/Martin Cairns (Impreza WRC) +1m11.7s
6 James Gillen/Ken Sproule (Impreza WRC) +1m18.9s
7 John McGaffin/Lesley McGaffin (Impreza WRC) +1m20.3s
8 Drew Stewart/David White (Escort) +1m48.0s
9 Kieron Graffin/Mark Massey (Lancer Evo) +1m50.0s
10 Trevor Ferguson/David McElroy (Impreza) +2m00.3s

McGrady Insurance Junior 1000 R1 Results

1 Ben Crealey/Liam Regan (Nissan Micra) 22m15.6s
2 Kyle White/Alan Purdy (Peugeot 107) +33.2s
3 Rhys Bunting/Andrew Bushe (Citroen C1) +54.1s
4 Adam Bustard/Jason Hanon (Chevrolet Spark) +56.2s
5 Eoghan Bogue/Andrew Ritchie (Nissan Micra) +1m01.6s
6 Connor Woods/Niall McGrath (Nissan Micra) +1m29.6s
7 James Partridge/Phil Cherry (Nissan Micra) +3m21.8s

DOWNLOAD FULL MAIN FIELD RESULTS
DOWNLOAD JUNIOR RESULTS

Feb 20, 2012 | View Post

McKinstry Heads Kirkistown Rally Spectacular!

(Image: Jonathan MacDonald)

Next weekend’s Magic Bullet Stages Rally, held at Kirkistown Race Circuit, hosts the opening round of the 2012 DGM/Carryduff Forklift Northern Ireland Rally Championship.

More than 75 entries have been received for the North Armagh Motor Club Ltd rally spectacular, which will take place within the confines of the County Down venue on Saturday 18 February.

Reigning N.I. champion Kenny McKinstry heads the entry list in his Impreza WRC. The Banbridge rally ace was pronounced winner of the 2011 event after it was sadly cut short when fellow competitor, Cyril Doherty, took ill and later passed away.

Organisers intend to observe one minute’s silence in memory of Cyril before the action gets underway on Saturday.

Seeded first, McKinstry will have number one on his doors but will have a tough job on his hands to stay in that position. As the event sponsor suggests, he will need to leave the start line like a “magic bullet” if he is to claim another victory!

Stiff competition will be provided by New Year Stages winner Derek McGarrity, who has entered with his S14 Impreza WRC, as well as Kevin Barrett and John McGaffin, also in Impreza World Rally Cars.

The crowd-pulling favourite MINI John Cooper Works WRC is set to make a return to the venue, this time with Laurie Smyth behind the wheel. Sean Cassidy will be mixing it with the big guns in his unique four-wheel-drive Fiesta, while James Gillen won’t be holding back in his Impreza.

A strong contingent of Group N and two-wheel-drive entries has been received. There is a plethora of crowd pleasing rear-wheel-drive cars, with the likes of James Kennedy, Fintan McGrady and Drew Stewart sure to keep the spectators entertained!

The event also acts as the opening round of the inaugural McGrady Insurance Junior 1000 Rally Challenge Ireland. This exciting new series is open to 14-16 year old drivers in 1000cc unmodified cars. A number of young guns have signed up, and they will contest four of Saturday’s six stages.

The event gets underway shortly after 9am on Saturday morning, while the winners will spray the champagne at approximately 5pm.

Feb 12, 2012 | View Post

Emma McKinstry Wins Rally Time Trial!

(Image: Jonathan MacDonald) Emma McKinstry secured victory at this year’s McKinstry Motorsport Rally Time Trial. Held at Kirkistown Race Circuit, Emma arrived home 19 seconds ahead of Desi Henry, with James Kennedy third. Ivan Marsden finished fourth while Gary Price and John Waring completed the top six.

DOWNLOAD FULL RESULTS

Nov 02, 2011 | View Post

Orchard Motorsport Lurgan Park Rally

Last year’s winner Darren Gass in his Subaru World Rally Car heads a strong invited entry for this Orchard Motorsport Lurgan Park Rally. Darren will have his sister Kerrie co-drivng this time, on what will be her first rally, reflecting the great family day out spirit of North Armagh Motor Club’s Lurgan Park showcase event.

Armagh man Darren, a former British Junior Rally Champion, will still be taking the rally seriously. He will be driving his recently acquired Solo Petroleum backed Subaru, which he took to victory on the ALMC Stages. Darren commented on the run-in to the event. “I’m going to try my best to win. It won’t be easy, especially with Kenny McKinstry and some of the other top drivers in the entry.”

Fresh from the thronged rally launch at the Rushmere Shopping Centre, where he performed “demonstration runs” in his Subaru, 11 times Lurgan Park winner Kenny McKinstry was in upbeat mood about the event. As he enjoyed lunch in Craigavon Civic Centre hosted by the Mayor, Councillor Alan Carson, Kenny declared his intention to give the rally everything. He hopes to not only round up his number of wins to a dozen, but also to capture the lion’s share of the re-introduced £2500 prize fund.

Third in the list of fifty invited drivers is multiple Circuit of Ireland winner Derek McGarrity in his Subaru. Derek missed out on winning last year’s event by a whisker and he is out to redress the balance this time. But then all the drivers in the various classes will be out to prove a point. The exciting Escort Challenge contenders will be no exception, and are headed by Wesley Patterson, Adrian Hetherington and Mickey Conlon in their respective ‘Mk2’s’.

A big point of interest on the rally will be the appearance of seven times Circuit of Ireland winner Jimmy McRae, driving a stunning 5 litre, 380hp Chevrolet Camaro engined Firenza. XS Racing will run the Firenza, and they will also launch a new F1000 Rally Championship in the Park, featuring the new Chevrolet Spark and young F1000 Junior Champion driver Cameron Davies.

In addition there will be an historic section on the rally, an appearance by the iconic rally cars of the ‘Slowly Sideways Club’, and a huge display of Rally Sport clothing by Event Sponsor, Orchard Motorsport.

Although there are several female co-drivers in the event, there is just one driver listed, Emma McKinstry. Banbridge based Emma will drive one her father Kenny’s Subaru Impreza WRC’s. Former works Peugeot driver Garry Jennings from Kesh is the top GpN seed in his Lancer, with Irish Forestry Champion Pat O’Connell from Cashel in Tipperary the 2nd GpN seed and he rounds off the top ten. Gilford’s Mark Doyle has Bobby Campbell co-driving in his Celica GT4. Bobby co-drove the late Bertie Law to victory in 1984.

As well as backing from Brian Stinson’s Armagh based company, Orchard Motorsport, the rally enjoys the support of Craigavon Borough Council, and that includes the use of the beautiful Lurgan Park. Once again the central paddock area in the Park will provide a social focal point as well as the scene of some frantic activity as the cars are refettled between the 8 special stages. This will be the 32nd running of the rally in Lurgan Park.

Orchard Motorsport Lurgan Park Top 10
1. Darren Gass/Kerrie Gass – Subaru Impreza WRC
2. Kenny McKinstry/Noel Orr – Subaru Impreza WRC
3. Derek McGarrity/James McKee – Subaru Impreza WRC
4. Derek McGeehan/Lawrie Smith – Toyota Corolla WRC
5. Garry Jennings/Kerry McCarter – Mitsubishi Lancer
6. Denis Biggerstaff/Stuart Biggerstaff – Subaru Impreza WRC
7. Mark Doyle/Bobby Campbell – Toyota Celica GT4
8. Gary White/Alan Purdy – Subaru Impreza
9. John McGaffin/Lesley McGaffin – Subaru Impreza WRC
10. Pat O’Connell/Matt Wylie – Mitsubishi Lancer

More details are available from www.lurganparkrally.com.

Jul 26, 2011 | View Post

Rainbow Telecom Loughgall Country Park Rally – Details!

The Rainbow Telecom Loughgall Country Park Rally will take place on Saturday 2 July. Spectators are welcome, with admission by programme at a cost of £10. Children under 16 are free and the action starts at 9.30am.

More details as follows:

Jun 29, 2011 | View Post

Festival of Motorsport Entry List Revealed

The seeded entry list for this weekend’s Burkes of Cornascriebe Loughgall Festival of Motorsport has been revealed!

DOWNLOAD NOW to find out who will be in action this Saturday!

May 18, 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

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

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

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.

DOWNLOAD – REGULATIONS AND ENTRY FORM

May 25, 2010 | View Post

Orchard Lurgan Park Blossoms

(Image: Jonathan MacDonald) Plans are well advanced for the showcase 31st July Lurgan Park Rally.

Armagh man Brian Stinson, through his Orchard Motorsport Company, is again lending his support as title sponsor.

Over the years Lurgan Park has built up a superb high profile reputation, not just for the quality of rallying competition, but also as a great family friendly day out around the central paddock of this beautiful parkland. It is fitting then that Craigavon Borough Council is again lending their support.

Last year Kenny McKinstry won the rally for an astonishing 11th time and the driver who finished 3rd, Derek McGarrity, seems pretty determined to stop McKinstry making it a dozen wins!

Speaking from his Glengormley base, McGarrity, who is the current NI Rally Champion and who has won a string of events this year, including the Circuit of Ireland, said, “I feel I should have won Lurgan Park a couple of times over the years, but circumstances intervened. It is my intention to win this time. I’m certainly going to try my utmost and will have my Subaru specially set up for it.”

The rally will have 8 special stages with a dedicated category for the ‘Mk2 Escort Challenge’, plus a special class for the exciting Metro 6R4’s. There will be a collection of exciting GpB Rally cars running between the stages.

In addition Orchard Motorsport will be introducing several innovations which will be designed to raise the profile and appeal of this very popular day out.

The North Armagh Motor Club is again organising the event, as it has done since the first Lurgan Park Rally in 1980. William Fullerton is the Event Director once again and Barry Taggart is the Clerk of the Course.

May 25, 2010 | View Post

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