CLICK ON THE LINK TO DOWNLOAD:
Final Results of the Margaret McGreal Eco Run held by the club on the 7th August
Final Eco Results 2016
Duffy finishes fifth in Germany
Top international Rally Co-Driver and Mayo man Killian Duffy was in action over the weekend, navigating for Qatari driver Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, the pair, as part of their build up for round 9 of the World Rally Championships (ADAC Rallye Deutschland) entered a National German Rally, Rallye Wartburg, based in Eisenach.
Speaking before the event Killian said,”It’s important to get a feel for the surface that we’ll be competing on in Germany in two weeks time, the event is seen by competitors as the most difficult tarmac round of the championships, Unpredictable weather in the mountains makes tyre choice tricky, another object experienced only in Germany are the ‘hinkelsteins’, avoiding these that crop-up as part of the route which were designed to stop military tanks during the second world war are a must!!.”
The pair put in a strong performance in their Skoda Fabia R5 over the two day event to finish on Sunday afternoon in fifth place overall, having occupied fourth place and only being one second off third place on Sunday morning, they experienced a stall in their car that resulted in the loss of enough time to rule them out of a podium finish. The event was won by three-time German Rally Champion and former European and Asia-Pacific champion Armin Kremer and his navigator Pirmin Winklhofer, in a Skoda Fabia R5.
Speaking after the event Killian was in a positive mood “The Germany event went well, conditions were dry and warm, we confirmed where we think we are with the car and we’re really happy. It was good to get some more kilometres under our belt in this environment.”
Jason Murphy secured another 3rd place Junior finish, collecting valuable championship points at Midland’s Autocross on Sunday last in Knockmartin, County Longford.
Pauric Duffy had Barry Duffy on board the P1 Rally Rentals Fiesta for the Dogleap Rally on Saturday last. The pair finished 8th in Class and 34th overall. The event was won by Alan McGeehan in a Mini WRC with Nial Magee calling the notes. There were six special stages covering over 36 miles with some top class action from a large field.
Next Sunday 7th of August, Mayo & District Motorsport Club are embarking on a road event with difference. Far removed from the annual Mayo stages rally which takes place every March and which has been based in Ballina for the last four years, the Margaret McGreal Economy Run is a family friendly road team event in aid of Cancer Care West which will commence and finish at Great National Hotel Ballina and takes in approximately 240km of the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. In March 2015 Mayo & District Motorsport club lost one of their dearest members when Margaret McGreal sadly passed away. During her illness Margaret, like so many others that we know, was the beneficiary of much support and kindness from Cancer Care West and in keeping this in mind her friends in the club have organised this novel family friendly motor event in her memory. Margaret herself was both organiser and participant in regular economy runs which took place back in the days of the Ballina Motor Club every St. Stephens Day and she spend many hours in her last week’s retelling stories of the fun and excitement surrounding each event. It was felt that an Economy Run revival would be the most fitting tribute to such a lady.
The objective of the economy run is to drive a route set by the organising team in ordinary passenger cars under normal driving conditions on real roads. The event is open to all road worthy cars from pre-war cars to present day petrol or diesel models and motorbikes. Each team (min of 2 persons per car) start with a full tank of fuel and on completion of the route they must refuel at a nominated filling station to calculate the fuel economy. Teams are required to check in at various check points along the route. Points will be added for fuel economy, early/late check in at check points, driving the wrong direction or missing a check point. At the end of the event the team with the least points are the winners. This is a fun event for all the family while at the same time raising funds for a worthy charity. The route takes competitors from Ballina through Killala, Ballycastle, Belmullet, Blacksod and back to Ballina. There will be a break in The Western Strands Hotel Belmullet for refreshments during the event. The day will finish with prize giving and an evening of entertainment for all in the Great National Hotel Ballina.
The members and officials of Mayo & District Motorsport Club are proud to be involved in promoting and supporting this event in memory of Margaret, one of our dearest members and in raising awareness and funds for a very worthy cause. This event will be an interesting twist on the usual roles and positions within the club. For many it will be a case of role reversal for the day with the drivers and navigators taking up the roles of marshals and time keepers, while club marshals, timekeepers and non-competing members together with the spectators will get an opportunity to take to the road and be competitors. This event also gives the club the opportunity to promote road safety and fuel efficient driving in addition to promoting the wonderful scenic routes along the Wild Atlantic Way. Club Road Safety Officer Maggie Bonner is heading up this event as Clerk of the Course and with her hard working team there is no doubt that all is on track for it to be a successful event.
Registration is from 9am Sunday 7th August in the Great National Hotel Ballina, with the first car due to leave at 10.45am and every 30 seconds thereafter. Entries are now open and the cost is €50 per car, €30 per motorbike. Regulations and entry forms are available for download or you can email the event secretary Rachel Rogers – mmcgecorun@gmail.com or by pm on Facebook (mmcgecorun)
