"Start your engines", Mayo Stages Rally Launched -

“Start your engines”, Mayo Stages Rally Launched

“Start your engines”, Mayo Stages Rally Launched

The countdown to the 2015 Hotel Ballina – Kennedy Motors Mayo Stages Rally is firmly on following a successful launch at Hotel Ballina, headquarters for the March 8th event. A large crowd was in attendance on Friday night last to hear information about this year’s rally from a selection of speakers, including Clerk of the Course Padraic Roche and Chairman of Mayo & District Motorsport Club Matthew Murphy, who thanked all the sponsors who have made the running of the 2015 Mayo Stages Rally possible.

Among those attending was Andrew Mullen, sponsor of the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship, of which the Mayo Stages is the opening round, Brendan Flynn representing the Border Rally Championships, and Joe Corcoran from Motorsport Ireland. Local representatives included member of An Garda Síochána, members of Ballina Chamber of Commerce and local county councillors, founding Ballina Motorclub members and representatives from all the event sponsors.

With one week to go Mayo & District Motorsport Club reports that a surge of competitors have entered the Mayo Stages Rally in recent days, with seeding taking place on Sunday night an entry list will be available on www.mayomotorsportclub.com thereafter.

Continuing on from the success of last year’s events in Ballina Town Center, the rally festival with an array of entertainment returns on the Saturday evening. This kicks off at 5.30pm in the Market Square featuring a Rally School Ireland display, F1 Pit stop challenge, Mattie Griffin Freestyle Motorcycle Display, display of Rally Cars from 8pm and much more family entertainment.

For spectators intending to visit the rally next weekend, plenty of time should be allowed to get to the stages to park and find a safe viewing location, as some of the stages have only limited access. Always obey the marshals and follow their instructions, as they are there to ensure that everyone has a safe day’s rallying. A Rally Programme with a detailed map will be available to purchase in the area in the coming days costing €5.

The 2015 Mayo Stages Rally is continuing the high standard of previous years with news and information available to rally fans. In order to keep competitors and spectators as informed and up-to-date as possible, Mayo & District Mo-torsport Club utilizes a range of communication tools in the build up to, and during rally week-end. The Club is already providing regular updates via its Twitter account MayoMotorClub and Facebook page Mayo Motorsport Club. Also on the Sunday of the event when the rally itself roars into action, regular live updates and interviews will be broadcast on Mid West Radio’s Sunday Sports Show. www.midwestradio.ie & 96.1fm