Loughgall Festival of Motorsport 09 – Historic Rally Car Challenge – Results

Seamus%20OConnell Loughgall Festival of Motorsport 09 Historic Rally Car Challenge Results

Photo: Jonathan MacDonald/MediaJAM Communications

Thousands raised for charity at Burkes of Cornascriebe Loughgall Festival of Motorsport!

Last Saturday's Burkes of Cornascriebe Loughgall Festival of Motorsport is estimated to have raised thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support and other Lions charities.

The Loughgall Country Park motorsport extravaganza, which was organised by North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club and Armagh Lions Club, attracted thousands of spectators to the venue for the charity event.

The Historic Rally Car Challenge, Apple Blossom Autotest and a fantastic array of static classic and historic car displays provided an abundance of entertainment for the spectators.

"The real success of the event lies with the unique relationship between the North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club and the Armagh Lions Club," said Malcolm Dawson of the Lions Club organising committee. "It is really encouraging to see many of the competitors, exhibitors and spectators from all over Ireland return year after year. Without their continued support we would not be able to contribute to the worthy causes that we do."

The Historic Rally Car Challenge provided the main feature of the Festival, with more than 50 crews setting the lanes alight around the beautiful Loughgall venue. Competitors faced seven stages, and plenty of dramas unfolded throughout the day.

Alan Jardine and Jim McSherry were quickest out of the blocks in their Mark 1 Escort, setting fastest time on the opening stage by an impressive 10 seconds. Unfortunately, their time at the top came to a premature end on stage two when they slid into a wall near the start of the stage.

Jardine's demise allowed Seamus O'Connell and Philip Hunter (pictured above) into the rally lead, with Dessie McCartney and Mark Nesbitt in a close second position. It was O'Connell who held the advantage though, winning the rally comfortably from McCartney's Porsche 911, while Tommy O'Connell and Sean Magee finished third.

Wesley Patterson Loughgall Festival of Motorsport 09 Historic Rally Car Challenge Results

Photo: Jonathan MacDonald/MediaJAM Communications

Meanwhile, in the modified category, Wesley Patterson and Martin McGarrity defended their Loughgall title in fine style with another convincing win aboard their Mark 2 Escort. The crew threaded their way through the slippery lanes to claim a start to finish victory, while Mervyn and Laura Wedlock finished second ahead of Michael Conlon and Hugh McKenna.

The Apple Blossom Autotest, which was organised in conjunction with MG Car Club Ltd (Ulster), attracted some of the country's leading autotesters to the venue. And after some excellent driving displays, including inch perfect reversing manoeuvres and handbrake turns, Paul Blair won the event in his Stryker from Noel Cochrane (MG Midget) with David Cochrane (Special) third.

"We enjoyed another truly successful day," said Historic Rally Car Challenge Clerk of the Course, William Fullerton. "Thanks to all those spectators who attended, as well as everyone who has played their part in bringing the event to fruition for the fourth year."

"It's fantastic to have Burkes of Cornascriebe, supported by New Holland Agriculture, on board as title sponsor, as well as many other associate sponsors," Fullerton continued. "The combination of NAMCC Ltd and Armagh Lions Club proved to be very fruitful once again, but without the huge support of the public, it simply wouldn't have been a success."

Plans are already in place for next year's Festival of Motorsport. It will take place on 22 May 2010 and more details will be announced in due course. In the meantime, Loughgall Country Park will host another event organised by North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club Ltd. The Loughgall Country Park Rally will get underway on Saturday 4 July, and another high-octane fun-filled day is guaranteed!

ENDS.

Historic Rally Car Challenge - top 5 overall

1 Seamus O'Connell/Philip Hunter Ford Escort RS1800 (Classic)

2 Dessie McCartney/Mark Nesbitt Porsche Carrera RS (Post-historic)

3 Tommy O'Connell/Sean Magee Ford Escort RS1800 (Classic)

4 Gary Owens/Kieran Donnelly Ford Escort RS1800 (Classic)

5 Mervyn Johnston/Richard Hyland Austin Mini Cooper S (Historic)

Modified category - top 5 overall

1 Wesley Patterson/Martin McGarrity Ford Escort RS

2 Mervyn Wedlock/Laura Wedlock Ford Escort

3 Michael Conlon/Hugh McKenna Ford Escort Mk2

4 Trevor Wilson/Uel Williamson Ford Escort Mk1