Marty McCormack takes Citroen Racing Trophy win in Carlisle

Marty McCormack and team headed to the 2nd round of the British Rally Championship, the Pirelli International Rally based in Carlisle, with the stages in the infamous Kielder & Kershope Forests. Marty was looking forward to the challenge of the gravel event in his Citroen C2 Max. With the result achieved on the Pirelli, the MSA Academy member now leads class R2 in the British Rally Championship, and the Citroen Racing Trophy.

The rally started on Friday evening at 6pm from Carlisle Racecourse, with the two opening stages in Kershope Forest with a possibility of them being completed in the dark. After the two stages, Marty and co-driver Phil Clarke were leading the R2 Class and the Citroen Racing Trophy and 18th overall.

Saturday's opening leg were four stages in the Kielder Forest Complex and on arrival back at service the crew were still comfortably leading the R2 Class and the Citroen Racing Trophy as well as climbing the overall standings to 13th place.

After some minor adjustments and tyre changes the crew left service to tackle the four morning stages again, and after a clean run through SS7 were in good shape for the remaining three stages of the loop. Due to a previous competitors car catching fire on stage 8 the organisers cancelled stages eight, nine and ten and brought all remaining cars back to service.

With only two stages of the event remaining, Marty and Phil left service with the aim to preserve the class and Citroen lead over the tight dusty and often rutted stages. After stage 12 a very happy crew arrived back in Carlisle with the fantastic result of 1st in class R2, 1st Citroen Trophy Racing contender, and 11th Overall.

Next event for the team is on tarmac with the Killarney International Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Martin would like to take this opportunity to thank, Outdoor Services, Millers Oils, Carella, Ace Fixings, PPP Salvage Auctions, TFR Refrigeration and all the other people who contribute in any way.Regular updates on Marty's progress throughout the year can be obtained at www.martymccormack.com

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