Ardee News and Sport Motorsport News Roundup
Ardee News and Sport: Cronin Relishing Return to ‘Fast and Flowing’ Wexford Challenge
The Wexford Volkswagen Rally stands as the only Irish rally outside the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship to retain its annual status since the introduction of a new Irish rally calendar at the 2021 congress. Wexford Motor Club successfully argued their event had a unique niche, justifying its yearly inclusion while over 20 other rallies switched to biennial status. Their persistence has paid off, with more than 150 crews entered for this weekend’s two-day event. Though the overseas entry appears to have diminished, the rally’s significance remains robust.
Last year’s winner, Ballylickey’s Daniel Cronin (VW Polo GTi R5), is looking forward to defending his title. “Yes, it’s one of my favourites,” he said. “The route is very compact, three stages repeated three times on both days.” Cronin, who claimed his first two-day rally victory at Wexford, knows this year’s competition will be even stiffer. “The stages are fast and flowing, but they can be tricky too as they are through farming country.”
Cronin’s 2023 win came after a fierce battle with local driver James Stafford (Darrian T90 GTR), a former winner who thrives on home ground. This year, however, Cronin and Stafford won’t have the stage to themselves. David Kelly (VW Polo GTi R5), fresh off a podium finish in the Donegal International, could be a serious contender. Meanwhile, Desi Henry (Citroen C3 Rally2), despite a luckless season thus far, has the potential to challenge at the top if he can avoid reliability issues.
Other notable entries include Michael and Declan Boyle (VW Polo GTi R5 and Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, respectively), Gary Kiernan (Ford Fiesta Rally2), Tommy Doyle (Hyundai i20 R5), and Cal McCarthy (Citroen C3 Rally2). The action kicks off at 10:09 AM on Saturday, with Sunday’s start scheduled for 9:36 AM.
Ardee News and Sport: McErlean Heads to Tennessee After Acropolis Success
Fresh from a top-10 finish in last weekend’s punishing EKO Acropolis Rally, Derry’s Josh McErlean heads to the Overmountain Rally in Tennessee. The Kilrea native swaps his Toksport-run Skoda Fabia for a PCRS-prepared Hyundai i20 N Rally2, with Eoin Treacy on pacenote duties. McErlean’s previous visit to the U.S. yielded a third-place finish at the Olympus Rally in 2021. “This will be a highly technical rally with tight twisty stages, which should suit the Rally2 car,” McErlean noted.
Other Irish drivers joining him include Enda McCormack (Hyundai i20 N Rally2), Paul Rowley (Ford Fiesta S2000), and Seamus Burke (Ford Escort). The rally features 14 stages over two legs.
Ardee News and Sport: Donegal International Rally Results Finalised, Galway Results Amended
The Donegal International Rally results were finalised last Friday, nearly 11 weeks after the event. Three competitors received €200 fines for refuelling outside designated zones. Motorsport Ireland has yet to explain the delays. Separately, car No. 304 (Tommy O’Connell/Paul Hughes) remains under appeal in the Historic section.
Meanwhile, the Galway Summer Rally results have been updated. Josh Moffett and Keith Moriarty, initially shown as winners in a Citroen C3 Rally2, actually competed in a Hyundai i20 R5. The Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally results still incorrectly list their car as a Citroen despite the pair driving the Hyundai to victory.
Ardee News and Sport: McErlean’s Shock Return to Cork 20 Rally
In a surprise move, World Rally Championship WRC2 driver Josh McErlean will return to the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship at this month’s Cork 20 Rally. McErlean will compete in a C&M Motorsport Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, marking his first ITRC appearance since 2019.
“I’m really excited to be heading for Cork and to compete at home once again,” McErlean said. “It’s been a whirlwind of a career since I was there in the Peugeot 208 R2, but to be back in the championship in front of such passionate fans is an honour.”
McErlean’s return also serves as preparation for the Central European Rally in October, part of his WRC2 campaign. His Cork outing will be his maiden appearance on asphalt in the Fabia RS Rally2, and he’s keen to gather valuable seat time ahead of his next challenge.