2024: Forest R2 – Preview
- Updated: 3 September 2024
Gravel action to return at Lakeland Stages
A 16-mile version of the Ballintempo stage will be a highlight at this Saturday’s Trailer Parts and Spares Lakeland Stages where the McGrady Insurance Northern Ireland Forest Rally Challenge will move up a gear with three rounds across two months, writes William Neill.
Organisers, Enniskillen and District Motor Club, have secured an entry of over 90 cars including both the championship leader Derek Mackarel, who topped the points back in February at the Fivemiletown opener, and last year’s rally winners Patrick and Stephen O’Brien in a Skoda Fabia R5.
Consecutive podiums in his first three rallies of the season, which included a visit to the Malcom Wilson Stages, Vivian Hamill is a leading Volkswagen Polo R5 entry and so too is Jim Walsh Cork Forest Rally winner Jason Mitchell.
Jordan Hone has a gravel win under his belt this season and Gareth Mimnagh is expected to be among the front runners in another Fiesta R5.
Reigning Irish champion and R317 Motorsport-run Ryan Caldwell will be another Fabia starter and Strabane’s Niall McGonigle runs with IN Sport. Cathan McCourt, Martin Cairns and PJ McDermott are all R5 runners ready to compete.
Two-wheel-drive and Sam Stewart heads the points following round one and the Donegal driver will be looking for another good result to keep out in front with guidance by Stephen Peoples. Shane McGirr and his Lada Riva will be popular among the field that features over 20 other Ford Escorts.
Six stages wait with crews heading to the forests from the Grovenor Barracks service area in Enniskillen at 10.30am to be on the 2.4-mile stage one, Conagher, for 11.08am. Big Dog follows at 11.32am as another warm up to the first pass of the 16-mile Ballintempo challenge before midday. From there drivers will be ready for service before returning to Conagher for a second loop at 2.18pm.
A full entry list can be viewed at www.rallyscore.net with a seeded version expected following entry closure. Entries are also open for both the McKelvey Asbestos Bushwhacker Rally and Premier Car Parts Dogleap Rally.The event can be followed on the day via the McGrady Insurance NI Forest Rally Challenge Facebook page and live results will be provided by www.rallyscore.net.
McGrady Insurance NI Forest Rally Challenge 2024 Calendar remaining rounds
September 7 – Trailer Parts & Spares Lakeland Stages – Enniskillen Motor Club
September 21 – McKelvey Asbestos Bushwhacker Rally – Omagh Motor Club
October 19 – Premier Car Parts Dogleap Rally – Maiden City Motor ClubNovember 16 – Reserve date (may be used in the event of a cancelled round)
Follow YouTube channel – www.youtube.com/@NIRally
Follow Facebook page – www.facebook.com/nirallying and www.facebook.com/niforestrallychallenge
Bookmark website – https://www.nirallychampionship.com/
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