Excitement is building ahead of this weekends Donegal Harvest Stages Rally which kicks off on Saturday morning.
There will be three fantastic stages in the Letterkenny and Ramelton areas, chosen by Clerk of the Course (COC) John Crumlish. The outcome of the Triton Showers National Championship and Sligo Pallets Border Championship will be decided after the nine stages.
Many crews in an intense battle all year for these titles. The rally is also the penultimate round of the Donegal Commercial Vehicles Club Championship.
Sponsored by the Orchard Inn, Letterkenny, COC John Crumlish has thanked the Crossan family for coming on board for the weekend to sponsor the rally and to hold the ceremonial finish at the venue after the final stage.
John also expressed his thanks to the stage sponsors MW Fire Solutions, Donegal Commercial Vehicles and Race and Rally for coming on board as well.
Three stages to be completed three times is the layout for the day, with stages based in Trentagh, Carnhill and Ardrummond, with the final section of the Ardrummond test using the old Ramelton town stage last used over 20 years ago. John also wished to thank all the residents along the route for their warm welcome to the area.
Such was the anticipation for the event returning to the Ramelton area, the Donegal Motor Club is running a marshal training night in the Lennon Lodge in order to facilitate the large number of local volunteers offering to help on the day.
Within the championships, there are a number of contenders available for both the overall and class wins. In the Triton Showers National Championship, both Eddie Doherty and Daniel Cronin are leading on equal points with Monaghan brothers, Sam and Josh Moffett, in second and third respectively. All four drivers have potential for a championship, especially with recent results and Josh Moffett looking to claim the trophy for a potential 4th time.
In the modified section, Rathmullans Kevin Gallagher leads after seven rounds in the Darrian T90 ahead of Daniel McKenna in a MK2 escort. The national championship also includes a MKII Challenge which Michael Carbin and Convoy’s Dean O’Sullivan will be hoping to secure it.
The junior championship has become a Donegal shootout with DMC crew Jordan Jervis and Kyle McDaid currently separated by just two points, resulting in a winner takes all situation on October 12th.
Looking forward to the event, COC John Crumlish says final preparations are well underway, with action starting on Saturday morning with the first car due on SS1 at 10:09.
John once again took the opportunity to thank everyone involved in the early preparation of the event and to all sponsors who came on board. He continued to say, that the rally does not run without the volunteers who give up their time to ensure the safety of both competitors and spectators, with volunteers traveling from all corners of Ireland.
However, Marshals are still required for the event. Anyone wishing to help out can contact Chief Marshal, Tony Boyle, on 0877566863 to register their interest.
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