THE 2016 Clanree Hotel Closed Mini Stages Rally, organised by the Donegal Motor Club, was officially launched this evening.
The event, being run for the first time since 2013, is on Saturday-week, January 30, has attracted a huge entry with 104 confirmed competitors so far – and entries are still being accepted.
The Fiesta R5+ of Alastair Fisher and Gordon Noble heads the list, with Martin Doherty, Frank Wray, Gary McPhillips and Desi Henry next in line.
Locals form the bulk of the field with the likes of Manus Kelly, Joseph McGonigle, Daniem Gallagher, Damien Tourish and Brian Brogan among the leading crews.
Two special stages – Dooish and Glenmaquin will each be run twice and the event totals over 90km in road mileage, the full maximum distance.
“We are over the moon about the entry received over the past few weeks and, although we were concerned about the event so close to Christmas, we are so pleased to have this level of interest, which now stands at over 100 cars,” said Clerk of the Course Karl Reid.
Charlie Collins also spoke with competitor and Donegal Motor Club Chairman Brian Brogan as well as popular local driver Manus Kelly.
Listen to the podcast in full below …
https://soundcloud.com/donegalsporthub-club-notes/donegal-sport-hub-podcast-24-donegal-motor-club-mini-stages-rally
