AFTER A SEVEN-YEAR absence, Eugene Donnelly will be back on Donegal tar again next month when he attacks the 2016 Joule Donegal International Rally.
Donnelly is a three-time winner of the Donegal International Rally, in 2004, 2005 and 2008.
The Maghera man last competed in Donegal in 2009, but will make his return this year in a Lakeland Tyres-backed Mini WRC.
Five-time Irish Tarmac Champion Donnelly, ‘The Genie’, is one of the modern icons of Donegal having claimed a trio of wins in the Corolla.
“I really wanted to do Donegal,” Donnelly said. “It’s been quite a few years since I’ve competed on it and this year’s entry is shaping up magnificently.
“I haven’t done any rallying in about 18 months. I’ve no high expectations, no big testing or anything planned before the rally. I just want to get out there.
“We got a great deal on the insurance cover and that gives me piece of mind starting the rally, but I expect a lot of people will be going very quickly.
“You have Garry Jennings, Donagh Kelly and Declan Boyle in WRCs.
[adrotate group=”67″]“Then there is Manus Kelly who has took to an S12 Subaru and the R5 runners such as Alastair Fisher the Moffett brothers and Keith Cronin. A top ten place at the end could even be a real challenge!”
Donnelly and navigator Paddy Toner are at number 4 on the entry list, which was confirmed this week by the Donegal Motor Club.
The WRC Mini will be run over the three days by McGeehan Motorsport.
“It will be good to see Eugene out again in Donegal. Donegal always has a special magic,” said Lakeland Tyres Managing Director Adrian Frazer.
