New incentive for Mk 2 Escorts ahead of 2016 Donegal Rally

THE BATTLE OF THE MK 2 Escorts is always one of the highlights of the Donegal Rally – and this year’s has just got even tastier.

Organisers of the 2016 Joule Donegal International Rally have confirmed the inclusion of what they call ‘the ultimate Ford Escort MKII prize’.

Beatsons Building Supplies, Den Motorsport, Donald Brown, Calum Duffy and James MacGillivray, in association with the Mull Rally, are offering the leading Irish crewed Escort MKII the opportunity to compete in the Mull Rally in October.

Glenswilly’s Manus Kelly, with Milford co-driver Donall Barrett, won this section last summer, but they compete this year in a WRC Subaru.

There will be a strong local feel to this battle.

Donegal Motor Club Chairman Brian Brogan and Damien McGettigan, Damien Gallagher and Mac Walsh, Damien Tourish and Domhnall McEleney, not forgetting former two-time winner of the International event, James Cullen, with Damien Connolly on the notes, are among those locals at the head of the seedings.

“Our rally always attracts a strong Escort entry and this added dimension will certainly give the crews something to focus on. We are delighted to have struck up this relationship with the Mull Rally,” said Clerk of the Course, Eamon McGee.

Ross Marshall, Director of Beatsons Building Supplies said: “when we wanted to attract the fastest Escort MKII crews to come to Mull, Ireland was the only destination to be considered and Donegal always attracts the cream of the crop”. Ross went on to say” The Mull Rally like Donegal, once you compete you get the bug and need to return year after year.”

Mull Rally Clerk of the Course Andy Jardine said: “Mull has provided a unique tarmac challenge for the last 46 years and this initiative between the organisers of the Donegal Rally, Beatson’s Building Supplies and others will mean that the challenge of the island can be introduced across to the other side of the Irish Sea.

“The Escort has won the rally more times than any other car so to have this going to the quickest Irish Escort pilot in Donegal is very fitting.  We look forward to welcoming the winning crew to the island in October.”