a sneak peek at 2019 down rally entry...
04 Jul 2019
Entries have closed, seeding is complete and our Deputy COC Brian Crawford has found a little time in his packed schedule to review what can only be described as a spectacular entry list. We asked him to give us a teaser of some of the names that stood out for him.
"Yet again, our entry list is overflowing. A huge thank you to all of the competitors who have entered the 2019 Carryduff Forklift Down Rally. We thought we did something pretty special last year, but we think that 2019 may just top this and the returning talent shows just how much they enjoyed last year. The introduction of a third championship has added even more variety with historic Minis travelling from near and far to take on the challenging County Down stages. Martin Melling and Barry Stenhouse will be hoping to pick up some points for the FUCHS Lubricants Classic Mini Challenge."
"We welcome back Jonny Greer and Kirsty Riddick, our 2018 winners, to battle to defend their title in a different car than last year, the Fiesta R5. One team that will be battling Jonny and Kirsty for the win will be reigning British Champion Matt Edward's and Paul Norris. It's great to attract that calibre of driver to the event. Matt navigated on last years events and couldn't wait to get back to take on the challenge of the Down roads in the driver's seat."
"From Wales we look forward to welcoming Melvyn and Merrion Evans back to the event. This year will Merrion and Jonathan Jackson surpass his Father and Aled Davies again? It will be interesting to see who fairs better in the family battle of youth vs experience. The Evans aren't the only teams making it a family battle. Bushmills brothers Brian McFall with Matthew McKenna and Colm McFall with Ronnie Craig, will both be out in the Mitsubishi Evos. It will be interesting to see how Brian in the Evo 10 will fair against big brother Colm in the Evo 9. "
"In the McGrady Insurance Northern Ireland Championship entries we have Derek McGeehan and his son Mark who will be looking to further secure their lead in the championship. Looking for points will also be Derek McGarrity with Paddy Robinson and Stephen Wright. Championship sponsor Fintan McGrady and Ray Fitzpatrick will also be out in the Escort "
"Other local crews include Rathfriland Motorclub members Frank McMullan and Paul Killen. From Ballynahinch there will be a lot of motorclub rivalry but brothers Johnny Morrow and Philip Morrow who are only 3 minutes from the Eikon stage, will certainly be entertaining"
"We are also delighted to welcome Jon Armstrong in the Mini Countryman. A man with great talent in virtual rallying he will certainly be one to watch on the tarmac."
"The Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Championship contenders are back this year. Chris Wheeler and Shaun Layland are back in the Citroen while Wayne Sisson and Michael Hendry are back in the Evo 10."
"Its a stellar entry and we look forward to seeing all of the Crews take on the event"
#CARRYDUFFFORKLIFTDOWNRALLY #SeriousCraic #AreYouUpForIt #ModernClassic
Entries have closed, seeding is complete and our Deputy COC Brian Crawford has found a little time in his packed schedule to review what can only be described as a spectacular entry list. We asked him to give us a teaser of some of the names that stood out for him.
"Yet again, our entry list is overflowing. A huge thank you to all of the competitors who have entered the 2019 Carryduff Forklift Down Rally. We thought we did something pretty special last year, but we think that 2019 may just top this and the returning talent shows just how much they enjoyed last year. The introduction of a third championship has added even more variety with historic Minis travelling from near and far to take on the challenging County Down stages. Martin Melling and Barry Stenhouse will be hoping to pick up some points for the FUCHS Lubricants Classic Mini Challenge."
"We welcome back Jonny Greer and Kirsty Riddick, our 2018 winners, to battle to defend their title in a different car than last year, the Fiesta R5. One team that will be battling Jonny and Kirsty for the win will be reigning British Champion Matt Edward's and Paul Norris. It's great to attract that calibre of driver to the event. Matt navigated on last years events and couldn't wait to get back to take on the challenge of the Down roads in the driver's seat."
"From Wales we look forward to welcoming Melvyn and Merrion Evans back to the event. This year will Merrion and Jonathan Jackson surpass his Father and Aled Davies again? It will be interesting to see who fairs better in the family battle of youth vs experience. The Evans aren't the only teams making it a family battle. Bushmills brothers Brian McFall with Matthew McKenna and Colm McFall with Ronnie Craig, will both be out in the Mitsubishi Evos. It will be interesting to see how Brian in the Evo 10 will fair against big brother Colm in the Evo 9. "
"In the McGrady Insurance Northern Ireland Championship entries we have Derek McGeehan and his son Mark who will be looking to further secure their lead in the championship. Looking for points will also be Derek McGarrity with Paddy Robinson and Stephen Wright. Championship sponsor Fintan McGrady and Ray Fitzpatrick will also be out in the Escort "
"Other local crews include Rathfriland Motorclub members Frank McMullan and Paul Killen. From Ballynahinch there will be a lot of motorclub rivalry but brothers Johnny Morrow and Philip Morrow who are only 3 minutes from the Eikon stage, will certainly be entertaining"
"We are also delighted to welcome Jon Armstrong in the Mini Countryman. A man with great talent in virtual rallying he will certainly be one to watch on the tarmac."
"The Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Championship contenders are back this year. Chris Wheeler and Shaun Layland are back in the Citroen while Wayne Sisson and Michael Hendry are back in the Evo 10."
"Its a stellar entry and we look forward to seeing all of the Crews take on the event"
#CARRYDUFFFORKLIFTDOWNRALLY #SeriousCraic #AreYouUpForIt #ModernClassic