After two months since the previous round, the battle for the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland resumes next weekend, when the ALMC City North Hotel Stages Rally hosts round four of the all-asphalt one-make series for Group N (production specification) Lancers Evolutions.
Following a decision to move the fourth round from Donegal, to ensure all registered Evo Challenge crews were able to gain an entry, series organisers are delighted with the reception they have received from the County Meath-based event. Consequently, the only one-day rally in the Evo Challenge calendar has proved to be a popular choice, with nine crews entered - the series’ largest entry so far this season.
The event has also proved popular with other competitors, its full entry list boasting a total of 132 cars, plus a reserve list of 70!
An ‘interesting’ seeding for Evolution Challenge crews sees Owen Murphy, with co-driver James O’Brien, lead the Mitsubishi field away. The 21-year old charger will be looking for better luck this time round, following retirement in round three due to an ECU fault on day one.
Next to start are current series leaders, Alan Carmichael/Ivor Lamont, who won in West Cork and have finished every round so far. They are therefore aiming to continue their 100% points-scoring performance.
Although winning more stages than any other Irish Evo Challenge driver so far this season, Colm Murphy is yet to score, having retired on the second day in all three rounds. With a different co-driver in Anthony O’Conaill, he starts third of the Evo runners this time out and is hoping that the one-day format may well see him to make it to the finish!
Double-winner Brendan Cumiskey starts fourth and, with co-driver Conor Foley, whom he recorded his Killarney Evo Challenge victory, he will be out for a repeat performance – especially as this is his most local event. Stanley Ballentine/Richard Hyland are the fifth Evo Challenge crew to start and, after two podium finishes in the last two events, they have every chance of another good points haul on this event.
Next in line and rejoining the Mitsubishi series after only contesting round one - in which they retired - Darren Caldwell/Martin Costello make a welcome return and are hoping that their local knowledge may stand them in good stead. Seventh Evo Challenge seed is Tom Curley, who has shown good form this season and is destined for a high points score – provided his car is not still plagued by frustrating technical issues.
Surprisingly seeded as eighth Evo Challenge crew are Damien Tourish/Domhall McAlaney, who led the Mitsubishi series in Killarney during day-two, right up to the final stage. Having since found more power from their Lancer’s engine, it is expected they will be a force to be reckoned with next weekend.
Rounding off the Evo Challenge field are Michael Murray/Aiden Marrion, who - with a rebuilt engine – are hoping to finish well above their seeding suggests this time round.
The ALMC Stages Rally starts and finishes at from the event’s headquarters – and its title sponsor’s premises - the City Hotel North Hotel, just off the M1 near Gormanston, about 30 kilometres north of Dublin City Centre. The route features three stages, ran three times, on closed public roads in County Meath, providing a total competitive distance of 129 kilometres.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland is supported by: Sunoco Racing Fuels, Pirelli tyres, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland, Performance Friction Brakes, Speedline Corse wheels, PIAA lights, Murray Motorsport, Sparco racewear, Pacenotes and James Foley Rallysport, who are providing a Group N Lancer Evolution for the 2008 Champion to use in next year’s Rally Ireland.
Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland – Round 4
List of entries in start number order
15 Owen Murphy (Cork)/ James O’Brien (Cork) (J)
16 Alan Carmichael (Ballymena)/Ivor Lamont (Ballymena)
20 Colm Murphy (Dublin)/Anthony O’Conaill (Ballymakeera)
21 Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/Conor Foley (Ballinode)
23 Stanley Ballentine (Strabane)/Richard Hyland (Omagh)
24 Darren Caldwell (Navan)/Martin Costello (Trim)
31 Tom Curley (Oranmore)/TBC
32 Damien Tourish (Donegal)/Domhall McAllaney (Donegal) (J)
51 Michael Murray (Longford)/Aidan Mannion (Kilcolgan)
(J) = Junior driver
Championship Positions after round 3
Drivers
1 Alan Carmichael 27
2 Brendan Cumiskey 24
3 Tom Curley 15
4 Owen Murphy 10
5 Stanley Ballentine 18
6 Michael Murray 11
7 Damien Tourish 10
8 Liam McFall 6
Co-drivers
1 Ivor Lamont 29
2 Richard Hyland 18
3 Aidan Marrion 13
4 Peter O’Toole 12
5 Conor Foley 12
6 Domhall McAllaney 10
7 Paul Horan 8
8 Pat Cashman 8
