Gary Leonard is the Clerk of Course for this year's Corrib Oil Galway International Rally.
A checklist of Gary's driving history could read like the pace notes for the challenging two day rally. Starting back in the noughties, young Mr Leonard showed his love for motoring with his first purchase, a 1987 BMW 325i A car he claims spent more time with the mechanic than on the road, It was traded for a more practical Honda Accord, but to Gary's relief he's back behind the wheel of a BMW520 company car.
Favourite Journey. 'The motorway to Dublin' is Gary's instant reply to his favourite journey question. ' Well, it's to Dublin Airport ' he adds, so more the destination than the journey. Though when doubted he lists, Shannapheasteen and Diamond Hill as favourite drives. Both former stages in the Galway International Rally.
Soundtrack. Gary could be described as laid back and it's no surprise his music choice is anything upbeat. He admits listening to motoring broadcaster Gerry Murphy at times and occasionally Niall Boylan on Classic Hits FM.
Favourite Passenger. For this petrol head , his ideal passenger would have to share a love of cars. Gary nominates Oranmore rally driver Ross Forde as his co-driver.
Ideal Chauffeur. As well as organising this year's Galway Rally, Gary has competed in a fair few as well. So who would Gary be happy to let take the wheel? Craig Breen, the former Junior World Rally Championship and M-Sport Ford World Rally driver no less. Lotto Win Car. All sports have their own language , so when asked what his lotto win car would be, Gary replies in rally speak. 'EVO IX' He kindly explained it is the legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the much sought after rally car which ceased production in 2016. Gary admits it would be totally impractical and only used as a 'Sunday Car', for the other six days he would get a Porsche Cayenne.
The 2023 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally, the traditional season opener for tarmac rallying in Ireland, will take place on February 4 and Feb 5. This will be the 45th running of the event since it began in 1971.
