The Ravens Rock Rally hosts round four of this year’s Irish Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge, the high-profile one-make series for Group N Lancers is back for its third consecutive season in Ireland.
Since it began in the UK in 2001, the Evolution Challenge has developed into one of the most competitive and high-profile series’ there is. Because of this its popularity has spread and, as well as the UK and Ireland, the series also takes place in Sweden. As in previous years, competitors in the series benefit from an extensive prize fund that rewards the leading drivers with prize money vouchers and awards on each round. For the first time this season the winning Evo Challenge crew in each of the three countries will be awarded the same prize: A supported drive in the FxPro Rally Cyprus, the final round of the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge ). Then, whichever of the three teams are first home in this event, will be crowned European Evolution Challenge Champions.
Easter weekend’s Circuit of Ireland Rally hosted round one of the Irish Evo Challenge on Saturday and round two on Sunday and, as things turned out, the event produced three winners: John McGlaughlin and co-driver Crawford Henderson won Saturday’s round, whilst Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley won Sunday’s. However, with awards for the weekend presented on aggregate scores from both days, Neil McCance/Sean Ferris took the overall honours having recorded two second places and achieving the highest number of fastest stage times.
Round three, the Lord Bagenal Hotel Stages Rally in Carlow, was a traditional format one-day Irish tarmac rally and, for the first time ever, the top four seeded crews were all Evo Challenge competitors. After a perfect performance, Neil McCance and co-driver Johnny Hart recorded a double-victory by not only winning the Evolution Challenge, but also winning the overall event. Brendan Cumiskey/Conor Foley were second of the Mitsubishis, with Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly third, all finishing in the top-ten overall.
So, looking forward to the June 27 event, the scene is set once again for another fiercely fought affair between the crews aboard the equally-matched Mitsubishis. May the best man win!
The 2010 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland is supported by: Mitsubishi Motors, Pirelli tyres, Sunoco fuels, JRM, Cyprus Automobile Association, Fairways Mitsubishi, Donnelly Group, James Foley Rallysport, Speedline Corse wheels, Murray Motorsport, CL brake pads, Sparco racewear, Pacenotes and PIAA lights.
