The fourth and final loose surface Autocross event of the season took place in Harringtons Quarry, The Valley, Swinford at the end of September.
In keeping with previous events there was a great entry from far and near with all seven classes hotly contested in particular the junior class. The conditions were perfect, it was cool but dry which was just right for spectators, while the rain from the previous few days kept the dust down which suited the competitors.
The highlight of the event was the battle for top position between Patrick O’Brien and Derek Mackarel. At the end of the first run Mackarel led with O’Brien just three seconds behind.
After the second run, both had bettered their opening run times, Mackarel was still ahead but O’Brien had closed in to within one second of his time. After the third and final run of the day, O’Brien edged ahead with an impressive time of 3:46.52 seconds and took the overall honours of the day.
This year saw a lot of new drivers competing for the first time in the Autocross events. In class seven which caters for 14 to 16-year olds, holding a ‘Junior’ licence in saloon cars up to 1450cc, there were four competitors in action - Molly McManamon from Achill, Ella Conway from Newport, Niall Murphy from Shrule and Darragh Kilbride from Castlebar.
In class sox, which is an intermediate class for 16 to 18-year olds, holding a ‘Speed National B’ licence in saloon cars up to 1650cc, Jack Mannion from Castlebar had a great year for a first time competitor and he took the honours in his class.
Results
Overall Winner: Patrick O’Brien
Mayo & District Award: Patrick McEveney Jnr
Ladies Award: Shauna McEveney
Class 1: 1st Ruairi McGuire 2nd James O’Connor; 3rd Gordon Nimmo
Class 2: 1st Mervyn Galbraith; 2nd Finnian McManamon
Class 3: 1st Andrew McMahon; 2nd Andrew Moore; 3rd Mattie Murphy
Class 4: 1st Hugh McQuaid; 2nd Walter Burke; 3rd Ronan Moore
Class 5: 1st Derek Mackarel; 2nd Andrew Mackerel; 3rd Michael Tynan
Class 6: 1st Jack Mannion
Class 7: 1st Niall Murphy; 2nd Ella Conway; 3rd Molly McManamon
