Entries for the 2022 McHugh’s Service Station Mayo Stages Rally have passed the 180 mark this week and competitors are reminded to get an entry in to avoid disappointment.
There is strong interest across all the categories to date with all classes well represented. Next week when the much-anticipated entry list breaks cover, there will be a look at not only the leading contenders who are vying for success, but also the local crews who will tackle the eight stages laid on by Killian Duffy and his organising team.
Local man, Danny McHugh, who is the overall sponsor of the event said: “Already there is a great buzz around the place, I understand there is hardly a bed to be had for miles around and hotels and restaurants are reporting a steady stream of bookings, we are ready at our Ballindine premises and we are looking forward to welcoming the competing teams, their sponsors and crews, and the thousands of spectators that will line the route and they will bring a welcome early season boost of visitor numbers to the area and contribute massively to the local economy.”
Killian Duffy added: “For the public, the rally will get underway in earnest on Saturday evening (March 5 ) when the leading competitors as well as all the local drivers gather in the square in Claremorris for the Ceremonial Start which is sponsored by local business Western Truck & Trailer and will get underway at approximately 7.30pm; we will have more plans soon of other entertainment that will be taking place alongside, this is a great opportunity to see the rally cars and crews up close, and is especially suitable for families with small children. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank some of the other local sponsors who are coming together to help an event of this magnitude take place in the area, Heneghan Plant and Electric Skyline are sponsoring the Service area which will be located in Claremorris and our Stages sponsors are The Ranch in Claremorris and Gerry Ronan Transport."
The McHugh’s Service Station Mayo Stages Rally is an event that is sanctioned by the FIA under an official Permit issued by Motorsport Ireland and supported by the RSA – Road Safety Authority of Ireland. All competing cars will carry its logo and message, and signage to promote this road safety message will be visible around the area. Padraig Roche, Clerk of the Course, encourages fans travelling to the McHugh’s Service Station Mayo Stages Rally to heed the message from the organisers to ‘Keep the Race in its Place’, to slow down, never drink and drive and to always wear a seatbelt. All spectators on the closed road stages must always obey the Marshals, as they will be implementing a comprehensive Safety Plan. A traffic management plan is also in place with the support of the Gardai.
The Official Rally Programme will contain the full listings of stage times, service area details, detailed Route Maps and all the information required to locate the many spectator access points. This Programme will be available in shops in the area prior to the rally on March 6.
