Michael Conlon in his buggy took his maiden victory at round four of the Mayo and District Motorsport Club’s Loose Surface Autocross at Harrington’s Quarry near Swinford. In a tight battle he finished just over a second ahead of Derry man James Cassidy in his similar buggy, with Ronan Mackle from Down rounding off a buggy filled podium in third. Despite not being able to participate due to family commitments however, it was Derek Deane from Williamstown in his JB Buggy who had done enough in the earlier rounds to take the title for 2013. Deane won the first three rounds to see him win the coveted championship, as the best three rounds from the four events of the year count towards the final points tally.
Murphy takes young driver’s title
Shrule’s Noel Murphy rounded off a great year by wrapping up the Mayo and District Young Drivers’ Championship by overcoming the challenge of the champion from the past two years, Alan Moran from Foxford. The championship, for Mayo club members under the age of 30, is also decided by the best three scores of the year. Murphy had been consistently quick through the year to lead heading into the final round. With Moran’s Kadett giving him problems it paved the way for Murphy to take the title, and he did so in style by finishing second in Class 2 in his Honda Civic.
Mullen clinches Ulster win
Mayo and District Motorsport Club member Darragh Mullen from Ballisadore navigated Derek McGeehan in their Mini to an overall win on the national section of the two-day Ulster Rally last week. The pair came from behind on the last few stages, and although having to be content with a misfire in their John Cooper Works WRC spec car, they managed to set a blistering pace to win the event by 24 seconds ahead of Frank Kelly in his Escort.
Westport man David Carney along with his regular navigator Ray Fitzpatrick from Laois was taking part in the British Rally section of the Northern Ireland event. Following a good solid drive on day one which saw them sitting in 10th place overnight, they went one better on Saturday to finish in ninth place overall and securing fourth place in class six in their Citroen C2R2.
