Foxford’s Alan Moran recorded his best finish of the 2014 Autocross season to-date, with a class two victory at the recent Midland Motorclub’s Loose Surface Event. In total seven Mayo members made the trip with four picking up prizes.
With conditions ideal at the Ballyfeeney track for the 37 entrants, the day did not disappoint, with one of the highlights being the battle between Alan Moran in his Peugeot 206 and Derek Mackarel from Clones in his Vauxhall Nova. When the final flag was waved the winning margin was point zero four (.04 ) of a second, or as one onlooker described it: “The extra coat of paint on Moran’s bumper made the difference.”
The highest placed Mayo finisher was Adrian Deane, who after quite a number of events, and years, finally got the better of his brother Derek, as the siblings finished fourth and fifth respectively. Adrian wants the fact that Derek did not compete a third run due to mechanical trouble in his buggy not to take away from his finally claiming the bragging rights at the kitchen table.
Foxford’s James McGreal in his four wheel drive Subaru Impreza was first saloon car to finish, in ninth place. After a day long battle with some younger machinery and drivers, McGreal proved that he and his car still have what it takes to get the results. Aforementioned Moran claimed 11th in the two-wheel-drive Peugeot 206. Bekan’s Sean McHugh brought his Subaru Impreza home in 18th place overall and picked up second in Class 4.
Westport’s Alan McGuire showed speed and excellent commitment bringing his Peugeot 205 to an excellent 23rd in what is his first season of autocross. Brian McDonnell who extended his holiday home from Australia to take part in the event was not disappointed, enjoying every second of the day and finishing in 31st place in his Toyota Corolla, his only gripe was the fact that he now has to leave his car behind as he heads back to Perth to continue work, promising to return as soon as he can for some more loose surface action.
The event, which was also the second round of the 5 Star Catering National Autocross Championship, leaves all classes wide open ahead of Round 3 in Clonakilty on July 13 and round four in Mayo on July 27.
Podium for Shrule teenager
Galway MotorClub held a two-day grass surface autocross in Dartfield, Loughrea, at the weekend. Fourteen-year-old Jason Murphy from Shrule was competing in the junior class in his 1.4 Honda Civic. An excellent performance on day one saw him win the class and pick up valuable points for the championships. Heavy showers on day two made the surface very slippery and while finding it hard to get grip, Jason still managed another excellent result, this time claiming third in class.
