International
The #ITRC rolls into Clonakilty on St Patricks weekend for the Quality Hotel West Cork Rally and what a weekend it promises to be. With entries for the main field passing the 130 mark, 20 Juniors and 18 Historics, this promises to be one massive weekends rallying.
Alistair Fisher goes into West Cork leading the Championship after his victory In Galway, however he will need to be at his best to take the spoils on St Patricks weekend. Following the Saturday stages in Galway Sam Moffett was biting at his heels and after his dominant display in Birr he will go to West Cork full of confidence. Younger Moffett Josh will want to prove his pace after a difficult Galway rally and he will certainly be one all the rest must keep an eye on. Rob Barrable and Stephen Wright had a rally long battle in Galway finishing third and fourth respectively and from Stephen, expect him to be fighting for the top places.
Barrable must be pleased with his performance in Galway after almost two years away from rallying. With the new Hyundai R5 under him in West Cork for the first time, it could be too much to expect a win however if he gets a clean run he will be there or thereabouts.
Joe McGonigle might feel a little disappointed with his overall pace in Galway but some of his individual stage times were very competitive and this was his first International in the R5 Fabia. After a dominant win in Mayo at the weekend Joe in his Maxol backed Fabia will head to West Cork full of confidence.
Aaron McHale debuted his new DS3 R5 in Galway and right away his times were much closer to the leaders compared to 2016. Unfortunately for Aaron he didn’t finish due to an off-road excursion but his pace before the off must have encouraged him and will certainly give him confidence going to West Cork.
With no less than fourteen Class 5 cars encompassing six different manufacturers going to the start ramp in West Cork, it promises to be a prolific scramble for overall #ITRC points.