Bogie eyes more Irish events

Scottish rally driver, David Bogie, is preparing for more visits to Ireland beyond this weekend’s Ulster Rally and hasn’t ruled out an Irish Tarmac challenge in 2019.

With a new tarmac-spec Ford Escort Mk2 under construction, the five-time Scottish Rally champion hopes to introduce it to the Irish roads later in the year.

“My last Mk2 was built as a gravel car and for that reason, it was always a bit on the heavy side,” explained Bogie. “We bought a really nice shell from Germany and the build is coming along nicely.”

“Hopefully its debut will be Rallyday at Castle Combe which is next month before possibly doing Donegal Harvest Rally or Killarney Historic Stages.

“I think if you’ve got a good Mk2 the only place to go is Ireland.

“In the Harvest and Historic you’re going to get the best entries, that’s what it’s all about, putting yourself against the best.

“I’ve done Donegal [International Rally] a few times but the Harvest is one I’ve never done so it makes sense, two good events to finish the year.

“The Harvest is a week after Rally GB so the Skoda [Fabia R5] will be parked up.

“That gives us two events in the Escort before we look on to next year.”

Bogie remains undecided regarding his 2019 plans but suggested an Irish Tarmac Championship effort is being possible.

“It depends what the British Championship calendar is.”

“It’s an option to go to Ireland for the Tarmac Championship in the Skoda or do the British Championship again.

“We’ll hang on to see what the BRC rounds are for next year before making a decision but Ireland has become a possibility.”

Adam Hall

Photos by Philip Stewart and Kevin Glendinning