Edwards: West Cork result a big confidence boost

Matt Edwards is heading to Saturday’s Circuit of Ireland Rally with renewed confidence after an inspired performance on the West Cork Rally.

The Irish Tarmac newcomer overcame extreme elements over West Cork’s three-day event to secure a second-place finish on the second round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.

With less than two weeks between West Cork and the Circuit of Ireland, Edwards is excited to get stuck into his latest Irish Tarmac outing.

“The result in West Cork definitely buoyed the confidence,” said the 39-year-old. “It was a much-needed result after Galway. The team put in a big effort before and after Galway so it was nice to give them some reward on the West Cork Rally.

“There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to get the confidence back and it paid off. I didn’t really get involved in anything other than what I was doing during the rally. I was only focusing on getting my confidence back and it paid off with a strong runner-up finish.

”Edwards was consistently in West Cork’s top three over its 18 challenging stages. It was the perfect remedy for his early exit on Galway’s championship opener a month earlier.

Three fastest times on West Cork’s final day proved that the Welshman had put Galway’s drama to the back of his mind and had found his usually high-speed potential.

“I feel like my pace was close to where it needs to be by the end of West Cork’s three days. It was comparable to Keith Cronin and William Creighton. In the tight, twisty, and even dry conditions we were there or thereabouts.

“The thing to note for me was that there was a lot less thought going into the rally. Things were happening more autonomously which is a positive sign for me. Hopefully, we can carry that forward to the Circuit of Ireland which is one day and not much time to bed in.

“It is a long time since I have had two rallies so close together which will hopefully be an advantage for us. The fact that the stages are pretty much new for everyone is a good thing as well. It is just a case now of making good pacenotes and putting plenty of trust in them from the very first stage.”

The Ford Fiesta Rally2 driver moves onto round three of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in third place, 6.5 points behind Josh Moffett. This year’s Circuit of Ireland winner will be decided over eight classic tests between Dungannon and Armagh. Edwards will face stiff competition from regular ITRC suspects Callum Devine, Cronin, and Moffett as well as local drivers Cathan McCourt, Desi Henry, and Ryan Loughran.

“It is fair to say that we are in a more positive mindset which is great. That is thanks in no small part to Ryan Loughran at NPL Rally Hire and Marty McKenna at C&M Motorsport Sales for their support.

“A big thanks to all of the sponsors that are onboard this season – J Ryan Haulage, Swift Group, Lyons of Limerick, Pirelli Motorsport, Speedline, Ears Motorsport, Better Built Homes, GRT Hire, Witham Motorsport, KWP Partitions and Ceilings, McGrory’s Hotel, and Evermore Energy.

“It is great to be aligned with top companies who have made our Irish Tarmac bid possible. Hopefully we can bring them a few smiles this weekend.”

Photos by D Harrigan Images