National title race hots up on Circuit of Munster Rally
Josh Moffett and Keith Moriarty lead a top entry of nearly 30 Rally2 cars for Sunday’s Circuit of Munster Rally.
Round five of the National Rally Championship features title contenders Sam Moffett, Daniel Cronin, and Eddie Doherty.
Sam Moffett leads the eight-round championship at its halfway point with a three-point lead over Cronin who secured his first-ever National Rally Championship win last time out.
Doherty is a further two points back while Josh Moffett’s title defense hangs in the balance despite winning two rounds already this year. Accidents in Mayo and Carlow mean the Citroen ace can’t afford any more low-scoring results.
Callum Devine and Desi Henry also make the trip to Limerick as the Ulster drivers build up for June’s Donegal International Rally.
After impressing on the Birr Stages Rally and day two of the Rally of the Lakes, David Kelly will be one to watch in his Volkswagen Polo R5. Declan and Michael Boyle continue their national duel, seeded eighth and ninth while Jason Mitchell completes the top ten entries.
Killarney’s Rob Duggan will make his first start of the year aboard a Ford Escort Mk2. Chris and Ed O’Callaghan will be hot on his tail on their home event as Declan Gallagher adds a bit of intrigue in his Toyota Starlet.
Like in the overall championship hunt, there have been three different class two winners so far this year, and the Circuit of Munster looks set to provide another intense front-wheel-drive battle.
Keelan Grogan heads the Rally4 field in his Peugeot ahead of Craig Rahill, and Birr and Monaghan class winner Gareth Deazley.
Deazley and co-driver Oisin Joyce hold a four-point class lead over Matthew Boyle and Gary Byrne who start one car behind them this weekend.
Onthepacenote’s Killian Duffy gives his take on the Circuit of Munster’s three stages.
Cartown (6.25 km), SS1/4/7
A short stage to get the Circuit of Munster underway but it should not be underestimated.
Its overgrown nature makes the roads feel even more narrow and there are a few late, deceptive corners that will need a bit of caution too.
Bushy Island (12.18 km), SS2/5/8
Crews will jump straight into stage two after a really short road section from the Circuit of Munster’s opener.
It is not a simple stage and demands a bit of commitment to get the most out of it. There are bumpy sections and tight corners that follow each other.
Bushy Island will be a good test for everyone, bringing the rally to the edge of the Shannon Estuary for a couple of corners.
Ballintredida (17.85 km), SS3/6/9
The Circuit of Munster has kept its longest stage to the end, starting on extremely narrow roads. Ballintredida is going to be an intense finale with no breaks over its 18-kilometre course.
It goes from narrow to fast and has sections offering different grip levels throughout the stage. There is a lot to keep tabs on and it will keep everyone on their toes up until the rally’s final corners.
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Photo by D Harrigan Images
