Young Guns aim to hit the Target in Azores
A host of talented Irish drivers are hoping to make an impression on the Sata Rally Azores this weekend, the 4th round of the FIA European Rally Championship. Waterford’s Craig Breen heads to the island as the leader of the European Championship after back to back wins including his recent, dramatic Circuit of Ireland triumph. Breen will start as number 1 seed followed by his championship rival, Poland’s Kajetan Kajetanowicz.
Monaghan brothers Sam and Josh Moffett have also the trek to the volcanic island for the second European outing of the year. After a strong performance on the Circuit of Ireland where Josh took 3rd overall and Sam 4th, the brothers are keen to attempt more FIA events and they also plan to go to Ypres in Belgium at the end of June to gain more European experience. Josh will start the Azores and number 4 with Sam and 5 and they will be co-driven by Antrim’s John Rowan and Maynooth’s Karl Atkinson in their Ford Fiesta Regional Rally Cars. Killarney navigator Noel O’Sullivan is also representing Ireland on the Azores as he partners young Fermanagh driver Jon Armstrong in the ERC Junior category in a Peugeot 208 R2.
While the above crew will hope to shine abroad, at home competitors and spectators can look forward to action on both sides of the country with Mayo and District Motor Club hosting their autocross at Harrington’s Quarry in Swinford with the action starting at 10.30am on Sunday. On the east coast the Motor Enthusiasts Club will hold a race meeting in Mondello Park on Saturday and Sunday while Sunday also sees Laois Rallysport Club’s Heartlands Mini Stages Rally. The rally has attracted a strong entry with many crews using the event as a shakedown for the forthcoming Donegal International Rally. The first cars will leave event headquarters, O’Loughlin’s Hotel, Main Street, Port Laoise at 9.50am on Sunday morning
