Multiple Superbike Champion Brian McCormack stars on Rallycross Debut!
Waterford’s Brian McCormack starred on his Rallycross debut at Mondello Park yesterday. Driving in the Patch Tyre Equipment/Naas Court Hotel backed Fiesta Zetec class, the eleven time Bike racing champion was on the pace almost immediately.
In heat one, “Big Mac” ran with the leaders throughout and crossed the line in third place, surprising many of the regulars with his pace. Eyebrows were to be raised even further, however, as McCormack went on to win heats two, three and four showing incredible commitment through the quick corners and impressive racecraft when challenged for the lead on a number of occasions. Unfortunately, his initial heat had slowed his overall time and Brian was placed 5th on the grid for the final. He was left rueing a mistake which saw him cross the line fifth- a position that would have seemed impressive in the days approaching the event, but was ultimately disappointing when he had shown race winning pace during the day!
The series, for standard 1.25 litre Zetec engined Ford Fiestas, has been a huge success as a motor racing class and has now been introduced as a budget Rallycross class. The series, run by the Irish Rallycross Championship, is promoted by Leo Nulty Promotions- and they brought Brian onboard for the opening round.
Brian McCormack: “Now that was fun! The Fiesta class is a cheap, competitive entry class to Rallycross. It started off as a bit of fun for me, but that went out the window when I won heat two. Unfortunately a mistake in the final dropped me back, but it was still a great day out. Thanks to the Irish Rallycross Championship guys, Peter McGarry and Leo Nulty Promotions- I think I might be hooked!”
The series also receives support from McLoughlin Industrial Flooring, Motorsport.ie, partsforcars.ie and Mondello Park.
Copyright free image of Brian McCormack in the Fiesta at Mondello Park above – from James Foley.
