The Tyrone lanes aren’t the only bends competitors will encounter on this years Moonraker Navigation Rally. Mercedes-Benz Truck and Van (Dungannon) have come on-board with Dungannon Motor Club to ensure this year’s N.I. Championship event is a success.
Entries are already flowing in to the Secretary of the Meeting, Colin Hazelton who said, “It is always a challenge to get going again after the Summer break in the Navigation Championship, so it is nice to see entries dropping through the letterbox already.” Clerk of the Course David White described this year’s route as “just as challenging as last year, but more South of Dungannon to use areas we haven’t been to for a while.”
Although this is a round of the Northern Ireland Championship, the event will cater for newcomers, and crews with limited experience. A special class is included in the regulations where competitors only need to be members of Dungannon Motor Club to compete, and thus avoid the requirement for a full MSA Competition License. Ordinary road cars are perfectly adequate to participate, as illustrated by the success achieved earlier this year when Aideen and Brian McGirr won their class on the Dungannon Snowdrop Rally in their Toyota Avensis.
Current Championship Leaders, Leslie and Gareth Hawe, regard this event as their “Home” rally. “Although it really doesn’t help with the navigation, there is something about competing in your home Club’s event; it is like part of the uncertainty is taken away when you roll up to the start line.” Leslie and Gareth will be hoping to extend their lead in the Championship on September 4th.
As usual, Dungannon Motor Club will be calling on Club Members to come and play that other vital role, namely that of Time Control Marshal. Navigation Rallies will normally have between thirty and forty Time Controls to be staffed by Club Members. This is actually a great way to get involved with the Club, and get up close to the competition on the night. Usually it is possible for a marshal to perform two Time Controls, so there is a bit of fun as well in getting from one point to another. There will be more details on how to get involved in this way closer to the event.
The Start and Finish venue is now confirmed as St Andrew’s Church of Ireland Church Hall at Killyman. There is plenty of room for parking, and a spacious hall for the documentation inspection, and of course, for supper at the end of the event. Mark your diary now – September 4th, and keep up to date by following Dungannon Motor Club on Facebook.