Dungannon Motor Club Thanks Local Supporters

Dungannon Motor Club held a social evening to recognise the contribution made by local landowners, businesses, and key marshals for their contribution to the success of the Club’s recent events.  Without such support over the years, the Autotests and Rallies wouldn’t have been as successful as they were, and certainly not as enjoyable for competitors.

Thanks to the support of these “unsung heroes” Dungannon Motor Club has consolidated it’s position as one of the top Motor Clubs in Northern Ireland.

The evening was light on formal speeches, and heavy on fun and banter.  Sponsors such as Gerry McVeigh of GMV Cars were interviewed along the way, and he was able to give the party some insight into the rally programme of Kris Meeke.  Norman Burns was able to describe the work he has been doing with the Hyundai World Rally Team, leading up to the launch of their new R5 car.

Highlight of the evening was the wheel change competition.  Here, seasoned mechanics were able to test their skills against landowners, sponsors and marshals to remove and re-install a wheel which was mounted on a special rig.

To make life interesting, two different size wheel nuts were used to secure the wheel, requiring two different sockets on the wheel brace.  For most of the competition, brothers Trevor and John Bleakley held the best time, but were just pipped in the end by Colin Hazelton and David White.

As usually happens, some landowners and sponsors weren’t able to make it on the night, and the thanks from the Club was extended to them as well during the evening.  As attention turns to 2017, Dungannon Motor Club is well placed with a supportive network to build on the 2016 success.