1969 October Sport in the South

This report appeared in MotorWeek dated 18 October 1969. Although uncredited, these reports were usually written by Paul Phelan.

Fog mars Aer Lingus Rally

LAST week-end’s 120 mile event, started from Dunboyne, Co. Meath, former home of the Leinster Trophy Races. Of the 46 starters, 21 were running in the beginners’ section, which only attempted the first 60 miles. Unfortunately, the night was marred by dense fog, causing much loss of time.

The last three clean sheets disappeared at Control 2, near Kingscourt, where Willie O’Brien — Des Flanagan (1500 Anglia), Robert Maharry — Kenny Johnston (Cooper S), and Dave Sheridan -— _ Greg Richardson (Stiletto) dropped 4, 4, and 6 minutes respectively on a tight 4-minuter using an unmarked road.

David Yeates — Frank O’Donoghue retired at this point when they planted their Cooper S firmly against a tree, doing quite a bit of damage. The beginners’ class, which ended here, was won by G. O’Neill — T. Brady (Mini) 30 mins., who just beat J. Curran — A. N. Other (NSU TT) by 1 minute.

The fog worsened during the second half, and all except 2 crews — Maharry — Johnston and Gerry
Forde — Brendan Doyle (Escort TC) were forced to cut Time Points. O’Brien — Flanagan had to head for the finish near Dunshaughlin when they suffered the loss of all but the handbrake.

Maharry, with a loss of a further 22 minutes, easily tookhis first premier, while Forde — Doyle made up for their poor first half showing by managing second place. Noel Meghan — Roy McNamara (Escort GT) won the semi-expert class (again) from Robert Craigie – Damien Dillon (Mini 1000) and Dave Ronaldson — Dave Frazer (Cooper S).

RESULTS

Premier — Robert Maharry — Keny Johnston, 50 marks.

Experts — 1st, Gerry Forde – Brendan Doyle, 94; 2nd, Willie O’Brien — Des Flanagan, 170; 3rd, Dave Sheridan — Greg Richardson, 229.

Semi-experts — 1st, Noel Meghan — Roy McNamara, 394; 2nd, Robert Craigie — Damien Dillon, 510; 3, Dave Ronaldson — Dave Frazer 573.

IMRC AUTOCROSS

The site of the proposed racecourse at Navan was chosen as the venue for the last southern autocross of 1969. Local sponsorship had been obtained, enabling the club to present £25 for B.T.D., with class awards making up a total of over £75. The course was quite fast, with passing allowed, so the large crowd got value for their money.

Right from the start, John Hayes (1098 Cooper S) showed that he meant business, recording 2.28.2 for his first run, against 2.32.4 for his closest rival, Jimmy Reid (1275 S). Hayes’ time was not approached for the rest of the day, as Reid could not better 2.30.0, and there was no-one else within reach.

The rather small entry got four runs each, resulting in the course rutting badly at one end of the field.

Class winners were:
Dave Sheridan (Stiletto), 2.51.3;
Bill Pryor (Rally Imp) 2.42.8;
Jimmy Reid (Cooper S) 2.32.4;
Larry Mooney (JCB VW) 2.37.0; and
Jack Thomas (VW Special) 2.33.6.

Frank Garry (Renault Special) was best novice, in 2.46.4, while Joe Reynolds (Renault R 10) won the overall handicap in 2.28.2 nett.