Motorsport: Reigning champ Greer eager to defend his crown
LOOKING TO GO BACK-TO-BACK: Carryduff driver Jonny Greer (Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4) seeking back-to-back wins on the Killarney Towers Hotel Historic Rally. Pic: Martin Walsh.
Top seed and last year’s winner, Belfast’s Jonny Greer is looking forward to defending his crown at the Killarney Towers Hotel Historic Rally that starts on Saturday and features eight stages with the final stage under the cover of darkness.
“It’s a long time since the Ulster Rally (last August) and I’m looking forward to getting back out again,” he said.
The fact that neither Moll’s Gap nor Ballaghbeama are not on this year’s stage itinerary hasn’t impacted on the event with the Killarney and District Motor Club organisers, who have secured a new title sponsor, attracting a capacity entry.
Greer, who will be co-driven by Kirsty Riddick, is open minded about the format.
“I think it’s always good to change and do something different. Obviously, Moll’s Gap is an iconic stage that everybody is aware of, but there are many other stages around Killarney that don’t get the same recognition as the Gap.
"I’m more disappointed to lose Ballaghbeama as its probably one of my favourite stages in Killarney.”
Steering his Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4 will differ considerably to that of the Citroen C3 Rally2 he uses in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship series.
“It’s (the Sierra) been in storage most of the year while I was doing the Tarmac championship. It will be a case of getting out of the R5 mode and into the Group A mode.”
He retains a certain amount of trepidation.
“You can never be sure as these cars are thirty years old, you have to be gentle with them.
"I enjoy driving it and the atmosphere in Killarney is great, it’s a very enjoyable rally to do without the pressure of a Tarmac round where it’s all go. I also think it’s a nice time of year to be going to Killarney.”
Killarney’s Alan Ring (Subaru Legacy) has finished runner-up in the past two seasons and has set his sights on victory as he begins the opening stage (Dromin) behind Greer, who knows he will be one of his main adversaries.
“You could see Alan (Ring) got a lot more comfortable with the car as the event went on last year. He was right on the pace towards the end, so he will be one to watch for sure. Then, there will always be someone else that we haven’t accounted for.”
The top end also has former Irish Historic champion Welsh driver Neil Williams, Donegal’s Eamonn Kelly (Ford Escort), his father Donagh (BMW M3), current ITRC Historic champion Duncan Williams (Escort) and Ballydaly’s Mark Falvey in his iconic Mk. 1 Ford Escort RS1600.
The rally is the opening round of the Sherwood Engines Irish Tarmac Historic Rally Championship.
The top seeds in the Modified category are Donegal’s Kevin Eves (Toyota Corolla), Killarney’s Rob Duggan, Donegal’s Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet) and Killarney’s Conor Murphy (Ford Escort).
Meanwhile, the Midland Navigation Trial, round three of the National Navigation Trial Championship begins from Ballinamuck, County Longford with the first car away on the 65 mile event at 9.01pm tomorrow night.
Earlier this week, Motorsport Ireland announced the names of the three drivers shortlisted for this year’s Billy Coleman Young Rally Driver of the Year Award.
Kilkenny’s Jack Brennan (19), Leitrim’s Keelan Grogan (22) and Cavan’s Craig Rahill (19) will vie for the award that carries a €100,000 purse and will be announced on Wednesday next at the Champions of Irish Motorsport awards in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin.
