THE announcement by the Co Kildare Motor Club of its withdrawal from this year's European Rallycross Championship is bad news for Irish motor sport, and a big blow to Mondello Park.

For the last 10 years the European Rallycross round was the feature event of the year in Irish motor sport. But, after the early years, it failed to attract the paying punters in large enough numbers, live television was lost and the event urgently needed big sponsorship to ensure its success.

New safety and technical regulations this year would have added further costs.

Rounds of the British held at Nutts Corner, Co Antrim on April 26th and at Mondello Park on April 27th.

Last year's winner, John Gilleece is the top seed for the Glencarn Hotel Monaghan Stages - Rally tomorrow, topping the capacity entry of 130 for Round Three of the Coras National Rally Championship. The Belfast dentist leads the 14 round series on 40 points from Ed Synan on 26 and Kieran Shaw on 23.

The Monaghan event starts from Castleblaney, with 3x3 stages at Annayally, Culloville and Lisdoonan, and service between Broom field and Castleblaney.

Gary Anderson, Bryan Harding, Andy Thompson, Baylon McCaughey, Mark Hamilton, Stephen Duddy, Peter Boyles and Barry Gill are some of the short circuit riders competing in tomorrow's Christy Clarke Memorial Trophy motor cycle races at Mondello Park.

Christy Clarke, the brilliant young Rathfarnham road racer was tragically killed during practice for the Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man TT course in 1972.

In Co Donegal competes this weekend at Silverstone. The 22 year old made a stunning return to the Formula Vauxhall Junior Championship at Donington Park at Easter, finishing fourth on Easter Sunday and second on Easter Monday, which hits him to second in the championship.