MOTORSPORT: Dermot Carnegie, John McCluskey, George Tracey, Christopher Evans and English challenger Mike Manning head the entry in the supercar class in Sunday's rallycross at Mondello Park. This Irish championship event is the first of the winter series.
British companionship winners Charlie Donnelly and Peter Dempsey spearhead the strong Irish challenge in the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch. This is the showcase event in Formula Ford racing, previously won by Irish drivers Derek Daly, Michael Roe, Tommy Byrne and Eddie Irvine.
Charlie Donnelly, winner of the UK Formula Ford 1800 title, competes in the Zetec class. Representing the Republic of Ireland in the fiercely competitive 1600s are Peter Dempsey, Leinster Trophy-winner Neville Smyth, Morgan Dempsey, Alan Dwyer, Dave Collier, Denis Sheehan, Declan Quigley, and Derek M Daly. In the Northern Ireland line-up are Mike Edgar, Richard Tannahill, Jamesy Hagan, Kris Loane, John Morrow, Simon Olley, John Ferguson, Henry Campbell and Ryan Campbell.
In a fantastic year, winning 27 races, Dempsey has won the MSV British Championship, Northern Ireland championship, Champion of Brands, Castle Combe Carnival and the Moose Trophy at Oulton Park. To add the festival to his impressive tally would be the icing on the cake for the Ashbourne driver. All races will be held on the short Indy circuit, with the heats run off tomorrow and the finals on Sunday.
Ralph Firman races for Team Ireland in round three of the A1 Grand Prix World Cup of Motorsport at Estoril, Portugal on Sunday. He finished sixth in round two in Germany, a disappointing result as much more was expected of the experienced ex-Jordan driver.
The series is led by Brazil on 30 points from France and New Zealand on 29 points each.
Ireland are classified 11th, sandwiched between Germany and Netherlands, all three on eight points each.
Hewison Trophy drivers compete in autotest championship rounds in Sligo and Galway.
After the two opening rounds of the 2005-06 series Sam Johnston on 50 points leads reigning champion Eddie Peterson (48), JJ Farrell (46), Eamonn Byrne and Christopher Evans (43 each).
WEEKEND FIXTURES - Saturday: Connacht MC, Hewison Trophy Autotest, Sligo IT, Ballinode, Sligo, 12.0; MEC, Sporting Trial, Hoggs Farm, Greenan, Co Wicklow, 1.0; Co Cavan MC, Navigation Trial, starts Maudabawn, Co Cavan, 9.0.
Sunday - Carlow CC, Rallycross, Mondello Park, 10.30; Mayo & District MC, Autocross, The Valley, Swinford, Co Mayo, 11.0; Tipperary LC & MCC, Autocross, Millstreet, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, 11.30; Galway MC, Hewison Trophy Autotest, Ballinasloe, Co Galway, 12.0.
