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SEVEN ROUND DUAL SURFACE CHAMPIONSHIP

THREE FORESTRY RALLIES:

The Willie Loughman Memorial Forestry Rally, Saturday 03 March

The Munster Moonraker, Sunday 15 April

The Sean Conlon Memorial Forestry Rally, Sunday 08 July

FOUR TARMAC RALLIES:

The Carlow Stages Rally, Sunday 13 May

The Ravens Rock Stages Rally, Sunday 24 June

The Stonethrowers Stages Rally, Sunday 12 August

The Dick Bailey, Wexford Stages Rally,                                                 2011 Champions Shay Power/John Rafter

Saturday/Sunday 8-9 September    

PROMOTED BY:  THE CARLOW;  CARRICK-ON-SUIR;  MUNSTER;  TIPPERARY  AND  WEXFORD MOTOR CLUBS LTD.

Welcome to the 2012 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship, the recognised ‘clubman’ rally championship. We thank TRITON SHOWERS for again sponsoring the championship. Thanks also to the Carlow Motor Club for hosting the 2011 awards night in mid January.

Congratulations to the 2011 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Champions Shay Power and John Rafter, Ford Escort MK2, Class 5, 79 points who has the narrowest of margins from Shay's brother-in-law Alan Commins and his son James, Escort MK2,class 4, 78 points. Third overall, James Coleman / Michael Haley, Escort MK2, class 5, 74 points. The Year was extra special for the Crrick on Suir Motor Club as all the top three are club members.

To recap on 2011 a little further, going into the final round, the Dick Bailey Wexford Stages Rally, any one of five crews had the potential of winning the 2011 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship. This fact alone describes how close the competition is in this well balanced class based rally championship.

The format and structure of the 2012 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship allows competitors approach their years rallying on a cost competitive basis. Being a class based championship it’s possible for a crew from any of the six classes to be the outright winner.

There are some changes to the structure of the 2012 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship. The Mitchelstown bases Sean Conlon Memorial Forestry Rally has a new date in July, away from the cold wet / snow stages of winter to hopefully the dust trails of summer. So it’s TWO FORESTRY, TWO TARMAC, ONE FORESTRY and TWO TARMAC.

We would encourage competitors to canvass the support of their fellow competitors who may not intend to compete in the championship to register for the 2012 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship. On occasions in the past some crews, although wining their class, were denied maximum points due to insufficient numbers starting some events.

Once again this year, taking cognisance of the current state of the economy and to encourage competitors to register and compete in TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship, the scoring format requires that only three crew need to start in their class to score maximum points (15), two starters (12) points and one starter (10) points. 

             2nd Overall Alan and James Commins                                                              3rd Overall James Coleman and Michael Haley

Championship Contacts:

Championship Registrar; Ann Fitzgerald,

The Cross, Mooncoin, Via Waterford.

Phone / fax 051 895238.

Email;  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Press officer, Joe O’Brien,

Carrick Beag, Carrick-on-Suir. 086 3154442

Click on link as required

Regulations

Entry Form 

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SEVEN ROUND CHAMPIONSHIP: THREE FORESTRY, FOUR TARMAC

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The 2011 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship is, as may be expected, about The Winner, The Championship and The Sponsors. It is also about the promoting clubs, the officials and of course all the competitors who support the events and the championship. We, the promoters know that we have an excellent product, one which has stood the test of time. It has been tweaked to add a more competitive edge. Our innovations have been incorporated into other regional championships; we like to lead the way.

Quite what you might expect. Take for example the sponsor’s product, TRITON SHOWERS. When you walk into your chosen supplier and ask about TRITON SHOWERS, the brochure is produced and your requirements discussed. The box is handed over and when you unpack it, you expect to get what it says on the box. For example the T90Z, “problem solving shower, design and performance, easy to install, quality assured, unbeatable range, guarantee, outstanding customer service” So what you see, you expect to get!

The South East Stages Rally Championship, “ Seven round championship, Three forestry, Four tarmac, Choice of surfaces, Promoted by Four Quality Clubs who run no nonsense events, Excellent range of classes Championship spread over nine months,”. Allowing for recovery and planning for a competitive championship. What you see is what you get.

The winner of the 2011 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship, Shay Power, Escort MK2, class 5, 79 points. That too is what it says on the packaging. John Rafter navigated on most of the events, Derek Gibbs sat in for a few events, and daughter also gave dad a ‘dig out’. I was a little perplexed about the sign writing SPL in bold green writing on the white car. Until I was otherwise informed, I thought that Shay was a Celtic soccer supporter in the Scottish Premier League! :-) Shay is in the earth moving business, big brutish machinery that can, in the wrong hands, do a lot of damage. A delicate touch is required, careful manoeuvring at gentle and slow pace. How unlike in many ways the competitive driving of a powerful rear wheel drive rally car. The ‘big quiet man from the slate quarries’ has proved his worth at the wheel of the rally car. A former winner of the Foley Championship, the precursor of the South East Stages rally Championship, all of 19 years ago. So he’s now another overnight success. Shay is more than capable of planting the accelerator and with his deft touch has complete mastery of his environment. Set backs are taken with a quiet resignation, no hysterical dramas, just the acceptance that sh*t happens and I’m not a victim just a sinner!

The runner up pairing of father and son, Alan and James Commins, Class 4, Escort Mk 2 or RWD Peugeot 205 depending on the surface were just one point behind on 78 points. The results are just numerical indicative. The shortage of competitors on three rounds denied this team maximum points and potentially the 2011 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship. Being the sportsmen that they are the championship rules were accepted.

Third overall are James Coleman and Michael Haley, Escort MK2, Class 5, 74 points. Remarkable that first and third came from class 5. Another fantastic performance from the Escort MK2.

Coincidentally, all three crews are from the Carrick-on-Suir Motor Club and all are involved in the club’s activities.

So that about sums up the 2011 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship, linking our sponsor, our promoting clubs and the winning crews.

Thanks to our register Ann M. Fitzgerald for keep the operation up in the air and to the secretary/financial controller Winnie Sheil for maintaining the level in the coffers. And of course to Kevin Barrett of TRITON SHOWERS for his continued support of our ‘the clubman competitors’ championship.

To all involved in Motorsport, we wish you all a safe and competitive 2012.

2011 AWARDS PRESENTATION - Letter to Competitors

TRITON Showers  South East Stages Rally Championship - 2011 Final Results

Review of the 2011 Season

Championship Website

The Mount Wolseley Hotel

Dick Bailey Wexford Stages Rally Event Preview

by Joe O'Brien

Click here for 2011 Results

Click on Triton Logo to go to Championship Website / Click on Images to view in High Res

Welcome to the final round of the 2011 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship. As ever the final round of our seven event championship is the Wexford Motor Clubs Dick Bailey Stages Rally which take place over two days of tarmac action. Once again the outcome of the Championship is going to the wire, with an optimistic five crews in a position to taste victory.

Despite the ongoing recession this rally championship is still attracting a competitive field. It’s also helped by the fact that it’s a class based championship that allows competitors from the six classes, regardless of their budget, the opportunity to win this well fought and contested championships. Whilst some rounds have been a bit bereft of competitors nevertheless there has always been keen competition.

Ignoring the fact that competitors best five rounds count and some crews have competed in six rounds to date and intend going for clean sweep of doing all seven rounds, I’ll record their maximum points and let the mathematical permutations to those who understand sums better than I...

First overall are the class 3 crew of Derek Butler / Diarmuid O’Shea in the ever reliable Honda Civic on 70 points. This crew has competed on the three forestry rounds and two of the tarmac. They have been fantastic ambassadors for FWD cars encouraging others to the joys of forestry rallying.

Second overall are Shay Power and John Rafter, class 5, Escort MK2. Shay is a previous winner of the South East Stages (years ago) and has an undiminished appetite for rallying on both forestry and tarmac. Non-finishing on the Ravens Rock within a stone’s throw of his house was another disappointment, he shrugged off as part of rallying. Most disappointed was daughter Katie who was navigating as regular navigator (Raffter) was on official duty on the Kilkenny event. Shay and John are just one point shy of the leaders on 69 points.

Third overall is Mick Nevin and Michael Garahy in the ever reliable class 2 Ford Escort MK2. Mick is as ever best described as a multiple winner of the TRITON SHOWERS SES Rally Championship over the years. Forestry or tarmac it’s all the one to this crew. Nothing elaborate or flamboyant, just doings the basics and keeping things simple and well maintained. As there are only two crews registered in the class the points scoring has mitigated against them this year. It’s surprising that they are so far up the leader board at this stage of the championship with 68 points from five rounds.

Just taking a sentence,to remark on the fact that Alan and Jamie Commins are on 67 points. So the leading four are all separated by just one point between each position. There are two further dark horses in the title shoot out that may well have a mathematical chance of being feted as the winners of the 2011 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship. More anon.

Class 1. Emmet Cronin / Richie Long, Escort MK2 are well ahead on 30 points. Their usual engine is a real screamer and a feat of modern technology. Happier on forestry but no mean performers on tar either. Colin O’Toole / Francis Kelly are second on 22 points are seem to be concentrating on forestry . Third are another recognised forestry crew, Joe Shinnors / Derry Healy on 17 points.

Class 2. The other lone players in this once very popular class are Pascal O’Shea / Robbie Hennessey on 64 points in the well maintained Ford Escort MK2. Leading the class and enjoying the support of the “parish based” Buckstown Motorsport.

Class3. Class leaders and a world class rallying act are Craig Breen / Garath Roberts, Ford Fiesta on 45 points. Swopping between his brace of Fiestas has probably cost them the championship lead but they have bigger fish to fry in the international rallying arena. Second are Seamus Flynn / Ian Munnelly in the FWD Ford Focus on 44 points. This car and crew are a welcome return to rallying in what could have been the flagship rally car, but for the devotion to the ESCORT MK2. Sharing the points (44) are Douglas Stewart / Billy Ryan in the Peugeot 306. This crew have a great record in forestry but mishaps have marred their tarmac exploits. As an aside it’s fantastic to see the FWD cars to the fore.

Class 4. Class leaders are the family team of Alan and James Commins who alternate between the MK2 and the RWD Peugeot both Pinto powered. Their points tally of 67 lets them with the cusp of lifting the Championship provided they win the class in Wexford and others suffer a hiccup or two over the testing two day event. Second are Sean Benskin / Joe Fitzgibbon on 44 points in the MK2 escort who rarely venture onto tarmac. Third are Paul Quinlan / Tommy Cuddihy also in an Escort MK2 who are scoring steady finishes are comfortably on 41 points.

Class 5. The Dark Horses - James Coleman / Michael Haley and Frank Kelly / Liam Brennan both in Escort MK2’s share the lead on 60 points. Both are very competitive and the will to win is a trait in both drivers. Both also have a mathematical chance of winning the 2011 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship, depending on the fate of others. A battle to watch. Third are another crew under the Buckstown Motorsport banner, Johnny Murphy / Martin Nolan also in the unusual four door MK2  on 31 points.

Class 6.  Ger Connors / Owen O’Neill are well ahead in 55 points. They have missed just one round are well on the way to maintaining the class lead in the Subaru Impreza. Second are Owen Murphy / James O’Brien on 46 points in the forestry spec Mitsubishi Lancer. Third are the Co.Monaghan duo of Vincent and J.P. McAree on 45 points also in their forestry spec Mitsubishi Lancer.

Many competitors in the 2011 Championship support the clubs by competing on their respective rallying disciplines, be it forestry or tarmac. In these recessionary times it is gratifying that so many crews also support the championships that the events count towards. Our prayer is that ‘may they continue to have deep pockets’!! Rallying never was and never will be a cheap sport but the friendships that have been built upon over the years are enduring.

Our best wishes to ALL associated with next weekend’s event and the TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship.

What a difference a day’s rallying makes; the old order has changed and we now have a new look leaderboard. I’m told to be brief so it’s only the bare bones that is appearing below.

Nothing new or remarkable about the latest leader of the 2011 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship.  Once again it’s the indomitable Mick Nevin / Michael Garahy, Ford Escort MK2, class two on 68 points. It’s the usual stuff nothing flash or remarkable except their finishing record and the ability to get the job done with the maximum return.

 In the runner up position are Frank Kelly / Liam Brennan, Escort MK2, class 5 on 60 points. Another crew who are enjoying their dual surface rally championship which is the unique feature of the TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship. They have had three class wins including bonus points which put them in the position of potential 2011 Championship.

Third o/a are Derek Brennan / Diarmuid O’Shea, Honda Civic, class 3 on 58 points. These lads are enjoying the craic of forestry and tarmac as well, so who says the Civic are too soft for Irish Forestry rallying.

Up to the Ravens Rock Shay Power, Escort MK2, class 5 was in command but the throttle- wire wasn’t up to the job. James Coleman, Escort MK2, class 5 was on 00 duty and Owen Murphy, Mitsubishi Lance, class 6 was on an early summer break.

Last year’s TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship winner Andy Fanning has thrown his hat at this year’s championship as his impeccable finishing record has deserted him, he’s now out in the ‘big engined’ Ford Puma. Also losing out due to a car change is Craig Breen who had his big ‘engine’ Ford Fiesta on Ravens Rock duty in anticipation of engaging the WRC brigade in battle. The white flag was run up early and the experts say he would have won the Rock anyway, just by a smaller margin.

Class 1 Positions are unchanged as none of the registered crews started. Emmet Cronin, 29 points. Colin O’Toole, 22 points. Joe Shinnors, 17 points.

Class 2 Pascal O’Shea is the only other registered competitor and is thriving on his way with 54 points. One of the Buckstown community of competitors, look them up on Facebook.

Class 4 Alan Commins and son James have knocked the Ballycotten crews from the ‘top sails’ and are leading on 55 points. Sean, Ray (jnr)  and Ray (snr) Benskins are on 44; 40; 35 points respectively.

Class 5 Shay Power, James Coleman and Ed Colton are holding station on 54; 48; 30 points. There’s a few “buckos” from Buckstown who are eyeing up their positions and are intent on mounting a raid!

Class 6 The sad story here on the Rock was an entire no show from all registered crews. The class positions are shared by five crews as some are on equal points. It’s not cheap to keep these machines on the road and I suppose it’s unfair to expect them out on every event. Owen Murphy is leading on 46 points. Ger Connors and Vincent McAree are sharing 45 points. Mark Murphy and John Reid are sharing 32 points.

The final round of the 2011 TRITON SHOWERS South East Stages Rally Championship is the Dick Bailey Stages Rally (2 day)            in Wexford on the 10th/11^th Sept.