Countdown begins to Mayo Stages Rally

Countdown begins to Mayo Stages Rally


THE countdown to the 2015 Hotel Ballina-Kennedy Motors Mayo Stages Rally is firmly on following a successful launch at Hotel Ballina, headquarters for the event on March 8.
A large crowd was in attendance on Friday night last to hear information about this year’s rally from a selection of speakers. Among those who addressed the audience were Clerk of the Course PΡdraic Roche and Mayo and District Motorsport Club Chairman Matthew Murphy, who thanked all the sponsors that have made the running of the 2015 Mayo Stages Rally possible.
Among those attending was Andrew Mullen, sponsor of the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship (of which the Mayo Stages is the opening round); Brendan Flynn, representing the Border Rally Championships, and Joe Corcoran from Motorsport Ireland. Local representatives included member of An Garda SiochΡna, members of Ballina Chamber of Commerce and local county councillors, founding Ballina Motor Club members and representatives from all the event sponsors.
With one week to go, Mayo and District Motorsport Club reports that a surge of competitors have entered the Mayo Stages Rally in recent days. Seeding took place on Sunday night and an entry list will be available on www.mayomotorsportclub.com.
Continuing on from the success of last year’s events in Ballina town centre, the rally festival with an array of entertainment returns next Saturday evening, March 7. This kicks off at 5.30pm in the Market Square, featuring a Rally School Ireland display, an F1 Pitstop Challenge, a Mattie Griffin Freestyle Motorcycle Display, a display of rally cars from 8pm and much more family entertainment.
Spectators intending to visit the rally next weekend should allow plenty of time to get to the stages to park and find a safe viewing location, as some of the stages have only limited access. Always obey the marshals and follow their instructions, as they are there to ensure that everyone has a safe day’s rallying. A rally programme with a detailed map will be available to purchase in the area in the coming days, costing €5.
In order to keep competitors and spectators as informed and up-to-date as possible, Mayo and District Motorsport Club uses a range of communication tools in the build-up to and during rally weekend. The club is already providing regular updates via its Twitter account MayoMotorClub and Facebook page Mayo Motorsport Club. Next Sunday when the rally itself roars into action, regular live updates and interviews will be broadcast on Midwest Radio’s Sunday Sports Show on www.midwestradio.ie and 96.1fm.