Lampeter and District Motor Club’s Andy Davies and co-driver Michael Gilbey made a flying start to the 2019 stage rallying season, with category success on the first round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, the Galway International.

Finishing in 14th position overall and 11th in class, they were the highest placed Group N specification car, which earned them maximum points in their category.

“It was just like a road rally on steroids, and the perfect start to our Irish Tarmac Rally Championship,” said Davies.

“We exceeded all of our expectations, and it was really reassuring to know that we can do it on both surfaces.

“My right hand man Michael Gilbey kept us on track all day, and I could not have asked for a better man to guide me.

“My thanks extend to the whole team, it was a huge effort to keep us running smoothly, and the car didn’t miss a beat.

“It doesn’t come much better than winning alongside and with a group of mates.

“Thank you also to all of my sponsors, the Hankook Tyre UK Tyres on Speedline wheels, which were supplied by JD Competition Tyres worked an absolute treat. We now look to the West Cork Rally, with the lead Group N, and most importantly with new found confidence.”

Lampeter’s Meirion Evans and Jonathan Jackson, in their R5 specification Hyundai I20, were seeded at 15 in a sea of R5 cars.

They endured a very testing rally, but still finished 11th overall and eighth in class, which was also an excellent result given the standard of competition.

“It’s easy to see why they call it the hardest rally in Ireland,” commented Evans.

“There was little to no grip, due to the amount of mud pulled out across the road. The result wasn’t special, after starting so well on the first stage. But I didn’t have the feeling to push on the mud.

“At least we didn’t put a mark on the car, however, and we gained valuable mileage, having never driven a four-wheel drive car in conditions like this before.

“Thanks must go to everyone for their support over the weekend. We’re looking forward to getting stuck in to some proper West Cork roads in a few weeks’ time.”Evans and co-driver Jackson made a flying start to the rally as they set the sixth quickest time on the first stage, and at the end of the final stage their total time stood at 1 hour 13 minutes and 26.6 seconds, to place 11th overall, and eighth in class.

Davies and Gilbey’s total time of 1 hour 19 minutes and 15.8 seconds, gave them an excellent 14th overall and 11th in class, as the highest Group N specification car.

Top seed Craig Breen and co-driver Paul Nagle claimed the victory in his Ford Fiesta R5 in 1.10.17, which had made it’s return to the Irish Tarmac Series.

Breen finished 14.4 seconds ahead of second-placed Alastair Fisher and co-driver Gordon Noble (Ford Fiesta) and 48.1 seconds ahead of Josh Moffett (Ford Fiesta) and Leith Moriarty in third.

The modified section was won by Donegal crew Damien Tourish and Domhnall McAlaney in their Ford Escort. Their nearest challengers were Damien Toner and Mick Coady in their Escort Mk2.