MOTOR SPORT: Eamonn Byrne, on 181 points, leads the Hewison Trophy Autotest Championship as the series ahead of this weekend's rounds nine-10, run by the Carrick-On-Suir Motor Club. Eddie Peterson, on 175 points and chasing his first title, is best placed to deprive Byrne of a record 11th Hewison title.
Instead of his usual topless Mini Special, Byrne is protected from the elements this season in a Mini "tin top" ( saloon). He may now literally have to open up to hold off the challenge of Peterson. Third-placed Christopher Evans is just two points behind Peterson and leads the sports car class in his Westfield.
To encourage more forestry rallying, Kevin Lynch, Kevin O'Kane and Patrick Elliott, the first three drivers in the National Forestry Championship 2004, receive free entries from Motorsport Ireland for the World Championship Wales Rally on September 17th-19th.
The first round of this year's championship is the Carrick-On-Suir MC's Willie Loughman Memorial Forestry Stages on March 6th.
The Titanic Super Special Stage, in Belfast on February 26th-27th, will salute the success of 2004 Production Car World Champion Niall McShea (Enniskillen).
HEWISON TROPHY PLACINGS (after Round 8 of 16): 1, E Byrne 181 points; 2, E Peterson 175; 3, C Evans 173; 4, P Power 165; 5, S Johnston 162; 6, C Grimes 160; 7, P Phelan 138; 8, L Cashman 124; 9, M Cashman 93; 10, K Irwin 92; 11, F Lenehan 79; 12, S Echlin 76. Class leaders: E Byrne (Mini), E Peterson (Mini Special), C Evans (Westfield), L Cashman (Toyota Starlet), M Cashman (Opel Corsa). Europa Cup (Novices): 1, G Lynch 23; 2, M Doran 21; 3, C Duffy 20.
WEEKEND FIXTURES: Tomorrow: Carrick-On-Suir MC, Hewison Trophy Autotest, Round Nine, Industrial Park, Waterford, 12.0. Sunday: Carrick-On-Suir MC, Hewison Trophy Autotest, Round 10, Industrial Park, Waterford, 10.0.
