Motorsport Ireland's announcement of a £20,000 award for a young rally driver is designed to encourage those under 27 to strive for this substantial sum to enable him (or her) to progress further in rallying.
To be known as the Billy Coleman Award in honour of the achievements of the Millstreet driver, which includes three Circuit of Ireland wins and the RAC British Rally Championship, the award is being funded by Motorsport Ireland and each of the clubs organising a round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship.
The first winner will be announced in November. Coleman is very honoured to be recognised in such a way and said: "Competitors need the assistance when they are starting out. I can see this award being exactly the kind of boost needed to keep a talented youngster in the sport, where previously lack of finance might have meant that person giving up."
The first six seeded crews in Sunday's Stage Rally being run by the Birr and District Auto Club are: 1, Norman Armstrong/ Podge Newe; 2, Richard Casey/ Christin Madden; 3, Mick McQuaid/Victor Fields; 4, Declan Wilmot/Jim Casey; 5, Kieran O'Neill/Diarmuid Falvey; 6, David James/Ron Guha.
All are driving 2.0 litre Ford Escorts with the exception of O'Neill who will be at the wheel of his Opel Kadett GT/E.
Co Donegal's Damien Faulkner this week confirmed his participation in the new European Formula Palmer Audi Championship. The Moville driver will compete in Europe for the first time, and hopes to graduate to the Formula 3000 Championship in 2001. He faces a tough 20-race programme and in preparation for the season he has been in intensive fitness training for the past two months.
The Mercedes-Benz International Gordon Bennett Rally will take place on June 9th/11th , and will be centred in Tullamore.
The event is open to cars manufactured up to the end of December 1930. More details from Martin Leech, 128 Butterfield Park, Rathfarnham, Daublin 14 (087/2211807).
Weekend Fixtures
Saturday - Leinster MC Lincoln & Nolan Sporting Trial, Sugar Loaf, Kilamacanogue, Co Wicklow, 12.0.
Sunday - Leinster MC Stapleton Cup `Mini' Championship Motorcycle Trial, Sloggers, Glenasmole, Co Dublin, 12.0.
