CORK MOTOR CLUB

Over 30 years of motorsport

Welcome to the website of
 
Cork Motor Club

Based at Commons Inn Hotel, Mallow Road, Cork City
Club meeting every Tuesday night at 9:30pm. New members welcome
Club members, tell us about your motorsport. Contact the club at: info@corkmotorclub.com

Busy week ahead for Jim Walsh Forest Rally 2010

Rally Launch report available now

MINI set to join World Rally Championship from 2011

The Mini is making a comeback on the international rally circuit. From 2011, the brand will compete at selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and will go on to contest the entire season from 2012 onwards. This involvement is planned for several years. The car charged with this task is the MINI Countryman WRC, which is being developed by Prodrive, in close cooperation with MINI, and is based on the production model. The powerful heart of the racing car is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged engine from BMW Motorsport. The car complies with the new Super2000 regulations put in place by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which stipulate the use of turbo engines with 1,600 cc displacement and four-wheel drive combined with an increased emphasis on road relevant technologies. The first test drive for the MINI Countryman WRC, which will also be available to customer teams, is planned for autumn 2010.

Another Power display by Paddy on Club's Summer Autotest

Results for our Summer Autotest which took place on Saturday, July 10 are available.

Keith Cronin takes victory on Isle of Man International 2010

With just two stages to go, and almost two minutes ahead, Keith eased off over the final tests to take a winning margin of 1 minute 38 seconds.  Read report here

My classic weekend with Trevor and Ronda in West Cork

A competitor looks back on our West Cork Classic Retro of May 15/16 last

Circuit of Munster next event for CMC members

Cork Motor Club members are marshalling on next Sunday's Circuit of Munster (June  6). Meeting time is 7.30am at Snows Cross petrol station on the main Newcastlewest to Rourke's Cross road (R520). Tel Ger on 087 0560316.

Brian O'Keeffe wins Darren Swanton Memorial Rally Sprint

The inaugural Darren Swanton Memorial Cork City Rally Sprint was won on Sunday by Brian O’Keeffe. The event was sponsored by Great Stuff Caterers
Click here for report and full results.

TV3 preview Darren Swanton Rally Sprint

National broadcaster TV3 previewed the Great Stuff Caterers Darren Swanton Memorial Cork City Rally Sprint on Thursday evening, May 27, at 5.30pm. 
If you missed it, click here for another chance to view the coverage. 

Mixed luck for CMC competitors on Jim Clarke International

There was mixed luck for Cork Motor Club members on the Jim Clarke International, a round of the British championship.
Keith Cronin managed to take the lead on Saturday only for an incident with a bank to change things.
Unfortunately Owen Murphy and James O'Brien suffered another non finish on the event. Rally report here.

Win for Byrne and Phelan on 2010 West Cork Classic Retro

it was another victory on The West Cork Classic Retro on May 15 and 16 for Eamonn Byrne and Paul Phelan

Cork's first citizen gives green light to City Rally Sprint

Lord Mayor Dara Murphy launched the Darren Swanton Cork City Rally Sprint at city's new Amenity Centre. A map of the route and an in-car view is now also available. Regulations are still available to download and entries can still be had. Click for details

Cork City Rally Sprint to bring motorsport to the city

It's all systems go for our new event, the Cork City Rally Sprint on May 30 which will make the sport at lot more spectator friendly at an exciting new Cork city venue.

Cork clubs to merge into one super motor club

Cork County could have just one motor club in future if plans by the four County Cork motor clubs come to pass. Full story here

Keith Cronin tames the British Bulldog with second win in Wales

CMC’s Keith Cronin with new navigator Barry McNulty victory on the opening round of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship, the Bulldog International Rally North Wales last weekend (Fri Sat March 26 27, 2010).

The reigning British Rally Champion showed that last year was no first time lucky, with an impressive win, leading from the start. Keith also becomes the first of the Pirelli Star Driver winners to take outright event honours. He was also driving the Pirelli Impreza N15 for the first time in competition.

“We were a bit nervous coming into the event as there was a great deal expected of us,” said Keith.  “But we stuck to our plan and I’m obviously delighted to make such a good start to the championship season.”

Unfortunately, the other CMC story was not so good. Cork Motor Club crew Owen Murphy and James O’Brien retired their Lancer on stage 1 with reported clutch trouble.

"We were just a few miles into the first stage when a problem with the car’s gear selector mechanism meant that we found themselves stuck in fifth. Although we tried to get through the stage, the clutch eventually burnt out and, with no drive, we were forced to stop - a frustrating conclusion for the whole team, having worked hard over the winter to get the car prepared before the start of the season."

Alex Sinclair back in the Motorsport Ireland chief executive's seat

Chief Executive

 

Considerable representation has been received from members of the Motorsport Commission and a number of our committees, including the C.A.C., requesting Alex Sinclair to consider withdrawing his letter of resignation as Chief Executive.  I discussed the matter at length with Alex and on behalf of the Motorsport Commission I am delighted to report that he has agreed to this request, subject to the following conditions set out below:

  1. The Motorsport Commission (MSC) confirms that the role of the Office of Chief Executive is independent within the rules as set out in the Yearbook and in accordance with the policies laid down by the MSC and the Executive Council.
  1. It is accepted by the MSC that all disciplinary actions and all procedures concerning volunteer officials shall only take place in accordance with the rules laid down in the Yearbook or as amended during the year.

At their meeting on Tuesday 23rd March the Motorsport Commission unanimously agreed to this proposal.

 

Joe Corcoran, President, Motorsport Ireland. 26th March 2010

McNulty and Kiely best on the West Cork Rally

Tim McNulty and Paul Kiely, pictured on Ardfield on their way to victory. (M. Schayer Rally Photography www.rallyphoto.biz)


Martin Godfrey, CMC, Tim McNulty, winning driver, Darren McCarthy COC Quality Hotels West Cork Rally, Paul Kiely, winning navigator, Greg McCarthy, CMC, Steve Davis, CMC, get ready to spray the champagne at the finish of the 2010 event . Pic: Ger Leahy

Final report on Quality Hotels West Cork Rally available here

FINAL Results are available to download here.

 Will be adding some extra pics here as we receive them.

Full seeded list for Quality Hotels West Cork Rally

Latest position re Reserves plus Press Releases,  rally programmeoutlets,  Time and Distance schedules plus marshalling info. Full seeded list available. Check out the details Here

Paddy O'Callaghan, Kanturk, Co. Cork. RIP

It is with great sadness that we have heard of the death of Paddy O'Callaghan of Kanturk, Co. Cork.

Funeral details are as follows:

Rosary this evening, Sunday, at 7pm in O'Callaghan's Funeral Parlour, Kanturk. Reposing on Monday from 3pm, followed by removal at 7pm to The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Kanturk. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 2pm, followed by burial in Kilbrin Cemetery. No flowers, please. Donations, if desired, to Marymount Hospice.

Time to renew your membership of Cork Motor Club

It's time to renew your club membership. Edel Fahy has taken over the job of membership secretary. Renewal is €25 for adults or €30 for family. Click Here for more details.
You can contact Edel a
t membership@corkmotorclub.com 

Ford and Citroen prepare for Mexico

Check out the Ford Page and Citroen Page as the WRC heads west 

CMC drivers take to the hills and dales this February weekend

Our February 4X4 Trial took place on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, Feb 20 & 21. Report and results available now.

Extra events for Cork Motor Club championship 2010

The following are the outside rounds for Cork Motor Club navigators in CMC's 2010 club champioship:
Skibbereen's 100 isles navigation trial on February 6 & 7.
Carrick-on-Suir's Wm. Loughman Forest Rally on March 7.
Skibbereen's Fastnet Rally on October 24.

 

1000 Shakes Nav trial victory goes to Kierans and McAdo

20101000 Shakes Navigation Trial. Click here for Results

Retrospective rally prizegiving set for February

Click here for details of 2009 Irish Retro Challenge prizegiving

Citroen are new sponsor for Irish Tarmac Rally Championship

Gerard Lucey takes victory on Christmas Autocross

Gerard Lucey snatched a last run victory on our Christmas Autocross on Sunday (Dec 27).  Click here for full report and results of our final event of 2009

Exciting new format for CMC annual club prizegiving dinner

Our annual dinner took club members down a different road this year, with a casino night plus a much reduced ticket price. Get the full details here.   plus a few Pics Here

White smoke at Clubs and Commission meeting

It is good news for Irish motorsport after Wednesday's (Dec 30, 2009) meeting.
 Outline of result here.

Christmas Charity Quiz is another big success despite freezing conditions

Cork Motor Club's annual Christmas Charity Quiz took place on Tuesday, December 22. Report later.......... 


Some prominent club members are believed to have met earlier this year to plan a quiz winning team for the 2009 edition of this popular event.

CMC meeting discusses Rallies Committee resignations

Club meeting (Tuesday Dec 15) discussed the large amount of resignations at Motorsport Ireland. Click Here for more information

Top spots for CMC competitors on Dunmanway event

Cork Motor Club crews did well on last weekend's Carbery Night Navigation Trial

Club Marshalling Card: CMC club members are reminded to hand in their marshal cards by Tuesday Dec 22, the night of the Christmas Quiz, to be included in the annual club draw for marshals.

Historic outing for CMC marshals

Our latest outing is planned for next Sunday's Historic Lakes in Kenmare. Meeting place is at Jackie Healy Rae's  petrol station in Kilgarvan at 7.30am. Contact Marie on 086 0750409.

Limerick driver takes victory at Cork Production Trial

Brian Berkery wins at Coachford 4X4 on Sunday, Nov 22.  Details and full results here

Bitter first taste of IRC for Keith Cronin & Greg Shinnors

Irish Champions tell it like it is at Rally Forum

Cork Motor Club's Rally Lectures have been a big success and the Rally Forum proved likewise. Click here for details

Another Irish winner on British championships

Owen Murphy collects Mitsubishi Evo Challenge UK Junior Award 2009. Full details here. 

Maguire and Coyle win Startrek Navigation Trial

Shane Maguire and Ciaran Coyle, Subaru Impreza, won the 2009 Cork Motor Club Startrek Night Navigation Trial.  Full report Here.      Results here.


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Jean Todt elected as new FIA President

Questions and answers with Ford's Mikko Hirvonen. Click here

Club members take top awards on Cork 20

Ford the main Focus in Race of Champions

Stars from various motorsport disciplines will drive Ford Focus RS World Rally Cars in the final day of the  Race of Champions in China.

Good outing for CMC members on Imokilly Hillclimb event

Another Cork Motor Club assault on the BRC    Click here for the full details

Only Irish need apply ... changes announced for Tarmac championship

Peterson best on Cork round of Test Trial weekend


Eddie Peterson from Greystones driving a Mini Special took victory on our Hewison test trial at Vernon Mount on Saturday, September 5. (Pics by Fostermotorsport.com)
Click here for full results, report and some more pics.

Final Results for Jim Walsh Forest Rally


Michael O'Brien / James O'Brien pictured on their way to victory in their Ford
Focus WRC on the 2009 Jim Walsh Forest Rally
 
(Pic John Bayly www.rallyfile.com)

Click here for report on the event

What others said about the rally

Final Results are available HERE.

CMC man commits FMC to WRC future

Check here for older items that have moved off the front page


Keith Cronin and Greg Shinnors take British title for 2009.

  Eamonn Byrne and Paul Phelan took another West Cork Classic Retro win when they drove their Mini Cooper S to victory on the 2009 event (May 15, 16 & 17). 

 Ford of Europe has announced that ex CMC member Gerard Quinn is appointed Senior Manager, Motorsport.

 CMC first in Munster and fourth in Wales.

 Liam McCarthy and Kieran Murphy driving a Toyota Corolla WRC, finally got their wish when they won the 2009 Quality Hotels West Cork Rally last March.