AUSTIN McHale has set his sights on the British Rally Championship as well as the Toshiba Computers (Irish) Tarmac series this season.
The Tarmac includes two rounds of the British - the Manx and Ulster - as well as the new-look Circuit of Ireland, Killarney Rally of The Lakes, Donegal, Cork and Galway rallies.
The first round of the British series is the Rally of Wales on March 10th-11th. With the exception of the Manx and Ulster, the other five rounds are loose surface forestry stage events.
McHale is currently preparing his Toyota Corolla WRC for a busy season, and is confident he can challenge for both championships, even though he has not competed in forestry events for 10 years.
To take on the two championships is a daunting venture but as well as his natural skill, McHale also has plenty of experience and determination.
Following successful preChristmas tests at Donington and Mallory Park, Michael Keohane (Clonakilty) has signed with Meritus Racing for the British Formula three Championship.
Dublin drivers Michael Cullen, Paddy Shovlin, Ciaran Caulfield and Dermot O'Rourke plus Hector Lester (Belfast) are set to race in the prestigious Ferrari Challenge series of 14 races on several of the Grand Prix circuits, including Spa for the opening round on April 29th.
