CONNIE SMITH, one of rallying's most spectacular drivers and loved by the fans for his controlled tail slides, chases his second successive Midland Stage Rally success on Sunday.
Sponsored by Rapid Print and, Benedict Transport, the Midland MC event will be run over a 10[ miles closed road in the Keenagh area with the rally's headquarters based in Longford's Annally Hotel.
Smith will have to push his Escort Mk2 really hard to hold off Moffett Brothers of Monaghan Robert in a Metro 6R4 and Maurice in an Escort G3, who were second to the Ballyjamesduff driver in this event last year.
Tom Holton of Enfield leads the charge of the Escort Cosworths, along with Eugene O'Donnell and Granard 1992 winner Eddie Torrens. Sierra Cosworths will be handled by John McCluskey, Fergal Allen, Adrian Foley and PJ Woods.
In Escort Mk2's will be Noel Conaty, Mick McArdle, Michael Cadden Gerry McDonald, James Cole and Paul Parkes. Alan Chambers drives a Toyota Celica GT4, Des Bruton will be at the wheel of his rear drive Peugeot 205, Gordon Webster and Ernest McMillan are driving their Suzuki Swifts, and also entered are top rally cross drivers Tommy Graham and Derek Jobb.
The Republic of Ireland aim for a sixth successive victory in the International Trophy Autotest tomorrow. Organised by the Trials Drivers' Club (TDC), the tests will be held in the now disused Phoenix Park Racecourse.
Eamonn Byrne (Mini Special) leads the Republic of Ireland A team of JJ Farrell (Mini), Ronnie Griffin (VW Buggy) and James Pringle (Starlet). There is also a strong B team of Christopher Evans (Mini Special) Chris Grimes (Mini), Peter Lynch (VW Buggy) and Fran Lenchan (Nova).
Northern Ireland has two teams. Their A side consists of Sam Bowden, Davy Boyce, Gilmore Magee and Harold Hassard, while their B selection is Robert Dickson, Milton McWilliams, Eric Patterson and Ron Mullen.
England will he represented by Alastair Moffett, Mike Sones, Peter Jackson and Dave Cook. There is also a big reserve list, all competing for individual honours, making up an entry of over 40 drivers. It's an early enough start, at 10 a.in.
. A new motor club is being formed in Co Louth to specifically cater for competitors and enthusiasts in the North East. Further details may be had from Adrian Crawley, telephone 041-56885.
