MOTOR SPORT/Circuit of Ireland Rally: Fans are spoiled for choice this Easter weekend, with the Circuit of Ireland Rally based in Enniskillen and racing at Mondello Park featuring the opening rounds of the British Touring Car Championship, Porsche GB Cup and British Avon Junior Formula Ford Championship.
And for the 'armchair' enthusiasts there is the San Marino Grand Prix and the possibility of another Jordan win! The top 10 seeds in the Circuit of Ireland are all driving Subaru Impreza WRC's, with the possible exception of last year's winner Andrew Nesbit. The reigning Irish Tarmac Rally Champion is seeded seven due to being a late entrant, and may drive a Peugeot 206WRC - although it's more likely he will be at the wheel of his more familiar Subaru.
After a successful drive on the Circuit of Kerry, Austin McHale is happy with his new Subaru and will no doubt mount his usual determined challenge for another Circuit win.
The Buy and Sell Circuit of Ireland will be run over three days, starting tomorrow with the first of seven stages in Counties Fermanagh and Tyrone, three of which are at St Angelo Airport close to Enniskillen. The nine Easter Sunday stages are in Co Sligo (Lough Bo and Arigna), Cavan (Owenmore River) and Leitrim (Yellow Rivers). There are eight more stages on Easter Monday, close to Enniskillen.
Reigning British Touring Car champion James Thompson, Yvan Muller and Paul O'Neill in Vauxhall/Opel Astra Coupes; the MG ZS trio of Anthony Reid, Colin Turkington and Warren Hughes; and Honda Civic Type-R drivers Matt Neal, Tom Chilton and James Kaye are the leading contenders for race honours and important championship points at Mondello on Easter Monday.
Irish interest in the Porsche Cup race will be on Donegal driver Damien Faulkner and on Charlie Donnelly (Naas) in the British Formula Ford encounter.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Easter Saturday: Circuit of Ireland Rally, starts St Angelo Airport, Enniskillen, 11.00 a.m.
Easter Sunday: Circuit of Ireland Rally, first stage Lough Bo, Co Sligo, 9.00 a.m; Motor Racing, Mondello Park, 12.00 p.m.
Easter Monday: Circuit of Ireland Rally, St Angelo, 8.00 a.m; Motor Racing, Mondello Park, 9.30 a.m.
