With just over a week to go to the Donegal Forest Stages Rally, things are moving along closer to ensure the First Car will be leaving the Parc Ferme in Donegal Town at 09:30 on Saturday May 13th. Prepartions are being finalised to make sure that the event will be a success this year.

The stages are in fanstistic condition, with the opening test at Lough Sallagh a tough start to any rally. Next up is the short blast through Meencarrigh which will prove to be a test were any second lost could prove costly. The third stage the Croaghonagh Stage is fast and furious from the word go.

The crews will then visit the Pier in Donegal Town for a much needed service before heading back through the Gap to tackle the previous three stages again, then returning to Donegal for another service halt, and a chance for spectators to get up close to the cars and drivers themselves.

After the short rest in Donegal the crews then tackle the 17kms Tullynacarry Stage twice. This stage could prove to be the sting in the tail for many with 17kms of flowing gravel roads mixed in with Tarmac just to make it even harder for the crews.

Then finally we all go back to the Diamond in Donegal Town for the Ceremonial finish outside the Abby Hotel. Clerk Of the Course for the event, Johnny Baird said ” The Rally is really generating interest in the area all we need now is sunshine and plenty of entries”. He has also urged Spectators to obey the Marshalls and Officals on the day for a safe event. “It’s really important that the spectators get to the stages early and obey the Marshalls for the safe running of the event”.

The Valvoline Championship is currently being led by Josh Moffett followed by brother Sam with last years champion Desi Henry in third overall in a Skoda Fabia R5 close on their heels. All down through the Valvoline Championship there are many class battles and hopefully we will see many of these on Saturday week around the Forests of Donegal.

Press Launch for the Rally will take place on Monday the 9th May in the Abbey Hotel at 7:30pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information on the Abbey Hotel Donegal Forest Rally and the Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Rally Championship please visit the official website @ www.irishforestrally.com