Josh Moffett and Andy Hayes stamped their mark in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship by taking the top spot in the Citroen Racing C3 Rally2 Trophy Ireland at the Galway International Rally last weekend [3/4 February].
The first round of the all-new series saw eight contenders register for the Trophy which offered a €9,500 prize fund and a battle for the top three cash-paying positions raged on throughout the tricky two-day event.
In typical Galway style, it was a damp start to the ITRC opener which saw over 20 Rally2 cars assemble for the blast down the lanes and it was Moffett that held an early advantage over the chasing Desi Henry and Stuart Loudon.
The Michelin-shod Citroen contingent quickly adapted to the conditions with an early overall lead for Moffett and Henry 11 seconds down. Declan Boyle and Patrick Walsh held third whilst there was nothing to split Cal McCarthy/Eric Calnan and James Ford/Neil Shanks. Joe McGonigle/Grace O’Brien held onto fifth spot.
The opening day would see crews bedding in and none more so than Moffett who was using the C3 Rally2 for the very first time. Despite needing some set up changes, the 2023 Irish National Rally Champion kept Henry at bay, ending the day six seconds up.
Sadly the opening day claimed Ford and McCarthy whilst Jonny Greer/Niall Burns exited, but would return under Super Rally for valuable seat time on day two.
Sunday morning saw that advantage slide to just 2.1 seconds and the battle would be on over the closing stages as the pair tussled for the top prize of €5,000.
In a final test battle, Moffett emerged victorious after Henry suffered an off-road excursion in tricky conditions, losing over two minutes and in the process, handing the runner-up spot to a surprised Boyle. McGonigle held firm to finish just off the podium in fourth.
The C3 Rally2 Trophy Ireland takes place on each round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and the Triton Showers Irish National Rally Championship, with the next event taking place on 3rd March, the Mayo Stages.
Citroen Racing C3 Rally2 Trophy Ireland prize winners
Irish Tarmac Rally Championship Galway International Rally
- Josh Moffett / Andy Hayes €5,000
- Declan Boyle / Patrick Walsh €3,000
- Desi Henry / Stuart Loudon €1,500
For more information, contact the championship managers below:
Raymond Moore
T: +44 7736 553966
E: [email protected]
Matt Cotton
T: +44 7870 216931
E: [email protected]
Images courtesy of D Harrigan Photography
