Orr Leads the Challengers onto the Ulster lanes
The exciting addition of the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally to the 2024 Micra Challenge calendar for round six will see the Micra’s tackle the first seven stages of the Newry based event, on some of the most challenging roads.
Challenge leader Stanley Orr starts as favourite, following his victory on the closed road Tour of the Sperrins event on round four. This weekend the Killinchy driver has Jane Edgington in the co-driver’s seat, deputising for Graham Henderson. Stanley is now happy with his Micra Kit Car, having started with it last season, and has shown great speed on the closed roads.
Andrew Bushe and Geraldine McBride are returning to the Challenge in their Kit Car, it now having a rebuilt engine after an issue at Bishopscourt. Time hasn’t been available to do the upgrades on the engine to be on a par with the leading units but Andrews aim is to learn the car on his first outing on the roads in it.
Last year’s Challenge runner up and Bushwhacker round winner, Sean Foy is also back out for the first time since that event. Sean is very much looking forward to the rally, with a great challenge ahead and like the other Micra runners is keen to support the Ulster as being part of the series. Sean has a new co-driver Adrian Marsh from Donegal in for this event.
Raymond McLaughlin and Martin Mc Brearty are hoping to make up for some bad fortune with a drive-shaft failure on the Sperrins and an engine issue in June’s Donegal International, but Raymond thoroughly enjoys the Micra when it’s on song and will be pushing hard all day. Richard Creagmile from Anahilt has his girlfriend Tracey Baxter co-driving and cannot wait to gain more experience in his Standard Class specification Micra.
The Micras will be running in a group a few minutes behind the main-field and as ever the popular prize draw will take place in service for the crews with a second draw for the Hoosier Tyre runners with an opportunity to win two rally tyres being carried out by Adrian from Protyre Motorsport Ireland.