McCormack ready for Welsh Adventure! – Motorsport.ie

Marty McCormack is in the final stages of preparing for his last outing of 2015, Wales Rally GB. The event is the closing round of the World Rally Championship and Marty, along with navigator James O’Reilly, are hoping for a good result in the Welsh forests. Last weekend was Marty’s first foray onto gravel roads in the Tiger Risk Skoda Fabia S2000 at the

Glens Forestry Rally in Antrim. It was an impressive display of speed from the Draperstown man as he held 4th place overall after 2 stages. Unfortunately the Skoda glanced a tree stump on stage 3 and broke a suspension arm. Still valuable gravel miles were gained prior to the trip to Wales.

This will be Marty’s second attempt at Wales Rally GB, having competed last year, driving the Tiger Risk Ford Fiesta S2000. It was an extremely good event for Marty as it vaulted him onto the World Rally Stage and he did not disappoint. Guided by Irish co-driver John Higgins, Marty found himself in 27th overall and 15th in the RC2 category at the mid-point of the event. The dream finish on his home World Rally Championship did not come to fruition, as he went slightly off line and got sucked into a deep Welsh drain. With the help of spectators the car was eventually returned to the road but the time loss was monumental.

This year Marty hopes to change that. “ Last year didn’t go to plan, it was a strong showing but a poor finish, we need to change that this year! We had a beneficial test in the Tiger Risk Skoda last weekend even though the final result didn’t come we still gained valuable miles in the car on gravel. James and I have done a thorough recce of the event, I am confident in the notes, in the car and in myself that we will mix it at the top and finish strong!”

Wales Rally GB takes place from the 12th to the 15th of November in North Wales. The rally comprises of 19 extremely tricky Welsh gravel tests, spread over three days.

Keep up to date on Marty’s performance during the rally on Twitter @martymccormack and Facebook.com/marty.mccormack1. Marty is competing this season with the support of Tiger Risk Partners, P McCormack and Sons Ltd and PPP Group.