Entries now open for “The Battle of Trim”- SMARTPART ALMC STAGES

ALMC Motor Club yesterday (Sunday 22nd May) officially launched the 2016 Smartpart ALMC Stages Rally at the rally launch held in the Castle Arch Hotel, Trim.

The 2016 rally is a very special occasion for the ALMC Motor Club and for motorsport fans as it sees the convergence of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship, the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship and the Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship which will ensure red hot competition on the 120km of competitive stages located close to the town of Trim.

To mark the meeting of the championships, ALMC have devised the Triton Showers Inter-Championship Trophy. This will be a class-based competition with nominated crews being awarded points towards the trophy based on the number of stages completed as well as overall times. This unique “Battle of Trim” is sure to provide added spectacle to an already very exciting event.

At today’s (Sunday 22nd May) launch event at the Rally HQ, the Castle Arch Hotel in Trim, Clerk-of-the-Course John Carroll commented “ALMC are delighted to host a round of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship in 2016 and again welcome crews from the MSA Asphalt and MERC championships of which we continue to be a round. Bringing the three championships together into one event is a very special occasion and is testament to the hard-work of ALMC club members behind the scenes along with the support of SMARTPART, the CUSACK HOTEL GROUP and MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL who are all fantastic supporters of the event.”

The guest speaker at today’s launch was the three-time ALMC Rally Winner and 2011 National Rally Champion Tim McNulty from Summerhill. In his address, Tim complimented the work of ALMC Motor Club in organising the 2016 rally and outlined his plan to contest the Donegal International Rally next month. Tim also commented that he hopes to be on the start ramp for the Smartpart ALMC Stages Rally. Also speaking at today’s launch were Helena Flynn of the Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship and Richard Talbot of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship who both wished the club every success for the rally.

The rally kicks off on Saturday, July 2nd with a Ceremonial Start at 7:30pm at Trim Castle, where competing cars and crews will pass under the start ramp and pause for photos and interviews. The competitive element of the event takes place on Sunday, July 3rd with the first car away from ‘parc-ferme’ at 9:25am. The rally will see a 3×3 stage format with a total of 120 competitive stage kilometres throughout the scenic Boyne Valley Region with centralised servicing at the Oaktree Business Park, Athboy Road, Trim. The rally will consist of the usual main-field classes as well as junior and historic classes. As with all rally events, safety comes first and foremost and intending spectators are advised to arrive to their locations early, identify a safe location to spectate from and to always follow the instructions of the event officials and marshals – they are there for your safety. Should any spectators be found to be standing in areas designated as “forbidden ground” or acting inappropriately along the route, stages will be cancelled.

Regulations for the Smartpart ALMC Stages Rally will be published at midnight tonight (22nd May). With the rally attracting crews from across three championships, competitors are advised to get their entries in as early as possible.

Entry forms can be sourced from the club website (www.almc.ie) or may be submitted via the EVO Online Entry system (www.shannonsportsit.ie/evo). Entries close on June 22nd.