The hugely popular PRM & RPM Motorsport Loughgall Stages Rally is set to return to Loughgall Country Park for the 26th year this Saturday, July 6.
Some 83 drivers and co-drivers will battle it out for the quickest time in an event that “breaks with tradition” through the inclusion of a six-mile closed road stage outside of the park.
Previous two-times winner, Aaron McLaughlin, from Redcastle, will be leading the charge, followed by a number of highly skilled drivers from across the island of Ireland and the UK.
Among the talented cohort of drivers are Armagh’s own Jason Black and Damien Toner, who will be within the first 10 to start their engines.
The ecclesiastical capital will also be providing a number of fearless navigators to take up the passenger seats.
And, in particular, Killylea’s David Gibson is eagerly anticipating a “good day’s fun” navigating for “one of the top lady drivers in Northern Ireland’s motorsport”, Olivia Chambers.
Speaking to Armagh I, David said: “I’ve been rallying from about 1995 or 1996 myself, partaking in different types of motorsport.
“Whilst most of my motorsport was driving I did dabble into navigating as well. On this occasion the chance came up to do it again and I jumped on board!”
David knows the grounds well himself, having participated in the competition at least six times across previous years. But, he says that doesn’t make life as a navigator any easier!
“It’s a similar route but they do change it slightly within the park and then there’s a road stage which is outside the park this year which they ran last year for the first time.
“Whilst you say you know the route, they do have pace notes written for it. So we would use their pace notes and I would read those to Olivia to describe the corners coming up or the distance between corners. Then, with service, making sure we’re into service and out of service on time so that we don’t get penalties for lateness or being too early,” continued David.
The pair will compete as one of seven within Class One with Olivia at the wheel of a 1960s Ford Anglia.
Said David: “This is a first navigating for Olivia and it’s my first time ever navigating a lady so I’m really looking forward to it.
“And, as I say, I have known Olivia a lifetime and she’s a very, very capable driver so I’m really looking forward to sitting in the passenger seat now and having a good day’s fun.”
Other entries for the event held by North Armagh Motor Club include Armagh’s Letisha Conn, Andrew Frizelle, Paul Gray, Gareth Black, Ryan McArdle and Chris Murphy, Marty Toner from Tassagh, Shane Cullen and Aidan Donnelly from Moy. The full list of entries can be found here.
The action is set to kick off with the first of seven stages at 10am within the park where there will also be a static show, service area for the 80 competitors and the champagne finish at 4.45pm, followed by prize giving.
