J J FARRELL leads the RIAC Hewison Trophy Championship as the autotest experts head west this weekend for rounds six and seven of the 1997/98 series. Sligo is the venue for tomorrow's event and on Sunday the tests will be on Salthill Promenade, Galway.
Farrell on 116 points is closely challenged by Clive Evans (111), with reigning champion Eamonn Byrne on 99 in third and ready to pounce on the leaders. Next in line are Liam Cashman 91, Dermot Carnegie 86, Chris Grimes 83, Paddy Power 80, Paul Phelan and Sam Johnston 75 each, and Peter Grimes 74. Top three in the novices are Steven Bolton 22, Eddie Peterson 19 and John Keohane 16.
Austin Frazer is the newly elected chairman of the Tarmac Rally Organisers Association. He was the first clerk of the course for the Donegal International Rally, and four more times afterwards. He was also twice winning codriver of the Donegal event - with Billy Coleman in 1977 and with Bertie Fisher in 1987.
He was co-driver for Cathal Curley for 12 years, winning the Circuit of Ireland, Cork 20, Galway and Manx Internationals. He is now into historic rallying and brings a wealth of experience to the Tarmac series of seven events.
These are the Galway International, February 21st/22nd; Circuit of Ireland, April 10th/13th; Killarney Rally of the Lakes, May 2nd/4th; Donegal International, June 19th/21st; Manx International, September 10th/11the; Cork `20' International, October 2nd/4th.
The Ulster Rally on July 31st/ August 1st counts for the Historic Championship only, but surely the Manx is not relevant as this event is effectively not suported by the Tarmac Championship contenders, mainly for cost reasons, and it puts a lot of pressure on crews who may have to compete in the Isle of Man for championship points.
A revised points system is expected to ensure close competition throughout the championship, with the winner of each round receiving 15 points (previously 20 points), 2nd, 12 (15), 3rd, 10 (12), 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 to 10th place. The best four results will count from six rallies; best five for the historics.
The Automobile Association has confirmed a fourth successive year as sponsors of the Circuit of Ireland, scheduled to take place as usual at Easter. Next year's Circuit will be headed by Chris Beck who takes over from Bridget McKernan as clerk of the course. Further details of the event will be announced by the Ulster Automobile Club in late November.
Michael Schumacher may not be the most popular racing driver in the world, following Sunday's contretemps with Jacques Villenueve in the European Grand Prix at Jerez. However, in the champion world driver rankings, Schumacher on 1002 points heads Villeneuve on 957. American NASCAR (stock car) driver Jeff Gordon is third on 903 points ahead of Indycar champion Alexander Zanardi on 887.
Gordon has seven per cent of his season to complete but is unlikely to overtake Schumacher and Villeneuve who have both finished their F1 season.
The rankings were launched back in June to compare the performances of drivers in 24 different motor racing sries, with each championship awarded a value and ratings based on its importance, and with Formula One, NASCAR and CART (Indycar) at the top. Ireland's John Watson, winner of five grands prix, heads a panel of experts who monitor the rankings.
Although Schumacher failed to gain an additional 40 points at Jerez, he leads on account of a more consistent finishing rate than newly crowned world champion Villeneuve.
Gordon can overhaul Schumacher if he wins the two final races, at Phoenix and Atlanta, a rather tall order in such intensely competitive racing.
WEEKEND FIXTURES Saturday - Garda Siochana MC Sporting Trial, O'Tooles, Kilmolin, Co Wicklow, 12.0; Munster MC and CC Motocross, Vernon Mount, Cork, 12.0; Connacht MC Hewison Autotest, Ardweld Steel, Finisklin Industrial Estate, Sligo, 12.30; Co Cavan MC Navigation Rally, McShane's, Cornafean, Co Cavan, 9 pm.
Sunday - Co Kildare MC 4x4 Trial, Ardriston, Tullow, Co Carlow, 10.0; Dublin University LC and MCC Irish Trials Championship (round nine), Sloggers, Glenasmole, Co Dublin, 12.0; Galway MC Hewison Autotest, Salthill, 12.0; MEC Rallyspring, Mondello Park, 12.0; Munster Motocross, Vernon Mount, Cork, 12.0.
