Devine Unstoppable in Donegal

Letterkenny, Ireland: Callum Devine and Noel O'Sullivan secured a historic third consecutive victory at the 2025 Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally, held on June 20-22. The Derry-Kerry pairing led the event after the first day and managed their pace through a dramatic weekend to win by 20.5 seconds in their Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.

Rally Overview & Stages

The three-day tarmac event covered over 270 competitive kilometers across 20 classic stages in County Donegal.

• Day 1 (Friday, June 20): The rally began with six stages in the Inishowen peninsula, including the famous Mamore Gap. Devine established an early lead here, ending the day ahead of Hayden Paddon.
• Day 2 (Saturday, June 21): Action moved to stages like Knockalla and Garrygort. This day proved pivotal, as major rivals suffered mechanical issues or crashed out, leaving Devine with a manageable lead.
• Day 3 (Sunday, June 22): The final day featured classic tests such as Atlantic Drive and Fanad Head. Devine maintained his composure to seal the hat-trick.

Top 10 Overall Results

Pos	Driver / Co-Driver	Car	Time	Gap
1	Callum Devine / Noel O'Sullivan	Škoda Fabia RS Rally2	2:23:30.2	–
2	Meirion Evans / Ger Conway	Toyota GR Yaris Rally2	2:23:50.7	+20.5s
3	David Kelly / Arthur Kierans	VW Polo GTI R5	2:24:53.1	+1:22.9s
4	Josh Moffett / Andy Hayes	Hyundai i20 R5	2:25:00.2	+1:30.0s
5	Michael Boyle / Dermot McCafferty	Škoda Fabia RS Rally2	2:26:48.2	+3:18.0s
6	Declan Boyle / Patrick Walsh	Škoda Fabia RS Rally2	2:27:33.5	+4:03.3s
7	Kevin Eves / Chris Melly	Ford Fiesta Rally2	2:28:09.6	+4:39.4s
8	James Ford / Neil Shanks	Citroën C3 Rally2	2:28:57.6	+5:27.4s
9	Ryan Loughran / Dale McGettigan	Ford Fiesta Rally2	2:29:58.6	+6:28.4s
10	Matthew Boyle / Gary Byrne	Ford Fiesta Rally2	2:31:33.8	+8:03.6s
[Source: 1.2.5]

Significant Incidents & Retirements

The rally saw high attrition among top contenders, dramatically altering the leaderboard:

• 
  Hayden Paddon (Rolled): The former WRC driver and current ERC champion was running 2nd overall after Day 1. He retired on Saturday afternoon (SS13) after rolling his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 on the second pass of Knockalla.

Jon Armstrong (Off Road): Armstrong fought for the lead early on but dropped back due to a rear differential issue on Saturday morning. After fighting back into podium contention, he crashed out on the very final stage (SS20).

• William Creighton (Retired): Running close to the front, Creighton slid off the road on Saturday's final stage due to a slow puncture. Although he finished the stage, he withdrew the car before Sunday's start.
• Mark Alcorn (Withdrawn): A local favorite in the modified class, Alcorn withdrew after Day 1 citing time lost from an incident at Coolcross and navigation issues.

Quotes from the Podium

• Callum Devine (Winner): "To be honest I was quite happy with my driving all weekend... Once I got into a lead I fell back into management [mode], but everything was top class. It just shows you the Tarmac Championship is pretty fast."
• Meirion Evans (2nd Place): Described the event as "the best racing I've ever had."

Report: Neil McDaid

Photos: David McDaid, Neil McDaid 

North America’s Oldest Automotive Hillclimb Returns to the Mt. Washington Auto Road -AUGUST 2021

April 21, 2021, Pinkham Notch, NH — Officials with the Sports Car Club of New Hampshire, organizers of the 2021 Mt. Washington Hillclimb, originally rescheduled last year for July 9-11, 2021, announced today that the event will take place instead on August 13-15, 2021 at the Mt. Washington Auto Road in Pinkham Notch, Gorham, NH. 

It was also announced that Subaru of America will return as the event's Title Sponsor and that Yokohama Tire will join the event for the first time as the Hillclimb’s Presenting Sponsor. “The Sports Car Club of New Hampshire is proud to welcome back Subaru of America as Title Sponsor of the 2021 Mt. Washington Hillclimb for the third consecutive event. 

We’d also like to welcome Yokohama Tire to Mt. Washington for the first time as the event’s Presenting Sponsor. Both Subaru and Yokohama Tire have a long history of success in motorsports across the globe," stated Rob Widdick, President of the Sports Car Club of New Hampshire. "In addition, the Sports Car Club of New Hampshire would like to thank the Mt. Washington Auto Road for once again hosting this world-renowned Hillclimb as well as the hundreds of volunteers who are crucial to the success of the event. 

Lastly, with the pandemic nearly behind us, we'd like to thank everyone, including the many competitors, for their patience and understanding as we've navigated this unprecedented situation to reschedule this historic Hillclimb." First run in 1904, the Climb to the Clouds took place as part of the famous Glidden Tour several months prior to the first-ever Vanderbuilt Cup on Long Island, New York that was first run in the Fall of 1904. The initial Mt. Washington Hillclimb was also seven years before the first-ever 500-mile race at the Brickyard in Indianapolis, Indiana which took place in 1911 and twelve years prior to the inaugural Pikes Peak Hillclimb in Colorado which first took place in 1916. The 7.6 mile “Climb to the Clouds” is without question one of the ultimate proving grounds for both drivers and automobiles anywhere in the world. 

The serpentine tarmac and gravel road is lined with trees, rocks and dramatic drop-offs as it winds its way to the 6,288 foot summit of the Northeast’s tallest peak — Mt. Washington. “Subaru is once again thrilled to support the Mt. Washington Hillclimb in 2021,” said William Stokes, Motorsports Manager for Subaru of America. “The Mt. Washington Auto Road provides a challenge unlike any other, and the Sports Car Club of New Hampshire has done a great job in putting on the event. Subaru has been able to set new records every time the event has been run since 2011, so we’re looking forward to more fireworks in 2021!” 

 Set for Friday through Sunday, August 13-15, 2021, the Subaru Mt. Washington Hillclimb presented by Yokohama Tire will serve as a multi-day motorsports festival filled with a variety of activities for all ages including the Yokohama Tire Fan Zone which will host antique vehicle displays, a variety of food and memorabilia vendors and an autograph session on Saturday. The 3-day weekend will be topped off with the return of the historic Subaru Mt. Washington Hillclimb presented by Yokohama Tire event which takes place Sunday, August 15, 2021 on the 7.6 mile Mt. Washington Auto Road. “It’s great to see the legendary 'Climb to the Clouds' return,” said Fardad Niknam, Yokohama Tire’s senior director of product planning & product marketing. 

“We’re thrilled to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2021 Subaru Mt. Washington Hillclimb presented by Yokohama Tire and be involved with such a historic race. We look forward to working with the Mt. Washington Auto Road and the Sports Car Club of New Hampshire, as well as Subaru of America on this highly competitive, fan-favorite race. It will be a perfect venue to show the strength and versatility of our ADVAN tires.” Race organizers from the Sports Car Club of New Hampshire are expecting a full 80-car competition field this year with some of the most talented competitors from across North America. 

They’ll be driving an array of equally impressive hillclimb, time attack, road race and rally cars — all competing for “King of the Hill” honors in one of the most exciting events in all of motorsports. “Since 1904 we’ve had a long history of car racing on Mt. Washington. When the first ‘Climb to the Clouds’ was held, we took our place in racing history and became a proving ground for man and machine,” stated Tobey Reichert, General Manager of the Mt. Washington Auto Road. 

“We’ve continued with this great tradition off and on over the years and are thrilled to once again be getting ready for the Subaru Mt Washington Hillclimb presented by Yokohama Tire in August 2021. We know that technology is changing year after year. Over the past several races we have seen an amazing skill-set behind these amazing machines. This summer we fully anticipate even more excitement and records to be broken.” Additional information regarding media requests, volunteering, spectating and lodging for the 2021 Subaru Mt. Washington Hillclimb presented by Yokohama Tire scheduled for August 13-15, 2021 can be found on the event’s official web site: mt-washington.com/climb-to-the-clouds.

Ken Block Attempts an 8th Win at The Rally in The 100 Acre Wood

eSports WRC review 2021 - Round 4 / Rally Argentina

SUBARU CONFIRMS DRIVER LINE UP FOR THE 2014 RED BULL GLOBAL RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

 

Despite some challenging times in the 2013 Global Rallycross Championship, Subaru are committed to staying the course in their bid for victory in GRC. Photo Neil McDaid / Rally World News

Cherry Hill, N.J., February 6, 2014 – Subaru of America, Inc. has confirmed their return to the Global Rallycross Championship (GRC) for the 2014 season. Former three-time European Rallycross Champion and 2013 X Games Rallycross Medalist Sverre Isachsen will return to the team, along with Bucky Lasek, one of the World’s most iconic skateboarders, who began professionally racing with Subaru in 2012. Joining the squad at the X Games Austin round of the GRC will be action sports superstar Travis Pastrana. The team will field 2014 Subaru WRX STI Rallycross cars prepared by technical partner Vermont SportsCar.

“The sport of Rallycross continues to gain interest in the USA,” stated Rob Weir, Motorsports Marketing Manager. “We’re seeing GRC’s proposed TV coverage and fan experience at events this season as a win-win. The turbocharged, all-wheel drive powertrain of a Rallycross car is extremely similar to a production Subaru WRX STI; so the sport, along with rallying, is the ideal platform to display the performance abilities of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.”

Sverre Isachsen led the Subaru Rallycross program in podiums and total points last season. “I’m very happy to return with Subaru to GRC. We worked very hard to improve our results last season. This year I know we can win,” stated Sverre Isachsen.

Bucky Lasek was awarded the prestigious GRC Sportsman of the Year last season; which is voted on by fellow GRC competitors. “I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of my Subaru again, as well as working with such a devoted team,” explained Lasek. “We gained momentum last season as we developed the STI for Rallycross; and 2014 looks to be a defining year for us!”
In addition to the Global Rallycross program Vermont SportsCar manages Subaru of America’s efforts in the Rally America National Championship, where the team has won seven of the last eight Titles.

For 2014 Travis Pastrana will return to Subaru, he will not only compete in GRC but will also return to the Rally America Championship. Photo Neil McDaid /Rally World News 

Subaru recently announced the return of Travis Pastrana who joins defending Rally Champion David Higgins at Subaru Rally Team USA. Pastrana will also join Lasek and Isachsen at the GRC Round at X Games Austin in June.

The Subaru GRC team will start their season in the 2014 WRX STI that features a 600 horsepower, turbocharged Subaru Boxer Engine and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, with plans to debut the all-new 2015 Subaru STI later in the year. “We’ve had the new 2015 Subaru STI in our shop for some time now, and are deep into the development process on this new car,” explains Lance Smith, Team Principal at Vermont SportsCar. “Our engineering team is extremely impressed with the advancement in chassis and handling performance. Both our Rally and Rallycross cars will take a big evolutionary step in performance with this new design.”
The highly-praised Subaru Launch Control video series, which achieved over 11 million views in 2013, and gave racing fans a never before seen view into the Subaru Rally & Rallycross programs, will return for a second season later this year. Subaru has also launched an all-new motorsports website at www.subaru.com/rally, offering expanded images and videos for motorsports enthusiasts.

Source: Subaru Rally

David Higgins claims Overall Victory For Subaru In Oregon, While WRC Acadamy Driver Brendan Reeves dominates in Two Wheel Drive

Yet another clean run by Subaru Rally Team driver David Higgins results in victory for the Manxman. Photo/Neil McDaid

 

Portland, OR (May 6, 2013) – David Higgins and Craig Drew claim victory for Subaru Rally Team USA at The 2013 Oregon Trail Rally, while all hell unravels around them.

With the return of Ken Block to the 2013 Rally America Championship, and Antoine L’Estage debuting the mighty WRC Mitsubishi Lancer for the first time on America soil, the buildup to round three of the Rally America Champions was on a high we have not seen in American rally in a few years.

Coming off what can only be described as totally miserable conditions at Rally in The 100AW, the bright sun and eighty degree temperatures were a welcome from the snow and ice of the opening rounds of the 2013

Antoine L’Estage would draw first pick for road position, and would opt for third on the raod, Higgins would take the risky position of sweeping the loose gravel while Block would tuck into second on the road.

As always the Oregon Trail Rally starts with a few short spectator stages over a mixed surface at Portland International Raceway, barring no issues the time gap between the top cars is usually marginal.

For the entertainment of the rally fans on hand, the slower cars are set off first and the speed then builds to a frenzy with the top teams running last on the stage.

With the cars fitted with mostly RallyCross style tires to handle the changing conditions, Higgins and Block would take stage wins on the first two stages, with Higgins edging out Block by just .08 of a second heading into stage 3.

As the song goes “If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all” Rallying is a lot about the driver, the car, but it’s also about a hell of a lot of luck, good and more often than not bad.

As we mentioned in our past report, we were not expecting to see Antoine L’Estage breaking any records on the opening stages of the rally as it would take some stage miles to get acclimated to the WRC car, after two stages Antoine and co-driver Nathalie Richard were clearly off the pace already 16 seconds behind leader Higgins.

As Antoine prepared to launch the mighty Mitsubishi off the line on SS3, the first of two stages run in the dark,the car went into road mode, this essentially killed all his lights and drastically reduced the power. Antoine would limp through the last two stages in the dark and nursing the car back to service.  

 

Early problems basically took away any chance of victory for Hoonigan Racing's driver Ken Block. Photo/Neil McDaid

Without going into a lot of detail, let’s just say that Ken Block has had very little in the form of “good” luck at Oregon Trail Rally.

SS3 the same stage where things went array for L’Estage, Block would also run into trouble losing his right front wheel.  Running on only three wheels and the right front break rotor, Blocks Fiesta lit up the night sky as a stream of sparks trailed him around PIR.  Somehow he completed the stage and went on to complete the last short test of the night.

Running  for the most part unopposed on the final two stages of day one, David Higgins built a gap of 38 seconds on L’Estage and 48 seconds on Block, as their service crews set to repair the damage.

Onto day two, the rally would move to the Hood River area,  the first true test of the rally, Gillhouley South, at only 4.8 miles in length this stage is a real eye opener for the drivers and crews as it twisted its way over the ridge and down the other side of the mountain. 

Block and L’Estage would take full advantage of Higgins as he swept the loose gravel off the surface, slowing his pace. Block claimed the stage victory over L’Estage with Higgins taking third.

Feeling more and more confident behind the wheel of his first WRC car, L’Estage and co-driver Natalie Richard posted fastest times on the next two stages which included the notorious Fir Mountain stage, the longest stage of the rally at 15 miles.

On the opening 3 stages of day two, more than 5 cars either rolled or were sidelined with  mechanical issues.
After a short service, the cars headed out to repeat the first three stages, Ken Block was on the attack over the second pass of Gillhouley South taking the stage victory.

Before it all went horrible wrong, Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard putting on a show for fans at Portland International Speedway. Photo/Neil McDaid

SS9 the second pass on “8000 UP” a new stage to the Oregon Trail rally, we would see the dramatic departure of Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard as their Mitsubishi plunged off the road and down the hill side, eventually colliding and coming to rest against some trees.   Both Antoine and Nathalie were able to walk away from their massive accident for the most part unharmed. The extent of the damage to the car is still under evaluation but it’s unlikely we will see the very popular Canadian and Rally American Champions at the next few Rally America rounds.

Higgins would take the stage victory on SS9 as Block limped through with a puncture.  Block would charge back on SS10 and 11 piling the pressure on Higgins with stage victories over these technical tests.  Block's aggressive style often cutting deep in the corners netted him yet another puncture on SS12.

Despite only winning 2 of the 8 stage victories up for grabs on day two, David Higgins and Craig Drew for the most part managed to have a clean run and therefore continued to build their lead on Block as he struggle with punctures and drive problems.  

Day two took it's toll on
cars as drivers struggled for vision through
the dust. Photo/Neil McDaid 

David Sterckx and Karen Jankowski were having a great run netting them third overall while also leading the SP Class.
While all the drama was unfolding off the front on day two, WRC Academy driver Brendan Reeves and sister co driver Rhianon Smyth were running riot over the 2WD class. At the end of day two Reeves in the Team O’Neil Ford Fiesta R2 had a built a two minute advantage over Andrew Comrie-Picard in the Scion, with Dillion Van Way in another Fiesta rounding  out the top three in 2WD.

Day three would see the teams heading further west of Portland to the Dufur area for four of the five closing stages of the rally.  We fully expected that Higgins would loss time to Block on the final day as he slowed his pace in hopes of a clean run to the podium.  Despite a blistering run by Block on Day three, taking stage victories on all five stages, it barely made a dent in Higgins lead.  

David would check through the final control almost two minutes ahead of Block, Indonesian driver Rifat Sungkar on his Rally America debut edged out David Sterckx by the narrowest margin for the final spot on the overall podium.

"I've got to thank Subaru for providing such a reliable, durable and fast car to Drew and I," said Higgins, "Once we amassed a big lead it afforded us the opportunity to really dial back the speed on Sunday and reduce the risks. We didn't win stages outright but knew it was the right strategy for victory. This is a very challenging event and I enjoy the big mix of character in the stages.  There is still a long season ahead but we are in a really good spot now in the points."

David Sterckx and Karen Jankowski digging a little deeper on their way to the SP class victory. Photo/Neil McDaid

In the Super Production (SP) Class David Sterckx and Karen Jankowski reinserted themselves into class contention with an SP victory. The pair led the SP class from the start despite experiencing engine problems on day one. Sterckx has been showing improved pace on the opening rounds of the 2013 SP Championship, he would  build a 4 minute lead over his fellow SP competitors to claim his second SP podium of the year.


"The rally was a real pleasure because I am finally getting closer to the limit since last year was only my first year on gravel," said Sterckx, "Karen and I have a good communication and we are getting more comfortable with the notes. Tires were very important this weekend and our Pirelli tires were unbelievable.
So many teams had multiple flats this weekend but we didn't have a single one, which was a big advantage for us. We had issues with our engine but the Subaru engines are so strong it held together all weekend."

Brendan Reeves shaking things in a Team O Neil Ford Fiesta R2. Photo/ Neil McDaid

Hood River, OR local Dave Henderson with co-driver Terrence McDowell fought a furious battle of seconds with 2012 Super Production Class Champions, Lauchlin O'Sullivan and Scott Putnam for second place. Henderson overtook O'Sullivan on stage 15, and O'Sullivan suffered a massive rollover on stage 16.

This is Henderson's second consecutive SP national podium at the Oregon Trail Rally. Henderson also won all three regional rally events - Wagons Ho!, Shunpiker Stages and the Trails End Regional Rally.
Third place in Super Production was awarded to another Oregon driver, Mike Goodwin, with co-driver Michael Milos, after event officials discovered a timing error that moved current SP points leaders Evan Cline and Jake Blattner into fourth place.

Coming off a few stellar years on the WRC Academy we had big expectations of Brendan Reeves and Rhianon Smyth on this their first rally in the United States. The pair teamed up with Team O’Neil/Ford Racing in an effort to reel in the Scion Racing Team driver  Andrew Comrie-Picard who opened commanding points lead with victories on both of the opening rounds of the 2013 2WD championship.

Mission accomplished!! Tim O Neil celebrates the victory with Rhianon Smyth and Brendan Reeves on this their first Rally America 2wd win. Photo/ Neil McDaid

From the opening stage of the rally it was clear that Brendan was in a league of his own, not only was he devouring the 2wd class he was also matching times with a lot of the SP and Open class cars. Brendan and Rhianon took stage victories on 16 of the 17 stages in the rally, only giving up stage 14 to ACP in the Scion.

"What an amazing feeling it is to come to America for the first time and win the class convincingly," Reeves said. "We had a trouble-free run thanks to Team O'Neil and the effort they put in. The Ford Fiesta R2 was brilliant even on today's blindingly fast stages, and Rhianon did a great job calling the notes."

 

Team Scion driver Andrew Comrie-Picard attacked hard on Sunday but could not close the gap to Reeves in the Fiesta. Photo / Neil McDaid

Fellow Ford Fiesta drivers Dillon Van Way and Andrew Edwards drove a relatively problem free race and held third place for much of the event until Comrie-Picard experienced overheating issues on the last stage.

Comrie-Picard lost significant power and ceded second place to Van Way. The Scion team had to be towed into the final controls by three different teams to finish the event and take third place in class.

Van Way and Edwards now have two second place finishes this year and Comrie-Picard's third place finish helps to keep his 2WD points lead in the standings. Notably, Edward McNelly and Ole Holter was not able to finish the Oregon Trail Rally when they went off-course on stage 5.

The carnage in Oregon will for sure have an impact on the entry list heading into round four of the Championship, STPR in Wellsboro PA in just a few short weeks.
Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard have confirmed their withdrawal; It’s highly unlikely that Lauchlin O'Sullivan and Scott Putnam’s car will be repaired by then, although they have used loner cars in the past. Follow us on Twitter for any updates as they become available. A full entry list and spectator information will be available for STPR at www.rally-america.com

By: Neil McDaid
Sources: Rally America

 

 

Sebastien Loeb Confirmed for Pikes Peak 2013

Sebastien Loeb pictured here with Ken Block during his last visit to the USA, Loeb walked away with the Gold at XGAMES 2012. Picture Neil McDaid

Colorado Springs, April 3 One of the world’s most decorated auto racing stars is coming to Pikes Peak this summer.
Nine-time WRC World Rally Championship winner Sebastien Loeb of France has entered the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, adding more international luster to the nation’s second-oldest motor sports event behind the Indy 500 and helping to make the field the best in the race’s storied history..
The 91^st running of the race will be held on Sunday, June 30 with the help and support of title sponsors Discount Tires, Hankook Tire USA and TCI Tire Centers.
Loeb will be behind the wheel of a Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak which is being built for the Race to the Clouds, and details of the high-powered auto will be released later this month. He’ll be entered in the powerful Unlimited division.
His entry in the 12-driver Unlimited division means that he will up against the legendary Rhys Millen, who established the all-time speed record on the Peak last year with a clocking of 9:46.164 in the Time Attack division. Millen has moved to the Unlimited field this year in a new purpose-built Hyundai PM580T.
Peugeot’s entry marks its first attempt on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, since back-to-back triumphs in its 405 T16 model in 1988 and 1989 by Ari Vatanen and Robby Unser in the Open Rally division, which now is the Unlimited division.
Driving for Citroën’s World Rally Team, Loeb won every World Rally Championship from 2004-2012 and is running in second place in this year’s series. He’s being loaned to Peugeot for Pikes Peak in an attempt to win the famed race, which began in 1916.
Loeb finished second in the 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans, and was named the French Sportsman of the Year in 2007 and 2009.

Last summer, he won the Gold medal in Rally Car Racing at the X Games in Los Angeles in addition to his lengthy list of triumphs. He’s won the Monte Carlo rally in seven of the last eight outings, too.
“Pikes Peak is a one-off outing which has the potential to generate extensive media coverage and which meets the constraints of the current context.” said Peugeot CEO Maxime Picat. “It is a legendary race that has inspired all the Brand’s teams who have mobilized behind the project which targets outright victory. It is also a tough, exceptional challenge which leaves no room for error. In other words, it’s exactly the sort of challenge that Peugeot adores.”
Peugeot has maximized its chances of winning by enlisting the support of some of the biggest and best partners for the project, including Total, Red Bull, Michelin as well as nine-time World Rally champion Loeb.
“Our objective is to win,” continued Picat, “so we needed to stack up as many cards as possible in our favor by joining forces with the very best partners for this unique project. Indeed, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Citroën for this one-off ‘loan’ of its exceptional champion. Citroën’s support is emblematic of the cohesion that reigns within the PSA Peugeot Citroën group.”
PPIHC Tickets Available Now
Fans of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb can purchase tickets now for the June 30, 2013 race and assure themselves a spot on the Peak for what promises to be the best in the event’s long and storied history.
General admission seats are priced at $40.00 each, and the popular Family Four-Pack is priced at $135.00 when purchased in advance.
Tickets may be purchased on the PPIHC official website: www.ppihc.com

Source: PPIHC
Picture: Neil McDaid