Warren proves consistency is key with back-to-back top 10s
Ruthann O'Connor and John Warren have finished 10th overall in their last two outings in Carlow and Limerick.
Motorsport: Two weeks exactly after producing a stunning late charge to secure 10th place overall on the Carlow Stages Rally, John Warren and Ruthann O’Connor secured the same result on the Circuit of Munster which was based around Annacotty in Limerick.
The South Mayo husband and wife crew this time delivered a more nonchalant drive in their McHale Fusion 4 Plus Ford Fiesta Rally2, setting numerous top 10 times during the event and concluding the nine stages with a fifth fastest time overall on the final test.
Once again impossible tyre choices faced the design engineer turned rally driver as weather radar showed widespread rain across the mid-west region — and nothing happened, until the final afternoon loop, when heavy showers did develop.
“We were watching a documentary recently about Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time, and I think John paid special attention to a quote that Aryton is known for, ‘The rain puts all cars at the same level, but not the drivers’, because John seemed to come into his own on the last loop when the rain made things extremely difficult,” said co-driver. “While not having the optimum tyres for the conditions he felt really comfortable and was able to push and record times like fifth fastest overall on the last stage.”
Speaking afterwards John added: “It’s a good sign for one of our partners, Westtyre, that we seem to make good tyre choice decisions anyway! It’s been another great day in the car, with Niall and the IN Sport crew as always prepping a great car; it’s really enjoyable to have days like this and results to back it up.”
The event was won by Josh Moffett and Keith Moriarty in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 and it marks their second win of the season, extending their lead in the Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship. Claiming second place overall in their Ford Fiesta Rally2 were Keelan Grogan and Ayrton Sherlock. Completing the podium, Shane Quinn and Stephen Reynolds took third place, also in a Ford Fiesta Rally2.
