The 2017 Motorsport Ireland Hillclimb and Sprint Championship kicks off this weekend with the Galway heat at the famous ‘Corkscrew’ Hill in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare on Saturday 22 April, followed by Ballinalacken Hill, Fanore on Sunday 23rd April. The 2016 champion Joe Courtney from Dunmore flying the flag for Galway is a hot favourite again this year.
A new Hillclimb Marshalls Club is being established for 2017 with sponsorship from Frank Byrnes Autobody Repairs, Oranmore. Led by Jaimie O’Rourke from Limerick, winner of Marshall of the Year 2016, training will be provided to the voluntary team of marshalls.
“The role of the hillclimb marshall is key to running a successful event,” says Rory Stephens, Chairman of the Hillclimb & Sprint Committee. “Competitors who are driving at high speed uphill depend on the dedicated flag marshalls to communicate instantly if there’s an obstruction or collision on the hill or a car ahead that has broken down, it is crucial that they are well-trained and alert at all times. This new club will add to the safety and smooth running of the championship throughout the country.”