There is always a Kerry connection as first World Rally Car enters Historic Rally

There is always a Kerry connection as first World Rally Car enters Historic Rally

Photos by Himal Reece/justbajan and Carlin Gerbich

For the first time, a World Rally Car (WRC) will compete in the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally, following recent rule changes by the FIA regarding historic eligibility.

The car is the Toyota Corolla WRC driven by Galway’s Stephen Greaney and co-driver Jonny Folan.

But this is no ordinary Corolla as it is the car used by WRC driver Kris Meeke and Kerry co-driving legend Paul Nagle to win the 2008 Sol Rally Barbados.

The new FIA Appendix K rules now allow cars built up to the year 2000, including the early generation of WRC machinery, to compete in the historic category. 

The rule change has been acknowledged by event organizers, who confirm the WRC Corolla’s entry alongside other Group A machinery like Alan Ring’s Subaru Impreza.

The presence of the 2008 Rally Barbados winner in Killarney creates a unique scenario this weekend, as Kris Meeke is also competing in the same rally, driving a BMW M3. 

The entry of the Corolla WRC completes a notable circle, bringing the famous Meeke/Nagle winning car to Nagle’s hometown.

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