.
The Irish motorsport community gathered at the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa on January 17th for the 2025 Top Part West Coast Championship Awards.
The night was a landmark occasion for Kerry Motor Club, with Michelle Quinn and Caz Somers taking centre stage as the headline winners for the region.
The crew claimed first place in Class 2A, but the significance of their season went much further.
The duo was also named winners of the Overall Top Part Women in Motorsport Award and were presented with the Katie Quinn Tarmac Queen Memorial Trophy.
The victory carried a deep emotional weight for the Quinn family and the wider Kerry Motor Club.
Michelle competed last season in the Honda Civic VTi formerly driven by her late sister, Katie.
National Recognition for Female Talent
Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport (WIM) Commission secretary Noelle Horan praised the high standard of competition throughout the year. Horan noted that the future for female talent in the sport is in safe hands, highlighting the inspiring performances of the award winners across the various classes.
The evening also saw several other female competitors honored for their success. Susan Smyth took first in Class 9, while Aishling McArdle secured the top spot in Class 11F. In Class 2A, Ciara O’Connell finished as runner-up to the Quinn/Somers crew. Katelyn Carroll was awarded second in Class 12, and Emer Kearns took third in Class 13.
The Dacia Sandero Challenge, a growing entry-level category in the championship, also saw significant success for female co-drivers. Elva Roe finished the season in second place overall, with Leah Doherty claiming third overall in the hard-fought production class.
The WIM Commission extended its congratulations to all the winners, noting that the consistent results across multiple classes prove the increasing influence of women in the technical and competitive aspects of Irish rallying.
Thanks to the Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport Commission for sending in this info.
Have a news item – in case we miss something – email news@kerrymotorsportnews.com
Just as newspapers and magazines are paid for, digital editorial content will also have to be paid for.
Please subscribe and help us keep this machine running!
It’s only €50 per year – subscribe now
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.
Kerry Motorsport News 