DUNLOP ADDS SPICE TO BALTINGLASS RALLY
Entries opened for the Garda Síochána Motor Club Germaine’s Hotel Mini Stages Rally earlier this week, and already over sixty crews have committed to taking part in the Baltinglass-based event, which will be held on Sunday, November 8th . Among those getting their names in early is professional motorcycle road racer Michael Dunlop, who will drive a Ford Escort RS over the Wicklow stages. The Ballymoney man has enjoyed a long and distinguished career on two wheels, having taken over 120 wins in Ireland, including multiple triumphs at the North West 200, Skerries 100, Cookstown 100, Southern 100, Tandragee 100 and the Armoy Race of Legends. He has also famously clocked up a record 33 victories at the Isle of Man TT. In between his motorcycling exploits, Dunlop has also found the time to rally, and has competed on selected events for over ten years. He has taken a few class wins along the way, and can be expected to challenge strongly on the GSMC Rally. His presence will add another level of interest to the event, and is certain to draw increased spectator numbers to the Baltinglass area.
“We are delighted to see that Michael has chosen to take part in the GSMC Rally,” said Clerk of the Course, David McCormack. “While rallying may be a hobby for him, he is a superstar in the world of motorcycling, and his competitive edge is sure to shine through. I look forward to welcoming him and all of the other competitors to Baltinglass in November. It’s more or less the end of the rally season, and it can be a concern that entry numbers may be reduced as a result of running so late in the calendar, but the early indications are that there is plenty of interest, so hopefully we will get a full field. We are grateful for the ongoing backing of our long-term sponsors, Germaine’s Hotel, and the many other local businesses that support us.”
A further intriguing entry has been lodged by Killarney-based Corkman, Donie O’Sullivan, who will be making his first rally outing in seventeen years. O’Sullivan was a regular contender for outright victories in the noughties. He took two wins on the West Cork Rally, and another on the Circuit of Kerry, and finished second on the Rally of the Lakes and the Wexford Rally. For his return, he will drive a BMW M3 supplied by the Netherlands-based MATS outfit, which has established itself as the leading motorsport preparation house in Europe for classic machines from the Bavarian marque.
Some of those already on the Entry List who are likely to challenge for overall honours include Donegal’s Martin McGee and Monaghan’ s Johno Doogan, both in Ford Escorts, and Meathman, Jack Newman, who will pilot a Darrian T90 GTR.
The GSMC Rally was last run in 2024, when Donegal driver Declan Gallagher, and his Kerry co-driver, John McCarthy ran out as victors in a Toyota Starlet, by 42.4 seconds over Jason Black and Karl Egan, who were also in a Starlet.
Entries for the 2026 Germaine’s Hotel GSMC Mini Stages Rally will remain open until the 3rd of November.
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