2008 Summer Lanes Rally Report

16 August 2008

Saturday 16th July 2008 saw history being written on several counts. Not only was it the wettest day of the year but it also saw the running of a new type of event. The event was the Summer Lanes Rally, where the competitive element were short tests, using a variety of private lanes and being timed to the second, with Queen's University Belfast Motor Club being the pioneers.

A capacity entry was received, with a wide and exciting variety of cars assembling at the Dunadry Hotel for the start and despite at times the almost overwhelming weather conditions, the event forged ahead with all 20 tests being run. Tom O'Connor and Vincent Fagan emerged victorious in their MGZR, with Gary Sheridan and Mervyn Fleming in a Proton coming hot on their heels to claim second place. Robert Woodside Snr claimed the final podium place in his intriguing Beetle. Crews at the finish spoke of an extremely enjoyable days rallying, and were all extremely thankful to the marshals for standing out in such terrible conditions.

Richard Hyland