RALLYING: Preparations continue for Saturday's '˜Lark in the Park'

Once again the event starts from the Ebrington Complex and St Columb’s Park but there will be an addition of a road special stage at Drung, Co. Donegal, courtesy of special permission from neighbouring Donegal Motor Club and MotorSport Ireland.

New for this year’s event, is their nominated charity, ‘Children in Crossfire’.

Their Events Fundraiser, Eileen Warren, spoke briefly at the launch of the 2016 event, and said Children in Crossfire was delighted that the Maiden City Motor Club and the ‘Lark in the Park’ had made this possible.

She thanked Club Chairman, Gerry O’Doherty for the chance to highlight the charity, and wished Clerk of the Course, Danny Gormley, a safe and enjoyable rally on Saturday, April 23rd.

Also in preparation will be the 50 plus crews competing this weekend.

They are currently preparing their rally cars and ‘checking the notes’ before they tackle the six special stage event.

Topping the list of entries will be Muff man Joseph McGonigle and Ciaran Geaney in their Skoda Fabia, the duo fresh from a 9th overall finish in the recent Circuit of Ireland European Championship event.

Indeed, Joe has been busy since the event, as the car has had a complete rebuild after the gruelling event meaning the ‘Lark in the Park’ provides a great opportunity to test the car over the short, sharp Park Stage and the ‘long-legged’ Drung stage.

So far over 50 crews are taking part in this event, and the action will begin early on Saturday.

Crews will begin to have their cars scrutinised after 6.30am, at Ebrington, and will leave the Waterside close to 10am, to begin the competition at Drung for 10.30am.

The competitors will eventually return to begin the St Columb’s Park stage, at 1.30pm.

Spectators attending any of the stages in Derry or Donegal, are advised to follow the Marshal’s or Steward’s instructions, as they are ensuring everyone’s safety for the event.

There will be provision of the usual light entertainment and stalls provided for young and old, to make the day as enjoyable as possible.

For spectators attending St Columb’s Park, there will be strict ‘no-parking’ enforced on Limavady Road and Browning Drive all day.

No rally parking will be permitted in St Columb’s Park.

As the action begins close to 1.30pm, special car parking arrangements have been made at Wilton Park and Oakgrove Primary School.

Public travelling are asked to use these facilities and support the local community groups or use the city side car parks and access the rally via the Peace Bridge.

For an enjoyable afternoon, please obey the Marshal’s or Steward’s instructions to assist in the running of this event.

The event is expected to finish at approximately 4.30pm.