After a two month break, the battle for the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland resumes next weekend, when the ALMC City North Hotel Stages Rally hosts round four of the all-asphalt one-make series for Group N Lancer Evolutions.
Following a decision to move the fourth round from Donegal to ensure all registered Evo Challenge crews were able to gain an entry, series organisers have enjoyed a bumper entry with the only one-day rally in the Evo Challenge calendar set to be contested by nine crews - the series' largest entry so far this season. The event has also proved popular with other competitors, its full entry list boasting a total of 132 cars, plus a reserve list of 70.
An 'interesting' seeding for Evolution Challenge crews sees Owen Murphy, with co-driver James O'Brien, lead the Mitsubishi field away. The 21-year old charger will be looking for better luck this time round, following retirement in round three due to an ECU fault on day one.
Next to start are current series leaders, Alan Carmichael/Ivor Lamont, who won in West Cork and have finished every round so far. They are therefore aiming to continue their 100 per cent points-scoring performance.
Although winning more stages than any other Irish Evo Challenge driver so far this season, Colm Murphy is yet to score, having retired on the second day in all three rounds. With a different co-driver in Anthony O'Conaill, he starts third of the Evo runners this time out and is hoping that the one-day format may well see him to make it to the finish.
Double-winner Brendan Cumiskey starts fourth and, with co-driver Conor Foley, whom he recorded his Killarney Evo Challenge victory, he will be out for a repeat performance – especially as this is his most local event. Stanley Ballentine/Richard Hyland are the fifth Evo Challenge crew to start and, after two podium finishes in the last two events, they have every chance of another good points haul on this event.
