International field headed to Ballinasloe for Galway Summer Rally

Ballinasloe and East Galway are preparing for a major economic and tourism boost on Sunday, August 23, as the Bluebird Care Galway Summer Rally looks set to hit its maximum 150-car entry limit.

With less than a month to go, the event has drawn a massive international field, attracting crews from every corner of Ireland, the UK, Canada, the USA, and as far away as Australia.

Headquartered at the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe, the rally is drawing drivers, co-drivers, and service crews from across the globe alongside Ireland’s top domestic competitors.

Local hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and retail shops across East Galway expect heavy footfall as overseas teams and a large travelling spectator contingent descend on the region to tackle 110 kilometres of competitive stages.

Cross-channel interest is exceptionally strong. Welsh duo Andy Davies and Owain Davies head the Historic class in a Ford Escort, while English driver Charles Knifton, co-driven by Steve Gozzard, lines up in a Peugeot 208 Rally 4.

Meanwhile, Scottish driver Ross Hunter joins forces with English navigator Chris Dodds in another Peugeot 208 Rally 4, and London-based Irish driver Connor O'Brien links up with European Rally Championship regular Liam Regan in a Ford Fiesta.

The entry list extends far beyond Europe. Canadian-based driver Oscar Mangan, originally from Mullingar, makes a welcome return home to team up with Westmeath co-driver Lisa Roe in a Ford Escort Mk1.

Flying the flag for North America are US/Irish crews Martin Donnelly and Sean Coffey in a Ford Escort, plus Brian Heneghan who pairs with Galway’s Jonathan Herwood.

Travelling the furthest distance of all are the Australia-based duo of Jack Kelleher and Owen Foley in a Ford Escort Mk2.

Entries are still available at the following link https://www.shannonsportsit.ie/evo/Login?referer=https://results.shannonsportsit.ie/&event=IE-GLWY-GS26