Glengormley`s Derek McGarrity and his co-driver James McKee in their Subaru Impreza S12B win UTV Drive Circuit of Ireland 2010, this years event took place on Easter Saturday and Sunday with 15 special stages covering counties Down, and Monaghan.

 The highlight of this year’s event was an 18 mile night stage between Banbridge and Rathfriland this marked a long awaited return of night stages to the circuit. The win marks McGarrity's fourth 'Circuit' victory, while navigator James McKee will etch his name on the prestigious roll of honor for the first time.

Gareth MacHale and Brian Murphy had to settle for second finishing 33.5 seconds adrift of the winners. Third saw an astonishing drive from young Alastair Fisher and Marshall Clarke in their production category Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9. Aaron MacHale and Eugene O'Donnell recovered from their stage one incident to take fourth. Daragh O'Riordan and Tony McDaid in their Subaru Impreza WRC rounded out the top five in the International Rally.

This year’s event was sponsored by Triton Showers, McKinstry Motorsport, Modern Tyre Services, Mourne Properties Ltd, Talk to Me Mobiles, Reach EPS, The Park Hotel Dundalk, and KDM Hire.

UTV Drive Circuit of Ireland 2010 Results

1 Derek McGarrity / James McKee Subaru Impreza S12B
2 Gareth Machale / Brian Murphy Ford Focus WRC
3 Alastair Fisher / Marshall Clarke Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9
4 Aaron Machale  / Eugene O’Donnell Ford Focus WRC
5 Daragh O’Riordan / Tony Mcdaid ISubaru Impreza WRC
6 Neil McCance / Sean Ferris Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9
7 Brendan Cumiskey / Conor Foley Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9
8 Alan Ring / Adrian Deasy Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9
9 Sam Mottett  / James O'Reilly Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9
10 John McGlaughlin  / C Henderson Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9

Words and Images by Warren McConnaughie
www.industryimage.com