The first part of his three-event prize saw the 2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland winner Brendan Cumiskey head to Galway for the opening round of this year’s Irish Tarmac Championship.

Besides the event entry fee, the Dundalk-based driver’s prize included tyres, fuel, service support and other expenses. In addition, the award extends to April’s Circuit of Ireland Rally and the Killarney Rally of the Lakes in May.

As is traditional for the Galway event, the weather made the nine stages on Saturday and eight on Sunday even more challenging for competitors, who this year had to contend with high winds and driving rain. Undaunted by the conditions, Cumiskey was looking forward to the rally, as it was on this event last year he recorded his first Evo Challenge victory.

However, things did not start well, as right from the word go he found that his car’s engine was down on power. At the first service halt the team checked to see if there were any turbo related problems, but all looked fine. Then, at the next stop, the fuel pump was replaced – but still no change.

Eventually, on the final stage of the day, the turbo-charger expired and Cumiskey, together with his co-driver Conor Foley from Ballinode, did well to get their car back to Galway for the overnight halt.

With a new turbo fitted, hopes were higher for a better day on Sunday. Unfortunately, it was not to be, as the engine was still mysteriously losing power - so much so it finally stopped before the end of the first of the day’s stages.

“I really like the Galway roads, so it was a very frustrating weekend for me”, said Cumiskey. “This is the first non-finish for four years, so it’s a disappointing result – especially as the car was going so well at the end of last year. I’m now looking forward to the next event and starting my season all over again!”

Cumiskey will now go on to take the second part of his prize for winning the Irish Evo Challenge title, when he swaps his own Evolution IX for a James Foley Rallysport built Evolution X to contest the Circuit of Ireland Rally on 10th, 11th and 12th April.

In the mean time, this year’s Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland gets underway with the West Cork Rally on 14th and 15th March. Regulations and further details for the 2009 series for Group N Lancers will be available in the next few days. For more information visit: www.evo-challenge.ie

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge – 2009 Calendar

1 & 2 March 14-15         West Cork Rally 
3 & 4 April10-12             Circuit of Ireland 
5 May 24                       Cavan Stages
6 July 19                        ALMC Stages
7 August 9                     Stonethrowers Rally
8 & 9 September 12-13   Wexford Rally