Latest news with #WorldRally
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
World Championship navigator Aaron Johnston launches Sligo Stages Rally 2025
The large gathering present included title sponsors Ciaran Phelan of FAAC simply automatic, Duty Manager from Sligo Park Hotel, representatives from associate sponsors Sligo Junction, DC Fire Protection, Damp Master, Connolly Cupra, not able to make it on the night were sponsors PorterFord, Carty's and Mc Gowan Landscapes. Following photographs at the front of the hotel, the crowd retired to the function room to hear Clerk of the Course pass his compliments to the devoted team including his Deputy Kevin Cogan who have worked tirelessly in preparation for July 20th. He also referenced the support received from title sponsors FAAC simply automatic and Sligo Park Hotel as well as the spread of associate sponsors both loyal and new. Representatives of the championships spoke also, Laura Mc Menamin on behalf of the National Championship, Marty McGarrity on behalf of the Border Championship, Wesley Roberts on behalf of the West Coast Championship and Art Mc Carrick on behalf of Motorsport Ireland and the Dacia Sandero Challenge. The highlight of the night was the interview Robert Lyttle talking to Aaron Johnston, bringing his experiences of a professional navigator to the attentive audience in the room. The silence within the room was evidence of how much those present enjoyed the stories and were captured by the escapades of him and his teammate Takamoto Katsuta on the World Rally stage.
San Francisco Chronicle
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
Carlos Sainz Sr. confirms he's not running to lead auto racing governing body
LONDON (AP) — Carlos Sainz Sr. has confirmed he won't run for the presidency of the FIA — the governing body for auto racing series like Formula 1. The 63-year-old Sainz, the father of F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., announced Wednesday that his decision followed months spent trying to 'understand in depth the situation at the FIA' as well as the 'demands and complexities' of the job. "After a thoughtful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy," the two-time World Rally champion wrote in a statement on Instagram. Ben Sulayem, elected to the post in 2021, has faced criticism over his management. In April, Robert Reid resigned as FIA deputy president for sport in protest at how the organization is run. Ben Sulayem has also been at odds with F1 drivers over his crackdown in swearing.
Fox Sports
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Carlos Sainz Sr. confirms he's not running to lead auto racing governing body
Associated Press LONDON (AP) — Carlos Sainz Sr. has confirmed he won't run for the presidency of the FIA — the governing body for auto racing series like Formula 1. The 63-year-old Sainz, the father of F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., announced Wednesday that his decision followed months spent trying to 'understand in depth the situation at the FIA' as well as the 'demands and complexities' of the job. "After a thoughtful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that the present circumstances are not ideal to set the grounds for my candidacy," the two-time World Rally champion wrote in a statement on Instagram. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem currently has no opposition to his re-election bid ahead of December's vote. Ben Sulayem, elected to the post in 2021, has faced criticism over his management. In April, Robert Reid resigned as FIA deputy president for sport in protest at how the organization is run. Ben Sulayem has also been at odds with F1 drivers over his crackdown in swearing. ___ AP auto racing:
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Dakar legend Nani Roma and his ferocious Raptor get hero's welcome at Ford SA plant
Rally star Nani Roma enthralled workers at the Silverton assembly plant on Monday. Image: Supplied This past week was a historic one for off-road racing in South Africa, with local and international stars going head-to-head in the country's first-ever Safari Rally. Staged in the bushveld surrounding Sun City, the 1,222km rally was the first international Rally Raid championship round to be held on local soil. The rally saw local heroes prevail, with Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Henk Lategan narrowly ousting former World Rally legend Sébastien Loeb, who was in a Dacia Sandrider, for overall victory, while Gareth Woolridge of the local Ford NWM team, took fourth spot. Rally fans were also treated to their first sighting of the Ford M-Sport team's Raptor T1+, with international drivers Carlos Sainz and Nani Roma, both rally stars in their own right, taking fifth and seventh positions after struggling to come to terms with the local terrain. To capitalise on the 'gees', Ford South Africa brought Roma and his ferocious Raptor to the Silverton assembly plant on Monday, to give plant workers as well as local media members an inside view of Ford's international racing efforts. Amid much jubilation, with Ford's employee choir putting on a stellar performance, Roma and Ford's motorsport management members received a warm South African welcome as the former Dakar winner revved his Raptor and recounted his life as a rally driver. This took place during a slightly extended lunch break, which Ford SA CEO Neale Hill said had a minimal impact on output, but brought a big boost in morale. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Roma received a warm South African welcome. Image: Supplied Roma is one of just three competitors to have won the Dakar Rally on two wheels as well as four, winning with KTM in 2004 and Mini in 2014, and he joined the Ford M-Sport outfit in early 2023. Speaking with local media after the event, the Spanish driver said this was the first time in his career he has felt that the company's board truly loves motorsport. Roma acknowledged that he was not happy with this year's Safari Rally result, but said the positives outweighed the negatives, as much was learned about the car and the unfamiliar racing terrain. He said the relatively narrow tracks as well as the tall grass and rocks made it difficult to read the track ahead. 'But it's great discovering new areas, new types of terrains.' Describing his time in South Africa, he said 'We feel really welcome, everywhere we go. In many countries that's not the case, but here it feels really nice.' The other star of the show, Nani's Raptor T1+, made its Dakar debut at the beginning of 2025. The purpose-built Rally Raid machine boasts multi-adjustable suspension by Fox, allowing up to 350mm of wheel travel and a 400mm ground clearance. The vehicle features a T45 steel spaceframe and carbon fibre body panels, while power comes from a 5.0-litre Coyote V8 with a uniquely tuned (and thunderous sounding) exhaust system. 'Taking on such a demanding race like Dakar is a daunting task for all of us at Ford Performance, but we have never shirked a challenge,' said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. 'The Ford Raptor T1+ is a stake in the ground for our global off-road vision - we want to take on the best and prove ourselves in the toughest places on earth. 'The lessons we are learning from Raptor T1+, along with competing with stock trucks in Baja 1000 and Finke Desert Race, will help make Raptor vehicles even better for our customers.' IOL
Irish Examiner
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Ireland's top drifters to go head-to-head on Spike Island
The iconic Spike Island in Cork Harbour is set to be a lock-out on Saturday July 5th next when it will reverberate to the sounds of race and rally cars of Red Bull athletes. Local ace and professional drifter Conor Shanahan (from Killavullen) and World Rally star Josh McErlean will perform demonstration drives in their respective Toyota GT86 and M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 cars. The duo, along with Conor's brother Jack are part of a one and three quarter hour show that features the Red Bull Drift Pursuit when sixteen of the country's top drifters go head-to-head (knockout format) at the former military base and prison. The evening of exhilarating and thrilling motorsport event has a Cork versus Kerry battle when Trevor Healy (Cork) takes on Colin O'Sullivan (Kerry) in the first round of sixteen. Drivers will be judged on two key criteria - course time and clipping points, with penalties for any infringements. Each of the head to head contests is about accuracy, control and speed. The presence of the Shanahan's brothers should be a great spectacle as they are world renowned for showcasing their unique skills. McErlean, along with his Killeagh co-driver Eoin Treacy, is showing good form in their maiden WRC Rally1 season. Speaking ahead of the event, Killavullen native Shanahan said: 'As a proud Corkman, it is incredible to see a drift event like this take place at such an iconic location like Spike Island. Some of the best drifters in Ireland will be competing and I know Jack and I are looking forward to putting on a show.' McErlean said. "It's (Spike Island) one of the most iconic locations in the country, so to bring the energy of a Red Bull drift event here is something seriously special. Driving the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 car in a place like this, it's going to be loud, fast and an unforgettable experience.' The event will roar into action at 6.45pm and is scheduled to finish at 8.30pm. Tickets are currently on sale on the Red Bull website, priced at €45 for a standing ticket and €55 for a seated ticket. Ferry transfers from Ringaskiddy or Cobh are included in the ticket, with ferries running throughout the day. Prior to the competition itself, spectators can avail of Spike Island tours to learn more about the island's history as a monastic settlement and its 18th-century bastion fort (Fort Mitchel). It's strategic location within the Cork Harbour meant it was used for defence, a naval base and more recently, a prison. During the evening the Shanahan brothers and McErlean will partake in a Q&A session while the drivers' paddock will be open to spectators keen to get a closer look at the action. The other Cork drivers that will participate in the Red Bull Drift Pursuit are Alan Hynes, the 2024 Red Bull Drift Pursuit champion, Aidan Dennehy and Owen Magner.
