Inaugural Ford Ireland Focus Championship winner Colm Murphy has been to test both an M-Sport Focus WRC and a Puma Super 1600. The 28 year old Dublin based Co Limerick IT Software developer was mighty impressed with the Focus WRC, but struggled a little with both machines as he is unfamiliar with LHD. Colm is hoping to switch his Focus to LHD for this year’s Irish series.

Tom Collins of Protec, who co-ordinates both the Ford Ireland Focus series and the KA Championship, reports renewed interest in both for 2003. The Focus Championship cars will have more power and a revised gearbox. The KA series will have a revised format and will start with the Carrick on Suir Forestry Rally. Collins will be announcing full programmes shortly.

Colm Murphy’s brother John, based in London and associated with Ollie O’Donovan’s construction company, has acquired a GpN Subaru and plans a season in Ireland, with Colm hopeful for an occasional run in the car.

Peugeot 206 SuperCup winner Garry Jennings has bought the 106 Maxi as driven by James Thompson in 2002. Young Ballinamallard lad Garry is planning a Tarmac Championship run in the car, plus some selected forest events. The thinking is to stay sharp between his British Championship outings in the ‘works’ 206 Super 1600.

Waterford father and son rallymen Eddie and Keith Power have done a deal for Jenning’s 206 SuperCup winning machine, the Circuit of Ireland just one of the events planned for the car.

Gareth McHale, a class winner in the recent Baltinglass event in his 206, plans to have another go at the SuperCup, and is hopeful of improving on his 2002 placing now that he has some knowledge of the rallies involved.

The Kings Hall in Belfast is to play host to a new Sportscar Show at the end of January, with one feature being a proper special stage through the grounds as pioneered by the Ulster Rally a few years ago.

Breen McNamee, the driving force behind the Castle MC Hellfire Rally for many years, saw a class win in the National Championship slip through his fingers in 2002. This season the Oldcastle businessman is going to give the series a full go in his ex works Peugeot.