"I’d like to think the rally is fairly wide open to win" was Derek McGarrity’s comment when confirming his entry on the Easter Circuit of Ireland. Glengormley man McGarrity, who leads the NI Stage Championship following his Kirkistown win last week, was hoping for the latest P2001 Subaru WRC for Easter, but reckons now that the car won’t be ready. He is however quite happy with his ex Kankkunen P2000 version. Chris Patterson will be co-driving.

Terry Harryman, Ulster Automobile Club chairman, reckons the huge demand for Circuit of Ireland entries is an endorsement of the new Circuit concept of a shorter sharper route using loops of stages centred on Fermanagh. The rally has already well over 100 entries, whereas the last time it ran, in 1999 when the late Bertie Fisher won, less than 50 cars started.

Although the Circuit entry sports some quality names, such as Eamonn Boland, Daniel Doherty and David Greer, all in WRC’s, there is as yet no sign of an entry from reigning Tarmac Champion Andrew Nesbitt, nor 1999 Champion Ian Greer. Luxembourg winner Greer commented, "The car (Corolla WRC) is sitting ready to go, but without a proper sponsorship deal, there is no point in trying to compete at the top end,"

Austin McHale’s Circuit entry is imminent, the Dubliner reporting "We’re definitely committed to the Tarmac and the British Championship in the Corolla and looking forward to the Circuit". Austin last won the Circuit in 1998 and went on to win the Tarmac Championship that year. Brian Murphy will again co-drive.

John Price is top seed for the irishmobiles.com West Cork Rally next weekend, 16^th/17^th March. The Clonakilty based event has 16 fabulous asphalt stages of 10-12 miles length each. Behind Price’s new Metro 6R4 is Derek McGarrity, Melvyn Evans, Pete Doughty, Liam McCarthy and Jim Harrison, all in WRC’s of various hues.

Michael Murray is planning a change of tack this year by competing on a selection of ANCRO rounds in a GpN Subaru from DRJ Motorsport. The Longford man, who has competed in various Nissans over the last few years and who also tackled last year’s 1000 Lakes, will have the experienced Ian Porter co-driving on some of the events.

Kevin O’Kane has taken the lead of the KBB Doors Forestry Championship following the 2^nd round William Loughman Memorial event. Dominic McNeill led after the 1^st round, but his WRC Escort was sidelined in Carrick-on-Suir when a rock tore away a rear link arm. Co. Antrim man Dominic is considering adding the Scottish Rally to his Irish forestry programme.