The entries have been coming in Fast & Furious for this year’s Donegal Motor Club 50th anniversary Danny Gormley Knockalla Hill Climb, which is a testament to the reputation of the event, the work of the organisers and the affection and regard for former Clerk of the Course Danny Gormley, in whose honour it has been renamed.
This year’s COC Michael Kelly is presiding over a record entry and welcomes on board three title sponsors, all well-known as longstanding sponsors and competitors on Donegal Motor Club events. These are
DMG Motors of Donegal Town
CBM Signs of Letterkenny
Kelly’s Toyota of Letterkenny and Mountcharles.
Post Covid, and because of it being the 50th, there is a fantastic buzz around this year’s event with renewed interest with a great mix of old and new local crews. With first-time Juniors such as Seamie Browne & Dara Bonner competing alongside local Hill climb Veterans Ivan Stewart & Willie Vance it’s sure to be an entertaining event at a local club level.
The Magical Knockalla has gained entries from Rally newbie and Tik Tok-famous Jason McConnon from Monaghan in his Peugeot R2 car, who’ll be bringing a Tik Tok following of over 170,000 along for the run, alongside current British Rallycross Champion Derek Tohill in his 700bhp+ Ford Fiesta Supercar joining in on the “Race to the Clouds”. There is something for everyone to see at this year’s Hill Climb.
Most importantly the event counts as two rounds of the ever popular ALEKTO Irish Hill Climb Championship, one on Saturday 3rd September and the other on Sunday 4th Sept, and this has led to a record entry being received from all over Ireland, with many race cars and single seaters not usually seen in the hills of Donegal.
As always marshals are required on both days and there will be some surprises for both Marshals & competitors alike over the weekend. Saturday’s Prize giving will be held at a gala dinner in Ripples Restaurant in Kerrykeel, while Sunday’s will be on the start line of the famous hill, directly after racing, to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Knockalla and to present some special trophies to mark the occasion.
Regulations, event information and contact details for the 50th Anniversary Hill Climb are available online via https://www.shannonsportsit.ie/evo/login.
