The Donegal Motor Club has announced that the Danny Gormley Memorial Knockalla Hillclimb, set for this Saturday and Sunday the 3rd & Sunday 4th of September, has received “an unheard of” entry of over 100 competitors for both days.
Race Secretary Sam Pearson has confirmed that Motorsport Ireland agreed this week to the Club’s request to run extra numbers due to the unprecedented demand for entries on what is Ireland’s most famous ALEKTO Irish Hillclimb Championship venue, and easily it’s most scenic.
Clerk of the Course Michael Kelly commented:
“We are blown away by the interest in the 50th anniversary Hillclimb. It’s an unheard of entry in Irish Hillclimbing. It’s obvious that so many are coming out to pay tribute to our former COC Danny Gormley, as we are renaming the event in his memory. We have been inundated with people who want to join in the tribute.”
“We want to thank Motorsport Ireland, series sponsors ALEKTO and the Hillclimb Commission for their help. This will be the first Hillclimb since Danny passed away in 2021. With their help we are confident that everyone that entered will now get to run on the hill so spectators should aim to be in place early. Its going to be a busy weekend up the most spectacular venue in Irish motorsport.”
“There will be a stunning array of cars and competitors on show. From John Donnelly’s specialist Pilbeam MP62 rocketship to Kerrykeel’s own Ernest Stewart in his Chrysler Hunter, still going from the very first Hillclimb (that’s Ernest, not the car), there will be nonstop action from 10.30 to 5.30 both days.”
“We are also delighted to receive the support of St. Eunan’s GAA in Letterkenny, who operated the camping facilities on the Donegal International Rally weekend, and are supplying essential safety equipment for marshals and officials. It is a much appreciated gesture.”
“Spectators are advised to approach from Kerrykeel/Portsalon as car parking will be available and a shuttle bus will operate up the hill from the start line. No spectator access will be possible from the Rathmullan side, and the road will be closed at the Glenvar junction.”
We want to thank all the local residents, landowners, Donegal County Council, the emergency services, An Garda Siochana, programme sponsors and everyone who is supporting us.”
“Our event is only possible thanks to the generosity of Kelly’s Toyota, DMG Motors and CBM Signs as title sponsors, but their enthusiasm to mark this as a special 50th anniversary has been infectious. We are really looking forward to a very special weekend.”
“With added pressure on paddock space Chief Marshal Francie Devine has put out a call for anyone wishing to marshal to contact him via the Motor Club Website or Club Facebook, and reminds all spectators to proceed with extreme caution while the competition is running. Safety will always be our first priority. Marshalling points are available for all DMC members.”
“A full entry list will be available in the event programme and a specially commissioned 50th anniversary starters medal will be presented.”
EVENT TIMETABLE.
Friday:
Scrutiny at the Main Knockalla Car Park from 17:00 hours. Recommended.
Saturday:
– Scrutiny at the Main Knockalla Car Park from 07:00 hours.
– Drivers briefing 09:30 hours at the start line.
– Practice runs start 10:30 hours
– Racing finishes 17:30 hours
– Saturday Prize Giving at Ripples Restaurant Kerrykeel from 20.30 hours.
Sunday:
– Practice runs start 10:30 hours
– Racing finishes 17:30 hours
– Sunday prize giving and presentation of the John Leinster and Danny Gormley Memorial Trophies will be on the Knockalla Hillclimb start line immediately after the conclusion of racing
