Micra Challenge

06/11/2024

06/11/2024

🏁 What a Season! 🏁

From the first rev at Kirkistown to the roaring finale in Tyrone’s forests, this year’s McGrady Insurance NI Rally Championship had it all – speed, skill, and plenty of unforgettable moments. As sponsors, we’re proud to have been part of every high-octane twist and turn.

Check out our season recap to see some of our highlights and read how we’re helping bring the rally community closer together. Here’s to another amazing year!
https://www.mcgradyinsurance.com/ni-rally-championship-2024/ni-rally-news/rally-round-up-2024-celebrating-a-season-of-speed/

01/11/2024

A bit of weekend viewing!
The You Tube report on the excitng final round of the 2024 Micra Challenge the Dogleap Stages Rally is now uploaded!

Please feel free to share and, click the link below view.

Official full coverage of Micra Challenge at Dogleap Rally, 19th October 2024

01/11/2024

The Final Score! Micra Challenge 2024

Congratulations to our 2024 Micra Challenge winners- Stanley Orr- driver and Graham Henderson- co-driver.
Jonathan Eadie was the Standard Class winner, with Alan Eadie top co-driver in that category also.

To qualify for a final position in this years series, the competitor had to contest at least one of the gravel rounds, hence some crews with higher scores not qualifying for their relative points position.

Look out for our final round video report to follow later, and plans are already being made for the 2025 Micra Challenge.

ANICC - Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs
Ballynahinch and District Motor Club
McGrady Insurance Motorsport UK Northern Ireland Rally Championship
North Armagh Motor Club
Cookstown Motor Club Ltd
Enniskillen Motor Club
Magherafelt and District motorclub
Maiden City Motor Club
Enniskillen Motor Club
Ulster Rally
Alufix
Vanilla Black Catering
Humphris Rallysport
Race and Rally
Matcon Shopfitting and Design
Millers Oils Ltd
Used Cars NI

24/10/2024

Good Luck to Micra Challenge front runner Peter Dowds who is competing on this weekends BTRDA Cambrian Rally in North Wales. Peter will be in his Vanilla Black Catering sponsored Micra Kit Car and will have the experienced Michael Gibson on the notes. The crew are running car 208 with some bloke called Stig Blomvqist in a Mini just ahead in car 201!

23/10/2024

The prize draw winners on Saturday's Dogleap Rally.
Left to RIght- Ben Fallis- Gallon of Millers by Millers Oils Ltd
£50 Mark Moore, £100 Peter Dowds, £150 Raymond Johnston..

20/10/2024

Micra Challenge final round results..
Congratulations to Stanley Orr on the win, Graham Henderson clinching the co-drivers title. Newcomer Ben Fallis a fine second.

Ful report and pictures to follow.

16/10/2024

Sponsor Profile- Vanilla Black Catering

Without our sponsors the Micra Challenge would not be able to run in the fashion it does currently, and one of the key sponsors from the outset has been Vanilla Black Catering.

Vanilla Black Catering has been established for over fifteen years, with Peter Dowds and his business partner Phyllis Hayes starting out with one coffee van, and now expanded to two vans, two coffee shops and four fast food kiosks, and that’s not all! As official franchise caterers for the Eikon Centre and the Down Royal Racecourse- Vanilla Black brings quality and efficiency to groups of up to 20,000 people, and it’s now gone international!

They also provide event logistic support and hospitality to Formula 1 events, part of the reason why Peter Dowds (who of course led the series this year after two rounds has been unable to make some of the other events!) Hopefully we will see more of Peter in the driving seat 2025, but he has always been in the driving seat behind the scenes of the Micra Challenge since its inception.

We also have Peter’s vision and drive to thank for the inception of the Micra Challenge TV programmes, so not only is he contributing financially with sponsorship, as a competitor but also a key person for the Challenge.

So it’s a big cheers from all the Micra men and women to our sponsor Vanilla Black Catering

09/10/2024

11/09/2024

Round 7 – Trailer Parts and Spares Lakeland Stages
Johnstons’ Rally but Orrs’ Championship

Both crews of Raymond Johnston/ Marc Johnston and Stanley Orr/ Graham Henderson were making their gravel debuts in their Micra Kit cars with some trepidation, but the Trailer Parts and Spares Lakeland Rally held in glorious sunshine delivered success for both.

The Fermanagh father and son crew of Raymond and Marc Johnston overcame their lack of front wheel drive experience to take a deserved win on the challenging stages - taking the lead on the second stage and were never headed thereafter. Stanley Orr, with Graham Henderson back on the notes again, built on previous Challenge success to take second place and sufficient points for Stanley to secure the 2024 Challenge title – Henderson only needs to start the final round to secure the co-driver’s title.

The results could have been very different however, as Challenge debutants Fraser Mulholland/ Simon Morrow demonstrated an impressive turn of speed to take the lead on Stage 1 of the event. The crew were in their first rally proper for Frasers newly built kit car – the stunning blue machine was another Covid lockdown project and grabbed plenty of attention in the service area before the event started. Their glory was short-lived however as the car slid off the road on a slippery right hander on Stage 2 – the Micra beached and with it any chance of overall success gone. Whilst they eventually extracted the car – thankfully with minimal damage – they had however loosened a brake pipe, and the subsequent lack of brakes dented their attack on Stage 3 – the daunting 16-mile Ballintempo. They got back into service and with the car refettled the attacked the afternoon tests – setting a fastest time on Stage 4 and again on Stage 6 the re-run of Ballintempo. The earlier issues however meant they were unclassified in the final results. Certainly, positive signs for the crew though and Fraser will definitely be one to watch on future Challenge rounds.

Fastest times for Orr/ Henderson on both Stages 2 and 3 were not enough to overcome an uncustomary slow start on Stage 1 and as a result Raymond and Marc Johnston led at the midway service point - reflecting their faster start on the first test. Orrs’ performance was commendable however when he discovered the car’s rear axle bouncing on the Ballintempo stage was a result of terminal damage to one of the Proflex rear shock canisters. With no spare Stanley fitted two Group 4 Escort coil-overs shared by a fellow competitor. Whilst clearly not offering the same level of performance as the Proflex adjustables Stanley and Graham headed out of service to Stage 4 in determined mood.

Raymond Johnston pressed home his advantage in the afternoon however, beating Orr over all three stages – over the 20+ stage miles he added over 7 seconds to his lead to secure the Challenge win. The runners up position was enough for Stanley to secure the 2024 Drivers title – with wins on the Tour of the Sperrins and Ulster Rallies being the foundation for his very popular success.

Taking third place on the Lakeland Rally was Sean Foy with new co-driver Ashley Boulton on the notes for the first time. The crew weren’t too far away on the two short stages but couldn’t keep up with the Kit Car crews on the fast Ballintempo test. They enjoyed their battle throughout the day with Raymond McLaughlin and their podium position mirrored the third-place finish for Sean on the Ulster event. Raymond McLaughlin with usual co-driver Martin McBrearty on the notes have now firmly put their cars’ reliability issues behind them with two fourth places on both the Lakeland and Ulster rallies. Raymond is quietly picking up the points and is moving into a strong position for the overall awards at the end of the season. Roll on Octobers final round the return of the Dogleap Rally using Cam and Springwell forests.

Once again thanks to the Enniskillen Motor Club for their support of this years’ Micra Challenge and for a tough, enjoyable event. Thanks also to all the marshals and rescue crews who at least had a little sunshine as they helped the Micra crews enjoy a great day’s rallying.

Pics thanks to KG Rally Pics Krunching Gears
ANICC - Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs
Ballynahinch and District Motor Club
McGrady Insurance Motorsport UK Northern Ireland Rally Championship
North Armagh Motor Club Ltd
Cookstown Motor Club Ltd
Enniskillen Motor Club
Millers Oils Ltd
Magherafelt and District motorclub
Maiden City Motor Club
Enniskillen Motor Club
Ulster Rally
Alufix
Vanilla Black Catering
Humphris Rallysport
Race and Rally
Matcon Shopfitting and Design
Down Rally
Used Cars NI

09/09/2024

Micra Challenge-Round 7 Report

Stephen Watson presents the epic highlights from Round seven of the Micra Challenge. It's fun in the forests for the Trailer Parts & Spares Lakeland Stages Rally, where the 2024 drivers champion was also crowned!

ANICC - Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs
Ballynahinch and District Motor Club
McGrady Insurance Motorsport UK Northern Ireland Rally Championship
North Armagh Motor Club Ltd
Cookstown Motor Club Ltd
Enniskillen Motor Club
Magherafelt and District motorclub
Maiden City Motor Club
Enniskillen Motor Club
Ulster Rally
Alufix
Vanilla Black Catering
Humphris Rallysport
Race and Rally
Matcon Shopfitting and Design
Millers Oils Ltd
Down Rally

Official coverage of Micra Challenge Round 7 - Lakeland Stages 1 - 7th September, 2024

08/09/2024

Stanley the Challenge Champion, Johnston the Lakeland winner!

What a brilliant day on the Trailer Parts & Spares Lakeland Stages.

Congratulations to Raymond & Marc Johnston on the round victory, and the big news is that Stanley Orr has now clinched the drivers title! Well done Stanley!

Sean Foy & Ashley Boulton took a fine third, with Raymond McLaughlin & Marty McBreaty fourth. Frazer Mulholland on his Challenge debut with co-driver Simon Morrow, opened a few eyes with some fastest stage times.

More news to follow..

05/09/2024

Round 7 – Trailer Parts & Spares Lakeland Stages Rally Preview
Gravel Challenge for the Micra Machines!

“You can with as Nissan” and it’s no problem for the Micra Challengers to head to the Fermanagh forests to exercise the little pocket rockets on the gravel surfaces.

Indeed this Saturday's penultimate Micra Challenge round, the Trailer Parts and Spares Lakeland Stages Rally is going to be quite a challenge, with a 16 mile forest stage in Ballintempo amongst the six tests to tackle this Saturday.

Five Micra’s have entered the rally, with first on the road going to be local driver Raymond Johnston with his son Marc co-driving. Raymond made an excellent debut on the May Day Stages and is going to be one to watch this weekend with his Micra Kit Car.

Challenge leader Stanley Orr has his regular co-driver Graham Henderson back in the hot seat, and after his Ulster Rally win is in great form, but like Raymond Johnston, it’s his foray onto the loose with the Micra Kit Car. Stanley’s closest challenger for the title Andrew Bushe has elected to miss this event to focus resources on an engine upgrade for his machine.

One driver who has Micra gravel experience is Sean Foy, who made a great return to the series on the Ulster taking third place. Sean won last year’s Bushwhacker Micra gravel round, finishing second in the series and loves the driving thrill of the nimble Nissan on the loose. On this occasion Ashley Boulton will be in the co-driver’s seat.

Making his Challenge debut in a newly built Kit Car Micra is Hillsborough’s Frazer Mulholland, with Simon Morrow co-driving. Frazer will bring good experience and speed from his Evo days, Fiesta R2 seasons and Quad Racing background. He could spring a surprise on Saturday, but he has to familiarize himself with the car.

Manorcunningham’s Raymond McLaughlin with co-driver Martin McBrearty have had a change in fortune with an excellent run on the Ulster Rally, which has improved their confidence and they are loving the Challenge this year, and were first to enter the Lakeland Stages.

The Enniskillen Motor Club has assembled a six-stage event with crews heading to the forests from the Grovenor Barracks service area in Enniskillen at 10.30am. A full entry list can be viewed at www.rallyscore.net . The Micra Challenge will once again feature it's popular You Tube TV report on and organisers would once again like to thank all those who have been supporting the series this year.

North X North West Photography
ANICC - Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs
Ballynahinch and District Motor Club
McGrady Insurance Motorsport UK Northern Ireland Rally Championship
North Armagh Motor Club
Cookstown Motor Club Ltd
Enniskillen Motor Club
Millers Oils Ltd
Magherafelt and District motorclub
Maiden City Motor Club
Enniskillen Motor Club
Ulster Rally
Alufix
Vanilla Black Catering
Humphris Rallysport
Race and Rally
Matcon Shopfitting and Design
Protyre Motorsport Ireland
Millers Oils Ltd
Down Rally
Used Cars NI

03/09/2024

The organisers and competitors of the Micra Challenge are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Susan Kierce Marsh, mother of Seán, Caoimhín, and Daithí and wife of Adrian. Our condolences and sympathy are extended to the Marsh family and friends in Newtowncunningham and beyond. May she rest in peace.

Adrian Marsh

27/08/2024

Stephen Watson presents the highlights of Round 6 of the 2024 Micra Challenge from the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally

The mighty Micra's take on the Ulster Tarmac for seven action packed stages.

Ulster Rally
ANICC - Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs
Ballynahinch and District Motor Club
McGrady Insurance Motorsport UK Northern Ireland Rally Championship
North Armagh Motor Club
Cookstown Motor Club Ltd
Magherafelt and District motorclub
Maiden City Motor Club
Enniskillen Motor Club
Alufix
Vanilla Black Catering
Humphris Rallysport
Race and Rally
Matcon Shopfitting and Design
Protyre Motorsport Ireland
Millers Oils Ltd
Down Rally
Used Cars NI

Official coverage of the Micra Challenge round 6 which took place as part of the Ulster Rally - 17th August 2024

23/08/2024

I’m looking a co-driver for the Lakeland Rally in my Micra - Sept 7th - need some contribution towards costs. DM if you have any interest.
Thanks.