Team Sepam Sport Out in Force for Stonethrowers Rally

Rallying returns to the Premier County this weekend, with the Sepam Stonethrowers Rally visiting Clonmel’s challenging tarmac roads. As title sponsors of the Stonethrowers Rally, Sepam have provided long time support for Tipperary Motor Club’s flagship event in the company’s hometown of Clonmel, but also as competitors. The Kearney family across the generations have been long-time competitors in rallies throughout the country since the 1970s, and ardent supporters of their local rally. The 2016 edition of the Stonethrowers Rally will be unique in that it will be the first time all 4 members of the Kearney rallying family will compete on the same event, with Gus Sr being joined by his 3 sons; Pat, Andrew and Gus Jr.

 

Gus Kearney Sr achieved great results in a career spanning from the 70s through to the mid 90s, particularly on the Circuit of Ireland, with top ten results and class wins, along with the prestigious Castlereagh Trophy, not to mention an amazing 2nd overall on the 1991 Stonethrowers in a 1600cc Nova. This year sees Gus return behind the wheel of the Peugeot 205 GTI he used on the 1987 Circuit of Ireland Rally. He is partnered by Owen O Neill.

The two distinctive red Team Sepam Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9s are entered in the Group N category on the event by Gus’s sons; Pat and Gus Jr. They are using the event as a shakedown for the upcoming Ulster Rally. Pat is navigated by Rosscarberry’s Alistair Wyllie, while in the 2nd Sepam Evo, it’s an all Tipperary team, with Gus Jr teamed as always with Kilcommon navigator Tommy Hayes.

In the distinctive yellow Sepam Vauxhall Nova, Andrew Kearney returns to the stages for the first time in 2016 and will be hoping for another good run in class 9. Andrew will be teamed with fellow Tipperary man, James Lowry in the hot seat.

The rally takes place around Clonmel on Sunday with the leading cars starting the event at 8.45am. Service will be held at the Powerstown racecourse and is an ideal opportunity to see the cars. All at Team Sepam Sport wish everyone a safe and enjoyable rally, and remember “Keep the Race in Its Place” and to listen to and co-operate with the marshals at all times.