Johnston demoted to second amid confusion

Editorial Department • Published 10 Dec 2009 11:27 0 Comments

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Uncertainty and confusion still surrounds the final results of the Hankook Northern Ireland Rally Championship, with the most recent review of the final standings seeing Ballinamallard's Raymond Johnston demoted to second in Group N.

Having already been altered twice since the conclusion of the final round of the series, the most recent results are believed to be under appeal once again, as the province's premier rallying series descends into farce.

The controversy surrounds the award of bonus points for competitors who undertook marshalling duties at rallies prior to the penultimate round of the championship. The validity of the claims of several competitors were called into question, with Group N contender Donagh Kelly along with Derek McGarrity and Kenny McKinstry all having their bonus scores questioned. Initially the points were allocated seemingly within the regulations set out at the start of the season, and Raymond's ten points took him ahead of Kelly. Following a review by the series organisers several days later however, Kelly received points after claiming to marshall following his retirement from an earlier round, elevating him to the top spot.

With the decision liable to decide both the Group N and overall titles, Raymond and Kenny McKinstry both lodged protests to the Motorsports Association over the committee's decision.

"Donagh Kelly and Derek McGarrity claimed their points for marshalling on an event in which they had competed but retired, and according to the blue book you can't sign on as a competitor and an official at the same event," explained Raymond. "That was what Kenny McKinstry and myself were protesting and it seemed fairly clear cut. I went to the meeting fairly confident I could win my case. We weren't calling anyone liars as some people seemed to think, we were simply saying that the co-ordinator issued the points on the wrong basis. The MSA guys saw that claim and said 'Yes, good point. We'll consider it.'"

Rather than uphold the appeal however the stewards decided to withdraw the bonus points from all competitors, stripping both Raymond and Donagh Kelly of their ten additional points. "They removed all the points from everybody, and I don't know why they did that," admitted Raymond. "In view of the fact that championship co-ordinator Kieran O'Neill didn't have a lot of paperwork they reckoned the whole thing was a bit 'here, there and everywhere', so they decided to remove everyone's points. Maybe it was a handy way for them to get out of it, I don't know."

Instead of drawing the sorry saga to a conclusion however the latest decision has had further ramifications for previously unaffected class winners, most notably altering the result of the Junior Championship. It is believed that some of these drivers have now launched further appeals, which could yet alter the outcome of the Group N title fight. "They have opened a big can of worms, but I'm not going to cause any more waves and won't be protesting any more," said Raymond. "The new protest could still help me, but the good has gone out of it now."

The controversy has already seen championship co-ordinator Kieran O'Neill stand down from his position, despite receiving plaudits from many for securing television coverage for the first time in many years. A major overhaul of the series is now expected, but will the 2010 season start before the 2009 season ends?

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 10 Dec 09

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