McNulty lands sought after role with Cronin

Editorial Department • Published 4 Feb 2010 14:08 0 Comments

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Fermanagh co-driver Barry McNulty has landed one of the most sought after roles in British rallying. The former navigator for Alastair Fisher will spend the 2010 season alongside reigning British Rally Champion Keith Cronin, contesting both the British and Irish championships. Following the news that Cronin's regular co-driver Greg Shinnors was unable to take up his seat because of work commitments, speculation was rife about who would get the opportunity to sit alongside the West Cork star. Having competed against Keith in recent years, it was Barry who got the call. "With Rory (Kennedy) onboard with Alastair for the British Rally Championship this year I was a bit unsure exactly what my plans were for the season, and then I got this opportunity. I spoke to Alastair about it, and he agreed it was a good move for me," explained Barry. "I know Keith from competing against him last year and in the forestry championship the year before. We've always got on well and had good craic, and he's a fairly straightforward and straight talking kind of a guy. I'm really looking forward to it."

Cronin is regarded as one of the most talented young drivers in the UK. Last season he made his name by defeating former British Champion Mark Higgins to become the first Irish driver to win the British Rally Championship since Billy Coleman in 1974. His performances earned him a highly sought after place at the end of season Pirelli Shoot-Out, and victory in that competition brought with it a works drive in the 2010 British Championship behind the wheel of a Group N Subaru.

With a full calendar events planned, Barry is set to dedicate much of the upcoming year to his rallying. "It'll take up around 100 days," he revealed. "We'll be doing the full British and Irish Championships, and hopefully budget permitting there'll be a few other bigger plans on the table, but they are not certain at the minute. We are away testing in Cork soon, and there will be another few small events we will do before the BRC as a shakedown in the new Subaru. It'll be a new experience with a new set up and new team but the whole team around the car is excellent. They are very well organised, very professional and they seem keen to win."

If Keith can repeat his form of 2009, winning could well become a familiar habit for Barry.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Feb 10

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