Motorsport enthusiasts in the Connaught region, involved in popular Hill Climb and Sprint events have gathered for the first of the pre-season scrutiny events, hosted by Frank Byrnes Autobody Repair in Oranmore. This is ahead of the The 2017 Motorsport Ireland Hillclimb and Sprint Championship kick off with the Galway heat at the famous “Corkscrew” Hill in Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare on Saturday April 22nd, followed by Ballinalacken Hill, Fanore on Sunday 23rd April.

The national committee introduced the pre-season scrutiny last year as part of their ongoing development of the sports to constantly improve all standards, in particular safety. Scutineers Jason Keogh and Pat Shiel offered advice to competitors in a wide variety of vehicles. Catering for car owners in the East, John Linane Motors hosted the second pre-season scrutiny day in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow.

Rory Stephens, Chairman of Hillclimb & Sprint Committee said, “With safety always being paramount and our number one priority, we strive to bring the safest event venues possible and also to ensure that the competition cars are of the highest standard in terms of maintenance and repair.”

With this in mind a new Hillclimb Marshall’s Club is being established for 2017 with sponsorship from Frank Byrnes Autobody Repairs, Oranmore. Led by Jaimie O’Rourke from Limerick, winner of Marshall of the Year 2016, extensive training will be provided to the voluntary team, who play a vital role in event safety. 

Frank Byrnes of Oranmore has been a long-time participant and supporter of this Motorsport Ireland championship, he holds the title of Irish Hillclimb Champion 2001, 2002 and 2006 and is the only person from the Republic of Ireland to have won the Northern Ireland Hill Climb Championship. 

Frank Byrnes Autobody Repairs ranks in the SIMI top three expert crash repair businesses in Ireland, promising excellent customer experience and cutting edge technology.