The Glens of Antrim Forest Rally, the final round of the 2016 Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Rally Championship once again provided a fine finale to an excellent season. 

It proved to be a dream day for Desi Henry, not only winning his home round, but clinching the 2016 title. “I am absolutely delighted to win the Glens of Antrim rally and to win the championship today. I can’t believe it, it’s been one of the longest rallies in my life! A massive thanks to the team and to Liam Moynihan who is undoubtedly one of the best navigators around. Thanks also to my sponsors for their support, the championship sponsors, TV crews, organisers, marshals etc. for a great years rallying, and to my family and friends for putting up with me during the highs and lows” said the new champion.

Although Desi in the Skoda R5 was fastest on stage one; it was Josh Moffett who took the lead in the Fiesta R5 after a superb run through the famous Slieveanorra stage. Josh was to hold a narrow six second lead over Desi arriving at first service, where he was contacting brother Sam, who had slid off the road and out of the rally on the third Ballypatrick stage. It was one of those days for the Monaghan team however as next it was Josh’s turn to retire on the second run over Slieveanorra.
That left Desi with a comfortable advantage over second placed Adrian Hetherington all the way to the finish.

Third overall and clinching a fabulous second in the championship was Ger Lucey, despite a major moment on the first loop Michael Carbin in his Evo 4 could have possibly deprived Ger of second place, but he slid off on the third test.

The Valvoline two-wheel battle belonged to Shane McGirr, who had to cruise through the final stage with a broken rear shock absorber to take the coveted 2wd title.

Winner of the rallytrader.ie/ Kumho tyres Junior category, collecting two Kumho Tyres from Ears Motorsport Ireland was Derek Mackeral in his Vauxhall Nova.  It has been a successful year for the Valvoline Motorsport Ireland National Forest Rally Championship, which has seen increased competitor support, and excellent camaraderie through-out the seven events. The official championship prize-giving takes place in Tullamore on the 26th November.

Points after round seven:
1st Desi Henry                    101
2nd Ger Lucey                      82
3rd Shane McGirr                 79
4th  John Gordon                  70
5th Adrian Hetherington        69