Joy Ride
[20 October 2006]
Joy Ride
At a recent test day put on by Donnelly Motorsport we invited a few customers to find out what it is like to sit with Eugene Donnelly on a proper rally stage.
After arriving at the Walsh’s hotel in Maghera we were met by Charlie Donnelly, Eugene’s brother. We were taken to the stage location at the foot of the Sperrins mountains, where the Donnelly Motorsport mechanics had already set up camp. Shortly after Eugene arrived and explained what would happen during the day. After a run over the stage in a road car which was five miles out and 5 miles back it was down to business. So one after the other everyone got strapped in for the ride of their life, I stood back and watched as the faces of apprehension which went out down the stage into the unknown, returned with ear to ear grins.
Its hard to imagine the acceleration and stopping ability of a World Rally Car when you stand and watch at the side of the road but when you are sitting in the co-drivers seat experiencing it, boy does it take your breath away. Full marks to Eugene Donnelly he has not won rally championships for nothing, he could teach us all something about car control.
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