The countdown is well and truly on to what is sure to be one of the absolute highlights of the Irish Motorsport Calendar, the 2019 Jim Walsh Cork Forest Rally, a two-day high-octane spectacle running out of Mallow on July 27Th & 28Th. After the successful return of the multi-day format in 2018, this year’s event is aiming to push the bar even higher and create what is surely going to be one of the most memorable Rally Events in the country.
Following the success of 2018, a large number of key supporters of the event have come on board once again, testament to the high standing that the Cork Forest Rally is held in, and the vital impact it plays in bring a large economic impact to the region. The rally will be based out of the Hibernian Hotel in Mallow, while the overnight halt and Parc Ferme will be located in the Cork County Council Annabella complex.
For a fifth straight year, the main event sponsor is Crafted Fitted Furniture, a local Mallow based firm who have grown into an industry leader nationwide in the supply and design of bespoke Furniture and Kitchens. Starting in 1993, the firm is a real success story, with the current operation employing 20 people across both their Showrooms and Workshop. The relationship between CFF Group and Cork Motor Club is one built strongly over the past four year of cooperation, with the rally showcasing the Crafted Fitted Furniture brand globally through both Irish and International TV coverage the event receives, and this relationship is key to a combined success far into the future.
The Jim Walsh Cork Forest Rally has always been incredibly competitor friendly, and 2019 is certainly no different. Clerk of the Course Paul Casey has put together a fast, flowing and exciting route for spectators, utilising a number of two-stage loops with regular service intervals throughout both days, with Saturday’s taking place in Mallow and Sunday’s in the Mallow Autograss facility.
Saturday will see competitors tackling six classic Forest stages with approximately 70km of competitive action to look forward to. The highlight here is certain to be a properly challenging 18.5km stage that will be run twice.
Sunday is a real throwback, as after an absence of four years, the Cork Forest Rally will blast back into the Ballyhoura Mountains. Eight tests await the crews, and a stage mileage of 85km split over stages measuring at minimum 8km meaning this is without doubt the best Forestry event that Ireland has to offer!
For all the most up to date information, don’t forget to check out www.corkmotorclub.com or the Jim Walsh Cork Forrest page on Facebook. Event Regulations & Entry Forms will be available shortly through these channels!
