Tipperary and Monaghan pairing on the podium at one of world’s most prestigious rallies
Colosseum provided spectacular backdrop to race in Rome
Casey Jay Coleman, Clonmel and Killian McArdle, Monaghan secured a great result when finishing third in the ERC (European Rally Championship) Rally3 category and second in the M-Sport Trophy on the Rally di Roma Capitale in Italy, in round four of the FIA European Rally Championship.
Based in Fiuggi, near Rome, the high-profile rally opened with a short and super special stage next to the spectacular and historic Colosseum in Rome, where Coleman posted a time of third quickest, only 1.2 seconds off the leader, and clearly showing his intent for the remaining 12 stages being run over Saturday and Sunday.
22-year-old Coleman and his co-driver McArdle (25 years old) are contesting the hugely competitive international series in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally3 prepared by RLA Autosport.
The ERC is one of the most competitive and prestigious rally championships in the world.
Returning to asphalt, Casey Jay was thrilled with the strong result and as ever the team did a fantastic job.
It was a very demanding rally for all involved, with temperatures reaching 43 degrees and total competitive stages of 207.82 kilometres, with the most demanding being two passes of the 34.57 kilometres Torre di Cicerone stage. It was extremely challenging.
SEE MORE: Traffic plans aim to limit delays for Tipperary and Cork supporters travelling to All-Ireland final
The weekend went exceptionally well for the crew, other than a puncture on the first stage of the final loop on Sunday afternoon, which cost some time and certainly got the crew’s attention, as they had two more competitive stages to the finish to complete without a spare wheel.
This being Coleman’s first year competing at this level, he is delighted with his progress to date, having Spain (asphalt), Hungary and Poland (gravel) and now Italy under his belt.
The experience is clearly showing in his increased pace and results.
Casey Jay Coleman and Killian McArdle are supported by Suirway Forklifts, Keltech Waterford, Kilsheelan Limestone Quarries, Murray Motorsport, Coastal Classics French Riveria Yacht Charters.
The next round of the FIA European Rally Championship will be held on August 15-17, the Barum Czech Rally Zlin in the Czech Republic.