As the clock ticks down to
the start of the 2009 ToddsLeap.com Ulster International Rally this
Friday, the organisers have put out a last minute call for extra
stage marshals. Nobody gets closer to the supercharged on-stage
action than the marshals, who play a vital role in keeping
thousands of rally fans safe throughout the event.
Chief Marshal at this year’s Ulster – which could be a slippery
affair, given the prevailing weather conditions – is thirty three
year old Barry O’Neill. There’s no better man for the job, as
O’Neill is the MSA’s Marshal Trainer for Northern Ireland and also
tutors the National Award In Motorsport course at Omagh’s South
West College!
The O’Neill ‘clan’ at this year’s Ulster will top 500 marshals –
because that’s what it takes to safely run a motorsport spectacle
on the scale of the August 21st/22nd rally.
“There are still some slots left for marshals at this year’s
event,” said Barry. “I’d like to hear from anyone who is
interested, right up until the morning of Friday 21st. We need both
experienced and inexperienced marshals. Any new marshals will
always be teamed up with experienced ones – because whilst the
marshals are always the closest to the action, the safety of all
concerned is paramount!”
Anyone interested in marshalling at the 2009 ToddsLeap.com Ulster
International Rally should contact Chief Marshal Barry O’Neill
immediately on 07740 510551.
Meanwhile, fevered anticipation builds in fans and competitors
alike. New stages and old enemies will make for a classic asphalt
‘Clash of the Titans.’ If the Gods decree slippery tar, the 2009
Ulster could be an all time great!