Motorsport News

JOSH MOFFETT PONDERS OPTIONS AFTER ITRC SUCCESS

Champion could look to swap to a new machine for 2023 attack

- By Martin Walsh

Josh Moffett, who clinched his second Irish Tarmac Rally Championsh­ip title in four years on last month’s Ulster Rally, says that a new car and some gravel rallies could be in his plans for the coming months.

The Hyundai i20 R5 driver was in formidable form on the Emerald Isle this season and says that his run to the crown on the recent Ulster Rally was one of the hardest events of the season.

He explained “Ulster was probably the most difficult rally of the whole championsh­ip insofar as the only goal was to get to the end of it. Between the stages and the weather, it was difficult, but we have the championsh­ip.”

Moffett reckoned his latest success was sweeter than his first ITRC title win in 2018. “The races we had in

Cork and Donegal this year were great, we’ve had a few good ones this year,” he added. “It’s been a brilliant championsh­ip and what has made it more special for me is the level of competitio­n this year and how tough it has been

Despite his run of glory in his

South Korean car, the Irishman says that he has yet to set his 2023 plans in stone and could look to swap machines next term.

Moffett said: “We are open to talking to all the manufactur­ers to see what’s available. It’s hard enough to get a car at the minute with lead times. In Hyundai terms, this is their old car, a bit like the Mk1 Fiesta. The new Hyundai has been out for the last two years and we will look at that. Citroen is a good car and Skoda too and Ford has a relatively new car.”

He might now contest the final round of the National series, the Donegal Harvest on October 8. He said: “I would love to get out and do a gravel rally in the Hyundai, there’s a few coming up here and in the UK.

For now, though, this is one we will remember. Co-driver Andy Hayes has done a top job all year, Tom Gahan and all the boys have been superb, it’s a great team and you need it for all this to happen.”

 ?? Photos: Paul Lawrence ?? Champ is looking at his 2023 options
Photos: Paul Lawrence Champ is looking at his 2023 options

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