Charlie Collins gets the inside scoop from Eugene on his engine fire in the Donegal International Rally 2006

Eugene Donnelly joins forces with Reid Motorsport

It was announced today that a deal has been struck between brothers Liam and Shaun Reid of Reid Motorsport and current Irish Tarmac And National Champions Eugene and Charlie Donnelly to join the Reid Motorsport Team.

The Reid Motorsport team was set up at the beginning of this year with big name sponsors like Kerr’s Tyres, BF Goodrich, P&O Irish Sea and Reid Transport, the back bone of The Reid Group Companies.

There were smiles all round as the announcement was made at the Reid Transport head offices in the Co Antrim village of Cloughmills outside Ballymena. Managing director of Reid Transport and the main instigator of the Reid Motorsport team, Liam Reid announced the exciting news saying. “This is a deal I hope will combine the experience and enthusiasm needed to move forward towards clinching this years Tarmac championship and a successful outing on the much anticipated WRC arrival of Rally Ireland.” Members of the Reid Motorsport Team welcomed the Donnelly Brothers to what has now become a four car rally team.

Eugene Donnelly on the attack in Donegal International Rally 2006

Tarmac champion Eugene Donnelly confirmed the good news adding. “This is a dream come true for Charlie and I as we have worked so hard now for many years to get a deal like this to come our way, it gives us an opportunity to relax from the pressure of the day to day roles of running and managing all the financial affairs and expenses involved in competing at this level.

Things will obviously change in some respects but on the whole we are really excited about what’s happening.” Derek Mc Geehan and his team will continue to work on the Subaru WRC as both Liam and Eugene feel his experience and meticulous attention to detail will be all important in achieving the team’s goals.

On a sadder note the Donnelly brothers will be losing long time sponsors, some of whom they have been working with for many years like Kumho Tyres, Modern Tyre Services, Esker Bus & Coach, KVC Manufacturing Ltd and Shanette Shed Centre, all of whom have provided financial support and assistance over the years resulting in many rally and championship wins which was and is very much appreciated. Also we would like to thank all our tried and trusted fans for there continued support and encouragement over the years and ask them “to continue by putting all that belief and energy behind us as we move forward to a new era and look forward to a long and successful winning relationship with the Reid Motorsport Team.”