It's go for the 2023 Knockalla Hill Climb - with a new main sponsor

The 2023 Knockalla Hill Climb has been given the green light - and has a new sponsor.

The Donegal Motor Club has confirmed that Kelly’s Toyota will be the title sponsor of the event which takes place on September 2-3.

Concerns over the running of the event were raised in the last week, but these fears have now been allayed. What have been described as ‘technical issues’ arose, but the Motor Club have managed to get over any remaining hurdles.

“These issues would have had serious implications for the event,” the Donegal Motor Club said.

“Thankfully, due to the hard work and experience of this year's Clerks of the Course - Micheal Kelly and Larry Harper - the organising team and the Donegal Motor Club Committee, a successful solution was found with the Hillclimb Commission for Donegal Motor Club to accommodate this year’s Knockalla Hillclimb to run as counting rounds of the ALEKTO Irish Hillclimb and Sprint Championship, as has been the case for many successful years.”

The Motor Club was ’shocked’ when initially learning of the potential problems, but following last year’s successful Danny Gormley Memorial 50th anniversary Knockalla Hill Climb, the popular event is good for go again on the famous stretch of Donegal road.

Entries have now opened and can be made by clicking this link from 12 noon on Friday.

A virtual chicane will be introduced on a trial basis this year. This is a simple traffic light system just after the start line, similar to the pit lane system in F1 where the cars slow until the lights turn green and then go racing. The top prizes are again the Danny Gormley and John Leinster Memorial trophies.

Regarding the new title sponsor, the Donegal Motor Club said: “We welcome Kelly’s Toyota as title sponsor this year. Kelly’s Toyota has always been a proud supporter of the Donegal Motor Club and we are delighted that they have shown confidence in our event again this year. We look forward to welcoming many more of our sponsors back again this year.”

The event involves a 1.3km climb up the world famous Knockalla hill, including Wilhare’s Corner, named after Cranford’s PJ Wilhare following a big ‘off’ in a fibreglass Mini.

Michael Kelly, who was COC in 2022, is again taking charge of Saturday’s racing.

“After the super success of last year's Danny Gormley 50th Anniversary Memorial Hillclimb, we are delighted to be welcoming everyone back to Knockalla again this year," he said.

“Like everything these days, things are changing and we have adapted to these changes to make this Hill Climb continue as the premier Hill Climb of the year. This event can only happen with the cooperation and support of the local residents, marshals, competitors, many generous and loyal sponsors, Donegal County Council, Motorsport Ireland, An Garda Siochana and the emergency services.”

Larry Harper has taken charge of the start line over many years and will fill the COC role on the Sunday.

“We have over the years developed a real good team to run the hill with Francis Devine returning as chief marshal, Sam Pearson as Event Secretary along with marshals who have been coming here to help for years and a lot of fresh faces that appear each year to ensure we run this event to the best of our abilities,” he said.

“We hope to welcome back many familiar faces again this year to marshal and go racing or do both over the weekend. I would encourage a lot of our younger and newer drivers to look at how easy and cost effective it is to get your car hillclimb logged and get a hillclimb licence to join us to get the chance to race on the world famous Knockalla Hill.”

Dual drive and entry options for one and two days are available, with club points available both days for Donegal Club marshals.