BY RYAN FERRY
THE Reid family is synonymous with rallying in Donegal and brothers Aaron and Caolan Reid are carrying on the family tradition.
Their grandparents Charlie and the late Lottie Reid helped organise the Donegal Rally for many years and held numerous roles within the local Motor Club.
Aaron, who is talented Gaelic Footballer with Termon, admits that other sporting interests dominated as he grew up, but he has now found the grá for rallying in his twenties.
“My dad (Karl) and my uncle Paul would have been rallying since they were no age.
“They’re still mad about it ‘til this day.
“It was all about football for me all the way up through the age groups.
“I only really got into rallying two years ago when we got the car so I’m quite late at it.
“In fairness my brother Caolan who sits on with me is big into it and gets a lot of the stuff ready for me. I just have to drive it really!
Reid is competing in the Junior section in a Honda Civic.
He has enjoyed the year so far and hopes to make the most of his local knowledge.
“We only really got started last year.
“We did five or six rallies and Donegal was the big one.
“There was just a full week of build-up getting everything ready and it was brilliant.
“I definitely got a taste for it and we decided to give the Irish Tarmac Championship a go this year.
“We did Galway then missed out on Cork but did the Circuit and Killarney and Donegal is the next one.
“There’s a big push on this year.
“We’re second in the standing there at the minute, three or four points behind Darragh Walsh.
“Down in Killarney, he gave us a right hiding so we will be trying to get one over him up the road this time.
“One of the stages on Sunday is in Termon which is just over the road from us which is always a help when prepping.”
Aaron will receive notes from his younger brother Caolan and their close-knit relationship is a help.
“We’re like any other brothers we fall out here and there but it helps to have someone on that you can trust.
“And if something does go wrong, it’s very easy to get over it.
“He will be looking for his go in the driver’s seat as well so I could be pushed out shortly!”
There is a risk involved in rallying and there are plenty of costs involved even when things are going to plan.
Reid is well aware of all that but as the buzz builds this week, he knows where he wants to be.
“That’s all part of the thrill really.
“It can be costly if something goes wrong with the car and you’re going away down the country for a full weekend to compete.
“There’s a lot of time and money involved.
“We have been trying to get the car right since we had an off in Mayo.
“I’m lucky in that I have some very good sponsors. I think people are happy to help juniors to keep them at it which is great.”
There are only six stages for the Juniors and they have to wait until Sunday to compete.
They will take on Lough Keel, Atlantic Drive, and Fanad Head and the drivers will have to be patient.
Reid said: “You’re sitting about all weekend waiting.
“You’d maybe be better just letting the juniors away on the Friday than keeping them waiting.
“There can be lots of holes in hedges by Sunday.
“But no, it really adds to the build-up and the anticipation.
“It is a very competitive class to be fair.
“I think there’s 23 juniors down for Donegal which is a massive entry. It’s usually ten or twelve everywhere else you go.
“It’s going to be really competitive among everyone.
“I’m 24 so I would have two more years at juniors if I stick at it.
“If the chance comes, you have to be taking it but there will be at least ten other men thinking the same.”