The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy ran its third development day in Tynagh, Co. Galway recently.

As with each of the previous development days, all of last year's Billy Coleman Award nominees were involved with each of them once again getting to sample a Philip Case Rallysport prepared Hyundai i20 R5 with former Billy Coleman Award winner Callum Devine on hand to give driving tuition.

As well as track time in the Hyundai, the drivers also got the chance to experience simulated rallying thanks to Virtual Race Academy. While winter months are relatively quiet for rally drivers, gaming is one of the best ways for drivers to keep sharp between seasons and the Virtual Race Academy rig was perfect for keeping the skills sharp for drivers between run.

Also on hand on the day were Leo Nulty Promotions who carried out sponsorship and PR training with the group and Alan Heary who focused on mental fitness, personal fitness, nutrition and media training.

The drivers in the MI Rally Academy will so be joined by an elite group of co-drivers who will also come under the academy umbrella. This group of co-drivers will be announced later this week.

The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy is funded by former Irish Rally Champion John Coyne, through the Team Ireland Foundation and the drivers involved this year are James Wilson, Jordan  Hone, Jason Black, Colin O'Donoghue, Darragh McNern, Derek Mackarel, Michael Hamilton and Marty Gallagher. The project is co-ordinated by Sean McHugh.