Barry McKenna holds a lot of power in deciding the outcome of the 2022 ARA National Championship.
Missing In Action
Barry McKenna hasn’t raced an ARA or Rally event since April at the Olympus Forest Rally. McKenna would retire from Olympus on SS11 due to a DNF caused by an accident. McKenna was entered to race the New England Forest Rally but would ultimately pull out last minute along with teammate Tom Williams.
Not This Round
Barry McKenna isn’t entered for the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally later this month. Although that can change with a late entry to the event, it’s unlikely. McKenna’s co-driver Leon Jordan will be attending the event, as he is co-driver for Liam McNelis. If McKenna were to enter the event he would have to find a new co-driver to fill in for Jordan.
How Could McKenna Affect The Championship
Although McKenna hasn’t raced an event in five months he could rejoin the championship at any point. If McKenna were to rejoin the championship he could have a huge impact on the Championship Standings and outcome, as only four points separate Semenuk and Block in the top two spots. If Mckenna were to rejoin his primary focus wouldn’t be to change the outcome of the championship, as he has no real reason to side with either Block or Semenuk. Ultimately if Mckenna rejoined it would make winning the Championship harder for both Block and Semenuk. McKenna currently sits 12th in the ARA national standings, one point behind Lucy Block.
A Challenge For Block and Semenuk
McKenna drives one of two former WRC Rally1 spec cars in the ARA. Driving a 2021 Ford Fiesta prepared by M-Sport, which has been modified to meet ARA regulations. McKenna’s Fiesta would be an instant challenge for Semenuk’s Subaru. The addition of McKenna’s Fiesta would also add a slight challenge for Block Hyundai i20 WRC.
We’ve Seen A Similar Strategy Before
In the 2021 running of the New England Forest Rally, Barry McKenna would bring in a second driver to help take points away from Subaru Rally Team USA to improve McKenna’s chances of winning back-to-back ARA titles. Longtime Subaru Rally Team USA driver and American Rally Legend David Higgins would be that second driver. This strategy would work out in McKenna’s favour as Higgins won the New England Forest Rally, beating Brandon Semenuk. However, McKenna would take home no points after being forced to retire on SS11 due to a mechanical issue.
My name is Joe Moore. I am a writer for Belly Up Hockey, Belly Up Racing, and Belly Up Sports. You can find me on Twitter.
