Oscar and Dominic team up for endurance trials

Oscar Mangan’s father Dominic Loughran is a veteran of Irish rallying who in more recent years has been competing in endurance trials in a Suzuki Swift. Oscar has co-driven with him on some of the rounds, and they have been consistent top three finishers in class B, and top 15 finishers overall.

“The cars are less modified (than stage rally machinery), but it’s competitive, and there are a lot of younger guys in it,” said Dominic.

“The navigation is a major part of it, not as important as in night navigation rallies, but it’s not far behind. It is fun and you’re not going ridiculously fast, you’d be lucky to get into third gear. It’s about commitment and timing, and when to stop. If you miss the code board, if you don’t stop in your stop box, in the right area, you’re given another penalty. So it’s all about penalties, the less you have, the better times it gives you, pushes you up into the overall results.

“You have to get within those limits, and that’s what I like about it, and it keeps me active.”

According to Motorsport Ireland, the governing body, endurance trials take place on a mix of private ground and public roads.

Navigation on all terrains is an important aspect of the challenge, while speed is only ever a factor on parts which take place on private ground. The standard rules of the road apply for any section which accesses public roads.

Dominic is looking forward to the 2026 season, which is expected to start in March.