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RALLY NEWS NO.2 End of stage 1..Sunday 12.30
UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 1
1st (4) Paul Harris/Eugene O'Donnell (Impreza) 10.02
2nd (5) Donal O'Donovan/Pat Lordan (Celica) 10.12
3rd (6) Tim McNulty/Greg Shinnors (Celica) 10.14
4th (3) Niall Maguire/Paul McLoughlin (Impreza) 10.17
5th (9) Hugh M Doherty/Billy McCullins (Escort WRC) 10.20
6th (7) George Cullen/Dermot O'Gorman (Celica) 10.23
The above times are from the first few cars only and do not constitute
a leaderboard.
As can be seen above, Paul Harris was far and away fastest. However,
his yellow Subaru was practically melting at stage finish.
The Letterkenny man was not happy at the end of that 12.2 mile
Mullaghmore test. He was bathed in sweat, obviously had
driven his heart out, but the temperature gauge was off the clock
and he also reported gearbox troubles, particularly in the area
of 5th.
By comparison Niall Maguire, current Dunlop National Champion
and points leader, albeit by a short head, was as cool as a cucumber
and reported no problems.
Donal O'Donovan was not a happy man. His Celica rear brakes
had jammed on spinning the Toyota violently in the stages, and
he was relieved that there was no damage and little time loss.
Tim McNulty reported some clutch problem. George Cullen
and Hugh Martin Doherty seemed happy enough. We will have
to double check Anthony O'Halloran's time, but Sean Moriarty
called out "10.39". Anthony is obviously hoping
for a big result here today, but it is not going to b easy on
his first run in a Subaru.
Tommy Graham looked as if he was going to be an early retirement
The Kildare man got his Escort WRC to stage finish, but the transmission
sounded like it was wrecked from the banging, crashing and groaning
coming from under the car.
Only other driver amongst the leading pack to report difficulty
was Philip Shaw, he set a very good time of 10.35 but his Escort
was stuck in 4th gear for several miles at the end of the stage.
Richard Casey was right with the leaders on 10.25. Maurice Gass
recorded 10.30. Patrick Elliott in the gpN Lancer 10.43
and Joe McGurk in his Celica 10.45.
More news to follow...BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON |
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