WEE MANX TALES NO.1        Grandstand..Friday evening

The queue of top class machinery lining up at the Grandstand,  gleaming and glinting in the bright afternoon sunshine, for this Steyr-Puch Manx National Rally, looked impressive to say the least. It is probably the best entry for years. The rally has a new look this year, with three short but difficult night time stages to put the drivers on their mettle before tomorrow's anticipated long hard battle.

Last year's winner Ken McKinstry leads the 100 plus field away. The Ulsterman, reigning ANCRO National Champion and current joint points leader, drives his usual Subaru Impreza Turbo. He knows the stages well, and although he has done a very short reconnaissance, the former Irish Tarmac Champion should be right on the pace from the word go. He does however face some formidable opposition. Right behind is Marcus Dodd in an ex Kankkunen Subaru straight out of the Prodrive stable, while at 3 is multiple Safety Devices National Rally Champion John Price in his Metro 6R4. Marcus is out for the first time in this Subaru, and although he is no great lover of asphalt rallying, the car has so much potential, as has Marcus, sharing the ANCRO Championship points lead,that he must be in with a great chance. John Price can't be disregarded either. He knows the Island's stages so well, and really although the Metro 6R4 has been around a long time, its instant power and nimbleness still makes it a very competitive package. Also in front running 6R4's are Jon Mercer, up as high as 2nd on Epynt recently until the rear diff broke, Warren Philliskirk, 6th here in '98, local man Glenn Leece in the car which Jimmy McRae took to victory here a couple of years ago, and late addition to the list Tony Davies, running with 114 on the car he used to own, and as hired back for this weekend. Subaru front runners include Roger Duckworth, who is trying a new type of gearbox in his Autosportif prepared Impreza and Chris Griffiths who always goes well here.

Steve Petch, currently leading the Mintex series, runs with 116 on his Escort WRC and will start just outside the top ten, as will Tony Davies. Melvyn Evans (No8) also runs an Escort WRC. The Welsman has softened his car's suspension since its last outing in West Cork, and has vowed to be "trying hard from the start" tonight. Tucked neatly into the top ten is Vince Wetton in his Mitsubishi. Vince, who first competed here in '86, when he retired when lying 3rd, tells us that he is really nervous about this event!  GpN looks fascinating, with David Mann, trying Yokohama tyres for the first time, looking over his shoulder at the hard charging young Mark Perrott, also in a Lancer. There's a lot more to the showroom category: Theo Bengry at 14, Richie Holfeld at 25, three times the GpN winner here, sure to be there or thereabouts at the end. Changes to entry include Steve Harris sitting with Andy Blair, Sue Mee is with Phil Collins, cars 30, 31, 54,71 & 86 are non-starting. More News from service...BRIAN  AND LIZ PATTERSON