RALLY NEWS NO2

RALLY NEWS NO.2 Service/Monaghan/Sunday 2.45

UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 1

1st (2) Kenny McKfinstry/Emma McKinstry (Impreza) 8.04
(4) Peadar Hurson/Ian Porter (Celica) 8.04
3rd (3) Niall Maguire/Paul McLaughlin (Impreza) 8.13
4th (5) David Armstrong/Herbie Blackburn (Escort Cos) 8.27
(6) Trevor Cathers/Gordon Noble (Impreza N) 8.27
6th (8) Patrick Elliott/Martin Cahill (Impreza) 8.38
7th (10) Ivan Stewart/Joe Friel (Escort Cos) 8.40
(18) Micky McArdle/Aoife McArdle (BMW M3) 8.40
9th (7) Tom Holton/Andrew Cullen (Celica) 8.46
10th (11) Mac McKenna/John Loughran (Peugeot rwd) 8.48

Mixed weather conditions greeted the drivers when they tackled the first timed run over the stage, with Kenny McKinstry and Peadar Hurson tying for fastest. Niall Maguire was the pre event favourite, but Niall commented here at service "Too cautious, the car feels good, but I was footering about with the switches trying to get the heated front screen on". McKinstry said "It was very good, mostly dry for us". Peadar Hurson commented "I'm still getting used to the car, and of course I don't know the road, I found it hard to commit myself in places".

Surprise package of the top 10 was Trevor Cathers in the group N car, recording a time of equal 4th fastest. Trevor in the 2 door Subaru totally demoralising the other top gpN drivers. Andrew Stewart's jaw dropped open when he heard Trevor's time, Andrew thought he had gone fairly well, and posted an 8.56. George Tracey in another 2 door Impreza gpN, was on 9.07, William Fannin, admittedly slowed when he caught another car, recorded 9.15
in his gpN Lancer.

David Armstrong was well in the hunt despite gearstock problems. David also trying to get into the way of a gpN steering rack in his gpA Escort Cosworth.

Philip Shaw was slowed when his Mk2 Escort dropped off in power, Philip reckons it could be some sort of engine sensor sending a wrong message - he says the car feels almost as if it is not getting enough petrol. Ivan Stewart had a fair run, his engine is back on song after the camshaft trouble at Lark in the Park. Mac McKenna had a really good time to lead his class, a few seconds up on Maurice Moffett in the similar rwd Peugeot. Patrick Elliott reported no problems with his Subaru, again not just fully switched on to the difficult road over the mountain.

James Foley in the Honda Civic was most unhappy when he reached service "It's brutal, with the differential that is in the car it is virtually undriveable over these bumpy roads, all over the place, can't commit myself". Adrian McElvaney in the Peugeot was a wee bit dismayed at stage finish, almost wrapped the car up a couple of times when the engine cut out under braking.
More news after stage 2...BRIAN AND LIZ PATTERSON