UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 16 Carricknabrock

1^st (7) Andrew Nesbitt/James O'Brien (Impreza WRC) 1.32.57

2^nd (3) Derek McGarrity/Chris Patterson (Impreza WRC) 1.35.01

3^rd (5) Eamonn Boland/Anthony Nestor (Impreza WRC) 1.35.09

4^th (2) Austin McHale/Brian Murphy (Corolla WRc) 1.36.45

5^th (9) Niall Maguire/Paul McLaughlin (Impreza WRC) 1.37.33

6^th (6) David Greer/Michael Reid (Corolla WRC) 1.37.40

7^th (19) Trevor Cathers/Gordon Noble (Lancer N) 1.38.12

8^th (10) Brendan Kelly/Rory Kennedy (Lancer N) 1.38.43

9^th (26) Dickie Curran/Gary Lyons (Lancer N) 1.40.06

10^th (43) Philip Shaw/Derek Brannigan (Escort) 1.41.16

11^th (14) Maurice Gass/Geoffrey Orr (Impreza WRC) 1.41.35

12^th (57) Jaye Jordan/Graeme Stewart (Esc.Cos) 1.42.02

Just outside the above leaderboard is Patrick Elliott on 1.42.12: Donie O’Sullivan 1.42.27 and 4^th in gpN with the Bio-Clear Impreza and then it’s David Armstrong on 1.42.31.

Out at the front of the rally Andrew Nesbitt, despite trying to preserve the car, set fastest times through these 3 Donegal stages. While Boland and McGarrity are swopping seconds in the race for 2^nd place. McGarrity’s efforts hampered by a rear suspension/differential problem. Andrew Nesbitt has been worrying all day about a vibration in the car. The Impreza’s differential was changed earlier, but the trouble got worse and Daniel Doherty has lent Nesbitt a prop shaft to try. Tarmac Champion Andrew commented "Very kind of Daniel, a super guy. Our vibration was unbelievable. The 3 stages here have been very slippy, guttery, tight and greasy. We’ve been trying to drive at a pace". The reason for Daniel Doherty’s retirement would appear to centre on a front differential problem. Boland reports "not a bother". Austin McHale told us he is really struggling now with the car, the centre differential has no hydraulic pressure at all, and it looks like an intercooler has gone. At least Austin got the front strut changed with no drama. Niall Maguire and David Greer continue to battle for 5^th and 6^th places. While Trevor Cathers is having to fight hard to hold his gpN advantage and keep the hard charging Brendan Kelly at bay.

Looking back a few stages – James Cassidy was leading cl.10 in his Escort. Eugene Meegan led cl.6 in his Peugeot. Harold Brown led cl.7 in his Astra. Alan McMahon leading cl.3 in his Integra. Danny McBride cl.2 in his Clvic. Brian Black led cl.9 (Starlet). John McElhinney cl.1 (Swift). Aisling Dorris led cl.5 in herSwift.

Mervyn Johnston continues to lead the Historics from Philip Wylie – Mini Cooper and MGB respectively. As more and more cars arrive here at the control, no sign of Triton Showers man Kevin Barrett in the gold Subaru. John Tully has retired his Escort with a blown engine. Late news – McHale late out of service…more news later..BRIAN AND LIZ PATTER SON