RallyNews LIVE from the Lark in the Park 2002

RALLY NEWS NO.1 St.Columb's Park - Saturday 10am

The Mayor of Derry, Kathleen McCloskey, waves the start flag this morning for what is a very interesting entry on this Bio-Clear backed Lark in the Park Rally. Last year's winner, Richard Hogg, will face tough opposition today in trying to retain his title. Richard was down originally to drive a Subaru today, but instead he will use a Toyota Celica hired from Cathal Arthurs. Behind Richard, also in a Toyota Celica is one of the hottest properties in Irish rally at the moment, Eugene Donnelly.

Maghera man Eugene is also behind the Bio-Clear sponsorship for the rally. Eugene damaged his Celica last weekend on the Sligo Rally and his mechanics have been working like mad all week to get the car refettled. He reckons the car is now 'going like a bird - better than ever!" Next up is Denis Biggerstaff in his potent Metro 6R4.

N.I. Rally Champion Denis won the 'shoot out' here last year, and would dearly love to go one better and take the overall title to add to his bulging trophy cabinet. Running at 4 in the entry is Donegal man Ivan Stewart in his Escort Cosworth. Then it's Charlie Donnelly in his Celica making a welcome return to the stages, while Terence McLaughlin (Escort Cosworth) makes up the top six.

On down through the entry are talented drivers in some fabulous cars, some bidding for overall honours, some for class results. We even have a small but impressive 'historic' section running today. Norman Kerr, John Keatley, Michael Carlin and Eddie Devine are all in Mk1 Escorts. Mervyn Johnston, the Tullyhommen flyer in his Mini Cooper, could be the one to shake them all!

Sean Cassidy, Dan McCartan, Andrew Stewart and Jim Crozier make up the top 10. Crozier has Aisling Dooris co-driving today. Aisling's Suzuki has a damaged 5th gear after winning the Louise Aitken-Walker Ladies Award on last weekend's Jim Clark Rally, so the Enniskillen lady is taking a turn in the co-driver's seat.

Group N looks as if it will provide as much competition today as for the overall award. Andrew Stewart is probably favourite, but Gavin Harris at 11, Sean Devine, Raymond McLaughlin, Brendan Connor and Paul Britton in a selection of Subarus and Lancers are just some who will be battling for the showroom honours.
More news after the first stage…BRIAN AND LIZ PATTERSON fs(www.rallynews.net)