RallyNews No2 Manx International Rally

MANX TAILS NO.2 Grandstand-Douglas-Thursday 8.30pm

UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 2
1st (15) Mark Higgins/Craig Thorley (Corolla WRC) 21.30.6
2nd (14) Jonny Milner/Nicky Beech (Corolla WRC) 21.58.9
3rd (16) Andrew Nesbitt/James O'Brien (Impreza WRC) 22.02.5
4th (11) David Higgins/Daniel Barritt (Impreza N) 23.08.4
5th (1) Justin Dale/Andrew Bargery (Peugeot) 23.12.9
6th (17) Eamonn Boland/Francis Regan (Impreza WRC) 23.20.2
7th (4) Guy Wilkes/Roger Heron (Ford Puma) 23.34.3
8th (5) Rory Galligan/Gordon Noble (Peugeot) 23.42.2
9th (20) Alistair Ginley/Rory Kennedy (Lancer N) 23.59.5
10th (21) Trevor Cathers/D.Wilson (Lancer N) 24.02.8

The first stage of this Manx International Rally, The Gate, at 14.2 miles is the longest of the rally. Despite stalling his Corolla WRC on the start line, Mark Higgins seized his opportunity to build up an early advantage and was 11s faster than the pursuing Andrew Nesbitt, with Jonny Milner 3rd fastest. On stage 2 Higgins got even more into his stride and was 14s faster than Milner, a full 21 up on Nesbitt for that West Baldwin stage. Mark commented when he reached service here at the TT Grandstand "The general balance of the car is good, I'm playing with diff settings, trying to learn a bit about the car as we go". Tarmac Champion Nesbitt told us "The brakes are very worrying, especially through the second stage, very soft pedal." Jonny Milner confirmed that he had had a good run, while some stories from the other top drivers include - Eamonn Boland having a couple of spins. Group N leader David Higgins an overshoot at Sartfield hairpin. David told us "I was relying on the handbrake but it didn't catch. Reverse is a bit fragile so I was cautious about coming back in a hurry".

Justin Dale leads the Super 1600 category in his Peugeot, but Justin was hampered slightly when a little oil from the engine breather got on to the screen. His team mate Rory Galligan had the same problem, Rory also having to use the clutch on up changes instead of the automatic system. Kris Meeke was a bit disappointed with his times, found the car too high geared and had 2 spins also. David Henderson was slowed with rear brakes only on his Puma. Simon Hughes in the Clio stopped on stage 1 when a big plume of water appeared from underneath the bonnet and the temperature gauge zipped up. Simon watched as the engine settled, he continued, everything seemed OK and indeed he set a good fast time on stage 2.

First major retirement of the rally would appear to have been Robert Woodside, his Subaru WRC marooned a couple of miles from the end of stage 1. Drivers in trouble included - Seamus Leonard, whose Subaru blew it's turbo. Stuart Darcy's Puma has an oil problem. James Thompson gambled on intermediate tyres for the rear and they overheated, costing time. Paul Alexander has burst 2nd gear on his Promax prepared Evo7 Lancer. Roy White lost a mountain of time when his new Lancer Evo7 blew it's turbo pipe off on stage 1. More news later. BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON