|
RALLY
NEWS NO.2
End of stage 1 - Sunday noon
UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 1 Drangon
1st (5) Michael Barrable/Dermot O'Gorman (Subaru WRC) 10.31
2nd (2) Niall Maguire/Paul Nagle (Subaru WRC) 10.48
3rd (4) David Armstrong/Herbie Blackburn (Esc.Cos) 10.53
4th (15) Mac McKenna/John Loughran (Peugeot rwd) 10.56
5th (16) Roy White/Des Cooney (Lancer N) 11.00
6th (17) Aaron McHale/Damien Connolly (Lancer N) 11.16
The above times are from the first few cars only - more to
follow.
The shadow of Frank Meagher's beloved Slievenamon hill,
beside the family home, and with his mother and father Mary
and Leo keeping a sad but watchful eye, it was Niall
Maguire first on the road on this 2002 Stonethrowers Rally.
The Dunlop Championship leader reported the stage to be
very slippy, wet/dry patches, and Niall himself said he was
taking no chances. Fastest through the 11.9 mile
stage was Michael Barrable, his Subaru sounding very crisp
at stage finish, Michael, who has been plagued with non
finishes this year, seemed quite surprised that he was
fastest, indeed fastest by a long way on that first test,
and said "We're being very cautious".
Main story from the top runners on that first stage was
that Patrick Elliott spun his Subaru coming out of a
junction, smashed the back end, and eventually emerged from
the stage with a flat rear tyre and many minutes lost.
We think perhaps that the Cavan man may not continue.
Other comments from the top drivers included - Hugh Dunne
"I'm just glad to be here". In reference to
his many non finishes this year. Liam McCarthy
reported stalling his Corolla WRC on the start line and
then overshooting a junction. Mac McKenna achieved a
superb time and that was despite having to pass the Tom
Randles Escort. Killarney man Randles reporting no grip
even though he is trying a new tyre/wheel set up today.
In Group N Roy White was surprised to have set such a good
time, reporting a couple of very big moments in the stage
in his new Evo7, particularly when the car landed awkwardly
after a jump. Aaron McHale reported that he was being
cautious, the Dunlop Championship gpN leader anxious to
reinforce his points position today.
RALLY FINLAND-McRae's Focus burned out - Gronholm leads
from Burns, Sohlberg 3rd. Sainz jump start. More news
later. BRIAN AND LIZ PATTERSON (www.rallynews.net)
|
|
