1^st Kenny McKinstry/Noel Orr (Subaru) 1.12.48.0

2^nd David Mann/Alun Cook (Subaru) 1.13.14.3

3^RD Mark Perrott/Garry Mansell (Escort Cos) 1.14.44.5

4^th Steve Hill/Andrew Bargery (Lancer) 1.15.06.9

5^th Steve Petch/John Richardson (Hyundai) 1.15.16.4

6^th Warren Philliskirk/Eurig Evans (6R4) 1.15.30.8

7^th Charlie Payne/Craig Thorley (Lancer) 1.16.03.1

8^th Steve Fleck/George Thaw (Subaru) 1.16.09.8

9^th Graham Middleton/John Morgan (Corolla WRC) 1.16.41.6

10^th Jeremy Easson/Nigel Gardiner (Lancer N) 1.16.45.5

With just a few stages to go a handful of seconds separated Kenny McKinstry and Davd Mann for victory on this Rallye Sunseeker. McKinstry pulled out all the stops through the St Leonards tarmac tests to win by 26s. Mann was naturally downhearted at the end, McKinstry jubilant. As he stepped from his fabulous Subaru World Rally Car McKinstry commented "We fixed the exhaust at service before stage 14 and really it was a different car over the last couple of miles. It was as quiet as a mouse and well up on power. I think the exhaust must have been leaking all day up to that point. It was a hard rally, I really struggled, and of course I had that big scare earlier when I spun into the trees. Now I’m absolutely pleased to have won, a great feeling". Mann said little as the cars prepared to go down to the Bournemouth centre finish ramp, but did remark "Yes I am disappointed, I thought my time was better through stage 15, but there we are". Third placed Mark Perrott put up a terrific performance today, several fastest stage times, and stayed on the pace towards the end despite his Escort Cosworth going off song.

Last minute retirements included Steve Hendy who crashed his Escort off the road at St Leonards, while Stewart Larkey crashed his ex Tony Pond Metro 6R4 off the road as well, and was sent to hospital for a check up.

Jeremy Easson has won gpN on the rally in his Lancer Evo7, Jeremy saying "The car has been brilliant, this is my first finish in it, and my first result!" Dave Wood in the gpN Subaru was 2^nd in the showroom category, Dave drove well through the twisty stages but was outgunned on the faster stages needing big power. Other stories towards the end included Charlie Payne speeding up somewhat, having changed the suspension on his Lancer. Steve Petch in the Hyundai also went a lot better over the final tarmac stages as he came to grips with his car. Looking back just a little, following his non start today, No.1 seed Marcus Dodd, ended up servicing for his father Harry, and the last time we spoke to Harry he was going well despite a puncture on the rear left wheel of his Subaru. Finally for now, congratulations to Rick Smith and all his team for running a brilliant Rallye Sunseeker…and many thanks to all who helped the RallyNews service…in particular Corinna Phillips and Chrissie Chorley. BRIAN AND LIZ PATTERSON

ã 2002 www.rallynews.net (Patterson Agencies). All rights reserved. Unauthorised duplication is a violation of applicable laws. Last update24/02/02 00:54:13