Heavy rain greets the crews this morning in Carrick-on-Suir for the second round of the KBB Doors National Forestry championship. This Suirway Forklifts Willie Loughman Memorial Rally has a capacity entry heading into the ten very tough forest stages today.

First disappointment of the day, is that last year's winner, Dermot Kelly is a non-starter in his Escort, power steering problems forcing his withdrawal last night. This leaves championship leader and Mitchellstown winner, Dominic McNeill and Francis Regan first on the road in their stunning black Escort WRC. Dominic should be the major pace setter here today, the Co Antrim driver having plenty of experience of these stages over the years. Next up is Eamonn Boland in the NVD Impreza WRC, Eamonn now showing a real turn of speed in the forests, his stage times in Mitchellstown proof that his gravel experience is now paying dividends, a maiden victory is surely just around the corner.

Other non-starters in the top ten include Peter McCullough in his Escort, while Charlie Donnelly was unable to get his Celica here. Despite this, the quality of entry here is seriously impressive. Take any driver from the top 20, and they are all in a position to score a good result.

The dark horse of the rally surely has to be the local Safeway Supermarket owner Brian Murphy. Brian better known as a co-driver to Austin McHale, is out today in the Stan Harper RHD Impreza WRC, and must certainly be in a position to challenge for victory.

Robbie McGurk is making a rare appearance behind the wheel of a GpA Impreza, but Robbie is one of Ireland's fastest gravel drivers, his string of outright victories on recent Bushwacker rallies, testament that the Omagh preparation expert should not be discounted today. Pete Willoughby and Greg Shinnors had a great run in Mitchellstown driving the Pitlane Lancer, and could well be fighting for overall honours today, never mind the GpN category. Patrick Elliott out again in the forests in his GpN Lancer will be trying to take the fight to Willoughby.

The two wheel drive battle should be fascinating, local heros Jimmy Lambert and James Coleman have their usual Mk2 Escort out, though the surprise today is likely to come from young Fermanagh man Garry Jennings. Jennings can produce some incredible times in the little 1600cc Peugeot 106, and arrives here fresh from yesterday's Eurocables Rally at Kirkistown. If you are out and about today, take care and obey the Marshall's instructions and keep safety in mind at all times. More News Later ... Michael Patterson and Zoe Todd