RALLY NEWS NO.1     End of stage 1 - Sunday 11am

UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 1 Crannagh
1st (4) Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Impreza WRC) 6.40
2nd (2) Jim Harrison/Harvey Bell (Impreza WRC) 6.46
3rd (6) Cathal Arthurs/Jakes Kelly (Accent WRC) 6.50
4th (3) Patrick Elliott/David Moynihan (Impreza WRC) 6.57
5th (5) Daniel & Michael Doherty (Impreza WRC) 6.58
6th (1) Niall Maguire/Paul McLoughlin (Impreza WRC) 7.00
7th (11) George Cullen/Dominic Downey (Impreza WRC) 7.02
8th (9) Sean Gallagher/Peter Egan (Impreza WRC) 7.03
     (12) Denis Cronin/Helen O'Sulllivan (Celica) 7.03
10th (14) Kevin Barrett/Barry Goodman (Impreza WRC) 7.06
11th (10) John Spain/Keith Sheppard (Celica) 7.07  

    
Kevin Lynch was sweating hard when he reached the finish of this Galway Summer Rally first stage, the Dungiven man's KPL Impreza World Rally Car 4th on the road, but fastest. Once again it was a remarkable performance from Lynch, who only came into rallying a couple of years ago, and here he is showing a clean pair of heels so far to the best of the Dunlop National Championship contenders.  It is a long way to go today of course, and anything can happen.  All the lead drivers reported that although the roads were dryish, they were still very slippy. 

Number 1 seed Niall Maguire is out in a new car today, the JJ Fleming Impreza WRC S9. Niall went for a test on Thursday at Nutts Corner, but a faulty clutch precluded any action.  So he was in at the deep end this morning and still a bit nervous following his Stonethower's accident.  Jim Harrison had a good run on that first stage.  Patrick Elliott had an overshoot and stalled his Impreza at the hairpin junction.  Daniel Doherty made a smooth start, the Donegal man determined not to produce any heroics early on, intent on getting some miles under his belt today. Cathal Arthurs in the Hyundai was hampered with intercom troubles but still set a very good time.  Denis Biggerstaff had a high speed spin in his Subaru, no damage but quite a few seconds lost, his time 7.23.  George Cullen is out in one of the McGarrity Impreza WRC S9's today, and he is settling in.  Ivan Stewart reckoned his Celica centre differential seemed to be slipping somewhat.  John Spain reported he was on the wrong tyres and the car was all over the place. Anthony O'Halloran in the Manta had brake problems.

In Group N Alan Ring was fastest in his Impreza on 7.08. Willie Fannin recorded 7.13 in his similar Subaru, but Willie's car was smashed on the front left after diving into a ditch.  James O'Sullivan and Gabriel Martin both recorded 7.16. 023 Tiles man O'Sullivan told us that it is his normal co driver Rebecca Walsh's birthday today.  Adrian Quinn, also in gpN, recorded 7.22.  More news later. BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews.net