RALLY NEWS NO.3             End of stage 3 - Sunday  1.30

UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 3 Crannagh
1st (4) Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Impreza WRC) 18.14
2nd (2) Jim Harrison/Harvey Bell (Impreza WRC) 18.24
3rd (3) Patrick Elliott/David Moynihan (Impreza WRC) 18.39
     (5) Daniel & Michael Doherty (Impreza WRC) 18.39
5th (6) Cathal Arthurs/Jakes Kelly (Accent WRC) 18.45
6th (11) George Cullen/Dominic Downey (Impreza WRC) 19.01
7th (1) Niall Maguire/Paul McLoughlin (Impreza WRC) 19.04
    (12) Denis Cronin/Helen O'Sulllivan (Celica) 19.04
9th (9) Sean Gallagher/Peter Egan (Impreza WRC) 19.16
    (10) John Spain/Keith Sheppard (Celica) 19.16

A skiff of rain towards the end of stage 3 made the roads slippy and most of the top drivers were a couple of seconds slower on their repeat run over the 6.9 mile stage.  Kevin Lynch was again fastest with a time of 6.42. Daniel Doherty 2nd fastest on 6.47. Then it was Jim Harrison on 6.48 and Patrick Elliott on 6.52.  Current Dunlop Championship leader Niall Maguire recorded a 7.04, Niall still settling in to his newly acquired ex JJ Fleming Impreza WRC.  Jim Harrison reported no problems. Kevin Lynch said he is sticking with the slick dry weather tyres. Daniel Doherty remarked that his Subaru felt a lot better that time and "its coming".  Triton Showers man Kevin Barrett echoed several of the other drivers thoughts when he said. "Thought we were quicker".  But actually Kevin's time was 9s slower than his first run.  Denis Cronin is getting into the groove now and starting to nip up the top 10. John Spain felt happier with his car that time, but didn't improve a whole lot. 

In Group N just a couple of cars came through before there was a blockage. Willie Fannin recorded 7.20. Adrian Quinn 7.29.  No times as yet for Gabriel Martin, Alan Ring, who was leading, or James O'Sullivan who was battling for 2nd with Willie Fannin.  Paul Dempsey was 10th in Group N after the first couple of stages, the National Crane Hire man getting accustomed to his Group N Subaru which has had some of the latest electronic technologies fitted.

We reported earlier that Anthony O'Halloran seemed to be running very late and had brake troubles. It would appear that he has retired his Manta with engine troubles. Pat Kelly's silver Group n Impreza has been sidelined with a broken drive shaft.  Frank Barrett's Group N Impreza was still going,  but in trouble with a damaged rack after being of the road on the square right over bridge 3 corners into Crannagh on the first loop. Dave Randles is leading his class in his Nissan after 2 stages. Trevor Lancashire was leading class 12 after 2 stages. David McNulty led class 15 and up to 13th overall after 2 stages in his Escort Cosworth. 

More news later. BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews.net