RALLY NEWS NO.9            Charterhall Service - Saturday 5.45

UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 23 (FINAL STAGE)
1st (1) Andrew Nesbitt/James O'Brien (Impreza WRC) 2.13.00.7
2nd (4) Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Corolla WRC) 2.14.58.8
3rd (6) Derek McGarrity/Dermot O'Gorman (Impreza WRC) 2.16.06.8
4th (5) David Higgins/Daniel Barritt (Accent WRC) 2.17.39.1 
5th (3) Austin MacHale/Brian Murphy (Focus WRC) 2.18.05.7
6th (15) Dougi Hall/Steve Egglestone (Focus WRC) 2.18.56.8
7th (12) Barry Johnson/Stewart Merry (Impreza WRC) 2.23.44.8
8th (30) Guy Wilks/Phil Pugh (Ignis) 2.25.09.5
9th (14) Steve Perez/Carl Williamson (Focus WRC) 2.25.24.8
10th (27) Paul Wedgbury/Neil Dashfield (Lancer N) 2.25.46.7

Rarely do you see a 43 year old man jumping and jumping with joy, but that's what Andrew Nesbitt did when he sprang out of his Impreza WRC here at the final service of this Jim Clark Memorial Rally.  "What about that, some day, some rally, unbelievable, what a pace," he virtually shouted. When Eugene Donnelly's Corolla came to a halt behind him Andrew was over right away and grabbed Eugene out of the car and said. "Fair dues to you Eugene, it was a great race, absolutely brilliant".  As Andrew's co driver James O'Brien got out of the Impreza, looking almost bemused at the antics of his driver, plus the shock of just having finished one of the most difficult stages ever, Langton, he said. "Great organisation, a fabulous rally, but so tough".  This is Andrew Nesbitt's hat trick of wins here on the Jim Clark, a very special occasion for him, and in a way redeems the misfortunes of the Donegal Rally a few weeks ago.  Eugene Donnelly was only a handful of seconds behind Nesbitt leaving service for the final loop of stages, but almost immediately punctured a left rear tyre and had to
drive 7 miles with a completely smashed wheel. Eugene said. "I did go out believing it was possible to win, but that was it gone, goodnight Irene. Still it was good to finish in front of Derek and I was wild surprised at this wee car doing so well. I drove Derek's Subaru before the rally, and its some car, some difference." 

Derek McGarrity finished a very solid 3rd place, the side of his Subaru badly dented on a final stage chicane. Derek saying. "I never saw worse conditions". McGarrity still leads the Pirelli Tarmac Championship on 60 points, Eugene has 51 and Austin MacHale 48.  David Higgins leads the Pirelli British Championship. Reigning Champion Jonny Milner stopped on the 21st stage Edron, when his Subaru caught fire.  Ironically this was almost the same spot where his car went on fire 2 years ago.  Milner's chances of retaining his title haven't gone as drivers are allowed to drop 2 scores, but today's retirement will certainly not have helped his chances. Higgins said. "I was certainly glad that the pressure was off for the last 2 stages, it was the worst conditions I have ever seen. I put the full diff lock on the car and switched off the anti lag. By the way I now know how to bring the rain on - I just have to fit dry weather tyres!" 

Guy Wilks won the Super 1600 in his Suzuki with Jonnie Wigmore looking as if he will come into 2nd with his Puma.  Leon Pesticcio retired his Fiat Punto after a series of misfortunes and then slipping off the road. Simon Hughes also retired his Clio, following transmission trouble and then an accident. Paul Wedgbury scored a brilliant gpN victory and takes maximum Evo Challenge points. Rory Galligan was 2nd in gpN. Seb Ling 3rd and James Foley 4th. Lorna Smith in the 22 Motorsport prepared Impreza was top placed lady driver and hopefully was going to finish 20th.  Woffinden and Bonniwell were having a great dice for top Fiat Stilo honours with 2 stages to go. Dorian Rees was heading for top Prodrive Subaru Cup points. Our thanks to all who helped and supported the RallyNews service. BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews