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RALLY NEWS NO.2
Clonakilty/Saturday/Noon
UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 1 Cloghagh
1st (3) Donie O'Sullivan/Paul Nagle (Focus WRC) 9.40.2
2nd (5) Liam McCarthy/Kieran Murphy (Corolla WRC) 9.53.8
3rd (9) Denis Cronin/Helen O'Sullivan (Celica) 9.59.7
4th (11) Phil Collins/Howard Davies (Escort) 10.03.8
5th (1) Melvyn Evans/Marc Jones (Impreza WRC) 10.06.1
6th (7) Steve Fleck/Patrick Walsh (Impreza) 10.15.6
Wet and muddy conditions greeted the drivers on this West Cork Rally as they
tackled the first 10.25 mile stage. As can been seen above Donie
O'Sullivan was dramatically fastest, with first on the road Melvyn Evans looking
distinctly uncomfortable at the end of that first test.
Melvyn reported that he was unhappy with the handling at the front of his
Subaru, it seemed to be moving about over the bumps. Donie O'Sullivan
reckoned he lost up to 10s, both with a misted up screen and catching up with
Melvyn towards the end of the stage. O'Sullivan was not right on Evans'
bumper, but it was a bit of a distraction.
Second fastest Liam McCarthy said he had a good run, no problems. Denis Cronin
in 3rd also reported himself happy, his Celica's re-vamped suspension a lot more
comfortable than it was in Galway.
First major retirement of the rally was John Dalton. His Darrian was
parked in a farmyard halfway through the stage.
Some further times included Maurice Gass in the Accent WRc on 10.25.7. Nigel
Hicklin in the Subaru 10.31.2, Nigel saying that his new car has a lot of lift
compared with the old one and he is still bedding himself in. Johnny
O'Sullivan recorded a 10.18.0, Killarney man Johnny reporting his Escort WRC's
alternator light flashing from the first mile of the stage, and it put him off
his stride somewhat.
The above times are from the first few cars only - further update here at
service after stage 2.
BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON
www.rallynews.net
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