UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 1 Streamhill Bridge
1st (3) Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Impreza WRC) 12.27.8
2nd (1) Glenn Allen/Damien Connolly (Corolla WRC) 12.39.4
3rd (2) John McCarthy/M Morrissey (Corolla WRC) 12.51.0
4th (10) Brian McGillen/David Doherty (Impreza N) 13.00.2
5th (12) Garry Jennings/David Moynihan (Lancer N) 13.09.6
6th (4) Stephen Moore/Tony McHugh (Focus WRC) 13.21.9
7th (5) Kevin O'Kane/Martin Brady (Impreza WRC) 13.22.0
8th (9) Dominic McNeill/Francis Kenny (Escort WRC) 13.22.8

The above times are from the first few cars only – there could be some faster times to follow.

Glenn Allen was first on the road and had a smile on at stage finish, his Corolla at long last seemingly performing well following a series of engine problems. There was a new head fitted during the week so hopefully that will mean the end of his engine woes. Kevin Lynch was 2nd on the road, running ahead of John McCarthy, Kevin, complete with lucky angel on his left sock, has taken up where he left off 2 years ago by being fastest. McCauley Trailers championship points leader John McCarthy didn’t look too happy at stage finish but did not make any comment.

Brian McGillen was fastest group N so far in his Impreza N12 with Garry Jennings 9s back, Garry saying that he lost at least 15s when he stalled his Lancer at a hairpin and it wouldn’t re-start. Brian Lawlor had a time of 13.24.8, Brian bedding himself in following a couple of accidents recently. Pete Willoughby was on 13.31.5, his Lancer giving some trouble last night and it took hours to find a little crack in a washer in the fuel system. Pete McCullagh Jnr had a good run, his time 13.19.5.

Further stories include – Dominic McNeill in his Escort WRC reckoning the car was down on power. While James Murphy in a similar Ford lost rear brakes just a few miles into the long 22.77km stage, and his time was 13.46.7.

Some changes to the published entry list include: Trevor Harding (No.6) non-starting because he is suffering from blood poisoning in his leg. We wish him a full and fast recovery. Adrian McElvaney was to be at No.8 and is unable to make it as he is in Sweden on a Scania trip. John Hickey is debuting a newly built Impreza today and he has a change of co-driver: Alistair Wylie stepping in to call the notes. While Seamus Devine at 24 in his newly acquired Impreza WRC has Liam McLoughlin co-driving. Kevin Lynch’s son Sean has 114 on his Impreza WRC but is starting just ahead of car 25, Shropshire lad Neil Weaver in his giant killing Corsa. Cars 34, 37 and 40 are non-starting. Kevin Duggan is getting moved up the start list from 35 to the mid twenties. Willie John Dolan’s son, 19 year old Richard, is making his rally debut today and he runs with No.105 on his Peugeot 106. Three members of the Dolan family are driving today – Willie John is at No.52 in his Impreza and one of his other sons, Stephen, is at No.75, also in an Impreza. Quite a rally for family outings – Pete McCullagh Jnr is at 15 in his Lancer and his father Peter is at 28 also in a Lancer.
More news later. BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON HYPERLINK "http://www.rallynews.net" www.rallynews.net (with thanks to Greg Shinnors)