RALLY NEWS NO.1                Lurgan Park/Saturday/Noon

UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 1

1^st (1) Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Impreza WRC 2.18.7

2^nd (3) Kenny McKinstry/Fintan McGrady (Impreza WRC) 2.19.3

3^rd (4) Niall McShea/John Reddington (Impreza WRC) 2.20.7

4^th (6) Glenn Allen/Kieran McCracken (Corolla WRC) 2.22.2

5^th (5) David Higgins/Ieuan Thomas (Impreza WRC) 2.22.7

6^th (7) Denis Biggerstaff/John Lewis (Impreza WRC) 2.22.8

7^th (11) Raymond Johnston/Richard Bell (Impreza WRC) 2.23.0

     (20) Garry Jennings/Dara Mullan (Lancer N) 2.23.0

9^th (19) Michael Curran/Fabian McShane 9Lancer N) 2.23.2

10^th (14) Nigel Worswick/Clive Molyneaux (Escort WRC) 2.23.7

As Kevin Lynch lined his Subaru up for the ceremonial start in Lurgan Main Street this morning he commented. “I’m certainly not here to mess about.  I’m here to go for that 3^rd win”.  Dungiven man Kevin was welcomed by the Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Kenneth Twyble, and by Gary Turkington of the new sponsors, The Turkington Group, before he headed off for the first special stage.  As ever Kevin was bursting with confidence as he tackled the chicanes, turns and twists of the Park to set fastest opening stage time.

Kenny McKinstry was next through the stage and when he saw Lynch’s time he said “I just didn’t get it right on the gravel but I reckon its doable today, less than half a second to make up.”  Third fastest Niall McShea commented. “I fannied that up”.  Having said that, former Production World Rally Champion Niall is in a different car today, one of McKinstry’s WRC S9s, so he didn’t do so badly, especially taking into consideration he hasn’t competed for quite a while. 

Top visiting driver David Higgins felt he was a wee bit cautious on the back section and on one of the early chicanes there was no tyre where he expected it, so it threw him a little but overall he had a good run. 

Further comments and stories from the lead drivers included – Glenn Allen told us he had no 6^th gear in his Corolla. Denis Biggerstaff admitted to being too cautious.  Peadar Hurson was very wary over the loose section, hasn’t driven the Subaru in anger since the Circuit and has never really tackled gravel stages in the Subaru.  Maurice Gass completely messed up the start, didn’t know the light sequence.  Raymond Johnston said he was “a wee bit careful over the gravel”.  Neale Dougan felt he was braking far too early.  Sean Haveron said “Slow to get going”.  John McKeown reported “A half spin but a fair run”.  Nigel Worswick set a good time despite finishing the stage with red paint all over the front right corner of his white Escort WRC, and he told us. “I cut in very close on the right hander on to the main drag to try and carry the speed”.  Derek McGeehan had a time of 2.28.9 and said “I’m just here for the run”. 

In Group N there is a tremendous tussle between Michael Curran and Garry Jennings for superiority – just 0.2 of a second splitting the two Lancers.  Garry slept in this morning having been partying at the Kesh Festival last night, but he’s certainly making up for lost time now!  It’s the Pig Race tonight at Kesh!!  Richard Hogg was disappointed to lose time, his Lancer engine revving its nuts off all on its own and Richard said if he doesn’t get it sorted there is no point in going on.  John McGlaughlin felt his car was a bit slow up to the hairpin and he is wondering is his inter cooler OK following his Davagh crash, otherwise he admits to using too much handbrake. Martin Elliott had a fine run despite saying “Took it steady”.  Emma McKinstry, who has Manx National Rally Clerk of the Course John Skinner co driving, said “Too cautious, not impressive”.  In the battle of the Mark 2 Escorts Wesley Patterson was fastest initially from Camillus Bradley. Alister McRae 3^rd. Rodney White in his Sunbeam was just a fraction slower than Wesley.  More news later. BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews.net