UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 14 Sam’s Cross
1st (3) Melvyn Evans/Sean Mullally (Impreza WRC)
1.55.07.5
2nd (5) Donal O'Donovan/Sean Moroney (Celica)
1.56.10.2
3rd (4) Michael Barrable/Dermot O'Gorman (Focus
WRC) 1.56.49.2
4th (16) John Dalton/Gwynfor Jones (Darrian)
1.57.28.0
5th (14) George Cullen/Jakes Kelly (Impreza WRC)
1.58.17.7
6th (12) Jon Ingram/Ian Allsop (Focus WRC)
1.58.23.2
7th (10) Kevin & Martin Kelleher (Lancer N)
1.58.53.2
8th (19) Mark Morgan/Tony Fisher (Lancer N)
2.00.34.6
9th (31) Gwyndaf Evans/David Jones (Escort)
2.01.22.4
10th (21) Kieran O'Callaghan/Hugh Giles (Lancer
N) 2.01.34.8
Through stages 13 and 14, the classic Ardfield and Sam’s
Cross tests, Michael Barrable was fastest on both with Melvyn Evans
and Donal O’Donovan in 1st and 2nd places,
thinking more of conserving their machinery now and getting through
the last 2 stages to the finish. Having said that Melvyn Evans still
had a fairy dramatic time through stage 13, the Welshman reckoning
he picked too hard a compound tyre and he had a huge high speed spin
in his Subaru. Co driver Sean Mullally said “The road was 30 foot
wide and it was just as well”. Donal O’Donovan said that he hoped
he wouldn’t have to go flat out over these last few stages, trying
to conserve his car, but he is definitely now keeping a weather eye
out for Michael Barrable. The latter has really got to grips with
his new Focus WRC today and despite stalling the engine in stage 13
he was still much quicker than anyone else.
John Dalton in 4th place, the highest placed 2
wheel drive contender in his Darrian, has definitely now settled for
his position, and he has almost 50s in hand over 5th
placed George Cullen. George is going hard enough but his Subaru
still has 5th gear problems so he has little chance of
closing the gap on the last 2 stages.
Jon Ingram was 2nd fastest through stage 14, the
Englishman really wakening up to the West Cork roads now, even
getting his Focus WRC sideways on occasions.
Kevin Kelleher was an impressive 3rd overall
through much of the Saturday stages but he’s slipping back today as
small mechanical problems take their toll, his latest worry being a
slipping clutch. He told us that it is even slipping in top gear and
he’s really worried that the car may not make the finish at all.
Although Mark Morgan is just 1 place behind he is over a minute and
a half in time so he will be hard pushed to catch local man Kelleher
on the last 2 stages. Mark had a bit of a fright 2 stages ago when
his Lancer broke a sump guard retaining pin, so he has decided now
to ease back ever so slightly now anyway.
Gwyndaf Evans continues to lead class 13 as well as
hold 9th overall, the Welshman content now to just get
his Escort to the finish. Kieran O’Callaghan has set good times over
the last couple of stages but really has little chance of improving
on his 3rd group N as there are so few miles remaining.
Just outside the leaderboard is Wesley Patterson in his blue Mk2
Escort, 2nd in class 13 and still nursing 2nd
gear. Tadgh Linehan, Washington James & Peter Lloyd are next up in
that order. Peter Lloyd turning in a good performance in his Impreza
and saying. “We’re just steady away”. Tim O’Donovan continues to
have a good run in his twin cam Corolla, nursing it home now. Dave
Randles is in the top 20 in his Nissan Almera despite having lost
some time on day 1 when the alternator gave trouble. Liam Davis is
also in the top 20 and lying well up in class 13. Liam has been away
from rallying for a while and is really enjoying being back in his
Mk2 Escort. More news later. BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON
www.rallynews.net
