Fastnet Rally 2006 Rally News Live

7th (16) Phil Collins/Derek Brannigan (Escort) 1.09.51
8th (11) Willie Fannin/Mick Courtney (Impreza N) 1.10.19
9th (10) Alan Ring/Adrian Deasy (Impreza N) 1.11.07
10th (20) Mark Morgan/Tony Fisher (Lancer N) 1.11.24

So often in the past on this Fastnet Rally Patrick Elliott has come close to winning but never achieved it. That all changed this afternoon when Cavan man Patrick and his co driver Paul Goodman brought their immaculate bright red Subaru into the finish over a minute ahead of their closest challenger Michael Barrable. Michael and Aaron MacHale had a great battle over the final stages in their respective Fords, Aaron setting a couple of fastest times and Barrable just held on to the runner-up spot.

Willie Fannin and his co driver Mick Courtney won Group N in their Impreza, while Alan Ring finished 3rd in the gpN category but takes the Patterson RallyNews Award for the Dunlop Championship. Keith Cronin did a fantastic job to bring his Lancer into 2nd GpN following their first stage puncture. Phi Collins drove with his usual flair to bring his Escort into 9th and best two wheel drive ahead of Peter Kelly. In typical Collins sportsman like fashion he lent Kelly his spare alternator for the last few stages.

Patrick Elliott commented here a the finish “It was a tough rally, I’ve been trying a long time to win here. I really enjoyed the day. We had a hell of a battle earlier with Ray Breen, it’s a shame he went off the road. There was good organisation, the rally ran perfectly and I am sure I speak for all the competitors in thanking the marshals for standing out in the rain all day”. Aaron MacHale said. “We had a big race over the last few stages, a good oul battle with Barrable, it was a different car with these different tyres on”. Michael Barrable said. “A good run at the end, I enjoyed it. Nice to have Dermot O’Gorman back co-driving.” Ray Breen, despite being well down the order, was right on the pace over the last few stages but in fact backed off a little as he was running behind Alan Ring and didn’t want to interfere with his championship hopes. Melvyn Evans made a bit of a mistake on the last stage, crashing into some rocks just after the stage start, but still got the car through and is of course the new 023 Tiles Southern 4 Chanpion with 4 maximum scores. Denis Cronin also finishes way down the list following his stage 3 puncture, but he set some good times near the end once he got his Subaru sorted out.

Alan Ring was delighted at the finish to have won the group N award in the championship and he said. “It was a long day, it would have been easier to go flat out, very tricky conditions”. James O’Sullivan did a great job on his first run in an Impreza WRC and he said. “The McKinstry car was perfect all day, but now I’m addicted to WRC and I’ll have to find a budget for next year!” Willie Fannin admitted to backing off during the course of the afternoon just to make sure he won group N here, and ironically the way the points work Willie could well top the class for the Dunlop c/ship, but Alan Ring gets the title because he finishes further up in the overall points. Phil Collins said “A few little gremlins early on, but a great day, would have enjoyed it more in the dry!” …..Wouldn’t we all Phil???

Finally for now – well done to Michael O’Riordan and all the team for laying on such a good rally and thanks to all who supported the RallyNews service. BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews.net