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RALLY NEWS NO.1 Service/Ballyvourney/Saturday 11.45
UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 1 Bweeng
1st (2) Brian McGillin/David Doherty (Hyundai WRC) 4.39.0
2nd (5) Keith Cronin/Anthony O’Conaill (Lancer N) 4.44.9
3rd (1) Stephen Moore/Tony McHugh (Focus WRC) 4.47.8
(6) Michael O’Brien/Matthew Pearce (Subaru Impreza WRC) 4.47.8
5th (4) Kevin O’Kane/Martin Brady (Impreza WRC) 4.49.9
6th (21) Emma McKinstry/Kenny Hull (Impreza WRC) 4.53.8
Although the conditions were wet all the top drivers seemed to enjoy the first stage, Bweeng. All except one that is, Andrew Purcell, who put his Subaru off the road. As can be seen above Brian McGillin was quickest, his Hyundai Accent smoking a little from the back end when he reached stage finish, but otherwise OK.
Stephen Moore made his normal quiet start but reported no problems with the car, the championship leader knowing there is a long way to go on this 2 day Cork Forestry event.
Keith Cronin had a great run to 2nd quickest on the stage, Keith now leading Group N, his closest group N seed, Cathal Rogers a further 14s back, but Dungiven man Cathal a long way from home whereas Keith is very much on home territory here today.
Michael O’Brien, winner of the Neath Valley Stages rally last weekend had a great run to 3rd equal fastest. Although Michael is based in England he is originally from Cork and this is his first time on the Cork Forestry. James Murphy had a steady run to a time of 4.59.3. Peter McCullagh in the group N Lancer had some intercom problems but still set a good time of 5.00.7.
Emma McKinstry had a great run to 6th overall after that first stage, Emma driving one of her father Kenny’s Impreza WRC S8’s and her team mate John McGaffin, driving an older model Impreza WRC recorded 5.08.0.
Adrian Hetherington was as pleased as punch to be fastest two wheel drive pilot, his Escort stopping the clocks on 4.59.1, normal front runner Frank Kelly on 5.01.0. Seamus O’Connell was on 5.01.7 and Brian Lawlor on 5.11.4.
The above times are from the leading cars only so there could be some more top times to come in. Last minute changes to the entry list included Dominic McNeill non-starting, Seamus Devine and Stuart Darcy also pulling out.
More news after stage 2: BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews.net
(With thanks to Greg Shinnors) |
