UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 1
1st (1) Mark Higgins/Michael Gibson (Impreza WRC) 2.19.4
2nd (2) Kevin Lynch/Francis Regan (Focus WRC 2.20.9
3rd (3) Kenny McKinstry/Noel Orr (Impreza WRC) 2.21.1
4th (6) Charlie Donnelly/Andrew Mullen (Corolla WRC) 2.22.4
5th (9) Richard Hogg/Mark Hanna (Octavia WRC) 2.26.3
6th (10) Nigel Worswick/Clive Molyneaux (Escort WRC) 2.27.1
7th (5) Neale Dougan/Rory Doyle (Impreza WRC) 2.27.9
8th (16) Derek McGeehan/Alan McGeehan (Corolla WRC) 2.28.7
9th (12) Mike Curran/Brid Deary (Lancer N) 2.29.2
10th (7) Denis Biggerstaff/Robin McCandless (Impreza WRC) 2.29.3

Damp conditions underfoot made the paddock area of Lurgan Park pretty soft and the asphalt parts of the stage fairly slippy. Mark Higgins was spinning the wheels of the Pirelli World Rally Car on his way to fastest time, a few scuff marks on the front of the yellow Subaru evidence of contact with a bale. British Rally Champion Mark commented: “Not a bad run, slippy yes but OK, the car’s good”. When 3 times winner Kevin Lynch came into the control he looked slightly flustered and when he was asked about tyre choice and so forth and how the Focus was going he said: “OK, we don’t have a big choice of tyres.” And then in a very slow voice he said: “We shall see what happens”

Kenny McKinstry commented: “That’s the most gentle run I’ve had for a long time in Lurgan Park, its very slippy”. Charlie Donnelly brought his Corolla into 4th fastest, the Dunlop National Champion reporting some problems with his Toyota’s gear change. Richard Hogg was 5th despite a slipping clutch on his Skoda. Nigel Worswick was delighted with his 6th place in his Escort WRC, Nigel thinking that he was being very cautious and that he would have been further down the time sheets. Neale Dougan in 7th was another one being cautious, Neale having his first run on tarmac in the ex Kevin Lynch Subaru.

Derek McGeehan in 8th place reported no problems. Michael Curran in 9th was fastest of the Group N runners. While Denis Biggerstaff in 10th was having some gear change dramas in his Subaru WRC. John McGlaughlin was 11th o/a and 2nd GpN in his Lancer. Niall McShea had a last minute switch from a Subaru WRC to Charlie Mavitty’s Group N Lancer, Niall was down in 15th o/a just behind Garry Jennings and ahead of Dickie Curran – all in Group N. Former Production World Champion Niall was originally to drive a Corolla but the engine wasn’t ready so he was then going to drive Seamus Devine’s Impreza WRC, but the cam belt on that broke last night. Seamus was entered for Lurgan Park but then withdrew. Garry Jennings put his Lancer up on 2 wheels at McGarrity’s corner which gave him a bit of a shake, he reckons that’s where the lost the few seconds which makes all the difference in Group N.

Further changes to entry include: Ollie O’Donovan non starter. Colm Murphy also a non starter. Neil McCance didn’t make the start as his Lancer engine has been giving trouble. Alan Carmichael is slotted in at No.52 in his Lancer. UTV’s Pamela Ballantine is now co-driving for William Carey in an Escort at No.51. Back to the action and Wesley Patterson was fastest of the Mk2 Escorts just ahead of Kris Meeke. Darren Gass had a great run in his Citroen to unofficially lead class 2 ahead of Mark Doyle. Kyle Orr is driving Andrew Mullen’s Citroen Saxo today and he was a few seconds further back.
More news later: BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews.net

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