Enda McNulty and Paul Sheridan scored a fine win today on the Fivemiletown Spring Rally. McNulty moved his Impreza into the rally lead on Stage 3 and then had a great day-long battle with Gareth Gilchrist and Gareth Sayers. The Lancer crew eventually finished a career best 2nd, just 7 seconds down on the rally winner. Shane McGirr was the top 2wd car all day and he and Jackie Elliott claimed the final podium place in 3rd after another skilful drive in the McGirr Fuels Starlet.
Marin Cairns led the rally after SS1 but he beached his Impreza on SS 2 on a deceptive square corner and although undamaged, he and Barry McNulty would go no further. Stage two would also claim Seamus O’Connell when a stub axle sheared off his Ml2 Escort while Daniel McKenna stopped with an electrical fault on his ex Ali Fisher Fiesta.
Frank Kelly admitted to a huge spin on stage two, dropping almost 30 seconds to the rally leaders. Fastest times on the following three stages was of little consolation when he slid off the road into retirement. It was an interesting venture in the 4wd Lancer, but almost certainly a one off, as his escort engine has been promised to be back soon.
Notable drives on the day included a great run again by young Jon Armstrong in 6th. Desi Henri really flew over the afternoon stages to claim 5th on his DS3 while Brendan Comiskey debuted his own brand new DS3 and got progressively quicker as the day went on.
Marty McCormack had a strong drive to 4th as a warm up for his BHRC campaign while Adrian Heatherington was pleased to get a result on an event that hasn’t been so kind to him the past.
Full results @ www.rallyscore.net
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