Stage 4, a re-run of the Knockmany stage, produced no unpleasant surprises amongst the top runners. Garry Jennings was fastest, by 9s from Donagh Kelly. Jon Armstrong was quickest of the Rally to Wales contenders, 1s up on Rob Duggan with Callum Devine a further 8s back. When the cars came in here to St Angelo airport to get service for tomorrow`s 8 special stages rally leader, Donagh Kelly said. `We were steady away through that last stage. I am still thinking mainly of the championship, and I was glad to get the night stages over. It was the Jim Clark Rally in 1998 since I drove stages in the darkness`. Second placed Desi Henry was a bit disappointed to drop 3s to Stephen Wright on that last Friday stage, Desi said that, overall it went really well for him, but there are some narrow sections in stage 4 where he thinks that Stephen`s R5 Fiesta would have the edge.
Stephen Wright was pretty happy with the way his evening`s rally had gone. He commented that he got the loose clutch pedal sorted for the last Friday stage, and his only worry was that the camel bag in the back of his car was leaking and caused some misting up of the windows.
Garry Jennings in 4th place reported no dramas and did not seem too concerned that his road penalty will stay in place. It is a long day tomorrow, and anything could happen. Derek McGeehan maintained 5th o/a and leads the McGrady Insurance NI part of the event. Jonny Greer in 6th has no overnight worries about his Citroen. Derek McGarrity in 7th o/a commented. `Not a good night. We had a bit of clutch slip towards the end but the main problem is that I have got away from right hand drive and I was positioning the car all wrong. I am just looking forward to daylight stages. This can only get better`.
Frank Kelly held on to 10th place despite having no lights at all over the final stage. Frank commented. `We were in total darkness. The only light inside or outside the car was the map light because it has its own battery. The co-driver John, said at one point - `you must eat some carrots`. It was all a bit crazy to be honest but I am over the moon that the 2 pocket rockets, Armstrong and Duggan are just 12 or 13 seconds ahead of me`.
Some more overnight positions include: Callum Devine 11th: Shane McGirr going well in 12th. Brendan Cumiskey leading Group N and in 13th. Daniel McKenna, sorting hisToyota GT86 out one small step at a time is 14th. Camillus Bradley has worked his way up to 15th.
More news in the morning…BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON & MICHAEL 7 ZOE PATTERSON www.rallynews.net *Follow RallyNews on Twitter/Facebook @Pacenotes or @Real_RallyNews
