Although there are only 2 special stages to go this Ulster Rally is far from over as regards the International section with Kevin Lynch 8s faster than Eamonn Boland through stage 14, the Hollow. The National Rally has just finished in The Mall and David Armstrong has won in his Subaru from Camillus Bradley in his Escort. Elfyn Evans was 3rd and Alastair Fisher was 4th in their respective Fiestas. However, it is far from clear cut as yet in the International Rally.
When Eamonn Boland brought his Subaru to a halt at the end of that stage 14, he checked Kevin Lynch’s time and a worried look came across the Wexford man’s face and he said. “We’re going to have to give this a go now”. Kevin Lynch said. “We pushed hard. I don’t think there are enough miles left but I’m not giving up”. Mark Higgins commented on his drive through the stage being as “nice and steady”. Guy Wilks was 1s faster than Mark and he said that he thinks he has made a mistake on his tyre choice. The rain was really pelting down by then and he thought he should have picked a different tyre.
Kenny McKinstry lost quite a few seconds as he struggled to see where he was going. Kenny admitted that he had stood on his glasses and damaged the lenses, they were absolutely ruined, and he was struggling to see where he was going! Derek McGarrity had a good run and is edging up the leaderboard. Gwyndaf Evans again was steady with no problems. Phillip Morrow said he drove with his head and not his heart, he also said that the stage wasn’t as muddy as he thought it would be. Keith Cronin was a bit off the pace by his standards. He was finding his Lancer very “over steery” through the junctions. Seamus Leonard is really having to nurse his Lancer as the clutch is slipping so badly. He has now switched off the anti lag and is dropping time to David Higgins.
Sebastien Ogier continues to have a real good run in his C2R2 Max whereas his closest rival for 2 wheel drive honours, Brian O’Mahony, is having some gearbox troubles, 5th and 6th gear disappearing for a while in that stage.
Just outside the top 12 it is Ogier, O’Mahony then Biggerstaff then Nik Elsmore who is 2nd in the Evos for today. Then it is Neil McCance followed by Danny Barry.
We mentioned earlier that Darren Gass had had an accident. Darren was able to bring his Lancer into service but the car appears to have stopped on stage 12, McGaffins Corners.
More on the National Rally: David Armstrong reported a slight off on the last junction of the last stage and he also lost time last night at Parkanaur when he caught up with Hetherington’s Escort which was struggling with a puncture. Camillus Bradley did lead the Nationals this morning but was overtaken by Armstrong and then struggled a little in the wet conditions, but he said that once he got the correct tyres on it wasn’t so bad. Elfyn Evans in 3rd said he made safe tyre choices this afternoon and kept everything steady although found it difficult to judge the pace, to do just enough to keep Alastair Fisher at bay.
More news later: BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews.net (with thanks to Michael Patterson)
