Following the massive build up to the rally it was a relief for the drivers to get started, and although damp in places, the opening stage, Trentagh, was mostly dry and the ambient temperature was rising. Garry Jennings in his Subaru was the first to complete the 13.3km test but last year’s winner Garry was far from happy, and made the gesture of drawing his hand across his neck, more or less signalling that his rally was over. Clouds of acrid blue smoke from his Impreza engine bay would back up his gesture. We will have to wait until stage 2, Letterleague, to see if the Jennings’ Subaru keeps going. It is certainly not looking good at the moment.
Fastest driver through the stages Declan Boyle felt that his Fiesta WRC suspension is set a little bit soft and also his choice of tyre compound seemed conservative. Donagh Kelly also reckoned that his Focus was on too soft a compound tyre. Eugene Donnelly set a time of 7.23.9. Eugene concentrated on having a calm run, his first competitive stage for over a year.
Once again Manus Kelly amazed everyone with his handling of the ex Melvyn Evans Impreza WRC. Fourth overall is brilliant in this company. Keith Cronin was fastest of the R5 drivers and counted himself lucky to escape a puncture when he clipped something in the grass on a right hand corner. Alastair Fisher said. ‘I felt I did not drive particularly well but it was OK’
Further stories included: Seamus Leonard stalled the McKinstry Subaru at stage start and then was half way through the stage when he realised he had the caar switched on to road mode. Still, he set a decent time. Stephen Wright seemed to be in a hurry at stage finish - he may have a problem. All the lead Escorts reported no real problems, and of course as ever competition is mighty. Fastest Mk2 driver was Adrian Hetherington and he commented. ‘I had to work hard for that!’
LATE NEWS: The engine in the Jennings’ Subaru has cried enough – out of rally. It is very disappointing for the team and for the rally.
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