MANX RALLY TALES NO.12    Saturday..Jurby..11.30

UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 21
1st (2) Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (V/hall Astra)2.19.14.9
2nd (10) Neil Simpson/Mike Gibson (Lancer N) 2.23.42.2
3rd (5) Justin Dale/Andrew Bargery (Peugeot 106) 2.26.17.0
4th (21) Nik Elsmore/Jayson Brown (Lancer N) 2.28.25.4
5th (12) Gavin Cox/Tim Hobbs (Lancer N) 2.28.28.3
6th (25) Guy Woodcock/John Skinner (Escort) 2.32.52.3
7th (19) Mike Brown/Aled Davies (Lancer N) 2.34.34.9
8th (22) Alistair Ginley/Greg Haynes (Impreza N) 2.33.45.5
9th (24) Roy White/Michael Patterson (Lancer N) 2.36.06.2
10th (27)Natalie Barrett/Joanne Lockwood(LancerN)2.36.19.8

Although many of the drivers in the top 10 are trying just to settle in their positions there are still plenty of dramas on this Manx International Rally.  Stuart McQueen was an overngith 8th overall, but he crashed on the first stage out today.  He managed to get his Lancer to the finish of the test, but was then airlifted to hospital for a precautionary check up.  Roy White dropped time on the Regaby test when his Lancer's clutch jammed and the car was stuck in 2nd gear for all of the stage.  Latest news is that the problem may not be fixable within the time allowed here at Jurby, and the young Tipperary driver could be forced to retire..more news on that later.

Out at the front of the rally Mark Higgins reports that he took it fairly steady over the first 3 stages this morning - the Vauxhall driver still set fastest time on every stage - but his co driver Bryan Thomas commented "We're keeping the revs down, taking no chances".  Neil Simpson is still trying pretty hard, co-driver Mike Gibson back on 4 cylinders after being unwell for the first couple of days of the rally.  Justin Dale had a few worrying moments initially today when the brakes of his works Peugeot locked on going up to the first stage.  Then the new gearbox which was fitted at last night's service jammed in 5th momentarily.  Probably just tight.  Then they had a spin on the 2nd stage (Dreemskerry), but had a good run through Regaby. Nik Elsmore fitted new discs to his Lancer at last service last night and with the brakes not bedded in, very nearly went off the road on the long K left tightens in Glenroy.  Guy Woodcock in the Ford RS2000 says he is driving at a comfortable pace, nothing silly. Alistair Ginley was slowed over the last couple of stages when a front brake disc cracked. Mike Brown is going like a train now that his car is working normally after fitting an intercooler borrowed from Marko Ipatti's car just before it went on the ferry.

More news on Roy White - it would appear that the thrust bearing has collapsed and engineer Tim Ashton reckons that although they have the parts, it is a 45 minute job, and there is no point in continuing. Roy and co driver Michael Patterson are reportedly now heading for the lemonade shop!! Looking outside this Island to another warmer one...Carlos Sainz still leads Cyprus after SS12, his Ford Focus comfortable ahead of Richard Burns, Delecour 3rd, McRae 4th. More news later..BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON

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