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MANX RALLY
TALES NO.13 St Johns service. Sat.1pm
UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 23
1st (2) Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (V/hall Astra) 2.37.23.8
2nd (10) Neil Simpson/Mike Gibson (Lancer N) 2.42.00.9
3rd (5) Justin Dale/Andrew Bargery (Peugeot 106) 2.45.16.6
4th (21) Nik Elsmore/Jayson Brown (Lancer N) 2.47.26.1
5th (12) Gavin Cox/Tim Hobbs (Lancer N) 2.47.30.7
6th (25) Guy Woodcock/John Skinner (Escort) 2.52.11.7
7th (22) Alistair Ginley/Greg Haynes (Impreza N) 2.52.41.0
8th (19) Mike Brown/Aled Davies (Lancer N) 2.53.04.5
9th (27)Natalie Barrett/Joanne Lockwood (LancN)2.55.57.6
10th (28) Nigel/Michaela Cannell(Corsa) 3.03.46.4
Since Roy White's retirement after stage 21 there have been no
major changes at the front of this Manx International Rally through
stages 22 and 23. Neil Simpson broke Mark Higgins' run
of fastest times by taking the honours through stage 23, White
Strand, by just one tenth of a second. Higgins had a slight
overshoot at bales and had to wrestle his Astra into reverse.
It is fingers crossed now for the top drivers with the finish
almost in sight. Interestingly, if Mark does go on to win
the event Bryan Thomas will become Mobil 1 British Champion co
driver. Maybe Vauxhall rally boss Mike Nicholson, renouned for
his generosity, will give the boys a bonus!!!
Nik Elsmore and Gavin Cox are still having a big battle, but
Forest of Dean man Nik had a worried frown on his young face
when he arrived here at service. His Lancer's engine making some
bad noises. Oil pressure and temperature were both OK,
so perhaps it is nothing too serious. Mike Brown is still
on a charge and set 2nd fastest gpN time behind Simpson. Rob
Watson is another going very hard, Rob back in 12th place and
it is just possible that he could make the top 10, but with only
3 stages to go, not likely. Mats Andersson is behind Waton,
Proton driver Mats taking it very easy now. Firstly he only has
to get the car to the finish to win the Super 1600 part of the
championship, but also his back was hurt in yesterday's accident
and the Vauxhall lady doctor has been in close attendance ever
since, and giving him every assistance.
In the MANX TROPHY...Cross Refrigeration man Andrew Nesbitt has
4 minutes in hand over Mark Fisher's gpN Lancer. Gary Leece is
3rd in the Metro 6R4. Mark Ellison 4th. Sean McArdle 5th. Eugene
Ferry 6th. Cork man Liam Davis 7th and 2nd in the showroom category.
Final round of the Tarmac is the Cork 20, Clerk of the Course
Alan Verso is competitor relations for the Trophy ..fancy a run
to Cork..give Alan a call on 087 2822020. Dessie McCartney leads
the post historics. Dessie Nutt the Historics. On the NI C/ship
round in Fermanagh - the Lakeland - Steven Harron leads despite
a misfire in his Subaru with Biggerstaff 2nd, Kevin O'Kane 3rd,
Richard Hogg 4th. On the Cyprus Rally - no change at the top
- Sainz, Burns, Delecour & McRae.
Back here on the warm and sunny Isle of Man....class leaders
include..young Ian Barrett in the Delphi Proton leads N2. David
Bateson (N1)in the VW Polo. Netherlands Peugeot driver Heldoorn
leads cl.3..BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON |
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