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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