Garry Jennings was fastest through stage 2, Cark Mountain, and Darren Gass was quickest on stage 3, Letterleague. Early leader Declan Boyle retired on stage 2 when his Subaru incurred a broken brake pipe on the front left wheel. Declan said at the end of stage 1 that he could smell fumes and he reckoned afterwards that the pipe had been leaking fluid on to the exhaust. It became undriveable in stage 2 and eventually Declan pulled into a layby type place to let McGarrity through. Boyle1s car slewed sideways a little and McGarrity clipped it on the way past. Declan decided enough was enough and naturally very despondent here at service. When someone suggested that it was time to go for a drink, Declan, who owns 72 pubs, told him. `I do not drink`!
Rally leader Garry Jennings is certainly on a hit pace and his co-driver Neil Doherty reckons Garry does not realise just how quick he is going. He feels that the car is understeering but it is probably as much down to the speed and road surface as anything. Sam Moffett is doing a brilliant job to hold 3rd o/a and as Sam and Kenny McKinstry studied the computer print out for the Subaru performance on the stages, Sam said. `It is a great machine, but I am still thinking of the group n car and braking way too early and my corner speed is too low`. Derek McGarrity was not in good form at all. When asked how he is going the one word reply was unprintable. But he went on to say that his Focus has stalled several times and then he clipped the Boyle Subaru on the way past, so all in all it has been a fraught morning for the former Tarmac Champion.
Donagh Kelly also has problems with his Focus as the launch control is proving difficult. Also the KN Networks man is struggling a bit with getting re-acquainted with left hand drive. John O`Donnell is another who is doing exceptionally well as he gets used to his world rally car, up to 5th o/a and that includes a stage 2 stall. Martin Doherty continues to lead Gp.N. Martin admitted to trying to pace himself through stage 3 fully aware that this is a 3 day rally. Stephen Wright is now 8s back in the race for GpN with Josh Moffett a further 13s in arrears. Josh reported all well and he reckons he can step up the pace on the next loop.
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