There were no major dramas over the final 2 stages and although Kevin Lynch was fastest on the penultimate stage Eamonn Boland was quickest on the 16th and final stage to win this Todds Leap Ulster Rally in some style and also claim the Tarmac Championship crown for himself and his co driver Damian Morrissey. Eamonn said at the finish. “We pushed on towards the end but nothing stupid. It wasn’t really pressure. It was a very enjoyable rally, great to win the championship”. When asked would be finish the championship by doing Cork he replied in the affirmative.
Kevin Lynch said he was under just too much of a disadvantage starting today, too far behind Eamonn to make up the time, but he did enjoy it. Mark Higgins was delighted with his result, Mark with Rory Kennedy on the notes, in his older model Impreza said. “I’m very happy with this, great to be leading the British Championship. The car was pretty well faultless throughout”. Guy Wilks commented. “Dropping the 30s last night put me under too much pressure. It was a combination of a slightly wrong note and bad luck”.
Derek McGarrity rounds off the top 6 and he said. “We lost too much time with the punctures, but I’m happy to be here at the finish”. When asked about his arm following his operation Derek said that he had no trouble at all. Kenny McKinstry was a little slow again towards the end, definitely having trouble with his vision and the damaged glasses. Gwyndaf Evans admitted to a few brake problems during the rally which he just said nothing about got on with the job.
Phillip Morrow in 8th reckoned that if he had had a little more time to set up his new Impreza the result could have been slightly better, but as it was he really enjoyed the rally. Glenn Allen pushed hard to the end to finish 9th and David Higgins pulled out all the stops in the rain to squeeze ahead of Keith Cronin and round off the top 10. Keith had a small diff problem towards the end but got it sorted and did well to finish 11th and top Evo Challenge runner.
Sebastien Ogier finished best 2 wheel drive and along with co driver Jack Boyere put up a very professional performance in his C2R2 Max finishing just ahead of Brian O’Mahony in his Clio. Marty McCormack was on course to win the C2R2 Cup section for today but we are still waiting for his time for the last stage.
Finally for now well done to CoC Michael Johnston and his hard working Ulster Rally team. Many thanks to all who helped and supported the Rally News service.
BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews.net (with thanks to Michael Patterson & Barry Meeke)
