The news from stage 12 Shanera is that Tim McNulty’s Subaru has stopped because of gearbox problems. Tim led the rally from the start and had a 1 m 37 sec lead, with just three stages to go. Cruel luck indeed, and may spell the end of his Citroen Tarmac Championships hopes for this year.
Another retirement from the International section of the rally was Eamonn Daly. His Lancer was placed inside the top ten when the centre differential cried enough.
With just three stages to go, there is a big race developing for 2nd place, Aaron MacHale in his Focus WRC now piling the pressure on Alastair Fisher in his Lancer.
In the National section of the rally, Barry Meade has taken over the lead, with Ed O’Callaghan 2nd and Vincent O’Shea 3rd. Phil Collins had led from the start but pulled out following an excursion into the scenery in stage 12 which damaged a hub on his Escort. Washington James retired his Darrian following further rear suspension trouble. Darren McCarthy in his Civic continues to lead class 11 in the Modifieds.
In the Junior category after stage 10, Kevin O’Connor in his C2R2 led from Cal McCarthy (Civic), with David Guest, in 3rd gear trouble with his Civic, in 3rd.
Regards, Brian Patterson (Liz has a tummy bug and has had top go back to the hotel)
