Modifieds
1st Daniel McKenna 55.20.2, 2nd David Bogie 55.44.0, 3rd Rodney Wilton 56.11.6, 4th Gary McPhillips 56.20.3, 5th Wesley Patterson 56.24.5, 6th Manus Kelly 56.26.1
Gareth MacHale still had over a minute of a lead when his Focus pulled into the end of sun drenched SS9, Carnhill. Tim McNulty was 0.9s faster but not making enough of an impression to unduly worry Gareth. Gareth said, “we’re taking it steady, could try harder.” Tim McNulty was taking a good look at his tyres at the stage finish, the news being that then McGeehan team have made some adjustments to the Subaru suspension and the car is working slightly better than yesterday. Darragh O’Riordan spun his Subaru in the stage and dropped a few seconds. There is still no news as to Darragh getting compensated for his time loss in SS8 when he stopped to report the Craig Breen accident.
Local man PJ McDermott is turning in solid times today and is settling down to the task in hand – going for a good result on this Topaz Donegal International Rally. Tommy Doyle in his Clio has maintained his top 10 place, 8s up on Robert Barrable through the stage. Barrable continues to lead the Citroen Racing Trophy and is 11th O/A in his C2R2 Max. Mark Donnelly is closing slightly on Barrable in the race for best Citroen and is now just 20s in arrears. Shane Buckley is in 3rd C2R2 Max and is just ahead of young Toni Kelly in her Civic. Toni took a gamble on tyres for this loop, we’re not entirely sure if it paid off. Toni is however 15th O/A which is good going.
Further news from SS9 is that the officials have stopped the stage and no more cars will compete through it because of the behaviour of some spectators. With safety very much on all responsible rally people’s minds, it is up to the spectators to behave themselves and allow the sport to continue unhindered.
In the modified section, Daniel McKenna was really on the pipe through SS9 and his Escort recorded another fastest time. David Bogie was quickest modified on the two earlier stages today and McKenna stated that he had been pushing as hard as ever which gives some indication of Bogie’s pace. On that Carnhill test, there seemed to be a bit of a delay and the drivers tyres were going a bit cold which didn’t inspire their confidence.
The Fiesta Trophy started today and so far Stephen Baxter/Martin Brady have been setting the pace. After only two stages, Stephen was 48s ahead of Stephen Wright with Leonard a further 16s in arrears.
More news later from Brian and Michael Patterson plus Ciara (Liz Jnr for the weekend)
