Close battle in Sligo Rally
Mid-way through the Sligo Rally, the sixth round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, there is a close battle with just six seconds covering the top three drivers.
Last round winner, Kevin Lynch, who experienced gear change difficulties, occupies top spot but he is only two seconds ahead of Niall Maguire, the championship leader.
Maguire was quickest on the first stage, lost the lead to Lynch on S.S. 2 and regained it again on the third stage.
Patrick Elliott completes a Subaru top three – he is four seconds behind Maguire.
Sean Devine, who was called from the reserve list, lost time when his Subaru hit the parapet of a bridge, he is fourth from David Armstrong who has improved his pace.
Kevin Barrett in yet another Subaru is next.
Cathal Arthurs (Hyundai Accent WRC), third earlier in the event lost over two minutes with turbo problems.
Gabriel Martin in a Mitsubishi is the top Group N driver.
Non-starters included Jim Harrison, who returned to Macclesfield where his wife, Cathy gave birth to their son, Stan. Adrian McElvaney, Ray Breen, Daniel Doherty and Noel Redmond were the other principal non-starters.
There are reports, yet to be confirmed, that Lynch has stopped in S.S. 5 while Arthurs seems to have retired.
