13/03/06 - This Saturday’s McGrady Insurance Bishopscourt Stages Rally sees the cream of Northern Ireland’s rally talent burst back into action at Bishopscourt Race Circuit. Based just outside Downpatrick, County Down, the circuit plays host to the second round of the Pacenotes MSA Northern Ireland Stage Rally Championship.

One month ago, Dungiven’s Kevin Lynch took victory at the championship’s opening round in his KPL backed Subaru. He survived a close encounter with the Kirkistown Race Circuit scenery on the final stage to take a narrow victory over second placed Michael Curran.

Lynch is still undecided about his attendance at this weekend’s event, and it looks as though he’s going to keep everyone guessing once again, including himself!

"There’s no hard and fast rule at the minute," Lynch said, "and I’ll say the same as last time - there’s a 95% chance I won’t be there. But at the same time, it’s in the back of my mind. Now I’ve sold my tarmac car but I suppose since you’ve asked if I’m going to go, I’ll have to start thinking about it!"

Seeded at number two, Cookstown’s Glenn Allen is aiming to improve on his fourth placed Kirkistown finish. The Corolla pilot, who is also contesting this year’s Dunlop Irish National Championship, admits that circuit based events are not his strong point. Nonetheless, another good points finish at Bishopscourt will bolster his chances of lifting the championship title.

Strabane’s Sean Devine heavily damaged his car at another event in Mayo earlier this month, so his entry is also in doubt. County Fermanagh’s Raymond Johnston, seeded fourth, was perhaps picked up the most surprising result at round one, taking third overall in his Hankook Tyres backed car.

Other crews capable of taking the honours include Dromara’s Denis Biggerstaff, who has his 17-year-old son Stuart in the navigator’s seat. The father and son pairing already proved to be successful at January’s New Year Stages Rally, which they won outright. Listed in their Subaru Impreza WRC, Denis will be aiming to mark victory number two on his card at Bishopscourt, an event which he won six years ago.

Dungiven's Brendan O’Hagan, Ballymena’s George Robinson and Lifford’s Martin Doherty complete the top eight entries. Doherty’s entry is particularly interest as the Impreza pilot has former a Northern Ireland and Irish Tarmac Rally Champion reading the notes. Glengormley’s Derek McGarrity will swap roles for the day and call the notes for Doherty.

Production category

The battle for outright Group N honours at round one couldn’t have been much closer, with Greyabbey’s Dickie Curran and Antrim’s Martin Elliott separated by one-tenth of a second at the event finish! It was a case of ‘round one to Dickie’ but Elliott will be looking for revenge at Bishopscourt. Both men drive Mitsubishi Lancers and will face opposition from former Production champion, Limavady’s Richard Hogg, as well as Gary Rodgers and a host of other drivers.

Superdrive sponsored two-wheel-drive category

Rodney White is one of the favourites for two wheel drive honours. The Crumlin man took his Talbot Sunbeam to second in the category at Kirkistown, second only to Wesley Patterson’s mint Mark 2 Escort. Patterson decided not to enter Bishopscourt, so White’s main rivals will come from Maghera’s Barry McKenna and Draperstown’s Camillus Bradley.

Summary

Scrutiny for the McGrady Insurance Bishopscourt Stages Rally takes place at Modern Tyres Service, Boucher Road (Belfast) on Friday 17 March. The first car is due over the start ramp at 9am on Saturday 18 March. All six stages will be based within the confines of Bishopscourt Race Circuit.

[ Home ]        [ Latest News ]