IN the immediate absence of his principal rivals Glengormley’s, Derek McGarrity has an excellent opportunity to strengthen his bid to win the Toshiba Computers Irish Tarmac Championship for the very first time.

The rallying focus will shifts to Ulster in early September after the excitement of the Manx Rally.

Overnight leader, Mark Higgins, in the DGM prepared Toyota Corolla WRC, has reclaimed the lead in the Manx International Rally.

The 2002 Toshiba Computers Irish Tarmac Championship will consist of eight rounds - four of which are within the jurisdiction of Motorsport Ireland and the rest under the auspices of the Motor Sport Association (MSA) its British counterpart.