Boyle’s absence opens way for main rivals to gain ground
The Donegal driver has been ruled out as his Subaru WRC will not be repaired in time after he crashed while leading last week’s Rally of the Lakes. It leaves his opponents with an ideal opportunity to gain ground during his absence.
The top seed amongst the 140 plus cars is Wexford’s James Stafford in his rear-wheel drive Darrian T90. In dry conditions he is likely to mount a serious challenge although Welsh aces and Subaru WRC pair Hugh Hunter and Mel Evans are the most likely to secure the laurels. Evans won the Dunlop title in 2011 hasn’t competed for some time and may be a little rusty over the early part of the nine-stage event on the Laois border.
