Motorsport: Ballymena duo win Lismore Forest Rally

Ballymena’s, Dominic McNeill/Francis Regan, in the ex-Eamonn Boland Escort WRC, won the Lismore Forest Rally by a 48 second margin.

They led all through the six stages, their nearest challengers, Kevin O’Kane/Stephen Griffith retired on the penultimate stage when their Subaru Impreza caught fire.

Eugene Donnelly/Paul Nagle, debuting their Toyota Celica ST205, finished second after they survived an off road excursion on S.S.5 and a final stage misfire.

Dermot Kelly/Sean Brennan (Escort Cosworth) were third.

Peter McCullagh, who spun on the third stage, finished fourth just ahead of the gallant Ollie O’Donovan.

His Subaru Legacy left the road on the first stage and arrived at the stage finish with two punctures.

John McKeown (Sierra Cosworth), John Donnelly (Escort Cosworth), Group N winner, Cathal Rogers (Mitsubishi) and the Escort Cosworths of Brian McCloskey and Noel driver rounded of the top ten.

1. D. McNeill/F. Regan (Escort WRC) 32M. 11S.

2. E. Donnelly/P. Nagle (Toyota Celica) 32M. 59S.

3. D. Kelly/J. Brennan (Escort Cosworth) 33M. 08S.

4. P. McCullagh/V. Fergus (Escort Cosworth) 33M. 41S.

5. O. O'Donovan/D. Moynihan (Subaru Legacy) 33M. 43S.

6. J. McKeown/M. Carey (Sierra Cosworth) 33M. 56S.

7. J. Donnelly/J. McAleese (Escort Cosworth) 34M. 16S.

8. C. Rogers/P. McLoughlin (Mitsubishi) 34M. 22S.

9. B. McCloskey/S. O'Neill (Escort Cosworth) 34M. 47S.

10. N. Driver/J. Shinnors (Escort Cosworth) 34M. 52S.

In Karting, the Race Of Champions at Mondello Park resulted in fine wins for both Craig Breen (Cadets) and Emmet Quennan (Junior Jica).

Other winners were Johnny McGee (Junior Rookies) and Tony Mooney (Formula A).

Adrian Archibald, onboard a Honda, won the Grand Final at the Skerries Motorcycle Road races.

He also won the 600cc Supersport race.

Robert Dunlop continued his overwhelming dominance in the 125cc category, taking his twelfth win in succession.