Motorsport: O’Sullivan overhauls Synan in Kerry rally

Defending champions Johnny O’Sullivan/Pat Cashman (Escort WRC) are the new leaders of the Yokohama Tyres Kerry Winter Rally.

They were fastest through the second run and have opened up a four-second lead over early leaders, Ed Synan/David Doherty (Opel Manta).

Having spun on the first run, Ray Breen (Subaru) remains in third place 12 seconds behind Synan.

In a tremendous ballet for fourth place, a mere four seconds covers three drivers.

At present, Liam Davis, in the ex-Hugh Martin Doherty Subaru Impreza is the incumbent.

However, local hero, Tom Randles, who punctured on the first run, is only two seconds adrift.

For good measure, Damien Keenan, like Randles, in a Mk. 2 Escort, is another two seconds behind.

John Kearny is pushing his Escort to the limit to maintain seventh place.

The top 10 is completed by Mike O’Leary (Sierra), Brendan Brosnan (Escort) and Pat Barry (Sierra) and David Percy, who are both on a total of 15 minutes and 55 seconds.

At the service halt outside Castleisland, all the cars were fitted with spotlights.

With the rally delicately poised, it is the crew who will cope best in the night conditions that should prevail.

Anthony O’Halloran remains the only top driver to retire. He crashed his Opel Manta early in first stage.