Nesbitt wins first Lakes rally

A commanding performance laced with fastest times on all of today’s nine stages gave Andrew Nesbitt and James O’Brien their first victory in the International Rally of the Lakes, round two of the Toshiba Computers Irish Tarmac Championship.

After they reclaimed the lead on S.S. 13, Nesbitt continued to dominate and at the conclusion of the 18 stages of the Killarney based rally, he had amassed a winning margin of one minute and 23 seconds.

Determined and committed, Nesbitt and O’Brien were untouchable and they kept their 100 per cent record in the 2002 Championship.

Eamonn Boland/Damien Morrissey (Subaru WRC) were second with Liam O’Callaghan/David Hogan (Subaru WRC) finishing third, a further 39 seconds in arrears.

Daniel Doherty (Subaru) was fourth ahead of the luckless McGarrity.

Killarney’s, Donie O’Sullivan/Paul Nagle won Group N from the Mitsubishi of Trevor Cathers/Francis Regan.

The national category was won by Tony Davies/Brian Hardie. John Farrell/Christy Farrell won the Historic section.

1. Nesbitt/James O’Brien (Subaru WRC) 2H. 35M. 56S.

2. E. Boland/D. Morrissey (Subaru WRC) 2H. 37M. 19S;

3. L. O’Callaghan/D. Hogan (Subaru WRC) 2H. 37M. 58S.

4. D. Doherty/M. Doherty (Subaru WRC) 2H. 39M. 18S;

5. D. McGarrity/C. Patterson (Subaru WRC) 2H. 40M.17S;

6. A. McHale/B. Murphy (Toyota Corolla WRC) 2H. 40M. 37S;

7. J.J. Fleming/R. Ward (Subaru WRC) 2H. 44M. 27S;

8. D. O’Sullivan/P. Nagle (Subaru) 2H. 46M. 29S;

9. T. Cathers/F. Regan (Mitsubishi) 2H. 47M. 07S;

10. S. Leonard/K. O’Brien (Subaru) 2H. 47M. 55S.

In Silverstone, Michael Keohane finished seventh in the sixth round of the British Formula 3 series. The Clonakilty racer was up to fourth until he was forced wide and lost a few places on the leader.

Nevertheless, the points gained from the race along with those from his second place earlier today has moved him to joint third in the championship.

Championship standings:

1. Robbie Kerr 84 points.

2. James Courtney 71 points

=3. Michael Keohane & Bruce Jouanny 59 points.