McKinstry takes narrow lead in Lurgan Pk Rally

Mid way through the SEAT Cars Lurgan Park, Kenny McKinstry has a two second lead over the Subaru of Scottish ace, Dom Buckley.

McKinstry, seeking his tenth win in this event, was fastest through the first three stages with Buckley topping the time sheets on the fourth.

The top two have gradually eased themselves clear of the opposition. On the opening stage, the gap between the top two was a 1.9 seconds. Both drivers have made slight errors – taking some of the corners too wide.

David Greer, who is being co-driven by Letterkenny’s, Rory Kennedy, is best of the rest. His Toyota Corolla WRC is 8.4 seconds adrift of second placed Buckley. Greer is under considerable pressure from the in-form Eugene Donnelly, who is only 0.1 of a second adrift.

Former F3 racing driver, Martin O’Connell holds a top ten slot after being as high as equal sixth at one point.

Garry Jennings (Mitsubishi), on his first competitive outing in a four-wheel drive car, leads the Group N category.

Derek McGarrity (Subaru WRC) was a non-starter.

1. K. McKinstry (Subaru) 6m. 48.6s.

2. D. Buckley (Subaru) 6m. 50.6s.

3. D. Greer (Corolla) 6m. 59.0s.

4. E. Donnelly (Toyota) 6m. 59.1s.

5. D. Biggerstaff (Metro 6R4) 7m. 00.1s.

6. M. Gass (Subaru) 7m.00.2s