Buckley wins Lurgan Park Rally

Scotland’s, Dom Buckley, in a Subaru, has won the SEAT Cars Lurgan Park Rally after a tight tussle with nine-time winner, Kenny McKinstry (Subaru).

McKinstry was knocked off top spot on the fifth stage as Buckley squeezed a 0.3 second advantage.

McKinstry counted the cost of clipping a bale close to the stage finish. Denis Biggerstaff (Metro 6R4), Eugene Donnelly (Toyota Celica) and David Greer (Toyota Corolla WRC) chased third spot with the Metro ace holding a slight advantage.

Buckley posted another fastest time - his third of the day and duly led by 1.1 seconds at the conclusion of the sixth stage.

That lead margin became 1.3 seconds on the penultimate stage as the battle for third became even more frenetic.

Donnelley upstaged his opponents to take possession of third from Biggerstaff, Trevor Moore and David Greer.

In Group N, Gary Jennings continued to extend his lead margin.

On the final stage, Buckley increased his lead margin and won by 1.3 seconds. McKinstry had to be content with second and Eugene Donnelly (Toyota) was third.

Donegal’s, Damien Faulkner qualified 15th for tomorrow’s Porsche Super Cup race at Silverstone.