McKinstry enters leads in West Cork final stages

The final stages of the Clonakilty based Quality Hotels West Cork Rally will be a nerve wrecking

encounter for leader, Kenny McKinstry, who has to nurse his Ryan’s sponsored Subaru.

The car developed a gearbox problem on S.S. 14, yet he arrived at the service halt with a lead of 21.9 second lead over second placed, Eamonn Boland, who is perfectly poised to take advantage.

Maurice Gass, fastest on Special Stage 13, remains in fifth behind local Dunmanway driver, Liam McCarthy, whop spun his Toyota Corolla WREC on S.S. 12. Steve Fleck (Subaru WRC) is in sixth position.

Phil Collins has sorted the problems that dogged his Escort, he is in seventh place ahead of the Metro of Tony Davies.

The top ten is completed by Nigel Hicklin and Cathal Arthurs (Subaru).

The Group N category is being led by the Mitsubishi of Kieran O’Callaghan.

1. K. McKinstry (Subaru WRC) 1h. 42m. 31.2s.

2. E. Boland (Subaru WRC) 1h. 42m. 53.1s.

3. M. Evans (Subaru WRC) 1h. 43m. 06.2s.

4. L. McCarthy (Toyota Corolla WRC) 1h. 43m. 32.1s.

5. M. Gass (Subaru WRC) 1h. 44m. 15.6s,

6. S. Fleck (Subaru WRC) 1h. 44m. 37.0s.

7. P. Collins (Escort) 1h. 47m. 09.9s.