Laukkanen wins Trackrod Rally

Finland’s, Tapio Laukkanen was never headed throughout today’s six stages of the second and final day of the Trackrod Rally in Yorkshire.

He held his composure in the face of a challenge from his countryman, Jari-Matti Latvala (Ford Focus WRC), who closed to within four seconds on this morning’s first stage.

Latvala subsequently dropped time on one of the latter stages and he eventually finished third behind, Yorkshire’s, Jonny Milner, his second place was enough to clinch the British Rally Championship.

Ireland’s, Austin MacHale was fourth.

Kris Meeke won the Super 1600 category and also sealed the series.

There was further Irish success in the Peugeot 206 Super Cup with newly crowned champion, Shaun Gallagher taking event victory.

Gareth MacHale was unlucky to retire on the final corner of the rally with driveshaft failure.

1. T. Laukkanen/I. Riipinen (Subaru WRC) 1h. 38m.11.6s.

2. J. Milner/N. Beech (Toyota WRC) 1h. 39m. 00.2s.

3. J. M. Latvala/M. Anttila (Ford Focus WRC) 1h. 39m. 38.6s.

4. A. MacHale/B. Murphy (Subaru WRC) 1h. 41m. 30.9s.

5. S. Petch/J. Richardson (Hyundai WRC) 1h. 42m. 51.5s.

6. B. Johnson/S. Merry (Subaru WRC) 1h. 43m. 21.8s.

7. C. Mellors/C. Thorley (Escort WRC) 1h. 44m. 23.6s.

8. K. Meeke/C. Patterson (Opel Corsa) 1h. 47m. 31.1s.

9. A. Teiskonen/M. Teiskonen (Citroen Saxo) 1h. 48m. 32.3s.

10. N. Buckley/D. Redpath (Mitsubishi Lancer N) 1h. 48m. 33.5s.

Irishman, Michael Keohane was tenth in today’s, penultimate race of the British Formula 3 championship at Brands Hatch.

Qualifying eleventh, he diced with new champion and fellow Carlin Motorsport driver, Alan

van der Merwe for most of the race and managed to keep the South African at bay.

The race was dominated by Nelson Piquet Junior, who led from lights to flag.

1. N. Piquet Jr. (Piquet Sports) 20m. 04.063s.

2. W. Davison (Menu) 20m. 09.642s.

3. 3. D. Watts (Hitech) 20m. 13.751s.