Lynch leads Circuit of Wicklow Rally

At the half way point of the Circuit of Wicklow Forest Rally, round three of the McCauley Trailers Irish

Forest Rally Championship, Derry’s, Kevin Lynch in a Subaru WRC has a nine second lead over the Subaru of his championship rival, Kildare’s, Brian Murphy.

The two drivers have dominated this morning’s first four stages with Murphy leading by just three seconds after the first stage in the Wicklow forests.

Pat Norris (Subaru) is third – 30 seconds behind a hard trying Murphy while Kevin O’Kane (Subaru WRC) is fourth.

James Murphy (Escort Cosworth) dropped down the leader board with a blown turbo but has posted third fastest times on stages 3 and 4.

The Group N category is being led by John Shanahan, his Subaru also holds fifth overall. His closest rival, Stephen Moore (Subaru) went off on the third stage.

Denis Biggerstaff slid his Metro 6R4 off the track on the third stage and others to retire include Paul

Staunton, Connie Smith and Brian Lawlor.

Times after Stage 4:

1. Kevin Lynch (Subaru WRC) 25m. 29s.

2. Brian Murphy (Subaru) 25m. 38s.

3. Pat Norris (Subaru) 25m. 58s.

4. Kevin O’Kane (Subaru) 26m. 22s.

5. John Shanahan (Subaru Gp. N) 26m. 52.

In the third round of the British Formula 3 Championship at Silverstone. Portadown’s, Adam Carroll

finished fourth in a race won by James Rossiter.

Will Power was second and Nelson Piquet Jr. completed the podium line-up. Carroll will start from the fourth row of the grid for today’s second race.