Milner claims Manx victory

British Rally champion Jonny Milner today won round five of the Kwik Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship, the Gibbs Aquada Manx International Rally.

The Yorkshire driver was fastest on eight of the 23 stages to take a 97-second victory over Northern Ireland's Kenny McKinstry.

Milner said: “It’s a dream come true winning for the second year. Now we’re back on track for the Championship and everything is to play for!”

McKinstry, driving a Subaru Impreza World Rally Car, was hoping to take his first win at the event.

He has won the National rally three times but the International win still eludes him.

Glengormley’s Derek McGarrity finished third and continues to lead the Pirelli Irish Tarmac Championship ahead of Eugene Donnelly.

Driving a Toyota Corolla, Donnelly’s first visit to the Isle of Man resulted in the Maghera man netting fourth overall, seven seconds ahead of Rathcoole’s Austin MacHale.

Manxman Robert Watson dominated Group N. A puncture during the final leg resulted in a one minute time loss but he still won the category from Irishman Dessie Keenan.

Durham’s Guy Wilks won Super 1600 despite his gearbox failing during the penultimate stage. Wilks nursed his car through the final test to win the category and finish 10th overall.

Sweden’s Jennie-Lee Hermansson was competing on closed roads for the first time and finished as the leading lady driver.

Co-driver, Welshman Howard Davies, commented: “It has been a steep learning curve but confidence increased with every stage”.