McNulty/Nestor strengthen lead in Cork rally

Leading since the start yesterday, Meath’s Tim McNulty/Anthony Nestor (Subaru WRC) have strengthened their lead position in the Murphy Construction Cork “20” International Rally, the final round of the Pirelli Irish Tarmac Championship.

Any ideas that either Derek McGarrity or Eugene Donnelly had of making an impression into this lead were whisked away on today’s opening stage, SS9 near Mallow, where the rally leader gained an additional 11 seconds on his rivals to lead by 37 seconds.

Of course, Donnelly and McGarrity have their own personal duel in the shape of the Pirelli Irish Tarmac title, with the pendulum swinging very much in favour of Donnelly.

The Derry driver moved into second spot on SS10.

Meanwhile, Eamonn Boland, a former Cork “20” winner is fourth in his Subaru followed by Belgian champion, Pieter Tsjoen in a Toyota Corolla WRC.

Austin MacHale’s Ford Focus WRC is sixth overall.

The honour of top Cork driver is presently being held by Denis Cronin. His Subaru WRC is seventh in the general classification.

The final places in the top 10 belong to Group N drivers Colm Murphy (Subaru) and Mitsubishi pair Garry Jennings and Aaron MacHale.