Cronin wins Raven’s Rock Rally

Essentially, today's Carrick on Suir based Suirway Forklifts Raven's Rock Rally, the fifth round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, was a test for Keith Cronin ahead of his next outing in the British Rally Championship.

Sun, 28 Jun, 2009 - 19:26

To say it was successful would be an understatement as the Cork ace, guided on the pacenotes by Limerick's Greg Shinnors swept to a superb victory claiming the scalps of both present and past national rally champions.

Cronin/Shinnors finished a minute and 21 seconds ahead of Dunlop National Rally Championship leaders, Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry with current champions, Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru) taking third - a further 47 seconds in arrears.

Cronin quickly opened a 15 second lead over Elliott on the opening test.

Elliot responded with quickest time on the second test and both shared the same time on the third stage leaving Cronin with a 13 second lead at the service halt.

That was then closest anyone got to Cronin, who accelerated into the distance ahead of Elliott and then Maguire.

With Cronin well ahead, the battle for second between Elliott and Maguire also focussed on the acquisition of maximum Dunlop points.

Maguire gained the advantage on the second lap and consolidated the position on the final loop to increase his lead over Elliott to 16 points.

Kevin Barrett punctured on one stage but recovered to finish fourth.

Garry Jennings claimed the highest points in the race for the Patterson's Rally News Group N award.

Despite a few niggling troubles, he finished ahead of Kevin Kelleher, who clawed his way back from differential problems on the opening loop.

Marty McCormack, driving a Citroen C2 R2, was the top two-wheel drive competitor.

1. K. Cronin/G. Shinnors (Mitsubishi) 1h. 11m. 35s.

2. N. Maguire/E. Sherry (Subaru WRC) 1h. 12m. 56s.

3. P. Elliott/P. Goodman (Subaru WRC) 1h. 13m. 43s.

4. K. Barrett/S. Mullally (Subaru WRC) 1h. 14m. 25s.

5. G. Jennings/D. Moynihan (Mitsubishi) 1h. 15m. 15s.