McGarrity revved up for Manx Rally

IN the immediate absence of his principal rivals Glengormley’s, Derek McGarrity has an excellent opportunity to strengthen his bid to win the Toshiba Computers Irish Tarmac Championship for the very first time.

This afternoon he will tackle the Manx International Rally, the latest round of the series. The Manx is one of three events that dovetail as a counter in both Irish and British Championships, and while McGarrity leads the Irish campaign he has scored in every round to date a strong result in the Manx would make it difficult for his rivals to dislodge him from top spot.

Meanwhile, Austin MacHale is seeking to improve his joint third position in the Pirelli-backed British Championship.

Neither Andrew Nesbitt or Eugene Donnelly second and third respectively in the Irish Tarmac series are competing, while Peadar Hurson has opted out and will drive in next week's Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally.

Essentially, that leaves McGarrity, MacHale and Eamonn Boland, along with top Group N runners Roy White and Seamus Leonard, as the main challengers.

Favourite for victory must be former double winner Mark Higgins, in his Toyota Corolla WRC. However, with competition from British championship leader Jonny Milner, also in a Toyota Corolla WRC, Higgins has a major battle on his hands.

Kenny McKinstry will drive his latest spec Subaru WRC, the car driven to victory by Andrew Nesbitt in the Jim Clark, and although he may lack "match practice", his experience should keep him in touch.

Ballinamallard's Gary Jennings heads the entry in his Peugeot 206 XS, but luck hasn't been on his side so far this season, where he needs to shine amongst his Super 1600 rivals. Fellow Northern Ireland driver Kris Meeke (Opel Corsa) had a superb outing, taking top points in the category and a top-ten finish on the Jim Clark. Overall, he is equal third with Austin MacHale in the British series.

Having crashed out of the Jim Clark, both Tapio Laukkanen and Jari-Matti Latvala need to score points to prevent Milner taking his second title. Both Finns are very quick, but although Latvala had a good outing in the Deutschland Rally, his lack of experience on "the Island" may mitigate against the 18-year-old sensation.

In Group N, Tipperary's Roy White who leads the showroom category in the Tarmac Championship renews rivalry with Omagh's Seamus Leonard. The group also includes Dickie Curran, Aaron MacHale, Ml Curran and George Tracey.