Higgins strengthens grip on Rally Isle of Man

MANX born driver, Mark Higgins and his Donegal co-driver, Rory Kennedy, in their Group N Subaru strengthened their grip on Rally Isle of Man through yesterday’s twelve stages.

With an impressive drive they arrived at the overnight halt with an advantage of one minute and 7.9 seconds advantage.

Irish Tarmac Championship leaders, Eamonn Boland/Damien Morrissey (Subaru) are second overall – over two minutes clear of David Higgins/Ieuan Thomas (Subaru).

Tyre choice was a key issue on the day’s opening stage (S.S.5), indeed, such was the dilemma, Guy Wilks incurred a ten second road penalty as he delayed making his selection and was subsequently penalised for late arrival at the time control.

Out on the stages, Higgins, who opted for an intermediate tyre, set the pace while Eamonn Boland was quickest on the following test. Higgins was best through S.S. 7 and was already 43 seconds ahead of Wilks, who punctured on Friday’s final stage.

The reigning British champion, with Mallow’s David Moynihan calling the notes, lost more time at a hairpin on S.S. 8. Nevertheless, he was over 20 seconds ahead of Boland, who lost time having opted for a slick tyre.

David Higgins, Philip Morrow and James Wozencroft were next in classification. Seventh placed Darren Gass made a cautious start to the day, meanwhile, John McGlaughlin in tenth, maintained his position while top Irish Group N Championship competitor, his nemesis, Kevin Kelleher (Mitsubishi) was worried about a slipping clutch.

Wilks lost over three minutes when he smashed the wheel of his Mitsubishi on S.S. 8, an incident which also saw him damage the steering set-up. Remarkably, however, he still managed to set a good pace on the next stage.

Out in front, Mark Higgins, leader by almost a minute, was afforded the luxury of being able to slacken his pace. Second placed Boland was over a minute off third placed David Higgins. Philip Morrow moved to fourth ahead of Wilks. Elsewhere, Brian O’Mahony (Renault Clio) was eighth but fellow Cork driver, Kevin Kelleher bowed out with clutch woes.

On Stage 12, John McGlaughlin (Mitsubishi), Kelleher’s rival in the Irish series, was off the road, he was fortunate not to have hit any trees in the process.

Higgins remained on course for a fourth victory on his native soil as second placed Boland concentrated on his Tarmac title ambitions. David Higgins and Wilks followed.

The Mitsubishi of Irish driver, Darren Gass was a little twitchy on the slippery roads, the conditions meant that Cork ace, Brian O’Mahony (Renault Clio), who was eighth overall, also had an eventful time. The event concludes today with a further seven stages down for decision.

Meanwhile, Peter McKenna and Robert Barrable continue their battle in the Open Formula Ford 1600 at Kirkistown today and will renew acquaintances in the Irish FF series at Mondello Park for two championship races on Sunday.

Both drivers have already been selected as monthly winners for the Driver of the Year award.

The remainder of the Mondello programme features Saloon and Sportscar racing including a double-header in the Dunlop Supercars.