Cronin keeps BRC title bid on track

BATTLING through wet and difficult conditions, reigning British Rally Champion, Keith Cronin, took an important and memorable victory in Rally Isle of Man, the fourth round of the Dulux Trade British Rally Championship.

Although he began Saturday’s final leg with a one minute and 44.6-second advantage over Gwyndaf Evans (Mitsubishi), the Ballylickey driver still had to find a strong pace to keep his concentration. A winning margin of one minute and 38.1 seconds was overshadowed by the important acquisition of maximum points that ensures his title bid is now firmly back on course.

On Saturday’s opening stage, Cronin set the fastest time, adding eight seconds to his lead over Evans. Series leader, Jonny Greer managed to take time out of third-placed Jason Pritchard’s Subaru. In atrociously wet conditions, Cronin had to concentrate hard as his Subaru was aquaplaning. He maintained a solid buffer over Evans, who was still trying hard. By the completion of Stage 17, Cronin held a lead of one minute and 41.7 seconds. Cronin was unwilling to give Evans any encouragement and the West Cork ace set the pace on SS18. Meanwhile, Greer failed to make any inroads into Pritchard’s third place.