Irish crew take top two places at Roger Albert Clark Rally

Draperstownâ's Marty McCormack and Magherafeltâ's Barney Mitchell (Ford Escort RS1800) won the five-day Roger Albert Clark Rally that finished in Carlisle. Pic: Martin Walsh.

There were joyous scenes at the finish of the final stage of the Roger Albert Clark Rally as Irish crews took the top two places. After five gruelling days of rallying, Draperstown’s Marty McCormack (Ford Escort RS1800) co-driven Magherafelt’s Barney Mitchell, took his fourth victory in the event that finished in Carlisle yesterday (Monday) afternoon. Omagh’s Cathan McCourt (Escort RS1800) and Millstreet native Liam Moynihan took second place - five minutes and 30s behind.

There was drama all through the event that covered stages in Wales, Scotland and England. On Sunday evening long time leader Oliver Solberg lost the lead when the axle of his Escort RS1800 snapped and also broke a driveshaft to end the leg in fourth place - 27s off second spot. At the final overnight halt, McCormack was four minutes and 57s ahead of the Lancia Stratos of Seb Perez and his Irish co-driver Gary McElhinney with McCourt/Moynihan 15s further behind in third.