Puncture Lets Frank Kelly Down in Lurgan Park.

A puncture on the third special stage spoiled Frank Kelly’s assault on the Mk2 Escort Challenge at Lurgan Park on Saturday.  The Moy driver recovered to take 13th place overall and 3rd in Class 4 behind the ever consistent Wesley Patterson and Scottish visitor David Bogie.  Overall Champion this year was Donegal International winner Gary Jennings in his Subaru Impreza S12B, who drove brilliantly all day to take 4 fastest times out of the 8 stages in the Park, and had an impressive 6.8 second lead over Kenny McKinstry in another Subaru Impreza.

Early leader was Derek McGeehan in his Mini WRC, the greasy conditions being well suited to his nimble car while others struggled for traction and grip.  As the roads dried out, Jennings set a series of fastest times to take the lead and establish a gap of over 7 seconds as the day progressed.

Adrian Hetherington, from Donaghmore, surprised everybody by being able to take part in the event after suffering an engine failure on the Donegal International Rally two weeks ago.  Much midnight oil was burned to make repairs, and the car was presented at technical inspection on Saturday morning.  On the first stage he set a time less than 1 second slower than Wesley Patterson, but various problems during the day saw him disappear off the results with just one special stage to go.

For full results CLICK HERE