After a dramatic days racing, it’s neck and neck at the head of John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally. Overall Keith Cronin in his Ford Fiesta, hangs on to a slender lead of 1.1 seconds ahead of welsh man Osian Pryce was on a charge to close the gap on the final stage of the day.
Prestone MSA British Rally Championship Leader, Fredrik Åhlin and Torstein Eriksen are a further 18 seconds back from the front runners so it’s all to play for tomorrow. The changeable weather conditions played havoc throughout the day with all crews with rocks and stones being washed out into the roads which caused numerous punctures including Marty McCormack, Desi Henry and Alan Carmichael to name a few.
Jonny Greer upholds Northern Ireland honours in fourth place ahead of Clonakilty Black Pudding Irish Tarmac Championship leader, Sam Moffett whose position has been strengthened following the retirement of Alastair Fisher and Gordon Noble on stage two issues with engine problems.
Top Junior Competitors William Creighton and Callum Devine have enjoyed a day long battle and are the top two wheel competitors in 12th and 13th place respectively.
Kyle White and Sean Topping were early retirees after their gear box mounting broke, also experiencing gear box problems was local man Joe Gallagher and Mo Downey. Both are expected to re-join the action on Saturday morning.
In the National event, Camillus Bradley inherited the lead following Carmichael’s puncture lying 14th overall. TT winner Michael Dunlop is sitting second in his class and 25th position going into day two.
It’s all set up for a great day at Ulster Rally tomorrow as weather conditions are set to improve with action starting at 7.45am just north of Donemanagh. Both Regroup sessions take place in Strabane (Castle Street) where you can catch up with the crews at 9am and 2pm.
Listen to all the action live on Rally Radio. Simply log onto the website for the free link where you’ll also find all the spectator information www.ulsterrally.com/spectators. Regular updates are available through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ulsterrally
