The Donegal rally is the only 3-day event in the Tarmac Championship and it is also the longest with 303 kms (187 miles) of special stages. The action commences on Friday with six stages, followed by eight stages on Saturday and six more on Sunday. All the major championship contenders have entered and the rally promises to be as exciting as ever.
Championship leader Eugene Donnelly won this rally in 2004, 2005 and last year, and is the only previous winner on the entry list. He has a useful lead in the championship and he will be very competitive in the Skoda Fabia and win number four of the season is quite likely.
Tim McNulty had a fortunate win in the rally of the Lakes and was leading the Jim Clark until Donnelly overtook him. As a result McNulty is second in the championship and the Subaru driver will arrive in Letterkenny in very determined mood.
Last year's tarmac champion Eamon Boland is in third place just behind McNulty. Boland will be driving his Impreza once again and if he can string three good days together he could score his first win in the North West.
It is 15 years since a Ford won Donegal (Stephen Finlay Escort). The McHale brothers will hope to end that drought and also emulate their father Austin who won here in 1998-the last driver from the South of Ireland to prevail. Gareth and Aaron have 30 and 25 championship points respectively and they know the championship has a lot of stage miles left.
Alastir Fisher leads the group N fight but Alan Carmichael is just a point in arrears. Ger o Donovan and Rory Byrne will be snapping at their heels. The best two wheel drive in the championship is the Renault Clio of Daragh O’Riordan, the Corkman is an amazing seventh overall and has a clear lead in his class.
The Modified section is dominated by Mk2 Escorts and Wesley Patterson has won every round to date and he remains favourite to win the Modified Challenge. However Eugene Fery, Martin McGee and Manus Kelly will be provide plenty competition in this very popular competition.
In the Historic section the Porshe 911 is the car to have. Championship leader Derek Boyd will be expected to extend his margin over the similar car of Keith McIvor.
Tarmac rally Championship Points after Round 4 Jim Clark rally.
E Donnelly 48, T McNulty 36, E Boland 34, G McHale 30, A McHale 25. A Fisher 16.
D O’Riordan 16, A Carmichael 15, G O’Donovan 11, and Colm Murphy 11.
Austin Shinnors.
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