Donegal Harvest Rally - (Sat) 11 Oct 03

Posted: October 14, 2003 11:41 AM

James was 53s ahead of 2nd placed driver James Gillen and co-driver Victor Carrothers in an Escort, while Adrian McElvaney finished 3rd with co-driver Paul Goodman in another Subaru.

Harrison from Macclesfield in England, enjoyed the event, with this win proving that he arrived on the rally scene here in Ireland, after his previous victory on the Clare Stages Rally. He did find this a difficult task here in the Donegal Hills, with the level of competition here in the "Rally County of Ireland". Dunlop National Championship winner Eugene Donnelly was in top form early in the day, but the Maghera driver was unable to maintain his dominant lead, after the dreaded Breenagh proved a stage too far for the Maghera driver. Harrison reported having more than a few ?moments? on the last stage trying to preserve his lead, but kept the drive of his life safe and sound to pass the last stage finish.

Speaking before the event start on Saturday morning, James said he had not had such a good run in Donegal, before and felt that he was short on experience on Donegal tarmac, perhaps returning to compete on the Donegal International. Speaking after his win outside Letterkenny's Holiday Inn, Harrison told reporters to keep him a place at the Donegal International as he claimed this was his proudest moment, winning on the Donegal Roads.

However, James Gillen did himself a proud, by setting the fastest time on the final stage, after a ?maximum attack mode? drive. He was able to claim 2nd place overall. As for Adrian McElvaney, a steady drive earned him 3rd place and should give him a top finish in the Dunlop National Championship.

Champion winner Eugene Donnelly congratulated Harrison on his win.

The overall winners top 10 for the event include:

O/all  Car  Driver/Co-driver            Time
1st   4  Jim Harrison/Harvey Bell (Impreza WRC)     46.46
2nd  12  James Gillen/Victor Carruthers (Esc.Cos)     47.39
3rd  6  Adrian McElvaney/Paul Goodman (Impreza WRC)  47.47
4th  8  Patrick Elliott/Martin Cahill (Impreza WRC)    47.52
5th  15  Andrew Stewart/Fabian McShane (Lancer N)    47.56
6th  11  Ivan Stewart/Gerard Callaghan (Escort Cos)    48.09
7th  7  David Armstrong/Herbie Blackburn (Escort WRC)  48.37
  14  Alan Nesbitt/Enda Sherry (Celica)      48.37
9th  17  Garry Jennings/Derek Brannigan (Peugoet)    48.50
10th  19  Martin Doherty/Crawford Henderson (Lancer)    49.57

Clerk of the Course, Leonard Wilson, thanked all the marshals and officials of the event for their hard work in making the event a safe one for all to compete and watch. He went on to thank all the residents and land owners along the route, for their co-operation over the past few days, and to the Donegal County Council, Garda Siochana, Civil Defence, Health Board, Red Cross for their assistance in making this event possible this week-end.

A special thanks also went to the Holiday Inn, Letterkenny, for their sponsorship of the event, and allowing the event to run from their luxurious surroundings.

• Rallynews by Brian & Liz Patterson
• Results and stage times: results.trapedza.com www.donegalmotorclub.com
• Photos by Seamus Counihan