Not a good Weekend for the Irish in Aberdeen

Posted: April 9, 2000 8:38 PM

Event favourite Irishman Rory Galligan was hoping to take his third victory in a row, but over exuberance saw him visit a ditch on the opening stage. With help from spectators he managed to get going again but lost nearly two minutes and despite setting some good times he finally retired on stage 4 with yet another ditch visit.

Andy Burnell from Devon justified the long trip to Aberdeen with a stunning opening stage time nearly 30 seconds quicker than his nearest competitor. Burnell accompanied by Somerset co-driver Neil Dashfield, posted a slow time on stage three which demoted the pair to third place behind the flying Irishmen Seamus Donnelly and Billy McCullins and Hull based crew Kevin Furber and Mark Walker. However, a further Irish crew also posted a fastest time, Paul Crossen and Peter Martin to blast them into the lead after Stage 3, which was short lived when they failed to appear from Stage 4.

Despite setting a fastest time on Stage 4, Donnelly punctured the radiator during that run and was forced into retirement on Stage 5, leaving Burnell to resume control and lead to the finish. Donnelly collected the Esso Ultron Spirit of the Rally award for his good grace in retirement.

The cars reconvene on the Pirelli Rally in Carlisle on the 6/7th May. Further information from Stella Boyles on the numbers below.

Pictures and the final times are available on the web site. www.peugeotsportuk.com