MAYO & DISTRICT MOTORSPORT CLUB NEWS

Posted: June 5, 2000 6:45 PM

James McGreal’s ambition to win the Class 14B National title remains firmly on track as the Foxford Garage proprietor recorded another win in the Standard Production Class after completing the 80 competitive miles held under ever changing weather conditions. With Crossmolina teenager, Killian Duffy, on the notes, the Martin A. McAndrew Sand & Gravel, Ballina / McCluskey Construction Ireland backed Nissan Sunny GTi-R crew did experience a minor scare with a trip to the scenery on Special Stage 3 loosing over 10 minutes in the process. With the help of numerous spectators the rally car was lifted out of the dyke and put back on the road again to eventually finish 83rd position.

Paul & Brian Cleary from Kiltimagh came home third in Class 5 and 64th overall in their Nissan Micra GX to remain 3rd in the National Points Classification, while John Duffy (Crossmolina) slotting in as a late reserve navigator to Ernest McMillen had a somewhat less exciting day as the Suzuki Swift failed to make it to the first service halt at the Cavan Equestrian Centre.

The remaining Mayo crew were more unfortunate. Swinford native Pat Price, well known to GAA followers through his firm, Advanced Roofing, as the sponsor to the Mayo Ladies Team, was trying hard to move up the leaderboard when he caught his Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 4 on a ditch, rolling the Group N car on its roof and back on to the road again. Neither Pat or navigator Diarmuid Falvey were injured and continued through Stages 5 and 6 but were prevented from continuing any further by rally officials at second service as the car’s windscreen and roof was damaged. Despite the non-finish in Cavan, Pat and Diarmuid still remain in third overall in Class 4.