Punchestown Rallysprint - 27 May 01

Posted: May 28, 2001 10:48 PM

After the first run over the 2.5 mile stage it was McKinstry who led the way in his world rally car Subaru Impreza but on run 2 Nesbitt turned the disadvantage into a one second lead. Entering the final run separated by this smallest of margins the battle was on and it was Nesbitt who responded best posting a time three seconds quicker than that of McKinstry.

Fourth went to 5 times Irish Rally Champion Austin McHale who was re-united with his Toyota Celica for the spectator orientated event. The Rathcoole legend finishing ahead of the Impreza WRC of Derek McGarrity with Ollie O'Donovan in a Subaru Legacy rounding off the top 6.

A big hit with the large crowds who traveled to see the cream of Irish rallying compete in grounds of the award winning Punchestown Racecourse, the event was the brainchild of international co-driver Ronan Morgan who declared the event a major success.

PUNCHESTOWN RALLY MASTERS - Overall Top 6
1. Andrew Nesbitt/James O'Brien (Subaru Impreza WRC).......9.20
2. Kenny McKinstry/Mark Geraghty (Subaru Impreza WRC)......9.24
3. Frank Meagher/Dermot O'Gorman (Ford Focus WRC)..........9.36
4. Austin McHale/Brian Murphy (Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD)....9.39
5. Derek McGarrity/Gary Lyons (Subaru Impreza WRC).........9.45
6. Ollie O'Donovan/David Moynihan (Subaru Legacy RS).......9.47

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