GARRY JENNINGS and Rory Kennedy lead the way after the opening day of the International Rally of the Lakes in Killarney.
The WRC Impreza of Jennings and Kennedy, last year’s winners of the Joule Donegal International Rally, is 26.8 seconds in front of nearest challengers, Alastair Fisher and Gordon Noble in the Fiesta.
Frosses man Donagh Kelly, the reigning Irish Tarmac champion, is in third, just 2.2 seconds behind Fisher.
Jennings was fasted on all eight of today’s eight stages, scorching his way across the opening stage, Gortnagane, which set the tone for a dominant day, but it was one that wasn’t without its difficulties.
Early on, one of the Subaru’s drive shaft gaitors burst and Jennings drove for an age with no display working on his dashboard, but they managed to correct his problem and it’s they who begin tomorrow at the head of the pack.
Stage 7 was cancelled for some of the crews after the Escort of John Bonner hit a tree, ending his event, but both he and co-driver Leon Jordan are reported to be fine.
Joseph McGonigle and Ciaran Geaney are gone after their Skoda stopped because of mechanical difficulties late today.
The Fiesta of Marty Gallagher and Dean O’Sullivan is 12th overall and second in group 2 at the close of day one.
Tags: