WEXFORD WEATHER WORKS FOR PURCELL AND HIS SKODA FABIA R5
Two contrasting days of weather conditions determined the outcome of the Wexford Rally for the Skoda Fabia R5 of Andrew Purcell.
Purcell and co-driver Andy Hayes dominated a final day of torrential rain to reel in overnight leaders James Stafford/Thomas Scallan (Darrian T90 GTR) and win by 31.2s. Daniel Barry (Skoda Fabia R5) on his first Motorsport Ireland stage rally in over four years and co-driven by Lorcan Moore was 53s further behind in third.
Beneath bright sunshine, Stafford was virtually untouchable on Saturday’s nine stages. Although some patches of asphalt under the cover of trees proved very slippery Stafford, who was on somewhat familiar ground, was best on all but one stage. His only indiscretion came on the day’s final test when he clattered a chicane, but still ended the day 53.6s ahead of Purcell who admitted there was no catching his rival given the circumstances.
Enda O’Brien (VW Polo GTi R5) held second for the same number of stages only to hit a bank and damage the steering which forced his retirement. Barry lacked commitment on a few stages before eventually being displaced by the highly impressive Richard Moffett (Toyota Starlet). Finland’s Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Escort) had brake issues over the opening two loops and ended the day in seventh.
Purcell revelled in Sunday’s torrential rain and by the opening loop of three stages had sliced Stafford’s advantage in half. He took the lead on SS15 and went on to claim his first major Irish tarmac rally victory. Stafford used all his experience and guile to secure second. Barry regained third but Moffett punctured on his Toyota Starlet and was eventually reeled in by the Toyota Corolla of Kevin Eves, who was fourth. Hirvonen enjoyed the conditions and a better performance to round off the top six.
Results
Organiser: Wexford Motor Club. When: September 10-11. Where: Wexford, Co. Wexford. Stages: 18. Championships: South East Stages Rally Championship. Stages: 18. Starters: 132.
1 Andrew Purcell/Andy Hayes (Skoda Fabia R5) 1h58m17.9s; 2 James Stafford/Thomas Scallan (Darrian T90 GTR) +31.2s; 3 Daniel Barry/Lorcan Moore (Skoda Fabia R5); 4 Kevin Eves/Chris Melly (Toyota Corolla); 5 Richard Moffett/Darragh Kelly (Toyota Starlet); 6 Mikko Hirvonen/Jarno Ottman (Ford Escort Mk2); 7 Marty Toner/Ben Taggart (BMW 1 Series); 8 Adrian Hetherington/Gary Nolan (Ford Escort Mk2); 9 Richard Moore/Stephen Joyce (Ford Escort); 10 Conor Moore/Leo Tector (Ford Fiesta Rally2). Class winners: Danny Mullins/Micheál Maher (Ford Fiesta); Cian Caldwell/Domhnall Lennon (Ford Fiesta); Tomas O’Rourke/William Treacy (Mitsubishi Lancer E9); Moore/Leo; Brian Kirwan/ Elaine Kirwan (Peugeot 205); Paul Cullen/Brian Rowan (Opel Corsa); Gavin Russell/Daniel Callaghan (Honda Civic); Ben McIntyre/Conor Lappin (Toyota Starlet); Justin Smyth/James McEneaney (Ford Escort); John Warren/Ruthann O’Connor (Toyota Corolla); Eves/Melly; Mikie Morahan/Anne Morahan (Subaru Impreza); Wayne Evans/Sion Jones (Ford Escort); Darragh Kelly/Eoin Kelly (Honda Civic).