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Final Press Bulletin 16 - Issued on October 8, 2000 at 2100hrs. Nesbitt and O’Brien the Toast of Cork! Andrew Nesbitt and James O’Brien have won the 2000 Cork ‘20’ International Rally in the Subaru Ireland Impreza WRC99/2000. Having already won the three of the four previous rounds of the 2000 Toshiba Computers Tarmac rally Championship, they arrived in Cork already crowned as Champions. Their result in the Southern capital underlines the superiority they have enjoyed all year. They led the event from the beginning, and could afford to lose over a minute on the final stage as they nursed the car to the finish with a broken exhaust manifold. Ian Greer and Dean Beckett took second place on their debut in the Toyota Corolla WRC. They took some time to settle into their new machine, but will be happy with the result in advance of a full season with the car in 2001. Austin McHale and Joe Downey were third in another Corolla WRC. McHale had been off his usual pace for much of the rally, a transmission problem being traced to the front differential late in the event. Frank Meagher and Dermot O’Gorman were also debuting a new car, this event being their first outing in the Ford Focus WRC. They held second for much of the rally, but dropped to fourth after a mishap on the Musheramore stage today – Frank was caught out on cold tyres and clipped a rock, puncturing a tyre. Three minutes were lost while the wheel was changed. Kenny McKinstry and Sean Mullally took fifth place in another Impreza WRC, Kenny not finding the left hand drive layout entirely to his liking. Niall McShea and Mike Orr took an outstanding sixth place in the Formula 2 Citroen Saxo Kit Car, the two-wheel drive, 1600cc ‘Pocket Rocket’ pleasing its crew immensely. Roy White and Des Cooney dominated the Group N ‘Showroom’ category, taking seventh place overall in the latest Evolution Mitsubishi Lancer. All of the leading Cork runners retired - Donal O’Donovan and Frank O’Mahony both encountered mechanical problems, and Liam Davis retired as a result of a broken differential.
Cork ‘20’ National Rally Eugene Donnelly and Paul Nagle were the top crew in the concurrent National Rally for Modified cars. They survived a 100m.p.h. off on Saturday with relatively minor damage, and clawed their way back into the lead today. Had they been competing in the International Rally, they would have finished seventh overall.
Cork ‘20’ Historic Rally Dessie Nutt and Geraldine McBride claimed the Toshiba Historic Tarmac Championship with their victory in the Cork ‘20’ Historic Rally. The Historic competitors still have one round to complete in their series, the Killarney Historic Stages Rally in December. The
Yokohama Southern 4 Championship Killarney’s Johnny O’Sullivan clinched the Yokohama Southern 4 Championship on the Cork ‘20’. His main opposition for the title was Munster Motor Cycle & Car Club President, Frank O’Mahony, who retired after the final stage on Saturday with engine problems. Second place in the Championship goes to Antrim driver Nigel Hicklin in Lancer Evo 5, with Waterford’s John Sheehan in a Subaru Impreza in 3rd position. Top co-driver was Sam McMullen, who guided Nigel Hicklin throughout the championship. Mickey Joe Morrissey’s Cork ‘20’ drive with Donal O’Donovan netted him second place in the co-drivers standings.
Ka Inter-Nations Cup Oliver Stanley from Durrow was the first Ford Ka driver home, followed by UK Ka champion, Shaun Woffinden, who clinched the inaugural Ka Inter Nations Cup for England. Ireland’s nominated Inter-Nations Cup driver, Kilkenny’s John Carroll was the 3rd placed Ka pilot.
Provisional Results after Final Stage - Stage 16 (Coolnashamroge): Cork ‘20’ International Rally
Results Live at www.cork20.connect.ie endsPress Bulletin 15 - Issued on October 8, 2000 at 18.30 hrs. Newly crowned Toshiba Computers champions, Andrew Nesbitt & James O’Brien lost over 1 minute on the last stage due to the broken exhaust but nursed their Cross Refrigeration Subaru Impreza WRC to the end to secure their first Cork ‘20’ International Victory, with 1min. 30 secs to spare. Outgoing champions Ian Greer & Dean Beckett brought the Taranto de Pol Corolla WRC home in 2nd place, with Austin McHale & Joe Downey in the Eircom Corolla WRC in 3rd overall, a further 1min14 secs. behind. Frank Meagher & Dermot O’Gorman in the Dance to Tipperary Focus WRC secured 4th place at the end of an eventful first outing for the M-Sport prepared machine. Kenny McKinstry & Sean Mullally brought their left hand drive Carrigaline Court Hotel supported Russian Impreza WRC home in 5th and 6th place went to Formula 2 Winner Niall McShea in the Saxo Kit Car. Group N honours went to Tipperary man Roy White in the Lancer Evo 6, who had led this category from the off yesterday morning. The National event was won by Eugene Donnelly & Paul Nagle who overcame a number of difficulties on Saturday. Sean Gallagher & Liam Costello held 2nd place with Corkmen Tim O’Riordan & Don Montegomery in 3rd. Yokohama Southern 4 champions are Johnny Sullivan and Pat Cashman in an Escort Cosworth followed by Nigel Hicklin & Sam McMullan in the Lancer Evo 5. Provisional Positions after Stage 16 (Coolnashamroge): No. Driver/Co-Driver Address Car Time - Total International Field
Press Bulletin 12 - Issued on October 8, 2000 at hrs.Nesbitt in the Cross Refrigeration Impreza WRC extends his lead by 2mins. 19 secs. over Ian Greer in the Corolla WRC. 3rd place is Austin McHale & Joe Downey. Niall McShea in the Saxo Kit Car has a comfortable lead in Formula 2, but is encountering a slight problem with the brakes. Tipperary’s Roy White in the FESP Lancer is leading Group N. Johnny Sullivan in the Cosworth WRC is holding onto hisYokohama Southern 4 lead at present.
Provisional Positions after Stage 13 ( Dromree):
Results Live at www.cork20.connect.ie Press Bulletin 10 - Issued on October 8, 2000 at 11.30hrs. The Cuisine de France Impreza of Andrew Nesbitt & Kanturkman James O’Brien continues to set a blistering pace and once again had fastest time. Frank Meagher & Dermot O’Gorman took 2nd in the Dance to Tipperary Focus WRC with Ian Greer’s Corolla WRC 3rd and Austin McHale 4th. All top drivers had a problem free run. 10th man Liam Davis has a broken a rear differential and hopes to have it replaced as they go into the first service halt of the day at the famous Green Glens Equestrian Centre in Millstreet. Leading Southern 4 contender, Kerryman Johnny O’Sullivan crawled through the stage due to continuing clutch problems and managed to nurse it to the service. First stage after service is the famous Musheramore challenge.
Provisional Positions after Stage 10 (Dromree):
Ends Press Bulletin 9 - Issued on October 8, 2000 at 10.45hrs. As the day dawns on day 2, the drivers head west in autumnal sunshine to Macroom/Millstreet region for the last 8 stages of . Andrew Nesbitt in the Cross Refrigeration Impreza WRC started where he left off last evening, by posting fastest times on Stage 8. Frank Meagher, now completely at home in his McCabe Towbars Focus WRC, was 2nd, 13 secs. adrift. Austin McHale in the eircom Corolla took 3rd place. Greer was 4th and Kenny McKinstry managed to hold onto 5th despite a major spin on the first hairpin bend. The demise of leading Cork crew, Frank O’Mahony & Hugh McPhillips in the Denis & Mary Ryan Impreza has brought Antrim’s Nigel Hicklin in the Lancer Evo 5 into the top 10 for the first time. Provisional Positions after Stage 9 (Shandangan):
Press Bulletin 8 (Final Day 1) - Issued on October 7, 2000 at 17.30hrs.At the end of day 1 of the Cork ’20’ International, newly crowned Toshiba champion Andrew Nesbitt leads this superb field of competitors. Despite an overshoot resulting in a 5 sec. loss for Frank Meagher in his Tom Geraghty Tyres Focus WRC holds on to 2nd place. Ian Greer ends the day in 3rd position. Leading Corkman Donal O’Donovan’s water injection problems continued and resulted in his having to retire prior to stage 8. Fellow Corkman Frank O’Mahony’s valient battle back up to 7th position overall looks decidedly shaky as smoke is billowing from his engine. Eugene Donnelly’s bad luck has culminated in a 100mph off and eventhough he lost considerable time, he has slipped out of the top 10. Sean Gallagher in a Escort Cosworth leads the Cork ’20’ National Rally, from Greg McCormack’s Escort MK2, with the unlucky Donnelly in 3rd. The Historic Challenge is led by Lloyd Hutchinson in the Cooper S, followed by Martin Freestone and John Farrell, respectively, both in Escorts. After Stage 7, the Ka battle is being led by Durrowman, Oliver Stanley, followed by John O’Dowd with John Carroll in 3rd position. Leading British Ka competitor Shaun Woffinden is in 4th place overall, followed by fellow Britons, Ian Forgan and Guy Wilks respectively.
Provisional Positions after Stage 8 (Skahanagh) Final Stage of Day 1:
Results Live at www.cork20.connect.ie ends
Press Bulletin 7 - Issued on October 8, 2000 at 16.50hrs. Provisional Positions after Stage 7 (Ballywalter): Andrew Nesbitt’s Impreza WRC set fastest lap on this stage by 1 sec. from Frank Meagher’s Focus WRC who has extended his 2nd place overall by 22secs ahead of 3rd place Ian Greer’s Taranto de Pol, Corolla WRC. The leaders are continue to set the pace without encountering any further problems, other than Donal O’Donovan who is still concerned by the water injection problems. Niall McShea is well ahead from his next Formula 2 contender and had driven superbly in the 1600 Saxo ahed of a number of 4 Wheel Drive cars. The other Tipperaryman, Roy White in the FESP Lancer Evo6 continues to lead the showroom, Group N, class. Competitors are now on the final stage of the day.
Press Bulletin 6 - Issued on October 7, 2000 at 16.25hrs. Provisional Positions after Stage 6 (Ballindangan):As the drivers come off Stage 6, Frank Meagher in the McCabe Towbar Focus WRC has posted his second fastest stage, eventhough he claimed to be on the wrong tyre choice. Andrew Nesbitt in the Cuisine de France Impreza WRC followed at 5secs. Ian Greer was 3rd on that stage. The top 7 places overall have not changed from the previous stage. Frank O’Mahony had a spin and had difficulty getting into gear subsequently, dropping him down to 9th overall. Eugene Donnelly, having sorted out his brake problem, is now experiencing a misfire and moved up one place to 8th. Leading Corkman, Donal O’Donovan in the eircom Celica is encountering a water injection problem but is still holding on to 5th place overall. The Historic rally is being led by Lloyd Hutchinson in a Mini Cooper S, followed by Martin Freestone in Ford Escort and 3rd is held by Meathman John Farrell in an Escort RS2000. Apart a section at the start of the stage, the surface has been damp and slippy.
Results Live at www.cork20.connect.ie ends
Press Bulletin 5 - Issued on October 7, 2000 at 15.10hrs. As the field head into service at Mitchelstown Mart for the second time, the overall lead is held by Andrew Nesbitt in the Cuisine de France Impreza WRC, Frank Meagher had gone into 2nd place from Ian Greer who received a 15sec. road penalties due to late arrival at stage 5. Frank Meagher was fastest on the stage having set off on full wet tyres. Andrew Nesbitt was 2nd on cut slicks, followed by Greer 2 secs. behind. Corkman Frank O’Mahony was off the road briefly, but still holds on to top position in the Yokohama Southern 4 Championship. Kenny McKinstry is still acclimatizing to the left-hand drive. Eugene Donnelly finished the stage with very little braking power, which he hopes to sort out in service. Oliver Stanley (59.07) leads the Irish Ka Championship from John O’Dowd (59.08) with Sean Woffinden, the British Ka Champion, in 3rd place. Provisional Positions after Stage 5 (Marshalstown): Co. Driver/Co-Driver Address Car Time - Total
Results Live at www.cork20.connect.ie ends
Press Bulletin 4 - Issued on October 7, 2000 at 14.15hrs.
At the halfway point on the first day, Andrew Nesbitt in the Subaru Ire. Impreza WRC has extended his overall lead by 10 secs. from Ian Greer in the Taranto de Pol Corolla WRC, due to posting the fastest stage 4 time of 9.04, followed by Greer at 9.13. Frank Meagher has settled very well into his McCabe Towbar supported Focus WRC and was 3rd fastest at 9.12. Austin McHale has gotten over his initial problems, was 4th, 2 secs. behind. Kenny McKinstry was 5th and Donal O’Donovan 6th. Eugene Donnelly burst a brake caliper on that stage and the top 10 experienced no major dramas.
Provisional Positions after Stage 4 (Ballindangan):
No. Driver/Co-Driver Address Car Time - Total
Press Bulletin 3 - Issued on October 7, 2000 at 13.35hrs.
Ian Greer continues to set a blistering pace in his new Taranto de Pol Corolla WRC by posting the fastest time of 9.43mins. in stage 3, followed by Tipperaryman Frank Meagher in his Dance for Tipperary Focus WRC at 9.44. Andrew Nesbitt, experiencing problems with the water injection system, was 3rd in the Pirelli shod Impreza WRC at 9.45. A somewhat happier McHale was in 4th, followed by Donal O’Donovan in 5th and Kenny McKinstry in the Carrigaline Court Hotel sponsored Impreza WRC. Overall, Andrew Nesbitt (29.07) leads Ian Greer by 1 sec, with Frank Meagher 3rd at 29.20, 4th Austin McHale, 5th Donal O’Donovan and 6th Kenny McKinstry. The second Taranto de Pol car, Sean McArdle was delayed considerably when he met a horse on the stage and happy to report both came off the stage in one piece. Frank O’Mahony is leading the Yokohama Southern 4 championship, Niall McShea in the Saxo Kit Car is leading Formula 2, and Clonmelman and rally sponsor Roy White is leading Group N in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6. Provisional Positions after Stage 3 (Ballindangan): No. Driver/Co-Driver Address Car Time - Total
Results Live at www.cork20.connect.ie ends Press Bulletin 2 - Issued on October 7, 2000 at 11.55hrs.
As the competitors come off stage 2, Ian Greer (Corolla WRC) is settling in fast and has posted fastest time of 10.17 from Andrew Nesbitt in the Impreza at 10.21. Frank Meagher is also getting to grips with his new machine and is 1 sec. behind Andrew. Corkman Donal O’Donovan in the Escort WRC is 4th, with Austin McHale whose clutch continues to slip at 5th , following in 6th place by local man Frank O’Mahony in the Denis & Mary Ryan sponsored Impreza. O’Mahony on slick tyres, described his car handling as "all over the road". The competitors now head for the first service of the day in Mitchelstown Mart and then onto Stage 3 Ballindangan, where the first car is due at 12.35. Provisional Positions after Stage 2 (Marshalstown): No. Driver/Co-Driver Address Car Time - Total
Results Live at www.cork20.connect.ie Ends
Press Bulletin 1 - Issued on October 7, 2000 at hrs.Chairman of Cork County Council, John Mulvihill started the first Cork ‘20’ International Rally of the Millennium from County Hall this morning. The competitors then headed for the first stage at Skahanagh. Newly-crowned Toshiba champion Andrew Nesbitt in the Cuisine de France Subaru Impreza WRC charged into the lead and took the first stage by 7 seconds from Ian Greer in the Taranto de Pol Corolla WRC, which is on its first outing in this country. Third place is held by Frank Meagher in his new Ford Focus WRC. Kenny McKinstry in his recently acquired Russian Impreza takes fourth place. Donal O’Donovan in the eircom Celica is the leading Corkman at 5th place. Austin McHale in the Toyota supported Corolla WRC is in 6th place, despite a badly slipping clutch. Greer is happy at the end of the first stage and is settling in to his new Corolla WRC. Meagher is also getting used to his new Focus WRC but is finding the driving position a bit strange. The surface conditions are mixed, due to the recent commencement of drizzle in Cork. Provisional Positions after Stage 1 (Skahanagh): No. Driver/Co-Driver Address Car Time - Total
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