After a disappointing result on Round 2 of the Micra Challenge – the Race and Rally Stages at Bishopscourt – Philip White was in determined form at the St Angelo Airport based Jennings Fuels and Lubricants Mayday Rally.
Three fastest times at Bishopscourt were not enough to overcome a driveshaft failure on Stage 1 and Philip did well to salvage some points at the end of the rally. The compact and competitor friendly 6 stage event at St Angelo provided a perfect opportunity to go for maximum points and get his championship back on track.
Making things slightly easier was the fact that a number of fancied frontrunners including Stephen Whitford, Peter Dowds, Andrew Bushe, Stanley Orr and Jordan Hone were non-runners due to various other commitments.
However, Raymond Johnston/ Jody McManus arrived at St Angelo with a newly purchased ex-Derek Crossen Micra, to make sure that there was at least one Kit Car in attendance. Raymond was expected to keep Philip on his toes if he could make the transition from his historic spec Escort to Micra power!
The other focus for the Mayday Stages was the conclusion of the inaugural Standard Class mini-series which allocated points over the first three single venue rallies. This class continues to draw additional competitors but the showdown for this year was between Jonathan and Alan Eadie and Laura and Robin Philips. Both teams have battled it out over the first two event’s and it was all to play for on this final counting round.
Also entering the Standard Car class were Richard Creagmile/ Tracey Baker and Sean Marsh with father Adrian Marsh in the co-driver’s seat. Sean was at some disadvantage as he was competing in a J1000 car but he was up for the challenge! Also making debuts in the main Challenge class were Raymond McLaughlin/ Martin McBrearty and Sammy Gorman/ Niall McCarron with both crews having been keen supporters of the Challenge over the last year.
As the event got underway under overcast skies Philip White/ Brian Rowan stamped their authority on Stage 1 taking an 11.4 second lead over Raymond Johnston/ Jody McManus. This was a pattern that was to be repeated during the day but Raymond improved as he got the feel of the Micra and closed the gap as the stages were ticked off.
In the Standard Car Class Laura Philips got off to the better start taking 1.1 seconds out of Jonathan Eadie and slotting into third position overall. Raymond McLaughlin nipped ahead of Sammy Gorman whilst Sean Marsh and Richard Creagmile followed closely behind.
As the day went on Jonathan Eadie pushed to the front of the Standard Car Class, as his greater consistency gave dividends as Laura Philips dropped back a little setting 5th and 6th fastest times. Philip White was able to hold onto his advantage throughout the day although a high-speed spin into a chicane on the final stage did nothing for his heart rate.
Raymond Johnston took advantage to set fastest time but it wasn’t enough to stop White/ Rowan taking maximum points on the day. Jonathan Eadie followed through into third position overall which was enough for him and father Alan to take the Standard Car Class championship for this year. The duo also gather points in the overall Challenge and hope to continue with further events this season – they must surely be dark horses for the overall win at the end of the year. Laura and Robin Philips pushed hard all day but couldn’t quite keep in touch with the Eadies as they upped their pace.
The remaining competitors all had a thoroughly enjoyable event with the final standings showing Raymond McLaughlin/Martin Mc Brearty in fourth, Richard Creagmile/ Tracy Baxter in 6th and Sean Marsh/ Adrian Marsh in 7th. Sammy Gorman and Niall McCarron were the hard luck story of the event breaking a drive shaft on the start line of the final stage.
Round four is tomorrow for Go Tour of the Sperrins -good luck to those Micras that can make this super closed road event.
Words: ANDREW BUSHE / MICRA CHALLENGE | Photos: NORTH X NORTH WEST PHOTOGRAPHY [Images must not be used in any way without prior written consent of the photographer]w
