Escot stars win classic Irish rally

Killarney Historic Rally December 2/3

Gareth Lloyd and Ryland James backed up their HRCR Classic Stage Rally Championship crown with victory on the Killarney Historic Rally in early December.

Running their Escort Mk 2 in the classic category of the famous Irish event, they moved ahead after the similar car of early leaders Martin Freestone/Joanne Lockwood picked up a puncture. After nearly two hours of competition on closed public roads, including the famous Moll’s Gap stage. Lloyd/James were two minutes clear.

Ray and Elaine Cunningham topped the historic category in their Mini Cooper S. staying 34secs clear of the returning Russell Brookes. who was co-driven by Maurice Hamilton in a Porsche 911.

A later 911 also won the post-historic category as Todd Falvey and Dan Barry headed the Escort of Joe and Gareth Connolly by 4 9secs after stages on Saturday evening and throughout Sunday. The Lancia Stratos of Steve Perez/Steve Harris ran well in the post-historics until forced to retire.