Donagh Kelly and Kevin Flanagan driving the KN Networks backed Evo 9 secured an excellent third overall and second in Group N at the 2009 Modern Tyre Service Mourne Rally, round five of the Hankook MSA Northern Ireland Rally Championship.

As the crew left the drivers briefing at Modern Tyre Service the heavens opened so it was going to be tricky conditions from the start for Donagh and Kevin to tackle. Donagh and Kevin emerged from the stage one Camlough in 2nd overall and 1st in group N taking 2 seconds from Neil McCance and 3 seconds from Raymond Johnston.

Stage two was cancelled due to a problem with the timing equipment so it was on to stage three Big Gullion. Through Big Gullion the Donegal crew were 2nd fastest in Group N but lost 5 seconds to Neil McCance and dropped down to 8th overall and 2nd in Group N just 3 seconds from the Group N lead.

The next three stages were a repeat of the first 3 Camlough, Wee Gullion and Big Gullion. During this loop Donagh and Kevin lost another 16 seconds to McCance but there was still a lot to play for in the race for Group N honours. Donagh commented at service that “We lost a few seconds with a semi-stall at the start of one of the stages and a clutch problem seems to be manifesting itself within the car.” Even with the time loss the crew were still 6th overall and 2nd in Group N.

On stage seven Donagh was fastest in Group N and took a second back from McCance. The time was good enough to move them to 5th overall and only 1 second from Trevor Moore (fourth overall) although he is still being slowed by some clutch troubles.
Through stages eight and nine Donagh and Kevin set some good times and moved 5 seconds ahead of Trevor Moore and Ray Fitzpatrick.

Stage ten saw the Donegal crew get a nominal time due to the stage being stopped because of an accident so it was on to stage eleven before the final service halt. On stage eleven Donagh Kelly and Trevor Moore set the same time so it was going down to the wire.

On stage twelve Donagh took 21 seconds from Moore and going into the final stage he was 26 seconds ahead in the race for third. Stage thirteen was unlucky for Donagh and Kevin as they stalled and lost around 20 seconds but still held on to 3rd overall by just 7 seconds. At the finish the crew were pleased to get 2nd in Group N and more points for the championship. They are looking forward to the first gravel event of the season, the Dogleap Stages Rally. As we enter the half way point of the season it is very tight at the top of the Sunoco Fuels Group N championship with only one point separating the top three crews.

Thanks again to the 2009 sponsors, KN Network Services, Donnelly Bros. Dungannon, Prime Tyres and Swan Plant Hire and for there continued support, Shell Racing Fuels, Pirelli Tyres and Vehicle Services Motorsport (www.vsmsport.com).