Daniel Barry from Eniskerry and co-driver Martin Brady from Navan, were pleased to make it back to the finish of the Pirelli Tour of Cumbria to take second place in the third round of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge.

And, after winning the first two rounds, they continue to lead the highly competitive series for production class Mitsubishi Lancers.

The start, finish and service area were located at Carlisle Racecourse, with the event’s 70 competitive miles all held on the demanding gravel roads in the infamous Kielder Forest, the route featuring the four stages followed by a service halt and then a repeat of the same four stages.

Having contracted a cold the day before the event, Daniel predicted that his performance was likely to be below par, but that didn’t stop him setting the fastest Evolution Challenge time on the opening stage. However, the margin between him and his closest rival Simon Hughes was just a slender four-tenths of a second and, on the second stage, the positions were reversed.

With Daniel realising that he had opted for tyres with a compound that was too soft, he had no choice but to consolidate his second place until he had the chance to change them at the service area in Carlisle. At the mid-point halt, the time sheets showed Daniel now 26 seconds adrift of the leader, but there was a long way to go and a third win was still not out of the question.

Admitting that he was not running at 100% Daniel only pushed when he felt he could do so, but with stage six cancelled when a car caught fire, there was less opportunity to make up any time. He also knew that one small error would see third-placed Nik Elsmore get too close for comfort and, with that in mind, he and co-driver Martin opted for a steady approach to the final two stages and ensure that they secured the runner-up spot.

With the car running faultlessly throughout the event, Daniel and Martin returned to Carlise to scoop second place in the Evolution Challenge and, in doing so, they not only continue to lead the Mitsubishi series, but also the MSA Gravel Rally Championship as well.

“Considering I wasn’t feeling 100% I’m pleased to finish second’, said Daniel. “Winning a championship is all about good results and not just about trying to win every round. I’m therefore more than satisfied with the performance this weekend and we come away still leading two championships and with a car that’s running perfectly.”

The next event for the 24-year old Irish Driver is the Manx National Rally on 8th & 9th May, when the surface changes to asphalt for the first time this season.

Daniel’s 2009 campaign is supported by: Tech-Plus, Irish Shipping and Transport, BPI Telecom and SC Signs.