Class Award at Bishopscourt Clubman Stages

Donaghadee’s Jonathan MacDonald and Bangor navigator Gareth McKay secured third in class and 25th overall at last week’s R.H. Preparations Bishopscourt Stages Rally, which took place on Wednesday 13 July.

Driving their Birch Motors backed Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 1, it transpired to be an eventful day for the crew. After the opening stage, MacDonald held joint 13th overall, but a number of incidents were set to thwart the crew’s efforts.

At the end of stage two, they understeered off the track, damaging their front bumper. Luckily it was merely cosmetic damage and after a quick check in service, they were ready to return to action.

Now 17th overall, a clean run through the third test ensured that they held their position. But more dramas lay ahead on the fourth stage when one of the tyres used to mark the track layout became lodged underneath their Millers Oils Evo.

With tyre smoke filtering into the car, they lost around five seconds with the incident, which was enough to drop them to 23rd overall.

In a bid to recoup lost time and maintain second in class, MacDonald and McKay went on the attack through stages five and six. They recovered a couple of places after stage five, but a big overshoot on the sixth test put the brakes on their attack.

With second in class out of reach, they decided to have a steady drive through the final two stages. After an action-packed day, they secured 25th overall and third in class, ensuring they arrived home with class trophies under their arms.

“It was eventful, that’s for sure!” MacDonald laughed afterwards. “To be honest, I’ve used the same tyres for a couple of rallies now, including the Circuit of Ireland, so it was no surprise that I was struggling to find grip in places. I think it’s about time they were changed!”

“It was Gareth’s first rally as a navigator,” MacDonald continued, “and he really enjoyed himself. It’s also the first time that I’ve won a class award so we’re both chuffed to walk away with a prize. Thanks must go to the service crew – Seamus, Scott and Nathan – who were kept fairly busy during the day.”

MacDonald also enjoyed some friendly rivalry with his work colleague and Newtownards driver, Jason Curran. Navigated by Barbara Love, Curran trailed MacDonald by two seconds after the opening stage. But Curran put the foot down over the following stages and went on to finish 19th overall and third in class five.

“I was surprised to be in front of him after the first stage as he is a lot more more experienced and is a former kart racing champion – the sections of race circuit used in the rally would have really suited him,” MacDonald joked. “It certainly made it interesting and there was a lot of friendly banter. It would have been a close finish between us only for our incidents…but I’ve promised I’ll get him next time!”