GRN's Cars: Lurgan Park Rally

Car No. 2 Kenny McKinstry/Lesley McGaffin Subaru Impreza S10

2^nd Overall

It still seems that King Kenny will have to wait another year to claim the Lurgan Park Rally winner's trophy for the 12^th time. Kenny decided to wheel out John McGaffin's usual car for an all-out assault on the rally. But it was always going to be a steep hill to climb, given the fact he was up against a state-of-the-art MINI John Cooper Works WRC and Kris Meeke, a World-class driver who actually developed the MINI. Nevertheless, it was a brilliant run to 2^nd place, and he will no doubt be back next year, and with a bang.

Car No. 3 Derek McGarrity/Kieron Gaffin MINI John Cooper Works WRC

4^th Overall

Double Irish Tarmac Rally Champion Derek McGarrity took to the Lurgan lanes in the second of the MINI's. A couple of mistakes in the at times treacherous conditions lead to a tense final stage fight with Garry Jennings. Jennings came out on top in the end, but McGarrity brought it home in one piece to claim fourth. Not the result Derek would have wanted, but Jennings was a formidable opponent and the conditions may have played to Jennings all-or-nothing style.

Car No. 11 Alan Carmichael/Neil Doherty Subaru Impreza S11

10^th Overall

Carmichael had a hard 2012 Lurgan Park Rally. Stalling on the very first stage and having a tough time getting used to driving a left hand drive car. But, the man more used to Group N managed to keep it away from the trees in the at times pouring rain and slippery roads. Amazingly, he languished outside of the Top 20 before fighting back to claim 10^th spot.

Car No. 27 Gary Owens/Denver Rafferty Ford Escort MK2 RS1800

1^st Historic

Gary and Denver rocketed back to winning ways in their immaculate MK2. Beating established opposition such as Jimmy McRae, they roared to a convincing win. As reported in the main review, they were not without their share of scares. Gary managed to snap the gear stick off, but they survived to the end, aided by co-driver Denver's trusty hammer!

Car No. 31 Amy Cox/Emmet Sherry Ford Escort G3

41^st Overall

Slipping and sliding all over the place in her very distinctive and very sideways bright yellow G3. Co-driven by regular navigator Emmet Sherry, they made their way up to 41^st overall and 8^th in class.

Demo Car Philip Greenlee/Paddy Houlihan Ford Escort MK2

Paddy (more commonly known as Dermot from the TV show Mrs. Brown's Boys) was given a baptism of fire alongside Philip. Showing off the GRN logo's off at full opposite lock, Philip and Paddy ran at the end of the field, entertaining the crowds along the way. However, a bit of a thump late on in the rally left the orange MK2 with a large hole in it's rear quarter panel. It is up for debate whether or not Philip misread the corner or Danny misread a note. Answers on the back of a postcard please!