McKinstry powers to victory

The Banbridge ace finished some seven seconds clear of the Mini WRC driven by Derek McGarrity while Jonny Greer completed the top three in his Citroen DS3 R5.

McKinstry won four of the six special stages (all within the confines of the race circuit) and the other two, stages one and three went the way of McGarrity.

It was a great day for the McKinstry family as Kenny’s daughter Emma brought her Subaru Impreza home in fourth place.

Emma McKinstry and co-driver Kenny Hull, in action in their S8 Subaru Impreza WRC at Bishopscourt Race Circuit on Saturday. Photo: Gary Gardiner.

Rounding off the top six, Drew Stewart at the wheel of an Mk 2 Ford Escort and Dominic McNeill in a Mitsubishi EVO.

Amongst the class winners were, Ashley Dickson (Mitsubishi EVO); Colin Price (Opel Corsa GSi), Kyle White (Citroen C2); David Strain (Peugeot 205); Drew Stewart, Dessie McCartney (Darrian), Kenny McKinstry and Derek McGarrity.

Amongst the leading retirements was last year’s winner Kieran Graffin, out after three stages with a gearbox problem with his Mitsubishi.

The event also featured the opening round of the Junior Rally Championship with Josh McErlean the top points scorer with his Peugeot 107.

Daniel Harper was next up at the wheel of a similar car and third place went to Peter Bennett driving a Citroen C1.

Round two of this series will be back at the County Down venue next month when the Northern Ireland Rally Championship gets into gear.