HIGGINS HICCUP

As the crews exited Kershope, the fourth stage of the Pirelli International Rally, the leaderboard changed dramatically as early front runner Mark Higgins sustained a front wheel puncture on his Eddie Stobart Ford Focus, dropped just over a minute and slid out of the top ten, handing the lead to Irishman Austin McHale’s similar car while Langwathby driver Paul Bird moved up into second place with the spectacular Seb Ling third in his Hyundai Accent. David Higgins ( Mitsubishi Lancer Evo) , in fourth, headed the Production Cup runners, opening up a 20 second gap from Tapio Laukkanen’s Subaru Impreza, these two some way ahead of Barry Clark/ Neil Shanks Eddie Stobart Subaru Impreza. Missing, following brake failure between stages two and three was the Ford Fiesta S1600 of Gwyndaf Evans, he struggled back to service where repairs were effected but he was sadly out of time The S1600 class is now headed by the Renault Clio of Chris Davies/ Nathan Parry from the Ford Puma of Brian O’Mahoney/ John Higgins. Also out are Rory Galligan/ Greg Shinnors, their Mitsubishi Lacer stuck in fourth gear in Ash Park, the third stage and he burnt the clutch out trying to keep going. James Edwards/ James Philips are also retired after an accident at the finish of Ash Park.

The crews now head for Kielder Forest and the unaccustomed experience of night stages in the fearsome, giant forest complex , something several drivers are looking forward to with trepidation. There are three stages in Europe’s largest man made forest and it will be after midnight before the weary crews reach the overnight halt back in Carlisle, their respite will be brief as they face an early 7 o’clock start in the morning.