Without wishing to tempt fate, it would seem that Paul Harewood and Bob Jones have overcome the early-season problems that blighted their Vauxhall Astra GSI. Another strong finish saw them take a maximum score in N3, but commiserations must go to their main class rivals, Richard Butler and Matt Dubber, whose Honda Civic Type ‘R' went out after rolling. Although the crew were unhurt, the car was quite badly damaged – hopefully, the break between now and the Mewla will give them time to restore it to its former pristine condition.
On the subject of jinxes, Ian Copping has retired on the final stage of the last couple of events he has contested in his rear-wheel drive Ford Fiesta and was understandably nervous as the day wore on in Sligo. He needn't have been – he and Dave Rowley managed to avoid any serious bothers to record a finish and, following the demise of the Ford Escort RS of Pete Hughes and Chris Evans after the second of the three loops of stages, take a maximum in Class B11.
Martin Newso and Peter Morris had some electrical problems with their MG ZR which saw it cutting out when they least expected it, but a second in class on the event has done their Championship aspirations a power of good while, having settled into their first-ever Irish event, Tracey-Louise and Garry Muir also brought their Citroen AX to a well-deserved finish.
The next round of the Richard Egger Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Championship is the Eventsigns Mewla National Rally which will see competition for the coveted MSA Asphalt title resume on the Epynt Military Ranges on Sunday August 24.
![John Price / Caroline Price. MG Metro 6R4. Sligo Stages Rally. July 13 2008. [Pic credit: CMWI / actionphotos.ie]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/467687.jpg)
