Number one seeds Josh Moffett and Andy Hayes have the vantage as day one of the Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally comes to a close in south Donegal.
The reigning champions have a 4.9 second lead following Stage 6 in Copany.
Derry’s Callum Devine and Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan are in second position in their Polo R5. Their hunger for a first Donegal win saw them trim Moffett’s once-12 second advantage.
In third place are Sam Moffett and Keith Moriarty, 24.8 seconds behind Devine.
Another pair of former winners, Garry Jennings and Rory Kennedy, are in fourth place in the Ford Fiesta.
The Derry/Donegal team Desi Henry/Paddy Robinson are now in fifth position.
The 2023 rally got off to a dramatic start this morning as one of the star names, Matt Edwards suffered a busted diff in the opening stage at Donegal Bay. Following a service midway through the day, Edwards has recouped some seconds to end day one in 7th position.
Kevin Gallagher and Ryan Moore hold the lead in the two-wheel drive category with a 10.3 second advantage after speeding up behind Kevin Eaves and Chris Melly at stage five.
The Rally action makes its way to Carnhill, Garrygort and Knockalla on Saturday.
Full details and road closures are available at: https://www.donegalcoco.ie/media/donegalcountyc/roads/pdfs/roadclosures/Final%20Notice-Rd%20Closure%20Donegal%20Rally%202023-16th%2017th%2018th%20June%202023.pdf
