Welsh driver Meirion Evans has emerged as the main contender to challenge leader Callum Devine as the Donegal Rally enters its closing stages.
Evans and his Toyota Yaris took 4.8 seconds out of Devine’s lead on Stage 17, but the Derry man still has a healthy 37.5 second advantage with three stages left to run.
Former leader Matt Edwards was able to continue despite sustaining heavy front-left damage, but he dropped another 10 seconds to Devine to leave him third and 52.5 seconds back.
Meanwhile there was also huge drama in the modified section as leader Kevin Gallagher had to retire with a mechanical issue, his car coming to a halt on the stage.
That now puts Declan Gallagher in a commanding lead of the modified race in his Toyota Starlet.
