Boyle and Harrington claim strong finishes on Rally of the Lakes
Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy co-driver Declan Boyle secured sixth overall on the Rally of the Lakes after a consistent performance alongside Michael Boyle - their best result of the year in the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.
Boyle delivered several top-five times, including the third-fastest time on the final stage as they held sixth position from stage three, keeping pressure on the final podium position for most of the event.
The result marked an important finish for the Donegal duo after retirements on the Galway International Rally and West Cork Rally earlier in the season.
Dylan Harrington claimed third in the Modified category navigating for John Michael Kennelly. A strong final stage moved them within 2.9 seconds of the runner-up spot in their Ford Escort Mk2. The result was especially impressive considering their Class 13 Mk2 fended off several higher-powered Class 14 crews.
"Delighted with how the weekend turned out," said Harrington. "The plan at the start of the weekend was to get used to the new engine in the car and to try be on the pace by Saturday evening so we were happy to be on the pace from the start. We put a lot of work into our recce this year and pacenotes so it was nice to be rewarded for that. Thanks to all the lads in service who did an excellent job and the Academy for their help and guidance.”
Paul Rowley and Darragh Mullen had been building their pace aboard the Ford Fiesta Rally2, climbing up nine positions before an off on stage 11 forced them to retire from the event.
WRC Round 6 - Rally de Portugal - begins on Thursday, a gruelling test featuring high temperatures, fast-developing road conditions, and long, demanding days. Academy teams McErlean and Armstrong participate in WRC1 with Rahill in JWRC.
Pics by D Harrigan & #MIRallyAcademy