USRC: Rally New York Friday summary

Burke/Fries Take Early Lead in International Rally New York
Mitsubishi Lancers Hold Top Positions

Seamus Burke/Eddie Fries (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) have taken first place over the early stages of International Rally New York. Of the first six special stages, on paved roads in the villages of Ellenville and Wawarsing, New York, the Irish team was fastest on five. Their lead at that point, unofficially, was half a minute.

The team of Gerard Coffey/Dave Dooley (Lancer Evo 8) held second place at that point, from Enda McCormack/Bernard Farrell (Lancer Evo 6).

Celsus "Charlie" Donnelly/Noel Gallagher (Lancer Evo 8) suffered an electrical problem during the early stages, and were sitting in fifth when competitors reached the lunch break.

In the category for two-wheel-drive cars, the leaders were Rafal Listopad/Amy Feistel (Volkswagen Golf), who were nearly 3/4 of a minute ahead of Hampton Bridwell/Josh Katinger (Ford Focus SVT).

After the lunch break, the rally will go to the roads in Wawarsing and Monticello, before the overnight halt in Ellenville. Tomorrow morning the rally will resume with dirt and gravel special stages in the towns of Narrowsburg and Wawarsing, then a finish in Ellenville.

Note: Please be aware that these results are unofficial.

Note: International Rally New York is a round of the U.S. Rally Championship. Each day's run is also a qualifying round of the New York Rally Championshp.

-credit: int-rally-ny