on Ulster International Rally

Irish rally driver Colm Murphy reinforced his rallying pedigree this weekend with a storming drive on the Ulster rally.

He finished third in the class for production cup cars with the Hankook-shod Subaru an impressive sixth overall.

The Limerick-based driver displayed his speed and maturity and was delighted to finish so highly against extremely tough competition from Irish regulars and the visiting British Rally Championship drivers. He was only beaten by current BRC champion Mark Higgins and former champion Gwyndaf Evans.

“That was an extremely tough event and one of the most competitive this year so to do so well is extremely rewarding,” he said.

Action got underway in Armagh City on Friday afternoon for six high speed stages on the closed roads in the region with Colm opting for an attacking strategy to make an early charge in the damp conditions.

His strategy paid off and with car, Hankook tyres and pacenotes working well. Colm and co-driver Gee Loughrey maintained momentum during leg two to record success in group N at the end of the 16 high speed stages.

And Hankook Motorsport manager Mike Patterson was delighted with the success.  “We were successful here with Gwyndaf Evans last year and once again the Hankook tyres have proved themselves on asphalt again,” he said.  “In addition to Colm's podium Mitsubishi Evo driver Julian Reynolds put in some good times on the Hankook tyres.”