Rory Galligan made the perfect start to the 2004 Mitsubishi Evo Challenge by taking maximum points in the season opener, the Sunseeker rally at the weekend. The event marked the Oldcastle (Co. Meath) driver’s return to competitive motorsport action after his yearlong sabbatical. The Evo Challenge is a one-make series for Group N Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions and the weekend’s Bournemouth based rally boasted an impressive entry of 39 crews for the first of the eight-round championship. The category is now in it’s fourth year and has become arguably the most popular single make series with little doubt that much of it’s attraction is attributable to the overall prize of a free Group N works drive in the 2005 British rally championship.

As countless bleary eyed spectators took up their positions for the early morning stages, Galligan was hard at work behind the wheel getting to grips with the snow and icy conditions. A puncture provided much drama on the third last stage but as the day progressed conditions got better and Galligan went on to win with 7 seconds to spare over his nearest rival. Now with that vital opening win behind him Galligan hopes to build on his points tally in the second round of the championship, the Astra Stages rally that will take place on April 3rd.