Josh Moffett & Andy Hayes lie in fifth place overall in their Ford Fiesta R5 after the opening day of the Joule Donegal International Rally, but more importantly for the Monaghan / Waterford team, they are currently the top registered #ITRC crew. World Rally Cars make up the top four places led by Manus Kelly in his Impreza WRC, but the R5 battle is also competitive. Rob Duggan making his first appearance in an R5 car had a superb drive and is only seven seconds behind Josh with last years champion Sam Moffett only another two seconds back. Callum Devine and Robert Barrable are locked in their own battle, but there was disappointment for Desi Henry with fuel pump problems putting him out after four stages although he plans to rejoin in Rally 2 tomorrow.
In the Treaty Plant Hire Modified Championship Damien Tourish put in a stunning performance to lead the category overnight, just ahead of Ian Barretts Darrian T90. Kevin Gallagher & Stuart Darcy are also ahead of championship leader Kevin Eves and with eight more tough stages tomorrow including the classic Knockalla test, the championship could get a lot more competitive.