Johnston makes flying start to Group N bid

Editorial Department • Published 4 Mar 2010 13:56 0 Comments

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Raymond Johnston on his way to Group N victory at the weekend.

Having missed out by the narrowest of margins on the Group N title in the 2009 Northern Ireland Rally Championship, Raymond Johnston has made a perfect start to his 2010 campaign.

The Ballinamallard driver topped the Group N standings on the opening round of the series at Kirkistown last Saturday, claiming fourth overall after an incident free outing around the purpose built track.

Raymond posted the fastest Group N time on the opening stage, and having opened up a lead he held the top spot throughout the day, despite slippery conditions which proved too much for many crews.

"It was a good start to the year," acknowledged Raymond. "We had no bother at all, although it was cold and damp and very slippery. On the first stage I thought we didn't have that good a run but we ended up third quickest overall. It felt like we were slipping and sliding everywhere and had no grip, but everyone must have been in the same boat."

Derek McGarrity took a comfortable victory, with the similar Subarus of Stuart Biggerstaff and George Robinson filling the places above Raymond on the overall leaderboard. Kieron Graffin was the nearest Group N challenger, over nine seconds adrift of last year championship runner up.

Raymond has not yet committed himself to contesting the entire championship having said he would compete in a few of the opening rounds before making a decision, but this maximum points haul will increase the likelihood we will see him in action for the rest of the season.

Johnny Leonard and Jackie Donaldson were another local crew to collect an award, bringing their Fiesta home third in class.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Mar 10

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