Garry Jennings needs to finish in the top five at this weekend’s Cork 20 International Rally to claim the Irish Tarmac Championship title for the first time.

Bertie Fisher is the only Fermanagh driver to ever win the series with the last of his four successes coming in 1996, and Garry admits emulating Bertie’s Championship win would be the highlight of his rallying career. “I would probably swap all the rallies I’ve won to get it,” he admitted. “Winning this championship is something you set out at the start of your career to try and do. It would be nice to bring it home to Fermanagh, but it’s a long way off yet.” Garry started his Championship challenge with a disappointing sixth place finish in Galway, but after the cancellation of the Circuit of Ireland due to inclement weather he hit back on the Killarney Rally of the Lakes with a victory to climb to top spot. It looked as though the Donegal International would yield another haul of maximum points, but a timing mistake coming out of service relegated him to third. Once again he bounced back with a victory, this time on the Ulster Rally, and that win means he needs a finish inside the top five to ensure he cannot be overtaken by his nearest challengers Donagh Kelly and Derek McGarrity.

Driving slower than flat out is not in Garry’s nature however and he admits it will be difficult to curb his usual aggression to ensure he makes the finish on Sunday afternoon.

“Its hard to go there knowing I just have to drive around and try to finish,” he said. “It would suit my style better if I knew I had to go there and win. I would rather be going there trying to win the rally but I definitely won’t be getting into a battle with anyone. I don’t think that would be a wise thing to do. I have the right man beside me. Rory (Kennedy) is going and he is the right man to keep me on the road. We will just pace ourselves over the first day and then just see where we are. Anything can happen, a mistake or the car breaking down and its all over.” Although Garry has never won in Cork before he did lead the event in a Group N car two years ago before eventually finishing third. A repeat of that result this weekend would make his Championship dream a reality.