In a display of skill, strategy, and perseverance, Darrell Taylor and Steve McNulty clinched victory at the Lookout Stages Rally 2024, adding another impressive win to their repertoire in their Ford Fiesta R5 Rally2 on this single venue event.
Organised by Trackrod Motor Club and hosted at Melbourne Airfield near York, the event proved to be a thrilling day of rallying action. Taylor and McNulty's triumph marked their third win in four years, solidifying their position as formidable contenders at the Melbourne based event.
Throughout the day, they faced stiff competition from fellow competitors James Labey & Sion Cunniff and Neil Weaver & James Bailey. The race dynamics unfolded with Taylor and McNulty seizing an early lead after the first two stages, only to relinquish it briefly before reclaiming the top spot after stage 5. Their strategic prowess and unwavering determination propelled them to victory, ending the day ahead of their rivals
James Labey & Sion Cunniff put up a valiant effort, mounting a strong challenge in the afternoon stages. Despite winning three consecutive stages after the lunch break, they narrowly missed out on the top spot, finishing just 11 seconds behind the leaders.
Meanwhile, Neil Weaver & James Bailey's journey to the podium was fraught with challenges. Initially taking the lead on stage 3, they encountered setbacks in the afternoon, dropping over two and a half minutes off the lead. However, their resilience and perseverance secured them a well-deserved podium finish, rounding out the top three positions.
Class winners
Winners of Class 1: Carl Robson & Iain Norton - Toyota Yaris
Class 2: Joe Piggott & John Fellowes - Citreon Saxo
Class 3: Craig Bowler & Chris Whittall - Ford Escort Mk2
Class 4: Darren Nugent & Peter Johnson - Ford Escort Mk2
Class 5: Darrell Taylor & Steve McNulty - Ford Fiesta R5 Rally2
Overall the Lookout Stages 2024 was a well attended event in all classes and run in very challenging conditions
