Willie Mavitty has revealed how he needed a new turbo fitted to his Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX before he was able to contest the IRC Production Cup section of last week’s Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally.
The 28-year-old discovered a problem with his car’s turbo during a pre-event tyre test three days before the rally got underway in Belfast on 6 April.
Although a replacement was fitted in time for the start of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier, a misfire developed in traffic on route to the opening test, the Titanic Super Special Stage, and restricted Mavitty to the 29th fastest time.
Fortunately the glitch cleared on the road section heading to stage two to enable Mavitty and co-driver John Rowan to reach Friday’s overnight halt in Armagh in 17th overall and sixth in the IRC Production Cup.
Following a close battle with former IRC regular Daniel Barry on day two, Mavitty eventually completed the event in 14th overall and fifth in the IRC Production Cup standings for his maiden points in the hugely competitive category, which was won by Northern Irish driver Garry Jennings.