ANOTHER surprise performance saw Neil Simpson finish the SEAT Lurgan Park Rally in fourth place among the two-wheel-driver runners.

Although heavy rain and slippery conditions favoured their petrol-powered rivals, Simpson and co-driver Michael Gibson were pleased with their result in the Greenergy-backed Golf TDi.

"The conditions weren't best suited to the diesel," said the 27-year-old Colne driver.

"The Golf has so much torque that it's very difficult to get the power down in the wet, and that played into the hands of the four-wheel-drive cars.

"We finished 24th overall, but can take satisfaction from the fact there were only three 2WD cars ahead of us."

And Simpson was delighted with the reception at the Armagh Motor club-organised event.

"If there was a prize for the car generating the most spectator interest, I'd say we won it," he said.

Following their just-for-fun Irish outing, Simpson and his team now turn their attention to the final round of the British Rally Championship - next month's Sony Manx International Rally.

Following their record-breaking fifth overall last time out in Ulster, he is confident that he can do it again.

"So long as it isn't too wet, and one or two of our rivals have some bad luck, then fifth is certainly a possibility."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.