Irish crew Ross Forde and Gary McElhinney claimed a season best by claiming a rally win in Rally Isle of Man.

Based in the seaside resort of Douglas on the motorsport mecca, the Isle of Man. The event gave crews 322 miles of some of the toughest tarmac stages the infamous motorsport renowned island has to offer. At the end of the event it was the Irish crew of Ross Forde and Gary McElhinney that clinched victory in a nail biting finale.

The Galway driver steered his Irish Sports Council and Motorsport Ireland sponsored Fiesta ST to 2nd place in the fiesta sporting trophy. Which was on the first day of rallying only and went on to win the Challenge Rally on day 2 on the last stage by only 5.7second over fellow competitor Matt Edwards from Cockermouth, Cumbria.

Their day was not without problems, however. The pair battled through the first five stages with suspension problems. The team having to change the rear suspension twice, Forde struggled to get his fiesta handling properly over the bumpy narrow lanes. But with some very experienced help always close to hand, Forde was able to make the right adjustments and the results showed just that.

By the time Day 2 came Forde and McElhinney had really got to grips with the Fiesta, Which was actually their first time on tarmac this year since the Galway International in January. The pair went into the final stage in 2nd place and having to win by 3 seconds to take the win. They did just that and along the way set a blistering time 8.4 second quicker than their nearest rival.

"we are over the moon to have won the challenge rally and having claimed 2nd in the fiestas yesterday"

" The boys from Galway Mini Centre and M-Sport have done a super job as always and didn't give up in helping me get the suspension sorted out, we are well sorted for ulster and hope to one step closer this time"

"I'm going into ulster having won the Suzuki event last year but new stages this year so it should be the same for everyone"

The result sees Ross climb to forth in the Fiesta Sporting Trophy standings and Gary remains fifth in the co-drivers’ table, but taking into account dropped scores the pair are still within reach of the title.

They now head into the next test on home ground in a very strong position in the championship. They will be looking forward to the Ulster International Rally 21st & 22nd of August and can also be seen on 9th of August at the Tipperary Stonethrowers Stages Rally where they hope to get a warm up and be ready for battle again.

To keep up to date on Fordes progress logon to www.rossforde.com