A competitor of the Manx National Rally hailed the event as “a credit” to the Isle of Man.
UK based co‑driver Phil Sandham, who partnered local driver Michael McKenna for this year’s Manx Rally, was nothing but complimentary of the rally, and the island.
Sandham confirmed that McKenna’s entry was made possible thanks to new support from Douglas‑based investment and property management firm FRP, joining existing sponsors PHG Safety Services and Michael McKenna Contracting.
The rally opened on Friday with stages on the west of the Island before returning to the Andreas Rally Village. The day was overshadowed by a medical incident in which a competitor died, leading organisers to cancel the second run of the stage.
Racing continued into the night with two stages through Port Erin, where McKenna set competitive times in his Astra, ending the day third in class.
On Saturday, the crew began with hopes of consolidating their position, but on the long Baldwins stage the bonnet catch failed, forcing them to stop. Spectators helped make a temporary repair, but the time lost meant the pair had to settle for third in class at the finish.
Sandham said the atmosphere, support and organisation made the event “a credit to the island”, despite the challenges on the stages.
