Seamus Burke was the first car through the ceremonial start line on Friday evening.

2007 Rally New York Underway.

Friday March 30th, Rally New York is officially underway. Stage conditions

for the most part are very good with the exception of the Mortimer

Schiff which had to be shortened due to soft conditions. Most drivers

took advantage of the shake down stage to loosen up

themselves and their cars.

Seamus Burke, who will be the first car on the road tomorrow, reported no

problems with the Evo and was very pleased with the set-up of the car on the

shake down. Burke has made some significant updates to the Evo and is hoping

to get rid of the gremlins that have plagued his year to-date.

Drama before the shake down for car #2 - Charlie Donnelly.

A crack was discovered on the exhaust manifold just before the shake down.

Some quick welding from his service crew got him on the road again; let's hope

it holds. Further down the field, starting in 7th, Danny O’Brien got his

first opportunity to get to grips with his newly built Subaru.

“It's very different," said O’Brien, "very strong through the gears”.

Tire choice is going to be key at this event. With the leftover winter sands on

the corners of the tarmac stages and the variable wet-dry gravel the

right selection could make or break your event. Check back for updates.