YORK driver Simon Redhead produced a fine run in today's opening stage of the Network Q Rally to move up the field in dramatic fashion.

He had struggled to 91st place overnight after clocking two minutes 48.3 seconds in yesterday's 1.5 mile Cardiff super special stage.

But as the rally got underway in earnest today, Redhead and co-driver Alan Thomas, from Thornhill, Cardiff, tore through the second stage at St Gwynno to move into 48th place.

Pick of the York-area performers yesterday was 22-year-old Alistair Ginley, from Rufforth, who was sixth overall in his Subaru Imprenza, while Green Hammerton-based Miles Johnston's Vauxhall Astra was 104th.

Harrogate barrister Paul Kirtley, 41, finished the first stage in 83rd place overall and 36th in his N4 category after clocking 2mins 43.7secs.