George Collister and Janet Craine lead the Black Horse Finance Stages Rally going into the final day.
They blasted their Mitsubishi Evo 3 into a four second lead over Friday's nine stages.
Collister grabbed the advantage after choosing a tyre with more cut - when others had wrongly predicted drier weather for the last three stages of the night.
Pre-event favourite Rob Watson is second and Mark Cubbon third.
The Saturday leg starts from the TT Grandstand at 10.05am for the final nine tests.
FC Isle of Man to host struggling City of Liverpool
Visitors could be relegated if Ravens end losing streak
Hockey: Four league titles to be decided on final day
Plenty on the line in finale to 2026 league season this weekend
Rugby: Make or break for Douglas in play-off quest?
Elsewhere, Ramsey and Vagabonds both on the road in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire
Football: Top versus bottom in premier league this weekend
Castletown with chance to close gap on Colby in Division 2
'A good vibe': Easter Festival of Running returns in a week's time
Hundreds of locals and visitors taking part in staple of Manx sporting calendar