Phoenix Park Motor Races - 21-22 Jul 01

Posted: July 23, 2001 10:15 AM

The opening round of the 2001 Ford Ireland KA Challenge proved how competitive the one make series is with only 0.48 of a second separating the top three crews. Liam in the Fort Motors/Dennings Garage Ford KA was the pre-event favourite having raced in the Park for many years in the past. Liam did not disappoint and taking an early lead after the first timed run, however strong opposition came from John Carroll from Kilkenny on the second and third timed runs . Denning fought back on the third run but ended Day one 0.39 of a second in arrears to Carroll. Carroll reasserted his hold on the lead on the fourth and fifth timed runs of Day Two but Liam got into his stride in the latter half of the day driving brilliantly to secure a scintillating time on the final two runs to secure his first KA Challenge win, by only 0.45 of a second!.

“I am delighted to win my first Ford KA Challenge round but to win in the Phoenix Park makes it even more special. My KA performed faultlessly and I drove well, everything came together on the day and I am really looking forward to the rest of the season” said Liam at the finish.

"The closeness of competition is testament to the drivers ability and the fairness of the competition" says Eddie Murphy, Managing Director, Henry Ford & Son Limited. "All the drivers, competing under the same conditions, with identically prepared and powered Ford KA Rally Cars, means it was the best driver on the day who won”.

"I am delighted with the spirited rivalry and the enthusiasm shown by the competitors. The result at the weekend and the close competition, augers well for the next round of the 2001 Ford Ireland KA Challenge” said Tom Collins, Championship Co-ordinator.

The 2001 Ford Ireland Ford KA Challenge is the first, one make; manufacturer supported Challenge in the history of Irish Rallying. Designed to promote young Irish rallying talent, the Challenge is part of Ford's stairway to success that sees the Ford Motor Company providing young drivers with competitive machinery throughout their racing careers. Round 2 of the challenge sees the army of Ford Ka travel to Mondello Park, on 4th of August where we can again expect more close action from some of Ireland’s up and coming racing talents.

Results

Position        Name    Time
1       Liam Denning    0m.0s.0
2       Gerry Keyes     0.0.45
3       John Carroll    0.0.03
4       Declan Magee    0.8.58
5       Denise Ryan     0.7.25
6       Trevor Harding  0.2.11
7       Barry Barrable  0.2.02
8       Trevor Hutton   0.0.95
9       Andrew Hegarty  0.3.70
10      James Eivers    0.2.45
11      Martin Laverty  0.5.51
12      Allard Johnston 0.7.83
13      Cathal Greaney  0.14.19
DNS     Emily O'Mahony  DNS
DNS     Eoin Dooley     DNS