2001 Ford Ka C'Ship Stonethrowers Rally - 12 Aug 01

Posted: August 13, 2001 4:45 PM

Following two brief encounters at the Phoenix Park Motor Races and the Carlow Rallysprint at Mondello, the 2001 Ford Ireland KA Challenge is now well and truly under way. The army of 15 Ford KA's roared into action with the first proper stage rally of the year at the Stonethrowers Rally. John on the Barry Pender Motors Ford KA steam rolled the opposition with a crushing victory beating his nearest challenger by one minute thirty eight seconds over the six stages. John was the class of the field setting a scorching time on the opening stage beating the opposition by twenty four seconds, he continued all day setting fastest stage times to finish in an incredible thirty second position within overall rally. "I am absolutely delighted to win here today. It great to be back on a tarmac stage rally, I was very confident today and I now really looking forward to the rest of the season" said John at the finish. Trevor Harding from Cashel in the Tipp FM Ford KA was Carroll's nearest challenger, scoring his best ever result on a Ford KA Challenge round finishing second. Gerry Keyes from Limerick in the PJ Matthews/Lyons of Limerick Ford KA once again took this second consecutive third place. . 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 4 of the challenge sees the army of Ford KA's travel to Greenmount Rallysprint based at Limerick Racecourse on 26th of August where we can again expect more close action from some of Ireland's up and coming racing talents.