DALY CROWNED ‘99 FORD KA RALLY CHAMPION

Posted: November 14, 1999 7:49 PM

Derek has dominated the 1999 Ford KA Rally Championship taking four outright victories out of the seven round Championship however due to the incredible competitiveness of the Championship Derek had to fight every step of the way until the final round of the Championship to secure the Championship title.

Derek’s campaign started on a high when he won the first Championship event the Circuit of Kerry in April, victory followed on the next round the Killarney Rally of the Lakes. Unfortunately disaster struck when Derek finished second in Waterford and crashed out of the fourth round in Sligo handing the Championship lead to his rival Ian Chadwick. Derek fought back magnificently taking further victories in round five in Clonmel and round six in Galway.

The Championship Title race threatened to boil over as the Cork 20 Rally, the final round of the Championship approached. Derek Daly only had to finish in the top five to secure the title even if his rival Ian Chadwick scored victory. Derek produced his most mature drive to date not taking any risks to finish in 4th position and secured the crown by just one point. Derek is a true champion having shown his talent, speed, consistency and the ability under pressure to clinch the Championship crown.

In securing the 1999 Ford KA Rally Championship Title Derek was awarded with the winners trophy and the Championship winners cheque for £6,000. The Championship title has fuelled Derek’s ambition within the sport and he is currently finalising his plans to compete in Ireland’s premier Tarmac Championship next year in a Ford Puma..

Billy Daly dealer principal of Killarney Autos was also awarded the 1999 Ford KA Rally Championship Dealer Cup for the Ford Dealer who supported the highest finishing Ford KA.

The 1999 Ford of Ireland Ford KA Rally Championship is the first, one make; manufacturer supported Championship in the history of Irish Rallying. Designed to promote young Irish rallying talent, the Championship is part of Ford's stairway to success that sees the Ford Motor Company providing young drivers with competitive rally machinery throughout their racing careers