2000 Ford Ka C'hip - Round 2 Circuit of Kerry - 9 Apr '00

Posted: April 11, 2000 12:33 AM

John in the Extreme Sounds Ford KA came out fighting this morning, catching all the other crews napping, as he set a blistering pace on the opening stage to settle into a secure lead. John set the pace all day taking five fastest stage times to secure a decisive victory by one minute and thirty two seconds. John now moves into the joint Championship lead with James Travers.

“I am absolutely delighted to secure my first victory today, the Ford KA is amazing and I am now really coming to terms with the superb handling and driveability of the KA” said John.

James Travers in the Pender Motors Ford KA secured a fine second place finish with a controlled and consistent drive on his first visit to South Kerry.

Gus Kearney in the Team Pamak SEPAM Ford KA despite a very slow start putting the problems of Round one behind him, increased his pace to secure third place.

A magnificent battle developed all day between Barry Barrable and Liam Denning, with both drivers swapping times throughout the day. Barry Barrable eventually secured fifth place, but only thirteen seconds separated them at the finish ramp.

“The Ford KA has performed faultlessly over the last two events taking two outright class victories on some of Ireland’s toughest terrain, the level of healthy competition between all of the crews has made the Championship very exciting and we are all really looking forward to the rest of the Championship” said Declan Foley Brand Manager Ford KA.

Results

 1	John O’Dowd	Moate	         .0
 2	James Travers	Kilkenny	1.32
 3	Gus Kearney	Clonmel	        0.21
 4	Oliver Stanley	Durrow	  	0.08
 5	Barry Barrable	Dublin		0.38
 6	Liam Denning	Dublin		0.13 
 7	John Carroll	Kilkenny	0.52
 8	Denise Ryan	Athy		1.32
 9	Eoin Dooley	Cork		0.01
10	Michael Lyster	Dublin		5.32
DNF	Trevor Harding	Cashel		DNF
DNF	Noreen Mc Daid	Letterkenny	DNF
DNF	Ken Lyons	Limerick	DNF

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LYSTER APPLAUDES CHAMPIONSHIP.

Michael Lyster, RTE Sports commentator secured a fine tenth place finish on the second round of the Ford Ireland Ka Rally Championship in the Circuit of Kerry Rally.

The event marked Michael’s first event in a 1300cc front wheel drive Rally Car. Michael was really thrown in at the deep end against the regular experienced Ford KA Rally Championship competitors who had much more experience in the Ford KA.

“This event has been a complete baptism of fire for me. The pace of the Championship contenders is absolutely amazing, I was not prepared to try and give chase however I totally enjoyed myself. The Ford KA is really an amazing car with superb brakes, handling and the car has huge levels of grip” said Michael.

Michael added” The Ford KA Rally Championship is really the way of the future and I have to applaud Ford Ireland for their wisdom and foresight to create such a wonderful Championship, which is not only good for the sport of rallying but also develops young Irish talent to compete on the world stage”.

“The Ford KA has performed faultlessly over the last two events taking two outright class victories on some of Ireland’s toughest terrain, the level of healthy competition between all of the crews has made the Championship very exciting and we are all really looking forward to the rest of the Championship” said Declan Foley Brand Manager Ford KA.

The 2000 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. The Circuit of Kerry Rally was the second out of eight events throughout Ireland.