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Keenans Shining Sister!

Posted: August 5, 2004 12:07 PM - 2590 Hits

The Manx Trophy Rally took place on 30th July – 31st July. Joining the remaining 11 stages of the Manx International Rally the stages were going to be challenging for any driver...let alone a 24 year old Irish lady driver, who was making her debut in a left hand drive, 6-speed Peugeot 206!

Posted: August 5, 2004 12:07 PM

Having navigated twice in the Isle of Man - Manx International event Laura Keenan from Monaghan had set herself the challenge of travelling to take part on some of the best Tarmac stages in Europe. “ I had to drive, no question! The stages over here are just brilliant – a bit of everything. I’m hoping for a good run especially to make it to the grand finale –The 14 mile stage down from the mountain to the TT stand”.

Laura with Navigator Martin Mc Garrity from Enniskillen, left parc ferme from the Isle of Man TT Grandstand Friday evening to take part in their first 3 stages of the two-day event. As darkness fell on the dry road surface, Laura used the first couple of stages to adapt to the cars settings. With the final stage in complete darkness, it was lights on for her first night stage, which she thoroughly enjoyed finishing 37th overall, commenting “ that was great experience, good accurate pacenotes are everything when it comes to the dark, I’m looking forward to tomorrow now that I’ve settled into the car”.

Leg 2 of the rally consisted of 8 stages. Clear skies meant perfect grippy driving conditions. With sweltering conditions and stages ranging from 6 – 14 miles, the heat factor was going to be a challenge all on its own. Stage by stage Laura increased her pace as she moved up the leaderboard. With no major problems throughout the day, a jubilant Laura crossed the finish line at the TT Grandstand 21st overall, 6th in her class and 5th Irish crew home.

“It has been a great challenge to get this far, but I did it and with a good result also! -I’ll have to talk to Dessie about getting the keys of the Evo for next year!” Laura would like to thank her sponsors: The Squealing Pig, Enda Keenan Stainless Steel and The Rock Inn along with her Service Crew.