2000 Ford Ka C'hip - Round 1 Galway Spring Rally - 26 Mar '00

Posted: March 27, 2000 10:38 PM

James one of the front runners of the 1999 Ford Ireland KA Rally Championship secured a fine victory driving with a blend of high speed, consistency and caution over the treacherous Galway terrain to secure his first win by over one minute. John O’Dowd from Moate, Co. Westmeath a newcomer to the Ford KA Rally Championship made an impressive debut setting some blistering times to take a secure second place. Oliver Stanley from Durrow, Co. Laois displayed his skill by taking a fine third place.

The newcomers Eoin Dooley, Trevor Harding and Denise Ryan’s introduction to the 2000 Ford KA Rally Championship was a baptism of fire, due to the high level of healthy competition and the closeness of the competition. Eoin Dooley a newcomer to the sport of rallying finished in tenth position, Trevor Harding bent his rear axle on stage two loosing four minutes and relegating him to eleventh position, Denise Ryan took the Ladies Award and finished in a creditable ninth position overall.

The thirteen strong field of Ford KA’s performed faultlessly throughout the day with the Ford KA taking the top five positions in Class Five whilst also finishing within the top fifty overall.

“All drivers, competing under the same wet conditions, with identically prepared and powered Ford KA’s means that it was the best driver one the day who won. Competing on such treacherous terrain we always knew that the Ford KA would prove to be a strong and reliable car” said Declan Foley, Brand Manager Ford KA, Henry Ford & Son Ltd.

“I am delighted with the high level of spirited rivalry and enthusiasm shown by all the competitors. The closeness of the competition augers well for the next round of the Championship, the Circuit of Kerry on the 9th of April” said Tom Collins, Championship co-ordinator.