PUMAS DOMINATE CLASS DUNS

Posted: July 3, 2000 6:11 PM

“I was in a very determined mood starting this event, we had to win after our second place finish at the Scottish Rally. I am delighted to win as it secures my lead at the head of the championship table” said Simon.

The real battle developed between Ian Chadwick and Ben Briant for second place throughout the event. Briant stole the early advantage on day one setting very impressive times but as night fell Chadwick increased his pace, and began to chip away at Briant. Ben fought back defending his position only to crash on stage six, damaging his lamp pod. The resulting loss of light over Fridays nights stages allowed Chadwick to close. Ian sensing victory increased his pace to close within fifteen seconds of Briant at the end of Day one.

Day Two started five p.m. on Saturday, with fourteen arduous stages ahead of the crews, once again Mauger stamped his authority on the event, taking fastest stage time on the opening stage. Briant was determined to hold second place started well, and increased his lead over Chadwick as darkness fell, having repaired his lamp pod during the rest halt. Ian Chadwick had a huge moment on stage 12 very nearly ending his challenge, Ian decided to consolidate his third position not taking any risks to secure his second place overall in the current Championship standings.

The Jim Clark Memorial Rally was an all asphalt event within in excess of 155 competitive miles, the event ran throughout the night on both Friday and Saturday night. The event proved to be the ultimate test of man and machine with the Ford Pumas dominating Class A5 taking the top three class positions.

The 2000 Ford Puma Rally Championship is the first one make rally championship to use works specification identically prepared 1400 Ford Puma Kit Cars. The Ford Racing Puma Rally Championship is designed to promote young rallying talent and is part of the Ford Motor Company’s stairway to success, that sees the Ford Motor Company providing young drivers with competitive rally machinery throughout the careers. The Jim Clark Memorial Rally was the third out of five events based in Ireland and the UK.

Pos. Name	Address		Points
1 Simon Maugher	Aylesbury, Berks. 43
2 Ian Chadwick	Cork		  32
3 Ben Briant	Nottingham	  28
4 Derek Daly	Killarney	  13
5 Donagh Kelly	Donegal		  11