2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship

Posted: July 16, 2002 12:21 PM

With a starting line up of eight identical Ford Focus 2.0 litre Kit Cars, Punchestown World Rally Masters will be a pre-Championship shakedown for the competitors of the 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship. This unique event will be run on a 4 km all tarmac track within the Punchestown Race Course and promises to be an exciting and thrilling day offering exceptional entertainment for the general public. The Racecourse Facilities will offer spectators the opportunity to witness the action both on track and in the pits.

"Punchestown World Rally Masters along with the chance to compete against Colin McRae, is an exceptional opportunity for all the competitors of the 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship. It allows all of the competitors an opportunity to get to grips with their new cars and each other before the real competition starts in August" said Tom Collins, Championship Director.

"Colin McRae is at the pinnacle of his sport, the chance to compete on the same event as a former world champion has to be a huge incentive for the competitors of the 2002 Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship. This is the essence of the Ford Ladder of Opportunity," said Declan Foley, Focus Brand Manager, Ford Ireland.

Designed to promote young Irish rallying talent, the Championship is part of Ford's Ladder of Opportunity, that sees the Ford Motor Company providing young drivers with the introductory Ford KA Rally Car, then onto the Ford Focus 2.0 litre Kit Car Rally Championship, 1600 Puma Junior World Rally Car and eventually the Focus World Rally Car.