Andrew Nesbitt to drive 'Guest' FIAT PUNTO ABARTH CUP at Kirkistown opener

Posted: April 2, 2003 5:55 PM

Best known for setting fastest stage times at the wheel of a World Rally Car in Ireland's International rally championship, the Motorsport Ireland 'International Driver of the Year' will find the outing quite different to rallying but is looking forward to his race debut. 'Racing is totally different to what I am used to in motorsport. Having 22 other cars around me is sure to be interesting.' he said. 'I don't expect to finish on the podium no more than Richie Faulkner would expect to be on the pace if he was making his debut in a World Rally Car. The plan is to go out and enjoy the experience.'

Ireland's newest race series, the 2003 Fiat Punto Abarth Cup will see all the front runners return for action including inaugural champion Richie Faulkner. Driving for the Murray Motorsport team, the Killiney young gun is aiming to retain his title and he showed he means business when he set the fastest time during official testing recently.

Faulkner faces tough opposition in what looks set to be one of the closest saloon car championships ever seen in Irish motorsport. Joey Freeburn (Armagh), Brian Hade (Rathfarnham), Gordon Kellett (Castleknock), Liam Denning (Rathfarnham), Quentin Smith (Rathfarnham) and Dave Maguire (Rathfarnham) will all push the 21-year-old for victory, while series newcomers Bob Copeland (Drumree), reigning Uno Champion Barry Rabbitt (Dunsaughlin) and racing returnee Greg Conway (Tallaght) will be determined to make their mark.

Introduced at the end of the 2002 season, the Fiat Punto Abarth Cup is Ireland's only manufacturer backed racing championship. With all 26 of the 170bhp Dunlop shod 'pocket rockets' sold, racing in the 13 round series is set to be close and exciting.