Kirkistown (Apr 5th 2003)

On April 5th 2003, the Fiat Punto Abarth Cup debuted at Kirkistown. These pictures are put by courtesy of Steve Chapman, from Irishfiat.net.

The first round of the Fiat Punto Abarth Cup at Kirkistown certainly lived up to expectations. A good turn out for the days racing added to the atmosphere. A full field of 26 cars started with Quentin Smith taking pole position.
Richie Faulkner must have been disappointed as he was unable to repeat the form that led him to the championship last year, he finished 7th after starting from 3rd on the grid.
It was Liam Denning starting from second that took a not unexpected and comfortable victory. Denning took the lead right from the off and then proceeded to open a gap between himself and the rest of the field. Brian Hade finished in third. The fastest lap of the day was completed by Quentin Smith as he tried to close the gap between himself and Denning late in the race.
Andrew Nesbitt in the Punto guest car provided great entertainment as he struggled to keep the car on the track. He had the car sideways on several occasions and received a fantastic welcome form the Kiristown crowd. Unfortunately Andrew had to retire late in the race. Looking at the guest car after the race it seems to have disliked Andrews driving style.

Here is how the race finished: 

1. Liam Denning - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 14:02.15s 
2. Quentin Smith - AMF Motorsport - 14:02.49 
3. Brian Hade  - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 14:07.80 
4. Gordon Kellett - Murray Motorsport - 14:08.67 
5. Bob Copeland - Murray Motorsport - 14:10.54 
6. Bill Griffin - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 14:12.30 
7. Richie Faulkner - Murray Motorsport - 14:12.73 
8. Dave Maguire - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 14:13.69 
9. Niki Meredith - Samsport - 14:17.46 
10.Nigel Pratt - Pratt Motorsport - 14:24.09 
11.Barry Rabbitt - Point 5 Motorsport - 14:24.59 
12.Joey Freeburn - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 14:24.71 
13.Noel Greene - Ronnie Griffin Motorsport - 14:25.58 
14.Alison Lawford - Murray Motorsport - 14:28.80 
15.Karl Leonard - Murray Motorsport - 14:30.09 
16.Paul Molloy - Murray Motorsport - 14:30.31 
17.Kieran Sands - Sean Woods Racing - 14:35.06 
18.Brendan Fitzgerald - Stealth Motorsport - 14:39.24 
19.Greg Turley - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 14:39.91 
20.Matt Dunne - Ronnie Griffin Motorsport - 14:42.67 
Retirement: Andrew Nesbitt, 9 Laps - Mechanical 

Fastest lap: Quentin Smith - 1m 09.15s (78.71mph) (Class Record)


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These is also a page with some pictures of the Kirkistown's test session on the previous day.