Irish motor racing will have two new classes in 1999 - the Crossle Super Classics/RT2000 saloons, and a Ford Ka series in rallying. The Crossle Super Classics will be for Crossle 9S sports-racing cars, powered by 2-litre Ford Zetec engines tuned to a maximum of 210bhp. Racing driver Arnie Black, who now owns the Crossle Car Company, is confident that there will be a dozen cars on the grid for the first round of the new series for which trophies celebrating previous Crossle-driving greats such as John Watson and Nigel Mansell have been commissioned.
Around 10 RT2000 `one make' saloons should put new life into saloon car racing. With similar 2-litre Ford Zetec engines to the Crossle sportsracers, the new special saloons will provide a greater challenge for the drivers and more excitement for the spectators.
A one-make class has been badly needed in rallying to attract and encourage new talent. This will happen with the introduction of a Ford Ka rally class. If the costs can be kept to an acceptable, and affordable, level, this has every prospect of being the best thing to happen in Irish rallying for years.
A total of 95 riders competed in the 1998 Irish Trials Championship, run over 12 rounds and won by Andrew Perry of Dundonald, Belfast. Michael Burton won Grade B and Grade C was won by Eric O'Sullivan, with Warren Hendy heading the Junior Grade.
The full results are: Grade A: 1, Andrew Perry 177 points; 2, Gareth Andrews 148; 3, Stuart Martin 134. Grade B: 1, Michael Burton 189; 2, Colin Perry 173; 3, Matt Millar 116. Grade C: Eric O'Sullivan 191; 2, Robert Jennings 142; 3, Johnny McKimm 104. Junior Grade: 1, Warren Hendy 93; 2, Derek O'Neill 84; 3, Peter Smyth 52.
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