The final round of the 2007 Absa Off Road Championship ended on a high note for team Ford Racing when Neil Woolridge and Kenny Skjoldhammer steered their Class SP Production Vehicle to victory in the Production Vehicle category at this weekend Ford Carnival City 400. Further celebrations were in order when Jack Peckham and Lucio Santoro clinched the Class E championship after crossing the line second in class.
“It’s a great to end the season with a win,” enthused Woolridge after the race. “The car was fantastic all weekend despite the difficult conditions. It was a very close race but everything ran smoothly and the result is a win for Ford on a Ford sponsored event.”
Brandon Harcus and Juan Mohr in the second SP Ford Ranger were also aiming for a strong finish but their aspirations were cut short when a stub axle broke and their wheel came off.
“It’s disappointing for us,” explains Harcus. “We were running in fourth place and were hoping for a strong finish, but that’s racing I guess. Overall it’s been a good season for us, we’ve learnt a lot and achieved some good results.”
The Class E championship went down to the wire with Jack Peckham and Lucio Santoro securing the title with a second place finish. “It’s a fantastic feeling,” commented Peckham. “We tried to stay clear of any trouble. The conditions were very tough but luckily the rain stayed away, the car was reliable and we had a clear run to the finish. We’d like to thank the team for all their hard work and effort, it’s really paid off.”
Ford privateer entrants Kobus van Tonder and navigator Riaan Guelpa finished strongly in Class SP as did Mark Ferguson and Craig West in only their second event in the SP Ford Ranger. Class E Ford entrants Cor van Os and Arjen Kuipers unfortunately retired with engine difficulties.
“The event was very well organised and everything ran smoothly,” added team manager Woolridge. “The team did a great job this weekend and we’re pleased to be taking home the silverware for Ford at the Ford Carnival City 400.”
Team Ford Racing would like to thank their sponsors; Ford Motor Company, Ford, Ford Credit, Rockford Fosgate, Sign Solutions, Time Freight, Harden Panel beaters, and the Ford spectators for all their support during the 2007. Ford would also like to thank the Ford Privateer entrants for their hard work and dedication throughout the season.
