TEAM FORD RACING SCORE TWO PODIUM PLACINGS IN THE DEBUT ROUND OF THE 2008 ABSA NATIONAL OFF ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Team Ford Racing enjoyed a successful outing in the debut round of the 2008 ABSA Off Road Championship which took place this past weekend. The Nissan Dealer 400 which took place in and around Darling in the Western Cape, proved to be a tough affair thanks to sweltering heat and loose sandy roads.
Neil Woolridge and Kenny Skjoldhammer piloting the Ford’s 4-litre powered Class SP Ranger had a strong outing claiming third position. The seasoned Off Road duo took the final podium slot after having stopped to assist at an accident scene.
“Special Vehicle competitors Evan Hutchinson and Achim Bergmann were involved in a crash with another competing car and caught fire. Thankfully the competitors escaped with minor injuries,” explained Woolridge after the race.
“We are extremely happy to be on the podium and are delighted with the performance of the trucks. Kenny and I experienced no difficulties and this gives us a good platform to build on in future rounds.”
The rookie off road pairing of Mark Ferguson and Craig West piloting the sister SP Ford Ranger got their 2008 challenge off to a strong start, despite having to retire in the closing stages of the race.
“The conditions were fairly tough however we had a good run and made a lot of progress. When our rear wheel drive failed we decided to play it safe and retire the car, rather than do any further damage,” explained Fergusson.
Reigning Class E champions Jack Peckham and Lucio Santoro took third place in Class E after spending some time in the pits replacing a CV joint.
“We’re happy to get this season off to a start with a podium position. Our only major difficulty during the course of the weekend was a small technical problem. That aside the vehicle showed strong potential and we are now looking forward to the next round where we hope to challenge again for victory.”
Team manager Woolridge continued to sing the praises of the team; “We’re very happy with the team’s results. We experienced very few problems during the course of the weekend and despite the hot and sandy conditions we took home two podium places.”
Team Ford Racing is looking forward to a strong season in 2008 and recognises the following sponsors for their commitment and belief in the team: Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, Time Freight, Special Steels, Ferguson investments, Hugo’s Panel Shop – Pietermaritzburg, Eibach Springs, Sign Solutions and Donerre Dampers.
