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Smith claims pole but Denning takes opening victory
2003-04-08 - By Philip Byrne
The opening round of the 2003 Fiat Punto Abarth Cup took place at Kirkistown on Saturday (5th April) with Quentin Smith (Rathfarnham) starting from pole but in the race it was main rival Liam Denning (Rathfarnham) who took the win.
Starting alongside Smith on the front row of the grid, Denning got the jump on the AMF Motorsport driver taking the lead on the high speed run down to the first corner. With Denning in front, the pair quickly opened up a gap over Brian Hade (Rathfarnham) who came home third to make it an all Rathfarnham podium.
Establishing the lap record for the championship with fastest lap of the race, Smith made a late challenge for victory in the 12 lap encounter but Denning managed to hold him off on the final run to the chequered flag.
Finishing fourth Gordon Kellett (Castleknock) was best of the Murray Motorsport drivers ahead of top newcomer Bob Copeland (Drumree) with Bill Griffin (Clondalkin) rounding off the top six.
For reigning champion Richie Faulkner (Killiney) the event did not produce the best of results for his title defence. Starting from third spot on the grid, the 21-year-old could only manage seventh in the race ahead of Dave Maguire (Rathfarnham), Niki Meredith (Clondalkin) and Nigel Pratt (Carlow).
Making his circuit racing debut in the Blaupunkt 'Guest' car, Irish Rally Champion Andrew Nesbitt (Armagh) proved entertaining to watch with his side ways driving style on the Co. Down circuit. Qualifying 21st on the grid, the Armagh rally ace drove a blistering opening lap making up 10 places. A terrific battle with series newcomer Karl Leonard (Naas) followed but unfortunately Andrew's spectacular kerb hopping through the chicane eventually damaged the car and he was forced to retire on the tenth lap.
After a strong opening round, the Fiat Punto Abarth Cup moves to Mondello Park on Easter weekend (20/21 April) when competitors race on the international circuit as support to the opening round of the British Touring Car Championship.
Race Result (12 laps)
1. Liam DENNING (Steve Griffin Motorsport) - 14m 02.15s (77.55mph)
2. Quentin SMITH (AMF Motorsport) - 14m 02.49
3. Brian HADE (Steve Griffin Motorsport) - 14m 07.80
4. Gordon KELLETT (Murray Motorsport) - 14m 08.67
5. Bob COPELAND (Murray Motorsport) - 14m 10.54
6. Bill GRIFFIN (Steve Griffin Motorsport) - 14m 12.30
7. Richie FAULKNER (Murray Motorsport) - 14m 12.73
8. Dave MAGUIRE (Steve Griffin Motorsport) - 14m 13.69
9. Niki MEREDITH (Samsport) - 14m 17.46
10.Nigel PRATT (Pratt Motorsport) - 14m 24.09
Fastest lap: Smith 1m 09.15s (78.71mph) record
Championship Standings after Round 1 of 13
1. Liam DENNING (Rathfarnham) - 15
2. Quentin SMITH (Rathfarnham) - 14
3. Brian HADE (Rathfarnham) - 10
4. Gordon KELLETT (Castleknock) - 8
5. Bob COPELAND (Drumree) - 6
6. Billy GRIFFIN (Clondalkin) - 5
7. Richie FAULKNER (Killiney) - 4
8. Dave MAGUIRE (Rathfarnham) - 3
9. Niki MEREDITH (Clondalkin) - 2
10. Nigel PRATT (Carlow) - 1
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