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Leonard wins Mondello thriller
2003-04-24 - By Philip Byrne
Naas driver Karl Leonard won an 'action packed' race at a rain soaked Mondello Park on Monday (21st April) to claim his maiden Fiat Punto Abarth Cup victory.
 Racing in front of the large BTCC crowd, Round 2 of the exciting series proved one of the most entertaining races of the day. Starting from pole position Quentin Smith was first to fall foul of the wet conditions when he slid off the track and down the field handing the lead to title favourite Liam Denning.
The winner of Round 1, the Rathfarnham driver quickly opened up a gap over the pursuing pack of Joey Freeburn, Karl Leonard, Bob Copeland and Gordon Kellett but an accident involving Kieran Sands and Matt Dunne saw the safety car deployed closing up the entire field.
At the restart, Denning could not break away from the pack in the worsening conditions. Much paint swapping followed as Denning, Freeburn and Leonard all took turns at leading the race. With two laps to go Leonard, who set fastest lap, got out front and despite the best efforts of Denning and Freeburn the Naas driver held on to take the win.
In fourth Bob Copeland reversed the order of Kirkistown to finish ahead of team-mate Gordon Kellett with Bill Griffin completing the top six. Pole sitter Smith recovered to finish ninth.
 Race Result (12 laps)
1. Karl Leonard - Murray Motorsport - 30:01.592s (52.17mph)
2. Liam Denning - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 30:02.207
3. Joey Freeburn - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 30:10.876
4. Bob Copeland - Murray Motorsport - 30:12.414
5. Gordon Kellett - Murray Motorsport - 30:13.525
6. Bill Griffin - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 30:14.484
Championship Standings after Round 2
1. Liam DENNING (Rathfarnham) - 27
2. Quentin SMITH (Rathfarnham) - 17
3. Karl Leonard (Naas) - 16
4. Brian HADE (Rathfarnham) - 14
= Gordon KELLETT (Castleknock) - 14
= Bob COPELAND (Drumree) - 14
7. Billy GRIFFIN (Clondalkin) - 10
= Joey FREEBURN (Armagh) - 10
9. Richie FAULKNER (Killiney) - 4
10.Dave MAGUIRE (Rathfarnham) - 3
= Barry RABBITT (Dunsaughlin) - 3
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