Leonard aims to futher reduce gap
2003-08-12 - By Philip Byrne

Rounds 10 & 11 of the Fiat Punto Abarth Cup will take teams and competitors to Mondello Park this Sunday (10th August) where local driver Karl Leonard (Naas) will be aiming to further reduce the gap to championship leader Liam Denning (Rathfranham).

Having won the previous round of the Fiat and Blaupunkt backed series at Kirkistown (26 July), Leonard's fourth win of the season has helped him to close to within 32 points of Denning but with just four races remaining the Naas Court Hotel DJ must finish ahead of his main rival in both encounters this weekend.

Still the only two drivers to record race wins in 2003, Denning and Leonard face a strong line up of opposition all eager to claim their first Fiat Punto Abarth victory. Quentin Smith (Rathfarnham) has had more pole position starts than any other driver on the grid and will be out to prove he can race as well as he can qualify. Bill Griffin (Clondalkin) has been the revelation of the last few races and took his second podium finish last time out. A vastly experienced racer, the Steve Griffin Motorsport driver will be one to watch this weekend.

Others capable of winning are Gordon Kellet (Castleknock) in his TGI Fridays backed car and the fast improving Carlow brothers Nigel and Clive Pratt.

Also supported by Dunlop and Wrangler, the Fiat Punto Abarth Cup Sprint race is scheduled for 15:00 with the 15 lap Feature race due to get underway at 16:45.

Fiat Punto Abarth Cup Standings after Round 9 of 13

1. Liam Denning (Rathfarnham) - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 115
2. Karl Leonard (Naas) - Murray Motorsport - 83
3. Bob Copeland (Drumree) - Murray Motorsport - 63
4. Quentin Smith (Rathfarnham) - AMF Motorsport - 60
5. Gordon Kellett (Castleknock) - Murray Motorsport - 59
6. Joey Freeburn (Armagh) - Vehicle Glass Racing - 57
7. Bill Griffin (Clondalkin) - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 40
8. Brian Hade (Rathfarnham) - Steve Griffin Motorsport - 24
9. Eric Holstein (Carbury) - Murray Motorsport - 16
10.Nigel Pratt (Carlow) - Pratt Motorsport - 12

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