The first ever Patch Tyre Equipment Fiesta Championship got under way this week with a busy opening test day on Wednesday and the Championships' official launch at the Naas Court Hotel on Friday night. The new series is already proving popular, with a number of new drivers on track for the test day and many more prospective competitors present at the launch.
The series, for lightly modified Ford Fiestas built between 1996 and 2001, is already looking like a winner with a mixed field of new and experienced drivers set to hit the track for their first race in April. Drivers have been attracted to the series by its low cost and the promotional package put in place by Patch Tyre Equipment and Mondello Park. The huge interest in the championship is proof that a well organised championship with a low cost of entry can attract full grids even in a tough economic climate.
The official championship launch was an opportunity for drivers to find out more about plans for the season ahead and to get a look at the cars, three of which were on hand for the launch. One driver who was very keen to get a closer view was former European Rallycross Champion Derek Tohill who will be one of the first drivers to race the 'Patch' celebrity car.
Having already provided Registered competitors with one free test day the organisers announced plans to cut costs in other areas such as future test days, entry fees and running costs through further trade and sponsor partnerships some of which will be announced over the next few weeks.
Speaking at the launch Patch Tyre Equipment MD Brian Matthews said “We are delighted to be involved in this series from the start. Everybody is talking about it and like our company, it offers unrivalled value. It is also great to see so many young drivers and first time racers getting involved.”
On behalf of Mondello Park, Leo Nulty explained some of the thinking behind the series, saying “In the current economic climate, cost is everything, and the interest in this class thus far has borne that out. The idea of being on the grid in a car for under €2k was previously unheard of. Our association with Patch Tyre Equipment allows us to offer even better value to the competitors, such as the recent free test day for registered drivers. We will continue these type of incentives as the season progresses. The fact that the majority of the drivers are complete novices can only benefit the sport as a whole and who knows, this class may even produce the next Aron Smith!”.
The Patch Tyre Equipment Fiesta Championship gets under way with the first of five double headers on April 14th. The ten round championship will run through until September with all races taking place at Mondello Park and further information can be found on www.mondellopark.ie/fiesta.