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23/11/2007
Rally Star Meeke Tests 2008 Impreza
Local rally ace Kris Meeke is back behind the wheel this week - testing the 2008 specification S14 Sabura Impreza.
He was invited to take on the test and development role for the car manufacturer - at the MIRA test facility - when he met Saburu bosses during last weekend's World Rally Championship (WRC) Sligo stages at the weekend.
While the WRC has now left Ireland, Dungannon driver Kris Meek, who at one stage, (after Stormont) was running third overall - only to be forced to retire later – has been reflecting on the experience - and looking ahead to 2008.
Reflecting on the WRC itself, he said that while the final result was disappointing, it had been a great experience - and his rallying in the Subaru Impreza S12 would be a great help in testing the all new 2008 S14.
He also noted that his final pre-rally preparations on the S12 rally car were undertaken at the County Tyrone outdoor activity centre, Toddsleap.com in Ballygawley.
Meeke, who has driven for Citroen, Ford and Subaru, said: “I was delighted to get the opportunity to do Rally Ireland, my home round of the world championship.
"It was the biggest motorsport event to be staged in Ireland and the support given by the Toddsleap.com engineering facilities meant we were able to bring the car to the very pinnacle of performance from the outset.”
The 28-year-old local driver has driven in the Junior World championship for the past two years and only returned to Irish rallying this season and won two of the biggest events, the Rally of the Lakes in Killarney and his home Ulster International.
He was sponsored in the end of year finale of Rally Ireland by a group of Ulster businessmen, including Benny O’Hanlon, owner of Toddsleap.com.
“It was fantastic to take part in Rally Ireland, my home round of the World Championship,” said Meeke.
Benny O’Hanlon commented: “ToddsLeap.com is about helping people bring out the best in themselves. So it was only natural for us to extend our assistance to one of Northern Ireland finest rally drivers.
"Every day we work with sports professionals, corporate teams and young people, helping them to improve team dynamics and performance. We wish Kris and his rally team every continued success.”
Further information: www.toddsleap.com
(BMcC)
He was invited to take on the test and development role for the car manufacturer - at the MIRA test facility - when he met Saburu bosses during last weekend's World Rally Championship (WRC) Sligo stages at the weekend.
While the WRC has now left Ireland, Dungannon driver Kris Meek, who at one stage, (after Stormont) was running third overall - only to be forced to retire later – has been reflecting on the experience - and looking ahead to 2008.
Reflecting on the WRC itself, he said that while the final result was disappointing, it had been a great experience - and his rallying in the Subaru Impreza S12 would be a great help in testing the all new 2008 S14.
He also noted that his final pre-rally preparations on the S12 rally car were undertaken at the County Tyrone outdoor activity centre, Toddsleap.com in Ballygawley.
Meeke, who has driven for Citroen, Ford and Subaru, said: “I was delighted to get the opportunity to do Rally Ireland, my home round of the world championship.
"It was the biggest motorsport event to be staged in Ireland and the support given by the Toddsleap.com engineering facilities meant we were able to bring the car to the very pinnacle of performance from the outset.”
The 28-year-old local driver has driven in the Junior World championship for the past two years and only returned to Irish rallying this season and won two of the biggest events, the Rally of the Lakes in Killarney and his home Ulster International.
He was sponsored in the end of year finale of Rally Ireland by a group of Ulster businessmen, including Benny O’Hanlon, owner of Toddsleap.com.
“It was fantastic to take part in Rally Ireland, my home round of the World Championship,” said Meeke.
Benny O’Hanlon commented: “ToddsLeap.com is about helping people bring out the best in themselves. So it was only natural for us to extend our assistance to one of Northern Ireland finest rally drivers.
"Every day we work with sports professionals, corporate teams and young people, helping them to improve team dynamics and performance. We wish Kris and his rally team every continued success.”
Further information: www.toddsleap.com
(BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
