Sun City – July 24, 2009. Team Ford Racing claimed third position in the SP Class of this weekend’s Absa Off Road Championship. Neil Woolridge and Kenny Skjoldhammer powered the TDCi powered Ford Ranger to a well deserved podium place on the Sun City 400 in front of an appreciative crowd of dedicated supporters.
“We always seem to go well on this event,” said Woolridge after the event. “We had a good time trial on Friday and were very happy with the car. When the race got underway we had a puncture to repair early on but that was our only real challenge to contend with and overall we are extremely pleased with the result.”
Ford is the first South African manufacturer in the premier SP Class to have made the switch to diesel power. Pioneering the concept means the team have a steep learning curve as they continue to learn the ropes.
“We have made a lot of progress with the car over the course of the season and this weekend bears testament to that, having said that, there is still so much potential we have yet to tap. This is of course very encouraging as we know the car is already quick and once it reaches its full potential it will surely be hard to beat,” adds Woolridge.
The sister SP car of Thomas Rundle and Stavros Yiannakis ran into trouble on the final lap when a turbo charger malfunction spelled an end to the pair’s efforts. Of the seven Ford’s that started, five finished the event, with many of the privateers scoring strong finishes.
The Sun City 400 event is one of the closest to the Ford Plant, which is situated East of Pretoria in Silverton. Many Ford fans braved the chilly winter weather to go and cheer on the Ford crews in what was one of the best attended events in recent memory.
Ford also welcomed a new sponsor, the Innovation Group, to the team at the Sun City event.
“It was a good day for Ford all-round and it was especially good for us to see so many supporters in attendance throughout the weekend. Many of the Ford and Innovation Group employees came out to support us and that was certainly encouraging for the Ford crews,” concluded Woolridge.
Team Ford Racing recognises their sponsors for their commitment and belief in the team: Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, Innovation Group SA, Barden Tyre Services, Garmin, Hugo's Panel Shop – Pietermaritzburg, Eibach Springs, Sign Solutions, Donerre Dampers, Motorvia and VPS Paint protection.