Michael Keohane (19), from Clonakility, Co Cork, has signed with the highly successful Manor Motorsport team and will contest the British and European Formula Renault Championships in 2000. The new cars feature a one-make chassis and a 180 horse power sealed 2.0 litre Renault engine, and will be both quick and closely matched, with the emphasis on driving skill rather than any car/engine advantages.
The new cars will not be race-ready until February, but Keohane will commence testing a '99 spec car in January and should be well prepared for the opening race of the 12-round British Championship, at Donington Park on March 26th.
Keohane will be supported by Irish Cement and will be partnered in the team by Finnish star Kimi Raikkonen and the American Jeffrey Jones. Manor Motorsport is a top British based team, adding the 1999 British Formula Three Championship to their five Formula Renault titles. The British victory was achieved in the team's first season in Formula Three.
Competing in international racing for the first time this year, Keohane was the recipient of the `Most Improved European Driver of The Year' award. His best race result in Formula Europa was fourth. An upbeat Keohane is looking forward to the 2000 season:
"I'm delighted with my new deal. Securing a drive with Manor Motorsport is a major boost for my racing career and to be picked for such a sought-after seat ahead of so many quick drivers has made me extremely confident for next year."
All the motorcycle trials championships have been completed for the year. Paul McLoughlin (Bray) was the top Grade A rider on 129 points with Michael Burton (Enniskerry) second on 88 points, Gareth Andrews third on 78.
Ulster riders dominated Grades B and C, won respectively by Colin Perry (Hollywood) and Robert Jennings (Dundonald). Derek O'Neill (Tallaght) won the Junior Grade by a massive 64 points from Mark Hughes.
In the Southern Centre 12-round series, Paul McLoughlin also won Grade A. Other winners were: Gordon Clarke (B), Warren Hendy (C), Tom Butler (D), Derek O'Neill (Junior A) and Nicholas Lyons (Junior B).
The motorcycle trials season will revert to its old format from September 2000 to April 2001. Because of the change, a `mini series' of four events will be run next year, as follows:
