Meath drivers prominent

Meath scored a double in the feature event at the 2009 Phoenix Park Motor Races 2009 when Niall Quinn and Dan Daly tasted success on a weekend which marked the 80th anniversary of the Irish Grand Prix. A1 GP World Champion Quinn produced a fantastic drive in the Formula Libre class on the opening day, Saturday, and did enough to take the chequered flag. The Formula Libre Class (big-engined single seaters) was selected as the race for the Dublin Grand Prix with the Dave Byers Memorial Trophy presented to the overall winner. On the Saturday, Quinn faced 20 other equally determined drivers and the race got off to a great start with Sylvie Mullins in a Gould Judd taking the lead with Dan Daly close on his wheels in a Reynard 92D Illmore followed by Quinn and another Meath driver, Ken Fildes who had to show quite a bit of skill to compete against the Mullins and Daly powerhouses. Quinn made a blinding start and immediately passed Simon McKinley's Lant around the outside in a daring manoeuvre. For the next five laps Quinn fought with McKinley while the leading duo pulled away. When Quinn got clear of McKinley, he set about closing the gap on Daly and Mullins and was soon with the leaders. When Daly's Reynard suddenly lost control on the approach to Dublin corner, as a result of suspension failure, Quinn moved up to second place and made his move on the approach to the Furry Glen corner, after which Mullins pulled into the pits with an engine problem. Quinn displayed great determination to keep the rest of the pack in his mirror as he crossed the line in first place. "This is a huge day for me, to get a win in the Phoenix Park is awesome and will definitely be going on my CV," commented Quinn. Sunday was the race everyone wanted to win, the revival of the Dublin Grand Prix after 80 years. The race was staged in memory of late David Byers of the OPW who played a massive part in past Phoenix Park race meetings. Quinn lined up alongside Daly on the front row of the grid, but as the flag dropped for the start his driveshaft failed, leaving him to limp away from the line with one wheel driving his Reynard-Holden. " I was devastate, especially after qualifying second on the grid, but I was still thrilled with my Saturday win and would like to thank Dunboyne Motor Club and the sponsors for giving me this fantastic opportunity," added Quinn. When racing got under way, Daly took a substantial lead with Fildes and Eamon Matheson in pursuit. Despite the challenge from Fildes which was consistent throughout the race, Daly went on to become the first Dublin Grand Prix champion to lift the Dave Byers Memorial Trophy. " I am thrilled with the victory, to win in the Park is always special however this is one to remember," stated Daly who also paid tribute to the runner-up, Fildes who finished second on both days. " Ken is a great guy and Formula Libre Ireland would not be where it is today without his contribution and hard work," he added. Daly also acknowledged the race sponsors Glenbeigh Construction and Dalco Engineering Systems for their support. Overall the weekend gave spectators excellent motor racing from a number of different classes. The displays from The Irish Kit Car Club, Classic Bikes (Dunboyne Motor Club) and Octane (High performance sports cars) along with good weather and no serious injuries made it an enjoyable two days for all concerned.