Ireland is in the midst of producing a rich vein of talent across the spectrum of motor sport, one which could yield significant returns for many years to come.
Last weekend in Indianapolis, Peter Dempsey from County Meath leapt to prominence winning the Freedom 100 at the famous oval track recording the narrowest ever winning margin in the sport with a breathtaking surge for the winning line. You can see the video and hear the commentary below. ‘That’s gotta be the best finish ever.’
Last year Craig Breen from Waterford scored three late season wins to secure the World S2000 Rally Championship.
And perhaps the one with the most potential to become a household name, 14 year old Nicole Coffey, who is being tipped by many as a future star of Formula One.
Last year she was one of only two girls to drive in a prestigious Karting Championship in Bahrain, securing sixth place overall and copper fastening a reputation that stretches well beyond Irish shores.
“I love motorsport and want to drive in F1 for Red Bull or Ferrari,” Coffey told Sport for Business this week.
“Every Formula One World Championship in my lifetime has been won by somebody coming out of Karting and I want to follow in the tracks of Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.”
“They all credit Karting as the foundation of their success and why shouldn’t a girl from Dublin be the first to break into their world.
“Coffey’s career to date has largely been funded by family but she is now working with Baker Sports management Group to attract sponsors that will enable her go on to the next phase of her career.
“It’s a fantastic time for Irish women in sport and Nicole can be an exciting part of that,” said John Baker. “The recent success of the Irish women’s rugby team and the exceptionally talented Katie Taylor winning medal after medal have put women’s sport into a different place and that echoes what is happening on a worldwide scale.”
“There will be a woman on a Formula One podium in the next ten years and we are committed to giving Nicole every opportunity to be the first.”
“We are looking for an Irish company with an eye on winning, perhaps in the technology sector, that can help make this dream come true and yield a great return on their initial investment when it does.”
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