The team exceeded all expectations this year with a strong showing in both Class E and Class SP. The SP Class came into being at the start of the 2006 season. The new class was aimed at increasing the competitiveness at the front of the field following the escalating costs of the former Class T.
Ford took up the challenge and were competitive from the get-go with a podium finish for Neil Woolridge and Kenny Skjoldhammer on the SP Ford Ranger’s debut, earlier this year. In an impressive show of speed and durability Woolridge and Skjoldhammer have appeared on the podium in six of the seven events that have already taken place this season.
“This year we have proved that Ford are a force to be reckoned with on the Off Road scene,” commented Neil Woolridge. “We certainly found our feet this year and gave Nissan a good run for their money. We intend to end this year in winning fashion – the Carnival City 400 is a Ford sponsored event and as such we have every intention of bringing home the silverware.”
Joining Woolridge and Skjoldhammer in the SP Class fray are Rob Gurney and Graeme Stainbank. The pair started out the 2006 season competing in Class E but later made the switch to the SP Class. To date they have picked up a fourth and fifth place finish in Class but will be looking for a podium finish when proceedings get underway at the Ford Carnival City 400.
“Graeme and I are certainly getting to grips with the SP Class. We’ve had promising finishes at the last two rounds and we hope to be able to build on that at the Ford Carnival City 400. The whole team will be going all out to end the year on a high note and fly the flag for Ford as we are sure there will be plenty of Ford employees taking the time to come and watch us and cheer us on,” explained Rob Gurney.
Manfred Schroder and Ward Huxtable head to the event as the new Class E champions. The pair have enjoyed a dominant season in their diesel powered Ford Ranger. With four Class wins under their belt and six podiums to date the pair have already wrapped up their championship, however they will want to increase their winning tally at the final event of 2006.
“The vehicles have been outstanding throughout the year. Aside from a difficult Lesotho Sun 400, we’ve been able to run at the front of the pack all season. We’re delighted to have clinched the title but that doesn’t mean we’ll be holding back at the final event,” said Manfred Schroder.
“Overall 2006 has been an exceptional season for the team. The Rangers were impressive from the very beginning and this gives us good grounding to build on for next year.
“We have been supported throughout the year by our sponsors, Ford , Rockford Fosgate, Time Freight and Harden Auto. It is thanks to their continued support that e have been able to achieve what we have this season. We hope to give them one more thank you, by bringing home more silverware at the final round,” concluded team manager Woolridge.