Two weeks later, the team headed to the Phoenix Park in the centre of Dublin for the 2009 Phoenix Park Motor Races, on the 80^th anniversary of the 1929 Irish Grand Prix, at the same venue. The team set up in the paddock on the Friday afternoon and were in good spirits as they looked forward to the biggest race of the year. Barry-John had plenty of support as he had invited friends and family as well as his sponsors to join him in the paddock for the weekend. Race one started well for Barry-John and he was running in 7^th place, right with the leaders, when he hit a drain on the road circuit at high speed. Unfortunately this damaged the steering and he had no choice but to retire. The team burnt the midnight oil into the early hours making sure Barry-John’s car was 100% for race two on the Sunday. In race two, he again made a good getaway and immediately moved up to fifth, right on the back bumper of multiple Park winner Gordon Kellett. He then missed a gear on the exit of the chicane dropping to 6^th. In the latter stages of the race, the recurring problem again reared its head as the car inexplicably began to lose power. Barry-John used his head and concentrated on getting the car to the finish, which he managed in 7^th place.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed”, he said after the race, “We’ve had loads of pace lately but Lady Luck definitely hasn’t been on my side! I think I’ll have a beer and a barbeque with my friends and sponsors anyway to round off the weekend!”  

Barry-John would like to thank his ever important and reliable sponsors. Tom Kane Recovery, Thrifty Car Rental, McHenry Car Sales, JH Autobody and Functional Training Ireland . we hope you enjoyed your weekend in the park.  Next round Mondello Park on Sunday 23rd of August.