MOTOR SPORT:Peter Dempsey has won virtually everything in Formula Ford 1600 racing over the last three years, twice winning the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone, the Leinster Trophy and numerous championships and awards in Ireland and Britain.
In motor-racing terminology, however, it could be said that the Ashbourne driver is running out of road, unless he gets a Star Mazda drive with Anderson Racing in the USA. He tested before Christmas at Anderson's private track in Florida, and proved so impressive he was offered a deal there and then.
Team owner Dan Anderson said: "We knew Peter had a very good reputation in Europe but he exceeded all of our expectations."
Dempsey flies out to America this weekend for two more days testing with Anderson at the famed Sebring circuit, where other Star Mazda teams will also be testing prior to the start of the American Championship.
Dempsey hopes to further impress the team and complete his deal for the Star Mazda series, which is the equivalent to European Formula 3.
He says: "I am really looking forward to my second test with Anderson Racing and this time there will be other teams testing, so I will see how my lap times compare.
"I enjoyed the first two days testing at Anderson Park circuit, but it will be nice to get out with other Star Mazda drivers"
Sam Johnston, on 191 points, leads the Hewison Trophy Autotest Championship at the halfway mark, in which he is two points ahead of reigning champion Eddie Peterson after the first eight rounds.
There is a close battle for third between Eamonn Byrne, Robin Lyons and Paddy Power, who are covered by five points.
The top 10: 1 Sam Johnston (191 points); 2 Eddie Peterson (189); 3 Eamonn Byrne (158); 4 Robin Lyons (156); 5 Paddy Power (153); 6 Chris Grimes (142); 7 Ken Irwin (124); 8 Daniel Byrne (121); 9 JJ Farrell (119); 10 Paul Phelan (114).
Points standings in the Europe Cup, Novice Class: 1 Declan Lennon (48); 2 Tom Devaney (45); 3 Richard Pain (41); 4 Trevor Athey (38); 5 Richard Meeke (30); 6 Michael Kehoe (23).
The next Hewison round is the Midland MC event on January 20th, and that is followed by the two Carrick-on-Suir MC rounds on January 26 and 27th.
The first rally of 2008 will be the Limerick Motor Club's Stages event at Kilmallock on January 27th.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday: MEC, Freeman Cup Sporting Trial, Cross Chapel, Blessington, Co Wicklow, 11.30am; Co Monaghan MC, Navigation Trial, starts Scotshouse Community Centre, Co Monaghan, 9pm.
