THE 2017 Legend of the Lakes Hill Climb is done and dusted for another year, with the event attracting interest both locally and from around the globe.
Big names lined up to contest the event this year and none more charismatic that Irish rally star Frank Kelly.
Kelly has become an internet sensation in recent times, with his competition videos gaining constant hits.
His runs show real action in his Ford Escort – dubbed “Baby Blue” – with an arm chair ride for viewers on some of the toughest events around.
It was the first time Kelly had contested an event like the hill climb, with his car set up for the gravel, but that did not deter the flamboyant driver from making his mark on the tarmac course.
He had spectators on the edge of their seats, with eyes glued to monitors around the track eagerly awaiting his antics.
Kelly told The Border Watch pre-race that “literally anything can happen” when he is behind the wheel of “Baby Blue”.
The spectators who turned up to see the Irishman ply his trade at the iconic event were not disappointed, with plenty of sideways action, especially at the top of the track through the chicane and around the final corner.
It was a weekend Kelly enjoyed.
“I could not believe I made it here this year – the place is amazing,” he told The Border Watch on Sunday while cooling down in the shade after a run with an icecream.
“My car was set up for gravel rallying and I only had one set of tyres for the tarmac.
“I used the rally tyres for some of the runs and really enjoyed the event.
“I think there is a 55 (second run) in it, but you really need sticky tyres.”
That 55 second run was achieved later in the day, with Kelly’s fastest time a 55.21, just 5.36 behind the eventual winner, a considerable effort considering the difference in horsepower and the setup of the two cars.
A short slow-motion video of Kelly through the chicane is featured on The Border Watch Facebook page.
