19 Apr Barry McKenna and Leon Jordan to Drive Oregon Trail Rally with Fiesta S2000

Article written for American Rally Association here.

Portland, Oregon (April 19, 2017)

ECD NY driver Barry McKenna confirmed today that he will compete in the 2017 Oregon Trail Rally, along with the remainder of the American Rally Association championship, in an M-Sport built Ford Fiesta S2000. The Irish driver, best known for sideways driving in a MKII Ford Escort, will step up into the AWD Open Class Fiesta and compete at the highest level in ARA.

McKenna ran a limited schedule in the US last year, driving at NEFR and Ojibwe, finishing with a DNF and seventh respectively. He has a long history of competition in Irish and British tarmac rallies, with several wins under his belt. His co-driver Leon Jordan, an Irish compatriot, and has a nearly identical history down to his primary choice in car, a MKII Ford Escort.

With a move to the US, McKenna decided to step up to the higher spec car, “We figured on the gravel that we need 4WD,” said McKenna, “It’ll be a major difference, definitely. Looking forward to getting out in it. Should be interesting.”

This particular Fiesta has a winning history, placing on the podium in its first event in 2010. In 2011, Ott Tänak drove the car to three SWRC class victories and a total of five podiums. Since 2014 it has been driven in the UK by Charles Payne and most recently won the 2016 BRTDA Championship.

McKenna and Jordan are both confident that they are up to the challenge of driving the new, faster, car. The pair do not have much seat time in the new car coming into Oregon, completing only a single 16 mile test session in England before shipping the car stateside. They’re looking to play it smart and focus on a completing a strong season.

“We’re not looking to do anything crazy in this rally,” said McKenna, “we just want to start getting some finishes underneath us.”

About American Rally Association (ARA)

We are a member driven organization dedicated to the sport of stage rally by providing a transparent and inclusive sanctioning body. A 501 (c)(3) non-profit, ARA is lead by elected and appointed board members who deliver a framework for safety, competition, promotion, and educational forums for all aspects of the sport. The common goal of our members, volunteers, and organization is a thriving stage rally program in America.