Posted October 5, 2016 by David Hall Motorsport

‘Drive and Determination’ – Deirdre McKinley’s journey to the #FIA Hillclimb Masters

Deirdre’s 6000 km round trip in getting her Nova to Sternbek in the Czech Republic is well underway. Having boarded a plane today with the two Rory’s and having delivered her Vauxhall Nova Hillclimb car to the UK earlier in the week, the fun is about to begin. A huge ‘thank you’ must go to the UK team who kindly offered to transport Deirdre’s car from the UK to Sternbek and back again.

Deirdre, who is the only driver to represent Ireland this year, showed her endless determination and dedication by exhausting all opportunities to get her car to one of the finest Hillclimbs in Europe. Realising there was a space on the UK team truck for her Nova was no mean feat but she embraced the challenge.

This will be Deirdre’s second Hillclimb Masters having previously attended her first one two years ago with her late husband Simon and their then 4 month old son Rory along with the Irish team. No doubt the fantastic memories of Simon will be fresh in everyone’s mind this weekend as his presence from the Hillclimb and paddock will be dearly missed.
Spurred on by those memories, Deirdre will be pushing hard in her little Nova and rumour from the McKinley camp is that Billy White has been burning the midnight oil converting the Nova to ‘European spec’ to take advantage of the smooth flowing corners of the 3km hill.
Keep an eye on the ‘Irish Hillclimb and Sprint’ Facebook page for news and results over the weekend.