Tim Leahey Aims to Kick Off Assault on Strong Note

Young Formula Holden stand-out Tim Leahey is confident of a strong showing at the opening round of the 2000 Championship this weekend at Phillip Island.

With defending title-holder Simon Wills in his sights, Leahey knows he must leave the island with a strong handful of points to mount an attack on Wills' crown.

"Simon is obviously the man to catch, but we are pretty keen to kick off the championship on a strong note," Leahey said.

"The level of competition should be pretty tough, but it is important to start the season well so you are not trying to play catch-up for the rest of the year.

"I was very pleased with our test at Phillip Island but we are certainly looking at improving the car further."

Leahey will make his debut with the Murphy Motorsport team for his first full-season assault on the Holden Australian Driver¹s Championship.

"The team have been fantastic and I delighted with the opportunity to drive for them this year," Leahey said.

"There is a lot of experience in this outfit which will give me a big advantage over a lot of my rivals.

"In this level of competition, you need every advantage you can find because there are so many good cars and lots of talented young drivers."

After competing at Bathurst last year in a V8 Supercar with John Briggs, Leahey is also eagerly awaiting the chance to do battle with his ex- Formula Ford team-mate, Christian Murchison.

"Christian and I had some great battles in Formula Ford and I am looking forward to racing him in Formula Holden," Leahey said.

"With a host of young guys like myself, Christian and Paul Dumbrell, the championship is in very strong health for the future.

"This is an important stepping stone for my career and I am really looking forward to contesting the entire championship."

-PAUL RYAN-