Roscrea's Nicole Drought is top of the timings in Donnington

Roscrea Rocket - Nicole Drought travelled to Donington Park race circuit in the UK last week to test with the Focus Cup Championship and outperformed the competition.

Having met with the series organisers at the Autosport International show in Birmingham in January, Nicole received an invitation to test their car before the season starts.

As well as a number of prospective drivers, the car was also driven by some existing Focus Cup competitors on the day. Nicole found herself at home in the car straight away, and topped the timesheets at the end of the day.

Needless to say, negotiations are now ongoing since for Nicole to compete in the 2023 Focus Cup.

Meanwhile, Nicole is back behind the wheel this weekend at Mondello Park as she returns to her Clio 172 for the opening two rounds of the Irish Rallycross Championship.

Despite joining the 2022 Championship late, the Roscrea lady finished the championship second, just 8 points off the winner, having taken a popular win at the final round.

This season, the past pupil of Coláiste Phobal and winner of a Roscrea People of the Year award hopes to dovetail her UK racing campaign with a full championship assault in the Rallycross series too!

"It's great to get back behind the wheel on UK circuits once again. A big thanks to Simon Walton and his team for inviting me to test the Focus," Nicole said.

Nicole in action in Donnington last week

"The car is lovely to drive and is balanced really well. I have a number of options to race in the UK this year, but that one is near the top of the list.

“It's back to the Clio this weekend though and I'm hoping to hit the ground running, with the car now fully sorted. Fingers crossed, I'll be bringing home some silverware", Nicole said.

Nicole and her team are currently finalising her 2023 plans, details of which will be announced soon.