Lismore's Jen Houlihan is the first person from the West Waterford Autograss club to win a national title. She finished first in the Ladies Class 8 final at the National Autograss Finals in Hereford.
"It's so much pride, so much joy," she told WLR's On The Ball show. "It was so big for our club, West Waterford Autograss, because it's the first time anyone has won a Nationals. The club is just ecstatic about the whole thing. It's extremely competitive. There was 40 entries. You have three heats. Basically, you need to be getting firsts, seconds and thirds in your heats to get to the final. Eight people compete in the final."
She enjoys the adrenaline rush of the big races. "The feeling is something else. You're just thinking about getting to the first corner. If you're in front all you think about is not spinning out and keeping going."
Autograss has been part of her life from an early age. "My whole family was involved. When I was 12, I was able to start racing. My parents got me into the sport and then my brothers got me into it big time! My cousins are very involved as well. There's one very important person that I must mention and that's my partner Adam Kavanagh. He's from Melleray Autos. He's my biggest helper and my biggest sponsor. Only for him, I wouldn't be competing at such a high level. My two brothers as well. Jack Houlihan Carpentry and Construction and P&R Transport. They have helped me out big time this year."
Jen is competing in the final round of the British Autograss Series this weekend. She currently lies in fifth place.
West Waterford Autograss will host the Irish Fastest Person on Grass event on September 24/25 in Ballysaggart.
Listen back to the full interview with Jen Houlihan from WLR's On The Ball show.
