After a very successful 2008 season Barry-John was tipped to move up to the Punto 1400 Championship but the 2008 Uno runner up decided to make the jump straight to the Dunlop Abarth championship the top Saloon car championship in the country. Barry-John signed for BT Racing a top team from Clane that had been running Punto 1400’s, Uno’s and rallycross cars for years and they were keen to move to the Abarth championship. Brendan Travers team owner who is well renowned for car set up was delighted to get Barry-John onboard, the deal was put together by Mondello legend Leo Nulty. Barry-John showed great pace but reliability was a problem. They had a number of engine issues throughout the season causing too many non finishes. With over 20 cars on the grid it’s a very tough championship as it is, never mind when you are having engine troubles. A fantastic race in Anglesea in Wales where Barry-John finished 5th and matched the pace of the leaders was the season highlight.

Barry-John was sponsored by Tom Kane Recovery, JH Autobody, Thrifty Car Rental, McHenry Car Sales and Functional Training Ireland.