Dramatic Final Race Saw Kevin McGrath Take the 2025 Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship

Kevin McGrath with his trophy after taking the 2025 Championship

The final two races of the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship took place at a very wet Mondello Park on Sunday. The championship has been a closely fought affair all year between two Kildare men, Jonathan Taylor and Kevin McGrath. Taylor out to win the series for the second time and McGrath out to take his first title. Former champion Michael Cullen was out again at this event and guest drive from Paddy Shovlin would bring add competition to the regular championship drivers. The rain was very heavy for qualifying and staying on track would be hard work let alone setting a quick time. It was Michael Cullen who did the best job by taking pole position by 1.1 seconds from Jonathan Taylor. 

Paddy Shovlin leads Jonathan Taylor on his way to winning race one.

With only 5 points between Taylor and McGrath going into this weekend it was down to four after qualifying as Taylor got the point for pole position as Cullen wasn't registered for points. As the lights went out it was Cullen who got he best start and lead the field into turn one. It was neck and neck through turn two with Taylor taking the lead with a great move on the outside. Cullen fought back on the inside of turn three but Taylor held him off but as they entered turn four a late braking move saw Cullen lock the brakes on the wet and greasy track. The result was both men taking to the gravel but luckily kept momentum up and were able to drive out of it but both dropping down the field  .

With grip levels so low the rear wheel drive Strykers were extra tail happy as the drivers put the power down exiting each turn. Paddy Shovlin now found himself in the lead ahead of McGrath, Niall McFadden and Dave Reynolds. the latter two in their own battle for third in the championship. Taylor was moving up passing Dominic Ryan on the run to turn one but came together with Roger Welaratne in turn one resulting in the unfortunate Ryan getting caught up in it and spinning. 

Taylor was pressing ahead passing both Reynolds and McFadden on the run out to turn three and into third. He had to as rival McGrath was ahead and challenging for the lead. Cullen too was on the move passing the same men on the outside of turn four. Taylor wasted no time in getting by McGrath. A brilliant move round the outside of the esses saw him move into second. By turn three he was in the lead but Cullen was now into third. It was really hotting up, but then the safety car was deployed to remove Darragh Evans car from the gravel at the final corner. 

Dave Reynolds leads Niall McFadden during race one

On the restart Taylor pulled out a slight gap but Cullen was into second at turn one passing Shovlin on the inside. So it was back to the same front two that we had on lap one, It was a cracking race with all balancing grip levels and points at each corner. The track was drying out though as the race went on. The front two began to pull away from Shovlin in third with McGrath sitting in a comfortable fourth. Cullen tried to out-brake Taylor on the outside of turn one but Taylor wasn't having it and held firm. He tried the inside line at turn three to no avail and again on the outside through the esses but couldn't get by. It was fantastic stuff and one of the best races all year. Then as it looked like Taylor had the final corner covered Cullen held his line on the outside and on the run down the start/finish straight he got by. A brilliant move which he held round turn one.

Kevin McGrath takes to the gravel at turn one during race one.

Taylor tried moves on the outside of turns three and four but couldn't get by and Cullen managed to stay ahead. Behind McGrath out-braked himself and very nearly took out Shovlin but ended up in the gravel but managed to keep going and get back on track but now dropped to sixth and killing his chances of taking the title in this race. As they started the final lap Cullen was now clear of Taylor and in command. McGrath got passed Reynolds into turn two and finished fifth making it all level with Taylor going into the final race of the year. Cullen took the chequered flag to take the win with Taylor second and Shovlin third. A brilliant race that really entertained the crowd.

Jonathan Taylor, left, passes Michael Cullen during race one

Michael Cullen leads Jonathan Taylor on his way to winning race one

For race two of the day the weather had cleared up and the track was bone dry. It was Reynolds who was on pole from McGrath. Taylor and Cullen would be starting from fith and sixth so it would be all eyes on them coming through the field after the lights went out. It was simple in terms of the championship whoever finished ahead of the other would take the 2025 title. McGrath got the best start and lead the field into turn one but Taylor was already flying and came from fifth on the grid to second by turn one. He got a great run out towards turn three and tried a move round the outside for the lead. It was so close to coming off but he collided with McGrath and both spun a full 360 degrees. Amazingly both kept going, although dropping several places. Taylor came off better though and had plenty between him and McGrath. As he battled with Shovlin and Cullen exiting the final corner he slightly got sideways and caught Shovlin who was on his inside and ended up in the pit wall. An unfortunate accident but one that brought out the red flags. As the time ran on the medics and rescue teams attended Shovlin and did their job excellently. It was a heavy impact but the Stryker cars are strong and the safety cage did its job. 

Paddy Shovlin leads Kevin McGrath during race one

When the race restarted the light had faded but there was enough to run it and let the championship battle recommence. This time Reynolds got the better start and lead the field to turn one. Cullen got a good start too and was up to third with Taylor behind. Cullen got a better exit out of turn three and made his move down the inside at turn four and got into second. Taylor followed and now McGrath found himself in fourth.  Reynolds was holding on but only just and a better exit like the previous lap saw Cullen get passed on the run into turn four. Again Taylor followed leaving McGrath having to find a way past Reynolds somewhere else and soon as he couldn't let his rival get away. He didn't have to worry as by turn one Taylor tried to pass Cullen on the outside but Cullen held a tight inside line and in doing so bounced over the kerb which put him wide colliding with Taylor. Taylor then ended up  cutting back across the track and on to the grass and dropped down to sixth. The front three   began to pull away but Taylor kept trying and after a couple of laps was up to fourth closing in on McGrath. Then a mistake at turn three saw him loose the ground he made up but his attack and championship chase were over. Cullen once again pulled clear by the race end from Reynolds and McGrath to make it a double victory.

 

Michael Cullen leads Jonathan Taylor, Kevin McGrath and Dave Reynolds

Dave Reynolds leads Michael Cullen, Jonathan Taylor, and Kevin McGrath 

Darragh Evans 

Dave Reynolds leads Kevin McGrath

McGrath did what he had to do and brought it home to take the series title for the first time. It was a well deserved win as he drove well all year and put it up to the main and more experienced men all year. 

Speaking afterwards the delighted Naas man spoke of the race and his season.

 " I'm absolutely delighted, the heavens opened this morning and the wet doesn't suit me and Johnny goes well in the wet and put in a tremendous battle and left us going into the last race level on points and was very lucky to come away on top. I thought it was all over in the first race at one stage as I locked up the brakes going into turn one and went into the gravel but thankfully got back going. It was a great year and I had great battles with Johnny and all the other lads all year. It's a great class and I will be back to defend the title next year."

Michael Cullen on his way to making it a double

Michael Cullen leads Dave Reynolds

Kevin McGrath on his way to the 2025 title

Jonathan Taylor in action during race two.

2025 Selco.ie Formula Vee Champion - Gavin Buckley

Gavin with his trusty Sheane car after clinching his second title

Like buses, you wait ages for one and two come at once. This was somewhat the case for Gavin Buckley who successfully defended his Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship this year. He kicked off the season in style with two wins at Mondello Park. His strong pace in both races and qualifying suggested the rest would need to step up at the next round in Kirkistown. It wasn't to be though as a mechanical problem while lying in third dropped him down the field in the closing stages and another large points haul was missed. That said his luck was in somewhat though as he wouldn't have finished if the race was another lap longer. 

Next up was the only trip to the other county Down track, Bishopscourt Racing circuit. Only used once during the season it is a favourite of all drivers and the weather was superb to make it even better. Another front row start and an early lead in the opening laps saw him back in form as he was in Mondello but a mistake at the final chicane saw him spin off and drop down the field. More points lost but a third in race two after a brilliant battle with Colm Blackburn and Conor Melia gave him a good bag of points. Although it was a case of leaving two wins behind. 

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Colm Blackburn, Leastone, Mondello Park, Co. Kildare.

The second trip to Mondello brought the worst result of the year while again battling up front a spin into the barriers resulted in a DNF. His main rival Conor Melia while consistent still hadn't won yet which helped Buckley when he dropped points he still held the championship lead. He needed to comeback strong at the next couple of rounds to get hold of the championship properly. He did with two dominant wins at Mondello and Kirkistown. Next up was the penultimate round of the series including the Leinster trophy race. 

With the return of Ronan Doherty, Kevin O'Hara and Anthony Cross there were a few more to battle with but at this stage he was out to get enough points to wrap it up and not bring it to the final round as the year before. He didn't have the same pace as the previous rounds but did enough to secure a well deserved second title. For the final round in Kirkistown after being late to assembly he was put to the back for the race and a first corner coming together saw any chance of a win gone but a good comeback in difficult conditions saw he finish in fifth. It was his rival all year Melia who took his first win but it showed the up and down results Buckley had all year left the final points gap in the end at six points. It was close but he won more races and should have won more but racing is never as straight forward as it looks like it should be at times. 

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Colm Blackburn, Leastone, Bishopscourt, Racing Circuit, Co. Down

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, Bishopscourt, Racing Circuit, Co. Down.

It's testament to the hard work done be Adam McCauley who had the car on song all year with only one mechanical problem all year and to have the car rebuilt so well after the crash in Mondello.

Speaking after the Leinster Trophy meeting Buckley reflected on his season and taking retaining his championship.

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Fergal Begley, Sheane, Kirkistown, Racing Circuit, Co. Down.

" Yeah it's been a very up and down year, started off great with two wins followed by four not difficult races but ones that certainly didn't go to plan, then followed by to good ones. That brought us to here this weekend. His laughs give away his review of it and his performance " This one also didn't go to plan with a bad qualifying and didn't have a good race. Fair play to Conor though he drove well all year and if things had gone a bit different we could have well be heading to Kirkistown to decide the title. It has been a funny season though we lost points in race three with an electrical problem, then Bisophscourt was a bad day at the office both races I made mistakes completely my fault, then Mondello after it I don't know what happened if I hit oil or what but the car just shot off into the barriers. We looked at the videos but can't figure out what happened so that was a DNF. Conor really pushed me all year and I also benefited that Colm had car problems and didn't finish the season and Jack didn't do a full one either. I am delighted to win it though I really am it's great and thanks to Adam and the lads for the help and having the car running well all year."

Adam McAuley and Gavin Buckley, Mondello Park, Naas, Co. Kildare.

O'Donovan and Tohill Share The Spoils In Season Opener - IRX Championship 2025/ 2026

The opening two rounds of the PartsforCars.ie Irish Rallycross Championship took place at Mondello Park. It was also a counting round for the Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship which saw a welcome return of the top UK drivers who love coming across and battling it out with their Irish counterparts. 

The premier class in rallycross are the Supercars and a welcome return to Mondello for local man Ian Barrett in his VW Polo who was out to upset the favourites in Derek Tohill, John McCluskey, Ollie O'Donovan and Julian Godfrey. Other local men Gary Donoghue, William Carey and the Morris brothers Darragh and Michael would also be in the mix.

The Modified class saw a great entry with six county Antrim drivers alone travelling down. Indeed the overall entry saw an increase in northern drivers which was great to see and which bodes well for the futre of rallycross. Niall Carey would be making his debut in the class and would be one to watch in his BMW Compact. Peter McGarry had to make a switch to a Ford Fiesta as his VW Polo is still not ready from a rebuild. Tommy Graham another local man was back out in his old Ford Fiesta and ex Dermot Carneige car but this time it has been converted to rear wheel drive. The Coyne brothers would also be ones to watch out for and and all eyes would be watching Michael in his new Citroen DS3. That said Bovill brothers, Derek Lenehan in his Toyota MR2 and Ricky McAlonan in his nova would also be ones to tach out for. The increasingly popular IRX Junior class saw a health entry of youngsters take to the grids in a mixture of Mini's and fiestas. Add the IRX Clubman, Rallycar, Autocross, Super Buggies, BRX Super Retro classes it would be a busy and action packed weekend. 

The weather also played its part as the tail end of storm Amy lingered on Saturday morning leaving conditions very wet and the track more slippy than usual. It dried out as the day went on but some showers came down which left tyre choice difficult. The track layout on the Saturday saw the drivers skip the usual second corner on the rallycross circuit and use the long run down to the hairpin on the normal race circuit. It would provide another overtaking place and give the drivers a chance to stretch their cars legs. The sight of the Supercars making their way down the straight really showed how quick these top level rallycross machines really are.

In the supercars the heats saw wins for William Carey, Derek Tohill and Ollie O'Donovan overall on times. The early heats saw the heaviest rainfall leaving the drivers fighting to keep their powerful machines on track as they tried to find grip. As the day wore on the weather improved and the track dried but the odd shower of rain kept making setup and tyre choice difficult. As semi final one got under way in was Derk Tohill on pole from Ian Barrett with John McCluskey and Darragh Morris behind. Sadly WIlliam Carey didnt make it out due to mechanical problems. As the lights went out it was Barrett who got the better start but as he moved across Tohil was right alongside and both men touched, hitting the armco barrier in the process. Tohill had to back out or it could have been a bigger incident. They still were ahead of the pack though and raced to turn three. Barrett held him off but a nice move into rallycross 3 saw Tohill take the lead and immediately pull away. McCluskey took the joker lap on the first lap which payed off as he was up to second on the final lap when Barrett took his. Tohill was too far ahead though and took the win.

In the second semi final Ollie O'Donovan was on pole from Garry Donoghue and Julian Godfrey with Michael Morris behind, sadly Derek Jobb once again had mechanical problems with his Ford Escort and was a non starter. O'Donovan got a bad start and it was Godfrey who lead into turn one from Donoghue with O'Donovan in third with all the work to do. As they made their way to turn two both he and Godfrey collided which at first didnt look that much but a rear link arm broke on O'Donovan's car leaving the rear wheel hanging on only just. He did well to avoid hitting anyone else but his race was run and would leav him at the back for the final. The race was restarted after O'Donovan's car was remved from the track. The re run saw a great battle with Donoghue being pushed all the way to the end to take a great win. 

For the final it was Tohill on pole from Donoghue and Godfrey, with O'Donovan at the back with all the work to do. It would not be easy but if he wanted a chance of a win he would have to get past McCluskey and Barrett early on to give himself a chance with the front three. He got ahead of the Morris brother off the line and made a much better exit out of turn one and got up the inside of Godfrey and Barrett on the run to turn two. Godfrey then ran wide and into the gravel at turn two but got back on just ahead of Darragh Morris but as he came back across before turn thee he hit the front of Morris and spun ending his chances on a decent result. 

Up front Tohill lead but only just from Donoghue and McCluskey and O'Donovan. The front four were now right together giving the crowd lots of entertainment. O'Donovan made his next move into turn one and got ahead of McCluskey. He was on a charge and with Tohill not breaking away as he did in the semi final a win was still on. A mistake into the final corner saw O'Donoghue run wide letting O'Donovan get on his inside and with better drive again made another spot into turn one and into second. The second half of the lap saw him close right up to Tohill with both still having to do their joker lap. O'Donovan went first and did it very well neat and tidy not loosing anytime. Tohill needed to put in a quick first half a lap to keep his lead after he did his joker. It was close and as he exited the second chicane O'Donovan was halfway through rallycross two. He had done enough and pipped Tohill going into rallycross three. A brilliant drive and a tight defence line into the final corner sealed the win with Tohill unable to make it a drag to the line. A very entertaining final and also a clean and fair battle too. From last to first is not an easy thing to do at Mondello. As O'Donovan isn't doing the Irish Championship Tohill opened up his new campaign with maximum points and spoke afterwards " Yeah a solid result for round one, didn't, get the win today but Ollie drove well. Your have to get though a lot of races to get to a final in Irish Rallycross but I'm Delighted to start off the new campaign with a win."

In the modified class it was battles between the both the Coyne's and Bovill's with Peter McGarry in there also. Willie Coyne, Stanley Bovill and Peter McGarry all came out on top in the heats which were all close run races with all cars very evenly matched. The conditions made it twice as hard as they have only two wheel drive unlike the 4wd Supercars. In the semi-finals Willie Coyne had a comfortable win over Niall Carey but the second semi final was a closer run thing between the two Bovill's both with just over a second separating them in the end. For the final it was Willie Coyne on pole from Stanley and Samuel Bovill. Niall Carey qualified a great fourth for his first modified final with Michael Coyne beside him. As the lights went out Samuel Bovill got a lightning start and shot into the lead from the outside of the front row. Stanley Bovill got a great start two to slot into second leaving pole man Coyne back in third. A mistake at turn two by Bovill saw Coyne take advantage and move into second. It was the like the opening heat all over again the little Opel Corsa chasing the fiesta with the inside rear wheel on both cars lifting in the corners. 

The fiesta had the power advantage though as  a couple of times coming out of turn one Bovill went very sideways but had the legs on the straight to hold the lead. Coyne took his joker at the halfway mark timing it to perfection to stay ahead of Carey. Noe he had to put in quick laps to get an advantage when both the Bovill's did theirs. He didn't need the escort ahead to hold him up if he was to take the lead. It didn't matter though as Samuel Bovill had also put in quick enough times to keep his advantage as he exited the joker on the final lap and held the lead to the flag. It was a close finish but very deserving to the Antrim man. A happy 'Maun' as they say in his part of the world spoke after the race " Very pleased with the day, I got a great start in the final and had to go really deep into the corners as I knew Willie was behind me. At he started of the day I forgot the car was setup for the dry from Pembrey but everything went well in the end and hopefully it will again tomorrow."

In the Juniors Logan Hoey picked up where he left off last season winning two of the three heats and his semi final. Cody Mahon however kept him honest winning heat two and his semi final. So it was really going to be between these two for the final. As the lights went out both got a similar start but Hoey had the inside line and squeezed Mahon out wide on to the loose which dropped him to third allowing David McAdams into second. These junior cars are very evenly matched which leads to close racing and this race was delivering this. Hoey's circuit racing experience came into effect at turn three making better exits each time allowing him to open a gap to McAdams and Loonam. Ailish Sexton was also going well and her increase in speed since last season was noticeable hold third by the halfway mark. She still the joker to do but a strong fifth was on the cards but a mistake exiting the joker cost her time and dropped to sixth. Up front Hoey was well clear and in command. He took his joker with ease and took the win carrying on his form from last year. Speaking after the race Hoey was happy at how his day went " It was a good day, I wanted to get a good start to the season and give myself some breathing room come the end of the year. I hope to do the same tomorrow and win again but anything can happen".

In the Buggies Jack Newman and Ben Walsh battled all day with Newman coming out on top with Paul Brogan in third. Stephen Lipsett took the win from Ken McGrath and Ian Lawlor in the rallycar class. One of the best races of the day came from the visiting SuperRetro class from the UK. Charles French in his beautiful Forst Escort and Alan Crokett in his equally beautiful Opel Kadett swapped places all day and again in the final. It brought back memories of rallycross meetings of old to those old enough to remember these cars being the ultimate machines to have. French took the win by just under a second.

For Sunday the weather was much better although cloudy no rain fell and the tyre choice was made easier. Sadly Gary Donoghue was missing in the supercar class as he his father Joe a great motorsport man sadly died earlier in the week and he decided to sit out the Sunday races. In his place though Niall Murray former circuit racing champion got behind the wheel of Donoghues car. A heavy impact in the third heat between McCluskey and O'Donovan brought out the red flags. Once restarted it was O'Donovan who came home first to add to his earlier heat win. Tohill was avoiding the drama as much as he could but after a win in heat one he got hit from behind by Ian Barrett and went into the gravel exiting turn two. Come the final it was important Tohill won it for his British championship bid. 

It was O'Donovan who lined up on pole position from William Carey who had a brilliant run all day, with Tohill on the outside of the front row Niall Murray and Ian Barrett were behind on row two with McCluskey, Julian Godfrey and Darragh Morris on row three. Tohill got the best start from the outside and lead into turn one from William Carey who made an excellent startto get ahead of O'Donovan in third. Behind them though it was carnage as Niall Murray hit the back of Ian Barrett which spun him into the unfortunate Julian Godfrey who had nowhere to go. The polo was badly damaged and Barrett's race was run there and then. Murray's car wasn't in great shape either but he managed to get going and get back into the race. Carey ran wide at turn two letting O'Donovan by and now it was going to be a battle between him and Tohill. Tohill was flying though kept putting in fast laps and it showed as try as he might O'Donovan was using all the road and more in his efforts to stay with him. He would close right up to him from turn two across the loose up to the final corner but loose the gained ground down the straight. On the penultimate lap Tohill took the joker first and would need to be pin perfect to keep his lead once O'Donovan took his joker lap. He did and he retained his lead and held it to the line to take the win and maximum points in British championship to bring it to the final round. William Carey came home in third with Niall Murray in fourth. 

Speaking after the race Tohill was very pleased with his day "I knew I had to win that race so I threw the kitchen sink and everything else at it. It was really important for the championship and also for the Irish too making it a double is a great way to start the season".

In the Modified class it was Peter McGarry who took the honors in heat one from Samuel Bovill who carried on Saturday's good form to take second ahead of Willie Coyne. Once again in heat two it was McGarry ahead of Coyne but Bovill finished down in eight but in heat three in was a repeat of heat one as the top three finished in the same order. That said it was closely fought all the way in the heats between the top three. Local Man Tommy could not be counted out either with a fourth and a third in two of the heats. For the semi final one it was Peter McGarry who won from Samuel Bovill and Pete Dornan. In semi final two it was Willie Coyne from Ricky Alonan and Niall Carey. So for the much anticipated final it was McGarry on pole from Coyne and Bovill. McGarry got the best start and lead into turn one from Bovill and Coyne. the front two drifting round turn on in unison. Coyne tried to go down the inside at turn two but Bovill blocked him straight away. Coyne who never gives up tried to cling on to the back of Bovill who was driving very well but could not get close enough for a move. This let McGarry open a slight gap in front. Coyne took the joker first but got stuck behind Carey on the exit for a couple of corners and dropped time. Which let Bovill stay in second when he took his joker. McGarry reeled of the final laps and too the flag in comfort. Not as close a race as Saturday's but one that made up the disappointment that McGarry had in the semi final after breaking a wishbone. 

Speaking after the race McGarry was delighted to get the win " We had good pace all weekend really, I just got caught out in a newly formed pothole out the back and broke a wishbone. From this morning on I knew we had a good chance. The car is brilliant and handles so well and does what you want it to do ans we were setting some really good times. There is serious pace in modified and a great mix of cars, front wheel drive rear, wheel drive and great bunch a drivers too. I'm hoping to have the polo out the next day as we spent the time since the end of last season rebuilding it and trying a couple of different things while we can. "

In the juniors true to his word Logan Hoey was again the man to catch as he won all the heats and his semi final with ease. Cody Mahon was the only one to stay within some distance of Hoey all weekend but its early days yet in the championship and anything could happen. For the final it was Hoey on pole from Mahon and Ailish Sexton. Once again it was Hoey and Mahon got fairly similar starts but Hoey had the inside line and lead into turn one but drove Mahon wide and onto the loose. This let Hugo Loonam up the inside into second. Sexton dropped back at turn two but made up places as the race went on and cam ehome a solid fifth place in the end. Try as he might Loonam could not catch Hoey who once again put in the times and pulled a gap which was enough to hold to the end. Mahon got back up to third but could not catch Loonam. It was the perfect week end for Hoey who did the double and started off his title defence in style. 

In the Clubman modified class Abbie McGuinness was in a league of her own all weekend and did the clean sweep winning her heats, semi finals and finals. Although she was dominant all weekend, Dessie Martin and Leah McManus were not too far away either and will get quicker in the coming rounds. In the IRX Super Buggies it was Ben Walsh who too the honors from Kevin Sharkey and Paul Brogan. In the Super Retro class Alan Crokett and Charles French had another brilliant battle with Crockett taking the win on the way to the line by.2 of a second!

So after a long wait the first round of the 2025/2026 IRX Rallycross Championship was over. Some great racing throughout all classes all weekend in various weather conditions was put on by own home talent and overseas visitors. Thanks to all the marshalls and volunteers who helped run the meeting and to our visitors from across the water for coming. 

The next round of the championship takes place on November the 29th and 30th of November.