Dunlop Mondello Masters Season Finale

Ray Casey, with his Kawasaki became 2019 Supersport Champion. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For the last round of the Dunlop Mondello Masters both the Supersport and Superbike Championships came down to the final round and the final day. Thankfully the heavy overnight rain did not affect the track and conditions albeit cool were good for racing. In Superbikes Richie Ryan and Luke  Johnston were only separated by eleven points with three races left in the final weekend. Then a mistake by Johnston on the last lap of Saturday's race where he not only went down himself he also took Ryan with him. So going into the final two race on Sunday the points gap remained the same.

In Supersport Ray Casey had a twenty one point lead going into Sundays races over Andrew Murphy. So all to play for still but Casey only had to finish in the top three to bag the championship.

Ray Casey, Kawasaki ZX6R, in action during Supersport race two on his way to winning the 2019 Supersport Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg

In Sunday's first race Mike Browne on his Kawasaki got the best start and lead into turn one with Casey behind him followed by Murphy. Casey and Browne battled it out for the opening laps but Browne had a much stronger pace and began to open a gap over Casey who slipped back to Murphy and began to battle with him. Murphy got by on lap four and held his rival at bay until two laps from home when Casey got back past. Browne comfortably took the win by 7.809 seconds from Casey and Murphy.

Ray Casey, Kawasaki ZX6R, in action during Supersport race two on his way to winning the 2019 Supersport Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg

It was enough to give Casey the title as even if he does not score in the final race and Murphy wins, Casey has more wins in hand. In the Supersport Cup, Darryl Sharkey made it a championship double for 2019 as he wrapped up the title with a win and also in the pre-injection class.

Darryl Sharkey, winner of the 2019 Mondello Masters Supersport Cup. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Andrew Murphy, Yamaha R6, leads Ray Casey, Kawasaki ZX6R, in action during Supersport race two. Photo: Barry Cregg

Ray Casey, Kawasaki ZX6R, leads Andrew Murphy, Yamaha R6, in action during Supersport race two on his way to winning the 2019 Supersport Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg

Mike Browne, Kawasaki ZX6R, on his way to winning Supersport Race two during the Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Ray Casey, Kawasaki ZX6R, in action during Supersport race two on his way to winning the 2019 Supersport Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg

Mike Browne, Kawasaki ZX6R, on his way to winning Supersport Race two during the Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For the first Superbike race of the day all eyes were on the top two in the championship. Both new they had to get ahead of the field at the start and not get caught up in traffic and let the other get away. That is what happened as Richie Ryan and Luke Johnston both got away cleanly together.

Richie Ryan, Yamaha R1, leads the field into turn two during Superbike race two at the Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Ryan powered his Yamaha R1 into the lead with Johnston right behind on his BMWS1000RR. Nothing could separate them as they came back in from the country and Johnston had a go into the final corner. It looked like it was going to be a cracker but sadly going into turn one on the second lap Johnston lost the front of his BMW S1000RR and ended his hopes of taking the race and title.

Richie Ryan, Yamaha R1, on his way to winning Superbike race two and the 2019 championship at the Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

This left Ryan out on his own and barring mechanical trouble he was home and dry to take the title. He reeled off the laps and by the chequered flag he won by 2.5 seconds from Thomas O'Grady. Eunan McGlinchey on a break from his BSB campaign came home in third. In the Superbike Cup race it was business as usual for Joe Grant who comfortably won by 5.7 seconds from Ross Irwin to take the title for 2019.

Richie Ryan, Yamaha R1, on his way to winning Superbike race two and the 2019 championship at the Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Richie Ryan, Yamaha R1, on his way to winning Superbike race two and the 2019 championship at the Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Richie Ryan, Yamaha R1, after winning Superbike race two and the 2019 championship at the Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Both Ryan and Grant were deserving champions as the were the head of their classes all year.

Joe Grant, Kawasaki ZXR1000RR in action on his way to winning Superbike Cup race two and the 2019 championship at the Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Joe Grant, after winning Superbike Cup race two and the 2019 championship at the Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For the final Supersport race of the year it was again Mike Browne on his Kawasaki ZX6R who got the best start and lead the field out of turn one. With the championship secure Casey was free to push harder in this race and he did just that not letting Browne get away as he did in the first race earlier in the day. Although being put under pressure, Browne held firm until the fifth lap when he lost the front as he entered turn one.

Darryl Sharkey, Kawasaki ZX6R in action during winning Supersport race two and the 2019 championship at the Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

He may have braked a bit to hard or got caught out on the cement dust covering oil put down in the race before but either way his race was run. A shame as he had been going so well. This let casey to cruise round and he took the win by a massive 13.668 seconds. The battle for third place was much closer between Darryl Sharkey and Oisin Maher as the two swapped positions more than once over the course of the race. In the end it was Sharkey who came out on top by 0.81 seconds.

Richie Ryan, Yamaha R1, on his way to winning Superbike race three and the 2019 championship at the Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For the final Superbike race of the year and as the norm of reverse grids for the third race of the weekend it was Emmett O'Grady who lead the field out of turn one on his Honda Fireblade from Jamie O'Keeffe behind on his Kawasaki. Ryan was carving his way through the field though and by lap three he was in his familiar number one spot. 

Emmett O'Grady, Honda Fireblade, leads Richie Ryan, Yamaha R1, during Superbike race three at the Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Emmett O'Grady, grabbed his first podium of the year during the final race of the year. Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

He quickly pulled clear of the chasing pack that battled for the last two podium spots. Thomas O'Grady was also making his way through the pack and with two laps to go got into second place ahead of O'Keeffe. Then on the final corner of the final lap O'Keeffe crashed out leaving Emmett O'Grady through to take his first podium of the year. Ryan though won by 9 seconds in the end and proved yet again that he is head and shoulders above the rest of the field.

Richie Ryan, Yamaha R1, on his way to winning Superbike race three and the 2019 championship at the Dunlop Mondello Masters. Photo: Barry Cregg.

2019 Dunlop Mondello Masters Champions from left, Joe Grant, Superbike Cup, Richie Ryan, Superbike, Ray Casey, Supersport and Darryl Sharkey, Supersport Cup. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Cross wins again at the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship Finale and Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy Races

Anthony Cross with the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy after winning in Kirkistown today. 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland car races, Kirkistown. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With the autumn days getting into their stride and the long evenings now a distant memory, it also meant that the 2019 Selco.ie Formula Vee championship was drawing to a close. Not before one last outing though, and another trip up north to the popular Kirkistown racing circuit in county Down.

While the championships were all decided at the previous round at Mondello Park two weeks ago, it didn't mean that this last round would be of little significance. This would be the last chance for some to grab their first win of the year or even their first ever win! Anthony Cross who successfully retained his title this season, would be out to finish the year with another victory and the rest would be out to stop him doing just that! Not only was it the final championship meeting, but also a separate race for the all important Emerson Fittipaldi trophy, won last year by Dan Polley.

Philip Sheane, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, and Jack Byrne, Sheane, on the opening lap of Formula Vee race one. 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland car races, Kirkistown. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

A grid of fifthteen cars lined up on the grid headed by Philip Sheane who impressed at this track in August. He was the man who dominated qualifying and took his maiden pole position by 0.787of a second from Anthony Cross. Joining the grid for the first time this year was UK Formula Vee champion Ben Miloudi. When the lights went out it was Cross who lead the field towards turn one, the infamous Debtors Dip. Cross held his lead as they exited turn two, followed by Philip Sheane, David O'Loughlin, Dan Polley, and Jack Byrne. His lead was short lived as by the second lap it was Sheane who now lead. Building on from his qualifying, Sheane was showing he wasn't going to let Cross have it all his own way. Cross retook the lead on lap five dropping Sheane back towards Dan Polley who by now was up to third.

Philip Sheane, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, and Jack Byrne, Sheane, during Formula Vee race one. 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland car races, Kirkistown. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The race was shaping up to be the one of the closest all year as the lead battle grew into a five car train. Once again Sheane on lap seven took the lead from Cross determined to grab his maiden win. The front began to slightly gap Polley and Byrne in third and fourth, Jimmy Furlong was also putting the pressure on in fifth. It looked like anybody's race and a small mistake could see you drop back down the order in a split second.

Philip Sheane, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, during Formula Vee race one. 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland car races, Kirkistown. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Philip Sheane, Sheane, and Dan Polley, Sheane, during Formula Vee race one. 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland car races, Kirkistown. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

Then with only a couple of laps to go Cross made his move on Sheane to retake the lead which he held onto to the chequered flag but by only 0.2 of a second. Polley came home third but by only 0.001 of a second from Byrne. Again it was this years champion who took the win but he was made work hard for it and it shows that next year's championship looks set to be a closely fought one.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Philip Sheane, Sheane, and Dan Polley, Sheane, on his way to winning Formula Vee race one. 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland car races, Kirkistown. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

Speaking afterwards Cross said " That was a tough race, Phil was flying! I looked in my mirrors coming out of the chicane and saw that he got a slide which gave me that edge on the back straight on the final lap and I knew I had it then. I had a great year but I also had a bit of luck too".

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Philip Sheane, Sheane, and Dan Polley, Sheane, on his way to winning Formula Vee race one. 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland car races, Kirkistown. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Philip Sheane, Sheane, on his way to winning Formula Vee race one. 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland car races, Kirkistown. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

Now that the championship was over, it was time for the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy race. Cross was out to take his second win of the meeting boosted in confidence after winning the season finale race earlier in the day. The Fittipaldi Trophy is a trophy all formula vee drivers want their name on. All that has gone on during the season prior to it, be it good or bad goes out the window. The old saying of 'Saving the best for last' certainly couldn't have been more apt for the race to bring the curtain down on the 2019 season. At one point there were six cars battling for the lead with nothing bar a cigarette paper between each of them.

 Philip Sheane, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, and Anthony Cross, Sheane, during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy race. 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland car races, Kirkistown. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

It began with Philip Sheane taking the lead from Anthony Cross around the outside going through 'Debtors Dip' followed by David O'Loughlin who was having his best showing of the year in second place with Jack Byrne in third and Cross forced back to fourth place. Going into the chicane on lap two Byrne forced his LOH Motorsport car up the inside of Sheane to briefly lead, but with Sheane having the line for the second part he couldn't make his move stick.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy race. 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland car races, Kirkistown. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

In doing so Sheane got out of shape and ended up having a bad run on the exit, giving the rest behind, lead by Cross a better run down the back straight. By turn one on lap four cross was now in the lead taking Sheane on the inside. Setting out to build a lead, proved unsuccessful as he simply could not shake off the pack behind, now lead by Byrne who was determined get by as soon as possible. He did so within a couple of laps and it looked like the front two would have the race to themselves, especially after Sheane got his car very out of shape on the exit of the chicane with only a handful of laps to go.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Philip Sheane, Sheane, and Jack Byrne, Sheane, on his way to winning the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy race. 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland car races, Kirkistown. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

On lap eleven Cross got back in front and slowed the pace to bring the pack behind back into play again in efforts to prevent Byrne getting passed. It worked but just, as Sheanes last corner efforts nearly came off but Cross held it to the line to win by 0.021 of a second with Byrne back in third and Jimmy Furlong in fourth. The top four all crossed the finish line within the same second. Furlong grabbed the fastest lap in another strong performance. A second win for Anthony Cross made it a championship and Fittipaldi trophy double and deservedly so. As he was the man to beat all year and won at times by digging deep when other really should have won.

2019 Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy winner Anthony Cross. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Two great races to end what has been a season full of action packed races, where we saw the champion retain his title, new contenders emerge strongly, old stalwarts show the young cubs that they can still mix it and win against the best of them and above all great sportsmanship between all competitors off the track where help was always on hand when somebody needed it. Hopefully more people come out next year and those who were out come back again and make the www.selco.ie Formula Vee Championship bigger and even better in 2020!

2019 Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy winner Anthony Cross. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Race Results:

Round 11

'A' Championship

1st Anthony Cross
2nd Philip Sheane
3rd Dan Polley

'B' Championship

1st Jack Byrne
2nd David O'Loughlin
3rd Nick Mullhall

'Star of Tomorrow' Championship

1st Philip Sheane
2nd Justin Gray
3rd Sean McCallion


Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy Race

1st Anthony Cross
2nd Philip Sheane
3rd Jack Byrne
4th Jimmy Furlong
5th David O'Loughlin
6th Ben Miloudi
7th Nick Mullhall
8th Justin Gray
9th Ger Byrne
10th Sean McCallion

Ciaran Denvir 2019 www.techit.ie ITCC Champion

2019 ITCC Champion Ciaran Denvir with his self built Honda Civic at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg

History was made at the weekend as a rookie Ciaran Denvir took the 2019 ITCC Championship and not only that he also was the first man from the North of Ireland to take a race win in the series as well. 2019 has been a fantastic year for who hails from Downpatrick in county Down. From the first race meeting in Kirkistown back in March he has been on the podium in all races and winning five. With that kind of consistency it would have been a tall order for anyone else to take the title away from him. Stephen Potter ran him close in a pretty much identical car, but as it has turned out the mechanical problems in round four cost him dearly.

Working as a mechanic Ciaran like all clubman racers does his racing on a shoestring budget, but after his success in the early part of the season he managed to pick up sponsorship from Lonestar Pizza who supplied him with a couple of sets of tyres. He is only in his first full season of racing after never fully committing to a championship before.

" I only ever did a few meetings here and there up home but I decided to give this year a good go and do the full year."

His mechanical skills also match his driving, as he built and prepared his car himself including the engine and the newest modification since the last meeting - power steering!

" The car has never missed a beat all year and I have done all the work myself as I couldn't afford to pay someone to do it, but after the last race in Mondello I had to put power steering into it, as after a couple of last my arms were hanging off me!"

2019 ITCC Champion Ciaran Denvir with his self built Honda Civic at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg

His first visit to Mondello Park last time out impressed him immensely and came away loving the circuit. " I love Mondello it's such a good circuit with it's undulations and technical parts thrown in too."

Ciaran Denvir, Honda Civic, on his way to winning round one in Kirkistown back in March. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Ciaran Denvir, Honda Civic, takes the chequered flag for the second time at the opening race weekend in March. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Ciaran Denvir, Honda Civic, leads Keith Campbell, VW Corrado, on his way to winning round three at Bishopscourt in May. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Ciaran Denvir, Honda Civic, leads the fields on his way to winning round three at Bishopscourt in May. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Ciaran Denvir, Honda Civic, in action during round nine at Mondello Park in September. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Ciaran Denvir, Honda Civic, in action during round nine at Mondello Park in September. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The series has been a success with great racing throughout the classes at all tracks during the year. It has at times like all classes in racing, fallen short in numbers at times so what is it like for the drivers?

" I'd love to have more people to race against in my class and the cars are out there just lying in sheds. The regs are spot on and I know the costs involved but they should still try and get out for a few races." It is not easy to get out all the time but with it being a five weekend series it surely is doable to some degree.
It is very expensive coming down here with the entry fee being a lot more than in Kirkistown or Bishopscourt and then the traveling cost etc but its expensive for the southern guys coming up north too, but I think there needs something to be done in that regard for next year."

2019 ITCC Champion Ciaran Denvir with his self built Honda Civic at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg

Now that the season is over and people have loaded up the trailers, vans and trucks for the last time, it will be a few weeks before decisions are being made for next season, so will Ciaran be back to defend his title?

"I'll do the first couple of rounds and if I get a good start like I did this year and also if more come out to race I'll probably do the full season but who knows."

It's been a great year for him, and I am sure that more will be out next year as they will have the whole winter to get their cars ready and hopefully ITCC 2020 will be even better than this year.

2019 ITCC Champion Ciaran Denvir with his self built Honda Civic at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg

Anthony Cross Successfully Secures Championship Title at Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship Rounds 9 and 10

Anthony Cross successfully defended his title this weekend at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Round nine of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship saw drivers return to Mondello Park in county Kildare for the biggest race meeting on the Irish calendar, the Leinster Trophy Car Races. While not competing for the Leinster Trophy itself this year, drivers still had a chance to battle it out for the prestigious Holmpatrick trophy and also for important championship points.

While Anthony Cross has one hand on the championship trophy he still needs to finish in the points to secure it before the final round in Kirkistown next month. A win this weekend would seal it however if Jack Byrne has a non points finish as in the previous round or ahead of him in the race. Dan Polley who is the closest on track in terms of challenging Cross, is now too far behind to take the title.

As it has been all year the battle in qualifying was between Anthony Cross and Dan Polley. No matter the track or conditions these two have been locking out the front row all year. This weekend was no exception with both men swapping pole position but again it was Cross who grabbed pole by 0.168 of a second. Heading the second row like the previous Mondello Park round was Gavin Buckley, and a great qualifying performance from David O'Loughlin ment he started from fourth.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, in action during qualifying where he claimed pole position. Leinster Trophy Car Races, Mondello Park, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

However it was Polley in his LOH Motorsport car who got the best start and lead Cross into turn one. As they entered turn four Polley outbraked himself and let Cross up the inside as they made their way out onto the international loop for the first time. Polley had the line for the next corner though and regained the lead. Another man on the move was Tim Murray who made a great start and also managed to get past Cross by lap two. Clearly his misfire problem had been cured in between qualifying and race one.

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, into turn one during Formula Vee race one. Leinster Trophy Races, Mondello Park, Co. Kildare. Photo: Cregor Elliott

He then pulled clear as Cross had to defend from Jack Byrne in his Sheane. Polley began to stretch his lead but behind him David O'Loughlin and Gavin Buckley didn't make use of their qualifying positions and dropped back to ninth and eleventh respectively. They did manage to climb back up to finish eigth and seventh by the chequered flag. A four car train developed into a battle for second place as Murray held off Cross, Byrne, Buckley. By lap 5 Cross was through and immediately set upon closing the gap to Polley. He did this within a couple of laps setting the fastest lap of the race on lap 6 in doing so. Polley wasn't getting flustered and drove perfectly defending his lead corner by corner and even a last corner attempt by Cross wasn't enough as he lead to the flag to take the win.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Tim Murray, Leastone, during Formula Vee race one. Leinster Trophy Races, Mondello Park, Co. Kildare. Photo: Cregor Elliott.

Dan Polley may have won round nine but with his main rival Anthony Cross finishing behind it was enough for Cross to take the title and his second in a row. A fantastic achievement for the Bohernabreena man. Will he make it three titles in a row next year? The 'B' Championship was also decided, as Jack Byrne comfortably took the win even though it wasn't as straight forward at each event. A great result for him and the LOH Motorsport team and I am sure that he will be right up the front in the 'A' championship next year.

Dan Polley, Sheane, lead Formula Vee race two initially, before eventually coming home in second place. Leinster Trophy Car Races, Mondello Park, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Before all the celebrations could start, there was another race to be ran. Although the weather couldn't be more contrasting from the previous day. Gone were the blue skies and the arrival of rain and cold conditions. Polley again got the better start and lead the field. Cross had made a terrible start dropping right down the field before turn one. Then as the cars emerged from turn three Cross was missing after getting caught out in the tricky conditions. He eventually made his way back up to seventh. This left Polley with a healthy lead over Tim Murray and Jack Byrne. With championships decided this races was for the Holmpatrick trophy. Murray began to edge closer lap by lap and reeled Polley in with four laps to go. Coming into the second last corner Murray got up alongside Polley who held him off but in doing so he ran wide letting Murray through. Murray made sure the line was covered for the last corner and defended his lead from there on to take his maiden Formula Vee win. Jack Byrne came home in third. In the 'C' Championship Karl O'Sullivan took the win but JB Farrell took the 'Star of Tomorrow' title.

Tim Murray, left, Leastone, battles with Dan Polley, right, Sheane, during Formula Vee race two, during the Leinster Trophy Car races. Leinster Trophy Car races, Mondello Park, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg. 

Tim Murray, Leastone, leads Dan Polley, Sheane, during Formula Vee race two, during the Leinster Trophy Car races. Leinster Trophy Car races, Mondello Park, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg. 

Tim Murray, Leastone, on his way to taking his maiden win in Formula Vee race two, during the Leinster Trophy Car races. Leinster Trophy Car races, Mondello Park, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg

Another great weekends racing put on by Formula Vee and congratulations to all the new and defending title winners. Next and final meeting for Formula Vee is on October 28th in Kirkistown for the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy.

Tim Murray lifts the Holmpatrick Trophy after winning Selco.ie FOrmula Vee race two. Photo: Kevin O'Hara.

JB Farrell, Sheane, winner of the 'Star of Tomorrow' championship. Photo: Barry Cregg,

Race Results, Saturday:
Selco Hygiene National Championship
1 - Dan Polley
2 - Anthony Cross
3 - Tim Murray

B Championship
1 - Tim Murray
2 - Jack Byrne
3 - David O Loughlin

Star of Tomorrow Championship:
1 - Karl Sullivan
2 - Jordan Kelly
3 - JB Farrell

Race Results Sunday:
Selco Hygiene National Championship 
1 - Tim Murray
2 - Dan Polley
3 - Jack Byrne

B Championship
1 - Tim Murray
2 - Jack Byrne
3 - Ger Byrne

Star of Tomorrow championship:
1 - Karl O Sullivan
2 - JB Farrell
3 - Michael Killian