Philip Sheane Wins on debut race weekend in Formula Sheane

Philip Sheane holds up his trophy after winning round two of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

After the drama of the opening round of the Formula Sheane Championship onlookers wondered would they get more of the same in round two. Well they certainly did and not only that a debut win for newcomer to the class Philip Sheane. Philip who comes from Balinroe just outside Wicklow Town, graduated from the Formula Vee Championship  last season where he showed impressive pace and a race victory in his first year in single seater racing. 

Richard Kearney in action during qualifying on his way to pole position. Photo: Barry Cregg. 

His cousin David started both the Formula Vee and Formula Sheane series in the 1970's and the latter at the start of the new millennium. His recent illness has kept him away from the paddock in recent times but thankfully he is on the mend and is keen to get back to the tracks to see how his younger cousin is doing. 

Philip Sheane leads, Paul McLoughlin and Richard Kearney during round two of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Current champion Richard Kearney lined up on pole position with Philip alongside in second. Showing strong pace in round one only for his rear shock problem it would be foolish to rule his out of contention for a result in round two. As the lights went out it was Sheane who got into the lead the field out of turn one. Kearney dropped to third place behind Paul McLoughlin after making a poor start. Now all eyes were on Sheane to see if he could handle the pressure from his more experienced competitors. 

Philip Sheane leads Paul McLoughlin on his way to winning round two of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It wasn't for the faint hearted in the opening laps as Sheane defended for his life in the tight infield section of the Mondello Park circuit. It was interesting to see where each of the front three gained and lost time to each other. Sheane was quickest between the final corner and turn three but then lost it again as McLoughlin gained time from there to exit of the Esses.

Paul McLoughlin leads Richard Kearney and Mark Keenan during round two of the Formula Sheane championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kearney had no option to bide his time as there was just no way through. However after several laps Sheane got into a rhythm and began to pull away from the second and third placed men as they began to battle between themselves. By lap eleven Kearney had got by McLoughlin and began to chase after Sheane setting fastest time on lap sixteen with a 58.927 second lap.

Philip Sheane on his way to his first victory in Formula Sheane during round two. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Garrett McKenna on his way to taking the Scholarship Class at round two. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It was to no avail as the laps ran out for him to apply any real pressure. If he had it may not have had any effect as Sheane drove superbly and took his maiden win in the series and proved that he is already a title contender for this year.

Results:

National Championship

1st Philip Sheane

2nd Richard Kearney

3rd Paul McLoughlin

Scholarship Class

1st Gareth McKenna

2nd Richie Adams

3rd Chris Dunne