Holmpatrick Trophy Joy For Cross - Selco.ie Formula Vee Round 8

Anthony Cross holds up the Holmpatrick trophy after winning a thrilling race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

After taking victory in round seven of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship Anthony Cross showed how tactics and patience are key to winning at Kirkistown Racing Circuit. For round eight it was going to be more of the same but adding to the pressure was that the winner would also collect the prestigious Holmpatrick trophy. The pressure was somewhat off Cross in a way as he already had a maximum points haul and others missed out on it but he wouldn't be slowing anytime soonas it was a trophy that has eluded him for a long time. Last years winner Jack Byrne was out of contention barring a miracle as he again had to start from the back of the grid. One thing for sure though it was going to be between anyone in the top six. 

Gavin Buckley, leads Dan Polley, Tim Murray, Jordan Kelly, Anthony Cross and Gary Newsome during the Holmpatrick trophy race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Round seven proved that and several drivers wanted to make up from missed chances all year. Cross lined up on pole with Buckley, Kelly and Polley behind him. As the lights went out Cross seemed to get the jump but Buckley had an even better start and led the field into the flat out left hand kink 'Debtor's Dip'. Cross found himself back to third by turn three as Dan Polley was looking like a man on a mission as he made short work of his fellow Dubliner. By the start of lap two he was in the lead his car looking very fast compared to the race at the same venue last year. That said the following five cars behind him were on the pace also. This six car train had already broke away from the rest of the field. The winner would come from here, who it would be at this stage was impossible to call.

Dan Polley, leads Gavin Buckley, Jordan Kelly, and Anthony Cross during the Holmpatrick trophy race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Tim Murray had now got into third and was looking to follow his similarly prepared LOH Motorsport car into second. However Buckley was having other ideas and moved into the lead at turn two. Cross had now found himself down in fifth with work to do. Gary Newsome was having a great run in sixth but lack of competitive action saw him unable to progress further but by no means was he out of it. Again the lead changed a lap later as Polley took the lead going into turn one. Buckley defended his spot and remained in second with Murray try everything to get by. The pace was so close that none of the leading six cars could make a break from each other. It also has to be said the driving standards were very fair and clean a credit to the drivers who showed that racing while close can be done cleanly.

Dan Polley, leads Gavin Buckley, Tim Murray, Anthony Cross and Jordan Kelly, during the Holmpatrick trophy race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The Leinster trophy meeting had brought the crowd to Kirkistown and they were being very well entertained in this one. Polley again took the lead along the start/finish straight but Jordan Kelly pulled off a fantastic move by taking Murray and Cross on the inside of 'Debtor's Dip' to move into third. No room for error and not much given either but it was shaping up to be one that was going to be talked about in the paddock for a while. A couple of laps later Polley and Buckley had a two car length gap over Murray in third, swapping the lead every lap though prevented the gap growing more. This may have cost them both a chance for the win in the end as if they worked together they may have broken clear enough for the others to catch. While going into the hairpin Murray got hit by Kelly which ended the Meath mans race as a rear arm had snapped. It didn't cost Kelly much time though as he remained in the front group. Newsome's challenged had faded as he dropped back but held fifth place. 

Gavin Buckley, leads Dan Polley and Tim Murray during the Holmpatrick trophy race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Dan Polley and Gavin Buckley swapped the lead several times during the race but both came up short in the end. Photo: Barry Cregg. 

While Buckley was great at defending into the hairpin Polley was even better on the exit and every lap he retook the lead around the outside line and down the straight. It worked like a charm, and he held his lead until lap nine but masterful tactician Cross had also got by Buckley and now made the same move on Polley that had worked for him all race long. He was in the lead and now it was up to the others to battle it out behind. First to fall was Kelly who spun off under braking going into turn three. From six cars after the opening couple of laps it was down to three but all still as close and still for anyone to take. Now they began to catch the tail enders a recurring issue in recent rounds. Cross got by them quickly and gave himself some breathing room. A lap later though Buckley was by yet again and into the lead. He was really up for this one and led with three laps to go. Had he gone too early though? 

Anthony Cross leads Gavin Buckley, and Dan Polley during the Holmpatrick trophy race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Gavin Buckley leads Anthony Cross during the Holmpatrick trophy race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Polley again had got drive down the straight and closed the gap to the front two but over shot slightly at turn two and this cost him the chance of a win. Still though a great drive from him and a good return to form. Now it was down to two with a lap to decide the race. Cross again pulled of the move he had done a few laps earlier and took the lead on the inside of Buckley going into 'Debtor's Dip' and held his line for the following right hander. Now it was Buckley who had to try and find a way back past. He was unable to repeat Crosses move starting the last lap. Cross had been here many times before and his ability to remain cool in these situations stood to him as he defended without loosing time on the remainder of the lap. Buckley had one one chance left at the hairpin. He tried the long way round but went in to fast and locked up and ran wide. Cross held his line and took the chequered flag to take the Holmpatrick trophy and also making it a double. Buckley held second and Polley third. A fantastic race and display of racecraft from all drivers that were in contention throughout the race. 

Anthony Cross held off Gavin Buckley, to take victory in the Holmpatrick Trophy race. Kirkistown, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Speaking after the race he was happy but his usual unflustered self. " That was a cracker! I didn't make a great start and got passed by Jordan and Gavin. I think I was down to fifth at one stage. I just tried to stay out of trouble and got by Tim at Debtor's. Then he went out and Jordan so I had a breather before battling with Gavin and Dan. Delighted to win the Holmpatrick trophy as I never won it before."

Owen Kelly took victory in the Motorsort.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' race. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It wasn't all bad for Kelly who took maximum points in the VW Spares championship. In the Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' championship Owen Kelly took the win increasing his lead in the series. Also after many tries and even with a corner to go Colm O'Loughlen finally got his maiden podium with third in the same series. At least there would be one happy Kerryman on saturday.

It is back to Mondello for the next round on the 11th and 12th of September where another trophy will be up for grabs in the Martin Birrane Cup which has been awarded to Formula Vee for their large grids all year. 

Results

Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

1st Anthony Cross

2nd Gavin Buckley

3rd Dan Polley

VW Spares 'B' Championship

1st Jordan Kelly

2nd Robert Fleming

3rd Sean McCallion

Motorsport.ie ' Star of Tomorrow' Championship

1st Owen Kelly

2nd Anthony Conway

3rd Colm O'Loughlen

Classy Cross Wins Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship Round 7

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads the field out of turn two on the opening lap of the race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Crossing the border for the first time this year the formula vee circus was greeted by the Indian summer sunshine as they setup camp at Kirkistown Racing Circuit. A welcomed change from the miserable conditions at Mondello Park last time out. With racing being held on Saturday's in Kirkistown testing and qualifying are held on Friday's which can cause problems. This was the case for the man lying second in the championship Jack Byrne. A family wedding on the Friday meant an early start for the Wicklow man, leaving home at 2am to make the long trip north to keep his title hopes alive. Having to start from the back of the grid it was going to be a tough task, as while getting up to the top ten would be a relatively easy task, getting to the front would be another order. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The long straights and little overtaking spots mean if a group of cars make a break it is impossible to catch them as the tow is gone. In qualifying the pace was hot and nothing between the first 5 with them all being within the same second. It was even closer between the first two, but Donegal man Jordan Kelly came out on top taking pole position by 0.11 of a second. Current series leader and defending champion Anthony Cross took second spot a fair achievement as he suffered a broken gear lever after the third lap of the session. This all after having to change the belts in his car even though they were in date the serial number was not. A stupid technical issue that motorsport seems to create in this country but can cause problems and expense that is not needed. 

Gavin Buckley, Sheane leads Dan Polley, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Even though the straights are longer and speeds higher than in Mondello Park, there isn't many areas to overtake unless somebody makes a mistake. That said it is as much about placing yourself in the right spot at the right time of the race than picking your overtaking spot. Once a group forms it is a balancing act of defence and attack. This is where the more experienced drivers have the advantage. A welcome return for this round was Gary Newsome who is always quick and showed it with taking sixth in qualifying. As the lights went out it was Kelly who got away initially but Cross made the start also and had the line going into turn 2. He got through and led the field but it wouldn't last long as he was back to second by the end of the lap. Kelly began to get the head down clipping the kerbs hard on the exit of turn two in efforts to make a gap over the chasing pack.

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, clipping the kerbs as he leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Behind the from two Gavin Buckley who always goes well at the county Down track settled into third and chased after Cross ahead. Round five winner Tim Murray was back in sixth behind Dan Polley and they began a race long battle. Kelly by lap three had made a gap over Cross just as he had in Mondello last time out proving his pace was there in the dry and not just the wet. The question was would car reliability hold up this time round. By lap five Kelly's lead was eroded and the first three were now together all having to put their trust in each other at this high speed track.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jordan Kelly, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

A lap later Cross was again ahead but as such was the battle he didn't stay there for long. He found himself back to third a lap later as Buckley began to sniff a win. Nobody could make a break though and try as he might Kelly had to keep an eye on his mirror. He was driving well and smooth and his car was very quick in a straight line. Murray got by Polley and it looked as though the Meath man was going to catch the front three. He duly did and and harassed Buckley after he had been put back to third. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

As with the previous round the tail enders were going to come into play. Kelly again while leading a race was going to have to deal with them first. He got held up by a spinning Brendan Ellis at the hairpin and this allowed Cross back in touch as the closing laps were being reeled off. Coming out of the chicane for the final time Kelly made a slight mistake which cost him precious drive down the straight, which allowed Cross to get alongside and by the hairpin he was back into the lead just in time to hold on the run to the chequered flag. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Buckley was safe in third but behind him the battle for fourth went down to the wire, as Polley got back past Murray for fourth with a lap to go. Next up was the hard fought points haul of Jack Byrne who drove hard from the back of the grid to get up to sixth. It was the best he could do as predicted, as the front group broke away and took the tow with them. It would never be possible to bridge that gap on his own, only a mistake or safety car could do it and neither came for the Wicklow man.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Robert Fleming, Sheane, and during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

After the race Cross was happy to take the win but knew it came from a mistake from Kelly. " I didn't think I'd get that as Jordan had great pace and had pulled clear but backmarkers brought him back to us and then he made a mistake at the chicane and I got a run on him going towards the hairpin. Thanks to Michelle Morrin for bringing up belts for me on Friday otherwise I wouldn't be out."

Again a win was lost by Kelly for the second time in a row. He should have won but he wasn't too upset after the race. " I got held up by backmarkers at the chicane and dropped back to Anthony and then made a mistake myself on the last lap at the chicane which gave him a better run to the hairpin. Still I'm happy after what happened in Mondello."

Anthony Conway, Sheane, on his way to taking maximum points in the Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' Championship during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Third place man Buckley was as ever philosophical about his race that could have ended in a win for him at one point. " I was there or thereabouts and then I wasnt! I had the pace but unfortunately I had two lurid slides coming out of the chicane and was always catching up after that. It was a cracking race though!"

Anthony Cross, Sheane, on his way to winnng the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Indeed it was a cracking race and as always in Kirkistown a thinking mans race. As already mentioned it is about being in the right place in the race as much as being able to overtake in a certain area. This is where experience helps but having the ability to keep your cool brings the rewards. Cross has both and it is why he is yet again leading the series and is starting to get close on putting one hand on the championship trophy again next time out. 

In the VW Spares championship Jordan Kelly got maximum points with Robert Kelly taking second and Tim Murray in third. For the Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' championship Anthony Conway took the win from Donal Downey with Owen Kelly in third. 

Another great turnout for the class with 21 drivers starting, a consistently high level of entries throughout the year so far. Next race up would be for the prestigious Holmpatrick trophy. It is also the next championship round so those up front in championships would have to be careful not to risk loosing points for the glory of taking the trophy.

Results

Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship

1st Anthony Cross

2nd Jordan Kelly

3rd Gavin Buckley

VW Spares Championship

1st Jordan Kelly

2nd Tim Murray

3rd Robert Fleming

Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' Championship

1st Anthony Conway

2nd Donal Downey

3rd Owen Kelly

Sublime Sheane Secures Maiden Double - Formula Sheane Round 8

14-08-2021: Philip Sheane on his way to winning round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The weather didn't improve for round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship if anything it got worse. Sadly gearbox problems forced Mark Keenan out of this round but the Meath man will be back out at the next round. Starting from pole position again Philip Sheane had his first wet start behind him in the class so he knew what to do better this time round. The fact the others had to make a better start once again to have any chance of keeping him at bay, was their only hope in stopping a repeat performance of the previous round. This they duly did, Richard Kearney again got the holeshot and lead the field into turn one with Derek Roddy behind and Sheane dropping down to third.

14-08-2021: Richard Kearney leads Derek Roddy and Philip Sheane on the opening lap during round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With conditions as wet a slippery as they were, all drivers were in a battle to keep their cars under control and credit to the newcomers who all stayed on track minus the odd spin. Their times will improve but they were thrown in at the deep end between the rain and track conditions due to oil being put down it was no easy task for them. The top three broke clear and despite the spray they put on a show. Kearney was definitely the hare with Roddy and Sheane the hounds. Try as they might Kearney had them covered in the opening laps, given his sponsors logos plenty of exposure as the rear end stepped out every time he asked for power. Roddy in the ironically backed Climote Control car had the worst job as he had to both try and attack and defend. One slip would see Sheane through but on the other hand, a mistake by Kearney and he was through. 

14-08-2021: Richard Kearney leads Derek Roddy during round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Sheane had the better line though the Esses over both men ahead and it gave him better drive up the hill into the final corner where he made his move on Roddy to take second place. Try as he might Roddy had no answer and Sheane defended on the exit and again into turn one until the place was secure. He very nearly got Kearney on the inside into and again out of turn three but the Carlow man had that extra bit of grip and held the lead. It was tight though and he was using all his racecraft and experience to keep the newcomer to the class behind him. Once again Sheane used the outside lines through the Esses gaining huge ground and much more grip on the exit and the result was the move he done on Roddy the previous lap. Now in the lead he was free to get his head down and open up a gap on his two pursuers. This he did with ease. His setup looked better than that Kearney's or Roddy's as he it looked more balanced. That said he was driving very well and clever, using the outside lines where the grip was and it showed as he was able to gain massive amount of ground in the tight infield section alone. 

14-08-2021: Richie Adams leads Chris Dunne and Tom Foley on the opening lap during round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

14-08-2021: Chris Dunne leads Tom Foley during round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With Sheane out front the race was for second spot. Kearney out to finish higher on the podium than the previous round wasn't giving up holding Roddy behind. It worked for the first half of the race and even opened a small gap to the Louth man. Roddy though had other plans and while he knew the win was gone bar a mistake or mechanical problems on Sheane's car, second place was going to be the next best thing. He also was needed to stem the haul of points that Sheane was taking away from him in the championship. He caught back up to the gearbox of Kearney and by lap six he got by on the entry to the final corner. It was too late to catch Sheane but he still had to keep Kearney at bay and not make a mistake or go off track. 

14-08-2021: Philip Sheane on his way to winning round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In the Scholarship class Tom Foley kept up his good form and winning streak as he got the better of Richie Adams and Chris Dunne by the end of lap one and held it from there until the chequered flag. Back at the front Sheane reeled off the laps and even set the fastest lap of the race on the last lap to take his first double and to make up for the disappointment of not doing it at Kirkistown the meeting before.

14-08-2021: Tom Foley made it a double of Scholarship class wins during round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

There is a break now for the Formula Sheane Championship with the next round not until the 25th of September back across the border in Kirkistown. Time to gather funds, repair cars but also time to figure out how to stop Philip Sheane from doing another double.

Results

National Class

1st Philip Sheane

2nd Derek Roddy

3rd Richard Kearney

Scholarship Class

1st Tom Foley

2nd Richie Adams

3rd Chris Dunne

Byrne Takes First Win Of 2021 - Formula Vee Round 6

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Dan Polley, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, on his way to winning round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship Dan Polley again lined up on pole position. Jack Byrne joined him on the front row with Gavin Buckley and Anthony Cross behind. Polley was determined to convert his pole to a win this time out and made the best start by leading the field into turn one. There was no chance of him letting anyone around the outside like the previous round, he didn't have to worry about it anyway as Byrne got too much wheelspin off the line which let Buckley through into second. Championship leader Cross also had a bad start and dropped to fifth on lap one. 

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, Jack Byrne, Sheane, and Trevor Delaney, Sheane, on the opening lap of round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Both Trevor Delaney and Gavin Buckley spun in the early part of the previous race and didn't want a repeat in this race. Polley started to open a gap and was clearly much more comfortable with the conditions than in the first race. Behind Byrne steadily grew into the race and maintained the gap to Polley as best he could. Unfortunately Delaney lost the back of the car in the Esses and dropped down the field once again. Cross was closing in on him and was lucky not to have hit the stricken car of Delaney. With no wind or heat the track was not going to dry any quicker so those who wanted to move up were going to have to go on the wet areas which were unpredictable to say the least for grip when you add in the oil laid down earlier in the day. 

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Another driver who impressed this time out was Donal Downey who made his way up to fifth at one stage until dropping back to seventh by the flag but to be fair to the young Naas driver, it was his first trouble free run in the car this year and it looks promising for the rest of the season if he can keep the same pace up. Up front Buckley mad his move on Byrne to take second on lap seven and then began to bring the two of them towards the leader. Round five winner Tim Murray didn't have the same pace as he had earlier even though he did get up to fourth at one stage. Surprisingly Cross had no answer to those ahead of him. Before the season started he did want to have more setup time in the wet as he felt he needed it and the proof was shown again in this round. These two had a ding dong battle for the majority of the race with Murray making another one of his outside line overtakes to get by Cross.

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, on his way to winning round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg.

By now Byrne was back on the gearbox of Buckley and after exiting the final corner he got alongside and retook his second place back. In doing so Buckley outbraked himself going into turn one and slid but managed to hold it from turing into a full spin but he lost time to Byrne. Backmarkers were also coming into play and around Mondello it can be hard to get by them easily everytime. Murray was slowed by one and it gave Cross the chance to get beside on the exit of the final turn. In his haste to keep Cross at bay Murray got on the power to early and spun, undoing all his hard work. 

Dan Polley, Sheane, right, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Polley now had the green car of Byrne filling his mirrors as the gap he had was now gone with nothing between the two. Byrne tried the outside line in turn one and it looked to have worked but Polley squeezed him out and held his line. Byrne had two wheels on the grass by now but managed to fit in behind on the run out to the 'country' as they say in Mondello. A lap later he was past on the exit of turn three, and in split second went from attack mode to defence as he held off the immediate attack at the next corner from Polley. All this gave the spectators something to shout about. 

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Dan Polley, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, on his way to winning round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg.

All this let Buckley right back into it and going on to the last lap it was anyone's to win. Byrne held firm though and held him at bay with corners running out it was going down to the final corner. As they exited the Esses, Byrne slowed to take the dryer line but in doing so Polley ran into the back of him and spun. dropping down to fourth. Tim Murray again got maximum points in the Vw Spares championship and fastest lap of the race. A good weekend for the county meath driver who seems to go well in the wet. Even though he dropped to seventh by the end of the race Downey took maximum points in the Motorsport.ie championship, a great showing and hopefully he can carry this form on for the rest of the season. 

Jack Byrne, Sheane, celebrates after winning round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Another win for Byrne at Mondello and in time also in terms of his championship challenge. However 'Mr. Consistency' Anthony Cross again took another podium to top up his points tally for the weekend and limit the damage by other taking wins. 

Donal Downey, Leastone, on his way to finishing first in the Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' championship at round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship at Mondello Park. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Next up is Kirkistown for the Leinster Trophy meeting on the 28th of August, so not much time for drivers to fettle the cars but the chance to win the prestigious Holmpatrick trophy will be an incentive for all to make the journey north of the border. 

Results:

Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship.

1st Jack Byrne

2nd Gavin Buckley

3rd Anthony Cross

VW Spares 'B' Championship

1st Jordan Kelly

2nd Tim Murray

3rd Jonathan Hollywood

Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' Championship

Sheane Shines In The Rain - Formula Sheane Championship Round 7

Philip Sheane, Sheane, on his way to winning round 7 of the Formula Sheane Championship at Mondello Park,. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For the first time this year the weather gods didn't show up for the latest round of the Formula Sheane Championship as the warm sunny weather turned cold, wet and miserable. Sadly Paul McLoughlin and Brendan Carr again were non starters but it still wouldn't take away the action from the rest of the field. 

Richard Kearney, leads Philip Sheane, and Derek Roddy, out of turn 3 on the opening lap. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Richard Kearney, leads Philip Sheane, during the opening lap. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Philip Sheane, leads Richard Kearney out of turn 2 on his way to winning the Formula Sheane race. Photo: Barry Cregg.

At the last round in Kirkistown Phillip Sheane was on for his first double until mechanical failure let him down. Derek Roddy took his first win and another couple of podiums at Mondello would certainly keep him well in touch for the championship. The wet however can provide any results as it can catch the best of drivers out. For both Sheane and Roddy both have never driven these cars in the wet but it didn't show in qualifying as both men locked out the front row. Sheane though gapped Roddy by 1.3 seconds while taking pole, a sign of things to come maybe?

Richard Kearney battles for grip while holding off Derek Roddy. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Derek Roddy leads Richard Kearney on his way to finishing in second place. Photo: Barry Cregg.

As the lights went out however, it was Richard Kearney from fourth on the grid who got the jump on everyone and lead as they came out of turn one. There was also oil down on the track so conditions were far from easy. The Formula Sheane cars are very torquey and in the wet it is easily to get a lot of wheel spin. It is a balancing act and finding the areas where the most grip is can also a fine art. Sheane was a master at both and once he got a lap under his belt he was in the lead. Using the outside lines he found the grip and by not being too aggressive on the throttle he pulled clear from Kearney and Roddy behind. As Sheane built up his advantage the two men behind swapped places all race both seeming to struggle for grip much more than Sheane ahead. 

Tom Foley leads Mark Keenan in the Scholarship class. Photo Barry Cregg.

Mark Keenan leads Tom Foley in the Scholarship class. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kearney seemed to get into a rythm from lap four but Roddy also started to get used to the conditions and caught back up to him. He got by on lap six but a lap later he was repassed. Again Kearney held off the previous rounds winner but with two laps to go he could not keep him behind anymore as Roddy got by at turn 3. 

Chris Dunne on his way to second place in the Scholarship class. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Richard Kearney on his way to third place. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It stayed that way to the flag and an important result for Roddy as it kept the pressure on Sheane in the points race. Sheane was on another level and his car looked more comfortable on track than either Roddy's or Kearney's. Behind the front three Mark Keenan had a nightmare race spinning out of fourth place on the opening lap at turn three and again at turn one a couple of laps later before retiring half way through. In the scholarship class Tom Foley kept up his winning form from Kirkistown by taking the win after a battle with Keenan early on. Chris Dunne and Richie Adams tried to haul in Foley but a spin at turn two cost Adams any chance of victory. Dunne held his own and settled for second and more points for the championship after a win also in Kirkistown.

Richie Adams on his way to third place in the Scholarship class. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Philip Sheane was in a league of his on his way to winning round seven of the series. Photo's: Barry Cregg.

As hard as it was for the people with experience racing in the wet, it is doubly hard for those newcomers and adding in the oil they did very well to finish. Sheane laid down a marker for those to match in the following round and a lot of work on setup would need to be done to close the gap to the Wicklow man.

Results:

National Championship

1st Philip Sheane

2nd Derek Roddy

3rd Richard Kearney

Scholarship Class

1st Tom Foley

2nd Chis Dunne

3rd Richie Adams