2023 Season Review In Pictures

https://youtu.be/FWZmu5-3764?feature=shared

Sean McCallion Clinches VW Spares Formula Vee 'B' Championship

Sean McCallion, Sheane, on his way to winning the VW Spares B Championship. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg,

The VW Spares Formula Vee B Championship final round took place on Saturday at Kirkistown in county Down. It was a winner takes all scenario as both Derry man Sean McCallion and Kildare man Robert Flemming were equal on points going into the last race before dropped scores came into play. Flemming drew first blood by qualifying two place ahead of McCallion. Both men have upped their pace all year each driving Sheane cars and have battled all year, clashing on a couple of occasions and in the process. This led to rising tempers for a moment in parc ferme at Mondello Park last time out. It was one of the funniest moments of the year and in typical Formula Vee fashion where the two men wanted to rip into each other one minute, five minutes later both were sitting on the wheels of their cars chatting away.

Ger Byrne, Sheane, leads Sean McCallion, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, durng the VW Spares B Championship. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg,

In the very competitive B class, for drivers who have moved on from the rookie class and those who are rising the ranks towards the National class. It often is a favourite for the drivers who don’t have the budget to race at the head of the field yet still have plenty of other drivers to compete against. McCallion had the easier job in a way as all he had to do was follow Flemming home where Flemming had to get enough drivers between him and McCallion to give enough of a points difference to take the championship. Flemming got the start and lead away from the line and built up a good pace early on.

Robert Flemming, Sheane, on his way to winning the VW Spares B Championship race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg,

McCallion didn’t get a great start and got passed by a couple of cars on the run to turn one. Once the opening laps were over and the race settled down, he struggled to stay with those ahead. Ger Byrne also showed good pace and battle with Flemming early on but dropped back and also was hampered by the recovering Gavin Buckley who spun on the second lap. Flemming was doing what he had to do and built on his lead hoping there would be another car or two in front of his rival. McCallion started to close in on Byrne in the final laps not good news for Flemming. Once past he opened a gap easily but was too far behind to catch his title rival.

In the end he had done enough to take the VW Spares championship and well deserved too after taking his maiden win back in April at Mondello Park. When the points were added up and dropped scores counted, he won by a mere two points showing how close the championship was all year.

Speaking afterwards he said,

Where do I start with the season, it was a like a roller coaster between bad luck and good luck, the start of the year went well for us the first few races with no mechanical problems and some good results even getting my 1st ‘B’ win at Mondello in April. Then a few races later the bad luck started to show its head in Mondello again, where I went out in qualifying, and the gearbox went. We hadn’t got a spare box with us but thanks to Stephen and Christy at SM Racing who loaned me one for the rest of the weekend. That's what I love about Formula Vee class everyone helps each other out when in need.

The race I looked forward to the most this season was Anglesey. It is a real lovely track to drive. We loaded the cars up and headed for the boat everything was great and then going to the boat the gear box started to go in my van and we thought we weren’t going to make it, but I knew I had to get there no matter what for the points in championship. After we got off boat, we made it 10mins from the track with just 3 gears left and then bang! The gearbox gave up completely. After a few calls we got Colm Blackburn (another vee driver) to tow us. Fair play to Colm as he first took the trailer and then came back for the van and us!!!  I will never forget him for that.

Colm Blackburn, Leastone, leads Jack Byrne, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. PictureL Barry Cregg,

I didn’t do too well in race one as it was wet, and I had a spin as there was oil everywhere. Race two came and what a race it was with Kieran Hannon, I would say in the years that I’ve been racing. It was one of the best and fairest races I’ve ever had, we swapped places so many times for the lead of the ‘B’ race until the last lap when I out braked myself and Kieran pulled out a brilliant move to take the win. Nevertheless, I was happy with a second as I had a really good race with him. We packed up happy and ready for Jonny Hollywood and his partner Meadhbh who actually towed me back to the boat in their truck fair played of her, I was told it was her 1st time driving the truck that day lol.

Moving onto the final race in Kirkistown on Saturday where qualifying didn’t go the way I wanted as the track changed a little overnight and so did the weather. My main rival was Rob Flemming as there was only four or five points of difference between us. He qualified in front on me, but I wasn’t worried though as I knew if I finished behind him I would be crowned the VW Spares champion. The race came and we got off the line I got a good start and got away good. Then the red flag came out due to a serious incident which thankfully everyone was ok afterwards. It was the longest race of my life because were left sitting on the grid for 15/20 Mins until the marshall’s got everyone to safety. On the restart I got another good start, but it wasn’t as good as first one. Ger Byrne and myself got into a bit of a dicing match and that was letting Robert get away. I knew I had to stay in front of Ger. I did my best and think we swapped places a few times. Ger is a great racer and is very hard to pass on track and I enjoy racing with him, but I didn’t this time as knew if Robert passed another car it was over for me.

Once passed Ger I put the head down a bit a could see I was catching Rob again so I knew my job was just to sit behind him and take no risks and that’s exactly what I did. I came in from the race and people started congratulating me couldn’t believe I had won the VW Spares Formula Vee B championship. What a feeling what a season with so much effort time and hard work it was all suddenly worth it.

Id like to take this opportunity to thank my wife Kathleen and family once again for supporting me the whole way through my racing since the beginning. I couldn’t have done it without them. Big thanks to James at James Friel Motorsport for the great chassis and all of the hard work and time he has put into it to make it a great car. Also the Kelly brothers Jordan and Owen for all the support and help throughout the year. Dave at bugbitz for the engine building and of course all the marshalls in the orange army and all off the class sponsors, Selco Hygene, VW Spares, LOH Motorsport.

 

 

Doherty Does the Double Including The Emerson Fittipaldi Tropy

 

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty with the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

After the heartbreak of missing out on a certain win for the Leinster Trophy and a chance to bring the national championship to the final round, Dunloy youngster Ronan more than made up for it at Kirkistown Racing Circuit on Saturday. The Damien Doherty Racing car never missed a beat all weekend. The sign of what was to come was shown in qualifying by Doherty as he claimed pole position by 0.477 of a second which is a lot in Formula Vee. The weather forecast looked mixed for the day with heavy rain expected. For the final Selco.ie national championship round it was dry underfoot as the 23 cars lined up on the grid.

30-09-2023: Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, and Dan Polley, Sheane, during the final Selco.ie Championship round. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

As the lights went out it was Gavin Buckley who took the lead as Doherty messed up the start and dropped to third by turn one. He was back up to second by turn two and right on Buckleys tail on the run down the back straight. A better exit from the hairpin brought him alongside and then into the lead by turn one. Behind them though Stephen Roche and Colm O’Loughlen had a coming together resulting in a big off for both men. Thankfully both were unhurt, and it is a testament to the strength of these Formula Vee cars as that is the third big incident this season and all drivers came away unharmed.

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the final Selco.ie Championship round. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

On the restart Doherty it right and lead the field away with Buckley and Dan Polley behind in third who was out after a tremendous effort during the week by the LOH Motorsport team to build his car from scratch on Wednesday! Doherty was heading a four-car train as Buckley, Polley and Cross hounded him using the slipstream to good effect down the straights. Buckley made good use of it to take the lead going through turn one but undid all his good work by locking up the brakes at turn two and spinning off. Doherty got through cleanly but cross and Polley had to take avoiding action which let Doherty off the hook giving him a gap to build on.

30-09-2023: Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Dan Polley, Sheane, during the final Selco.ie Championship round. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Colm Blackburn was now in third, but Cross was on the move setting the fastest lap of the race in the process. Polley tried to close the gap to Doherty but just couldn’t manage it as the Antrim manged his lap times well and never got out of shape. Cross closed up to Polley in the final laps and moved past on the run to the hairpin to get into second. Polley didn’t give up but a big lock up going into the hairpin put an end to his chance to retake second.

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Dan Polley, Sheane, during the final Selco.ie Championship round. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Doherty cruised home to take the chequered flag and his fourth championship win of the year. A very mature drive and it would put him as one of the favourites for the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy race later in the day.

The weather forecast was correct and as predicted the heavens opened. As always, the wet is a great leveller and create a sense of unpredictability when it comes to the final results. With the track heavily covered in water in places the grip would be hard to find for drivers and vision even more so from the spray off the cars.  Again, it was Doherty who lined up on pole from Polley who initially got the better start but Doherty held his line round the outside of turn 1 and took the lead.

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, on his way to winning the Emerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The clear road ahead would give him an advantage as he would not have to deal with the spray and let him create a lead. Polley was sticking with him for now though and Jack Byrne back out in his new car was in third and looked very strong. The weather was getting worse, and all were struggling for grip in the first sector of the lap and also the exit of the chicane.

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, on his way to winning the Emerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The more Polley and Byrne battled the more the lead for Doherty grew and by mid race distance just like the earlier it was his to loose. Byrne finally got by with an excellent move through Debtors Dip. His pace was strong and he began to close on Doherty. Time was running out but backmarkers began to come into play and slowed Doherty down. Anthony Cross also began a charge and passed Colm Blackburn and closed in on Polley. The rain really was coming down hard now and it was borderline on being cut short. Cross got by at the hairpin to get third the best he was going to get as the front to were too far ahead.

Up front Byrne had closed the gap significantly to Doherty and it was shaping up to be a close last couple of laps.Then the red flags came out due to a car being off at the hairpin and lying in a dangerous position bringing an end to a very wet race early and denying a last lap shootout. That is not to take anything away from Doherty who drove superbly and took the win and with it the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy.

After the podium celebrations and fun was had a protest by Dan Polley against Anthony Cross was upheld as he was deemed to have passed him under yellow flags. This demoted Cross to fourth, 

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, on his way to winning the Emerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Jack Cregg.

Speaking afterwards he said:

“Well today was a fantastic close to a great rookie season, of course there are a few what ifs, but to take the most wins out of anyone this year is fantastic and to add the Emmo as one of those wins is amazing and nice to put my name beside the other great drivers who have gone before me”.

“Yesterday the car was on fire, wet or dry it didn’t matter, in qualifying we got a great lap, maximising the tow and from there drove smart in race 1 managing the gap after Gavin went round, The Emerson Fittipaldi was tricky in such a downpour but once I got my gap I knew I could drive at 80% and manage it by making use of the pit board. The cars great pace in all conditions is a testimony to the lads and all the work they put in. They are the real winners in my eyes”

 

 

 

Ronan Doherty Takes The LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

 

Gavin Buckley leads the field into turn 1 during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

For rounds ten and eleven of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship Mondello Park was the venue with two out of the three class championships up for grabs. The Leinster Trophy race would always be the race to win on the weekend but for Ronan Doherty it also be a double if things went his way. It has been a great season for him, always up at the sharp end and taking points and being consistent.

With one hand already on the LOH Motorsport trophy, Doherty lined up on pole ahead of Gavin Buckley. Conditions were wet and slippery, a complete contrast to those in practice the day before. A day Doherty suffered mechanical problems each time he went out. Hopefully those were gone, but as the lights went out it was the young Antrim man got too much wheelspin and dropped several places on the run down into turn one.

Gavin Buckley leads the field into turn 1 on the restart during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Gavin Buckley got a flyer as well as Lee Newsome and returnees to the series for the weekend, Mark Reade and Tim Murray. With a lot of spray coming off the cars, those down the field would have to thread their way carefully in the opening stages. Buckley was on a charge and making the most of the clear view ahead. He opened a gap of 5 car lengths by halfway round the opening lap. Newsome dropped to third as Mark Reade got by showing no signs of any rustiness after his long layoff.

Newsome was back into second on the run down the hill, with Reade and Doherty swapping places twice by the end of the lap. The race already providing great entertainment for the onlookers. Reade got back into second with a great move round the outside of turn one, but Doherty was also on the move getting past Newsome by turn 3.  Buckley still was well ahead and in control but just as the race behind was shaping into another vee thriller the safety car was brought out. Stephen Roche needed to be removed from the gravel trap as well as Sean McCallion and Jonathan Mannix. The conditions catching out several drivers. This meant if Doherty just finished the rookie title was his.

Ronan Doherty in action during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

On the restart Buckley continued where he left off and lead from Reade and Doherty. Again opening up a gap within the first couple of corners. With all the time behind the safety car the time left meant they would not get across the line to get another lap so this would be the final one. Doherty tried his late dive down the inside tactic which nearly came off, but the traction of Reade’s Leastone was better out of the corners than the Sheane of Doherty. A repeat move at turn seven did work however, and then he found himself in the lead a Buckley spun on his own on the exit of turn 7b. Colm Blackburn was now into third and coming on strong.  Newsome was back in fourth but not close enough to challenge the front three and then a late move by current champions Anthony Cross dropped him to fifth.

As the front three went into the final turn Blackburn used the outside line and gained on Reade with the extra grip provided. Doherty had it covered though and held it on the run to the line to take the win ahead of Reade and Blackburn. A great end to the race but it was ruined for the spectators as they only got to see 4 flying laps. The timed races do not work when safety cars are brought out. It kills the enjoyment as the spectators can not know if the time is running out. Maybe a stop on the clock for safety car laps should be brought in.

Ronan Doherty in action during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

That’s said the front three were separated covered by 0.25 of a second! Not only did Doherty take his third national win of the year he also took the LOH Motorsport.com Rookie championship. It is well deserved after showing all experience beyond his years throughout the year. Speaking after the race the new champ was happy to get the job done. “ I’m delighted to take the win there in those conditions it was tricky out there and had a good battle with Mark and Colm. I saw Gavin spin and new I had to stay on the tight lines to hold the boys behind me. Its nice t o have it done before the Leinster Trophy race.”

 

Results

Selco,ie National Championship

1^st Ronan Doherty

2ns Mark Reade

3^rd Colm Blackburn

VW Spares

1^st Mark Reade

2^nd Stephen Morrin

3^rd Andy Keogh

LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

1^st Ronan Doherty

2^nd Brian Hall

3^rd Jonathan Hyde

 

 

 

 

 

Blackburn Takes the 2023 Leinster Trophy

 

Colm Blackburn takes the chequered flag to win the 2023 Leinster Trophy. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

For motor racing fans, Mondello Park in September can only mean one thing. The Leinster Trophy Races. The biggest race meeting of the season which is celebrating its 80^th running this year, is the one that everyone wants to win, as the annual prestigious silverware is brought out by the Leinster Motor Club. All competitors want to add their name to those trophies and have them alongside the famous ones already on them. For this year the Formula Vee class was awarded the honour to compete for the Leinster Trophy. Last awarded to the class back in 2011 and won by Ray Moore, a strong grid of 27 drivers took to the grid for this year’s event.

Sadly, the heatwave the country was experiencing all week decided to end on Saturday and the mixed Irish climate returned for race day. Drivers were having to pick a setup to work over both wet and dry areas on the track after a couple of heavy downpours. Most of the track was dry but a couple of areas off the racing line were still damp which would play a role in the outcome.

Family and friends of the later Mick Merrigan ahead of the Leinster Trophy race.  Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

As the lights went out it was pole sitter Gavin Buckley who got the best start albeit after a bit of movement on the line to lead Lee Newsome into turn one from Ronan Doherty. Using the full international track for this race there would be ample opportunities for passing manoeuvres throughout the race. Doherty was on the move and got back into second by turn three and former champion Colm Blackburn made a strong pass on current champion Anthony cross to move into fourth. An ambitious move into Birranes Bends by Doherty on the lead didn’t come off and the young rookie was lucky not to take both men out, but he did drop back to fourth. The long track tends to spread the cars out but by the end of lap one there was a train of cars together, nobody wanting to be left behind.

Blackburn looked the quickest however and was into second ending the first lap and looked to close right up to the leader Buckley. The damp conditions at turn three caught him out and he was beached in the gravel trap unable to get out and  being in an unsafe position brought out the red flags.

10-09-2023: Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Ronan Doherty, Sheane, Lee Newsome, Sheane, and Anthony Cross, Sheane, on his way to winning  the Leinster trophy race. ICCCR, Leinster Trophy races, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The Mondello Park track team pulled Blackburn from the gravel and he rejoined to grid for the restart from his original position of 5^th place. Some questioned this and felt he should have restarted at the back of the field. For now, it was lights out and a race to turn one again lead by Buckley. Doherty, Newsome and Blackburn were all behind and tucked in but by halfway round an unfortunate Eamonn Thornton got clipped by a spinning Kieran Hannon while trying to avoid him and got put into the bank and then rolled his car over a couple of times. Thankfully no injuries were sustained. He got out of the car straight away.  This brought out the red flags once again understandably.

10-09-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Colm Blackburn, Leastone, during  the Leinster trophy race. ICCCR, Leinster Trophy races, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

On the third restart it was Doherty who lead into turn one with Buckley, Blackburn and Newsome behind. The young man from Antrim in his first year of racing, who already taking the Loh Motorsport Rookie class Championship earlier in the day was out to take the biggest prize. His pace was strong and his mechanical problems from Friday testing seemed to be behind him. On the run down to turn 7 Buckley used a good exit from the previous corner to get alongside Doherty. Doherty defended on the inside but an over ambitious move by Blackburn to get by Buckley resulted in him hitting his rear wheel and spinning him around and luckily not into more people coming past.

This gave Doherty a healthy lead to build on. If those behind started to battle amongst themselves, he could become uncatchable. Blackburn still stayed in second after his collision with Buckley and set to catch Doherty. The gaps between the first three stayed the same over the next several laps until disaster struck Doherty who’s mechanical gremlins came back to force him into retirement. Such a shame for the young man who looked in complete control of the race. This let Blackburn off the hook to take the lead and barring the same misfortune the race was his as he was lapping quicker than Newsome.

Colm Blackburn leads Lee Newsome, Ronan Doherty and Anthony Cross on his way to winning the 2023 Leinster Trophy. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The battle of the race for third place between Mark Reade, Tim Murray and Trevor Delaney. Reade who only lives down road from Mondello, sowing great pace after not being in the car for over a year. In the end it was Blackburn who reeled off the final laps comfortably to take the win ahead of Newsome and Reade who got the third in the end.

Colm Blackburn celebrates winning the 2023 Leinster Trophy. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Punching the air as he crossed the line the man from Ballyfermot wasn’t holding back his joy at winning the Leinster Trophy.

Speaking after the race the winner was in a sate of shock at adding his name to the famous trophy. “ When I seen the message on the phone a few months back that the class was going to race for the Leinster trophy I got a shiver down my spine. Then my friend Stephen Kershaw who helps me with the car texted to say you will win that. Now I have its just mad, I’m so delighted to win it.”

Colm Blackburn celebrates with his son Jamie after winning the 2023 Leinster Trophy. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Colm Blackburn reflects on his own after winning the 2023 Leinster Trophy. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

They joy was put on hold for over two hours as protests against him after being allowed to restart from his original position and his coming together with Gavin Buckley. The officials had to decided if these had enough grounds for action. In the end they declared the results stood and victory to Blackburn. It’s a shame for the spectators and other class members as well as Colm’s big win that the podium celebrations did not happen.

The final Formula Vee outing is in Kirkistown Racing Circuit on the last Saturday of the month. It also has another prestigious race for the Emmerson Fittipaldi trophy.

 

 Results:

Selco.ie National Championship

1st Colm Blackburn

2nd Lee Newsome

3rd Mark Reade

VW Spares B Championship

1st Mark Reade

2nd Ger Byrne

3rd Andy Keogh

LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

1st Stephen Roche

2nd Brian Hall

Devine Wins Closely Fought ALMC Hellfire Stages Rally

 

13-08-2023: Callum Devine and Noel O'Sullivan, in their VW Polo GTI R5, in action on SS6 Mullahmeen, during the ALMC Helfire Stages Rally. Oldcastle, Co. Meath. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The ALMC Motor Club where hosts for round six of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship. The Hellfire Stages Rally was based in Oldcastle in county Meath on Sunday. All of the sports top crews were out in force to tackle the loop of three stages which would be run three times each. Irelands top two drivers in Callum Devine and Josh Moffett would once again be the ones to beat as both men are going for the championship.

Devine would be out in his trusty VW Polo while Moffett would be out in the newer version of the Hyundai i20. Since he switched to it, he has had to work hard on setup to feel comfortable in the car. While a win in the Ravens Rock rally brought maximum championship points, Devine was not out that day and has since won the Cork 20 International last weekend.

13-08-2023: Desi Henry and Shane Byrne, in their Citroen DS3 Rally 2, in action on SS6 Mullahmeen, during the ALMC Helfire Stages Rally. Oldcastle, Co. Meath. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The weather brought mixed conditions, dry for the most part but some heavy showers would fall during the day, making tyre choice a nightmare for the drivers. Devine came out of the blocks first setting fastest time on the opening stage.  Behind him it wasn’t Moffett chasing him down. Desi Henry in his Citroen DS3 was also quick out of the blocks and lay in second with Moffet in third with Gareth McHale in fourth. His best showing this year so far and getting closer to the time of the men in front of him.

After completing the first stage on the final loop 7 seconds cover the top three with only 0.6 between Devine and Henry. It was turning into one of the best and closest rallies of the year with all the crews complementing the stages and how the were enjoying them even with showers falling on certain parts of them at times. Moffett was happy with the dry setup of his car now but not in the wet which was costing him time. Devine pulled out a further two seconds on the penultimate stage, Lough Bán, over Henri, but anything can happen in rallying, and it was all to play for going into the final stage.

13-08-2023: Josh Moffett and Keith Moriarity, in their Hyundai i20 R5, in action on SS6 Mullahmeen, during the ALMC Helfire Stages Rally. Oldcastle, Co. Meath. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Try as he might Henri could only take 0.2 seconds out of Devine to win the stage but not the rally. Devine held on and showed his growing maturity to withstand such pressure to take his second win of the championship.

It was magic rallying in what is a new golden era for the sport with so many top-level cars competing in Ireland, and by young drivers too. It certainly bodes well for the future. Next weekend sees the crews back out for the Irish Tarmac Championship final round at the Ulster Rally.

 

 

 

₌

Doherty and McCallion Extend LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship and VW Spares B Championship Lead

08-July-2023: Ronan Doherty on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Killdare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The long trip made from Dunloy in county Antrim to Mondello Park in county Kildare was worth it yet again for Ronan Doherty. He cruised to another victory in round seven of the LOH Motorsport Formula Vee Rookie Championship at the weekend. This trip to Mondello Park would see him tackle the longer international layout of the circuit for the first time, not that you would have thought it after qualifying. 

08-July-2023: Robert Flemming, Sheane, leads Sean McCallion, Sheane, during the VW Spares B Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Killdare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

He immediately clicked with the circuit and his car was set up well for it also. His father Damien has set up many race cars to great success over the years. So with that experience and youthful eagerness to do well is certainly a recipe for a good result. It showed by qualifying in second position overall in the national race as well as pole position for the combined VW Spares and LOH Motorsport championship race. 

08-July-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Sean McCallion, Sheane, on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Killdare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

A poor start in the national race saw him drop down the field in the opening laps but once he got into his stride he caught back up to the top six but a move on current champion Anthony Cross did not come off and instead put him spinning off track. He lost time to the leader again which he never regained and also earned himself a two place position penalty after the race. 

So for his second race of the day for his class it was time to make amends. He made a better start this time but still Robert Flemming who started from second took the lead and headed the field into turn one. His main championship rival Sean McCallion was back in third and made a big lunge down the inside of Doherty into paddock corner. Carrying too much speed he came down the inside of his fellow northern man sideways and was lucky not to take both men off the track. Doherty cut back on the inside and was back up to second on the exit of the corner. 

08-July-2023: Andy Keogh, top, Kieran Hannon,centre, and Colin Lewis in action during the VW Spares B Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Killdare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

By the end of the lap he was right on Flemming's tail and got a better drive out of the final corner to squeeze past him on the straight to take the lead. A close encounter but it paid off. This let McCallion close back up also and the front three were together now. It was already shaping up to be another Formula Vee cracker.

Then yet again at paddock corner McCallion tried his inside move from too far back and hit Flemming's rear wheel and spinning him into the gravel. It was deemed by the stewards afterwards that Flemming turned in on McCallion so no further action was taken. That said it looked like McCallion got away with that one and lived to take more points off his rival but it could prove decisive further down the championship line. 

08-July-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Sean McCallion, Sheane, on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Killdare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

With Flemmings car beached in the gravel the safety car was brought out and the field bunched right up again. On the restart Doherty held the lead with McCallion behind with Jonathan Hollywood in third. He and Kieran Hannon were having a great scrap for third. In the following laps Doherty increased his lead and starting the last lap he had the main staight between himself and McCallion who was dropping back towards the two men behind. 

08-July-2023: Top. Jonathan Hollyword, Sheane, and bottom Sean McCallion, Sheane, duringing the VW Spares B Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Killdare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Another good battle further down the field all race long was between Andy Keogh and Colin Lewis with Keogh getting the better of Lewis in the end. With time running out Hollywood could not gain anymore time on McCallion but third in the end was a great drive for the rugby referee. In the end nobody could match Doherty who cruised to yet another win.

08-July-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Killdare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Speaking afterwards he young man was happy with his days work, "I didn;t get a great start and both Rob and Sean got by me but then after the safety car I got by on the main straight just missing getting hit in the head by a pit board! I just got my head down and put in a few consistent lap times and built a lead to hold on to until the end."

Dan Polley Takes First Win of 2023 - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship Round 7

 

Dan Polley with his Sheane after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

For round seven of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship drivers returned to Mondello Park in county Kildare. This time out they would be racing on the international circuit which gives them a longer lap with more opportunities to overtake over the national layout used in previous rounds.

The weather forecast in the week leading up to the event didn’t look too good but for qualifying the showers that looked like coming down stayed away and the temperature rose producing ideal conditions. It also marked the return of Jack Byrne since his big accident in Bishopscourt earlier this year. Borrowing his father Ger's car, it was a test to get up to speed again while waiting on his new car to be built.

As per the course of qualifying in Formula Vee it was close between several drivers and a blanket could be thrown over the first four with them all being under the same second. Surprisingly current champion and Mondello specialist Anthony Cross could only manage sixth. Once again however, it was Dubliner Dan Polley who grabbed pole. His second in a row after Kirkistown two weeks previous. Series and racing newcomer Ronan Doherty once again showed great pace in qualifying in second place outgunning round six winner Lee Newsome in third.

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads the field though turn 3 on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

As the lights went out it Polley got the best start and lead the field into turn one. Doherty though had a disaster off the line, the car bogging down and dropped several places in the process and any chance of a win or podium was already out the window. Lee Newsome made the most of the opportunity and slotted into second place with Colm Blackburn in third. The opening lap is always fraught with everyone jostling for position and but current champion, Anthony Cross already made a place and was up to fifth.  

Polley lead the long train of cars out to the international loop for the first time and looked comfortable in the LOH Motorsport run car. Just like qualifying though there was nothing in it and an on form Newsome was right behind ready to pounce. As they rounded the final turn the safety car was brought out and it would bunch the field right up. On the restart Polley held his lead superbly defending his line into turn one from Newsome and Blackburn. The front three opening a gap to Gavin Buckley in fourth as they made their way out the county in what was shaping up to be another Formula Vee thriller, but by the time they were halfway round the lap it was a six car train again.

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads Lee Newsome, Sheane. through turn 3 on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Doherty was closing in on Cross and tried to get by on the inside of the long left hander on the international loop. In doing so he hit the back Cross's car spinning him off track and dropping him right down the field. Cross's consistent run of form has deserted him this year and it has not been his fault. It shows how competitive the class is this year, where any kind of mistake like this can cost you valuable points in the championship that is so close at this stage of the season.

A couple of laps later the front five had stretched out a bit with Doherty unable to close up to the leaders. Gavin Buckley was now up to third though and set out to catch the front two. Just as he looked like he was pulling away Polley made a slight error exiting turn one and Newsome closed back in again. He was hampered too though as he had Buckley closing in and as ever in Mondello it’s a battle to try for the lead whist also defending at the same time.

He wasn’t giving up though and he closed right in through Birrane’s Bends and got alongside on the run to the penultimate corner. It looked like his move was going to work but Polley held firm and held his lead thought the fast left hander. It would be Newsome's last attempt. Polley took control on the final laps and brought it home to win ahead of Newsome and Buckley.

Doherty work his way into fourth and looked fast in the final laps. It’s a shame his start ruined his race as it would have been interesting to see him mix it with the front three.

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads Lee Newsome, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Another different winner this year the fourth so far and speaking afterwards a happy but relieved winner gave his view on the race. “ I'm glad that’s over, It was tough out there today. I had a great battle with Lee. I knew I had the pace from testing and qualifying but I still knew I had to get the head down. I was comfortable, turn one was a bit tight but we got through and began to open a gap until I made a slight mistake and let Lee close in again. Im looking forward to Anglesea in Wales for the next round.”

 

Results:

Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship

1st Dan Polley

2nd Lee Newsome

3rd Gavin Buckley