McCallion Bags His First Win

15-05-2023: Sean McCallion, Sheane, on his way to winning the VW Spares Formula Veee Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The VW Spares Formula Vee B Championship second round took place on Saturday at Mondello Park in county Kildare. Derry man Sean McCallion qualified in second place alongside fellow northern man Ronan Doherty. McCallion in his Sheane car has upped his pace further since round one of the championship at Kirkistown. 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.

Doherty got his head down straight away taking the lead and setting the pace for the rest to catch in the opening laps. Whilst not in the same championship as McCallion he has proved quick enough to be on their pace to race and mix it with them but unable to score points in it and therefore not able to take points off them either. It meant McCallion had a hard task ahead of him as he could battle with Doherty or stick behind him and concentrate on his own race and try and score maximum points. He could easily get caught in a battle and make a mistake and end up in the gravel.

15-05-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads the field into turn 1 during the VW Spares Formula Veee Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Behind him were main rivals Robert Fleming and Ger Byrne now that round one winner Sean Newsome was a not starter after an off in qualifying. In the early laps he tried hard to hang on to Doherty but was also having to defend his position from Byrne and Fleming. Mondello Park is a tight circuit with only a couple of overtaking places, so while it can be relatively easy to defend on it also cost you time to those ahead if doing so.

That said Doherty was lapping a second quicker by the third lap. Then further down the field a nasty collision between Brendan Ellis and Colm O’Loughlen brought out the safety car. Thankfully both drivers were ok, but it would take a couple of laps to clear their cars. Doherty had to control the pace before the restart and try and build back up his hard worked lead. He duly did, but McCallion was hot on his heels for several laps which helped him break clear of those behind. Doherty reeled of the final laps to take the race win and victory in the LOH Motorsport rookie championship.

15-05-2023: Ger Byrne, Sheane,leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, Robert Flemming, Sheane, and Andy Keogh, Sheane, during the VW Spares Formula Veee Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Though crossing the line in second McCallion took his maiden win in the VW Spares Championship. A fantastic result for the Derry man who has worked hard on hid car over the winter and now is getting his reaping the rewards.

15-05-2023: Robert Flemming, Sheane, leads Andy Keogh, Sheane, during the LOH Motorsport Formula Vee race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

15-05-2023: Sean McCallion, Sheane, on his way to winning the VW Spares Formula Veee Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Jack Cregg.

Speaking after the race he said, “I had a few issues before qualifying with the carburettor’s but got them sorted just in time and got a good lap time in. I really enjoyed the race, but Ronan was on another level and is one to watch for the future. I stayed with him early on but couldn’t match him and I had to keep an eye on the boys behind but its still great to get my first with in the class. I’m looking forward to Bishopscourt in a few weeks”.

15-05-2023: Sean McCallion, with his trophy after winning the VW Spares Formula Veee Championship race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.