­­­Flemming takes Maiden VW Spares Win At Kirkistown

24-06-2023: Robert Flemming, Sheane, with his trophy after winning the VW Spares Formula Vee race at Kirkistown. Kirkistown, Kirkcubbin, Co.Down. Picture: Barry Cregg

 Curragh man Robert Flemming took his maiden win in the VW Spares Formula Vee championship race at Kirkistown Racing Circuit in county Down on Saturday. Qualifying took place on Friday in damp conditions but it suited the Kildare man as he took pole position from championship rival Sean McCallion. This has been the case this year as both men head the front row each time.

As the lights went out Flemming who immediately had gearbox problems off the line. Sean McCallion jumped the start and received a time penalty even though by turn two he was in the lead. McCallion stretched his lead quiet quickly although he was unaware of his time penalty.

24-06-2023: Colm O'Loughlen, Leastone, leads Robert Flemming, Sheane, and Sean Hynes, Sheane, during the VW Spares Formula Vee race at KIrkistown. Kirkistown, Kirkcubbin, Co.Down. Picture: Barry Cregg

Fellow Kildare driver Colm O’Loughlen in his Leastone also made a good start and began to close in on the front two. However, after the initial laps were completed and the race began to settle down amazingly the front three all began to have mechanical problems. Flemming’s gearbox problems didn’t improve and began to drop back from McCallion and to O’Loughlen. Just as it looked like O’Loughlen could move up a place his car developed a handling problem.

Things went from bad to worse for McCallion, he overshot at the hairpin due to a sticking throttle and a couple of laps later he had to enter the pits as an anti-roll bar broke. He got back out, but his chance of victory was gone.

24-06-2023: Sean McCallion, Sheane, during the VW Spares Formula Vee race at KIrkistown. Kirkistown, Kirkcubbin, Co.Down. Picture: Barry Cregg

Up front Flemming was managing his gearbox problem well and now moved into the lead. Another Formula Vee newcomer for this round Sean Hynes was putting in a good showing running in third, joining the battle with Flemming, and O’Loughlen. By tripping each other up they let Felmming break the all-important tow round the fast high-speed circuit.

24-06-2023: Robert Flemming, Sheane, leads Colm O'Loughlen, Leastone, on his way to winning the VW Spares Formula Vee race at KIrkistown. Kirkistown, Kirkcubbin, Co.Down. Picture: Barry Cregg

Then with two laps to go the handling problem O’Loughlen had got worse forcing him to retire. It turned out to be a part connecting the front right suspension to the damper had broken and became too dangerous to continue. Another chance for a maiden win gone. All this let Flemming to cruise home and take his maiden win. It was well deserved as he too had mechanical problems several times this year robbing him of victories.

24-06-2023: Robert Flemming, Sheane, on his way to winning the VW Spares Formula Vee race at KIrkistown. Kirkistown, Kirkcubbin, Co.Down. Picture: Barry Cregg

Speaking after the race the winner was happy with the win but knew he had a bit of luck on his side. “I’m delighted to get the win. I had a gearbox problems from pretty much from the word go. I couldn’t get third gear which hampered me out of the hairpin and chicane. I had a good battle with Colm O’Loughlen until he went out but at least we got the win in the end and had a good days racing.”

 

 

VW Spares ‘B’ Championship

1^st Robert Flemming

2^nd Sean Hynes

3^rd Colin Lewis

Doherty Dominates At Kirkistown - LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

 

24-June-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Formula Vee Rookie Championship race. Kirkistown, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg

Dunloy’s Ronan Doherty once again dominated the LOH Motorsport Formula Vee rookie championship race at Kirkistown Racing Circuit in county Down on Saturday. Qualifying took place on Friday and as his current form suggested ahead of it pole position was secured not only for his class but also for the combined VW Spares ‘B’ race which ran together. Already this has been the case this year and all credit to the youngster who in his first ever season of motor racing has shown many seasoned campaigners the way home.

As the lights went out Doherty got the better start over fellow front row man Robert Flemming who immediately had gearbox problems off the line. Sean McCallion on row two jumped the start and received a time penalty even though by turn two he was in the lead. It wasn’t plain sailing for Doherty as his car developed a misfire on the early part of the first lap. This let McCallion stretch his lead quiet quickly although he was unaware of his time penalty.

24-June-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, and Colm O'Loughlen, Leastone, on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Formula Vee Rookie Championship race. Kirkistown, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg

In fact it was Kieran Hannan in his Leastone who was the actual leader of the race keeping Doherty at bay for the opening number of laps. However, the misfire problem he was clearly having was becoming intermittent and when it cleared, he could pick up his pace. Things went from bad to worse for McCallion, he over shot at the hairpin due to a sticking throttle and a couple of laps later he had to enter the pits as an anti-roll bar broke. He got back out but his chance of victory was gone.

Up front Doherty now moved into the lead but still being hampered with his misfire but his cause was helped by the fact Robert Flemming began a charge up the field and in doing so battle with Hannan which let Doherty off the hook. Another Formula Vee newcomer for this round Sean Hynes was putting in a good showing running in third, joining the battle with Flemming, Hannan and Colin Lewis. By tripping each other up they let Doherty break the all important tow round the fast high speed circuit.

24-June-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, celebrates after winning the LOH Motorsport Formula Vee Rookie Championship race. Kirkistown, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg

By the final lap the positions were locked in for the top 4 and Doherty ended up cruising home to take the win from Flemming and Hynes. Simon Rudd and Niall O’Mara round out the podium spots for the LOH Motorsport rookie class but also mixing with the ‘B’ championship runners showing their improvement as the year has gone on.

24-June-2023: Ronan Doherty with his trophy after winning the LOH Motorsport Formula Vee Rookie Championship race. Kirkistown, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg

Speaking after the race the winner was happy with the win but knew he had a bit of luck on his side. “I’m delighted to get the win but I dunno really how I did it to be honest” he said laughing. “I had a misfire from pretty much from the word go. It did clear for a couple of laps but came back again. I think the boys battling with each other behind helped me a lot to get away. I couldn’t do the pace I normally do round here but at least we still got the win in the end.”

 

Results:

LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

1^st Ronan Doherty

2^nd Simon Rudd

3^rd Niall O’Mara

 

VW Spares ‘B’ Championship

1^st Robert Flemming

2^nd Sean Hynes

3^rd Colin Lewis

Newsome Wins in Kirkistown To Join Championship Title Race

Lee Newsome with his trophy after winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Ashford man Lee Newsome took an impressive win at round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship at Kirkistown on Saturday. It was July last year in Mondello Park when he last stood on the top step of the podium but has always been in the top ten in each race he has finished since. He always has had the pace but also cruel mechanical luck with it resulting in fewer wins that he has to him name.

As always in Formula Vee the pace was hot and close with the first six drivers covered under the same second. An entry of 20 cars took to the track for qualifying, but it was Dan Polley in the LOH Motorsport car who topped the timesheet and took pole position from current champion Anthony Cross who only qualified 0.001 of a second of new rookie hotshot Ronan Doherty with Lee Newsome rounding out the second row.

Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads Anthony, Cross, Sheane, and Colm Blackburn, Leastone, on his way to winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The weather improved from qualifying the previous day. From wet to damp to scorching sunshine the drivers and teams had a busy time setting up their cars as conditions changed but at least it would stay the same for race day. As always, the fast northern circuit which lays along the Ards Peninsula produced another classic race with a six-car train battling out for the win.

As the lights went out Newsome reacted the quickest and got a brilliant start passing the front row drivers going into turn 1 to take the lead. With two long straights it is very hard for the leader to make a break unless someone behind makes a mistake. Therefore, the only option for the leader is to defend their lines without loosing time. Not an easy feat and even hard to do from the very start. That was what Newsome faced, though but he was up for the challenge.

The long straights allow those following to benefit from the slipstream from those ahead. This also provides great entertainment for the spectators as there are always several passing moves per lap with trains of cars all vying for position. Newsome held firm and no matter how hard Cross tried he couldn’t get by. Doherty was up to third but the man on the move was Colm Blackburn who was trying every line possible, inside and outside and it was working as by lap three he was up to second. Pole sitter Dan Polley moved back to third then to fourth and then to sixth where he would finish.

Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads Anthony, Cross, Sheane, and Colm Blackburn, Leastone, on his way to winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

It was still anyone’s for the win at the halfway mark but Newsome kept his lines and kept backing those up behind him so they would trip over each other. However a dive down the inside at turn two saw Blackburn into the lead but a missed gear on the exit of the chicane saw Newsome through along with Doherty who fought it out from the hairpin to two turn where Newsome held the lead once more.

What a show the top six were putting on. Gavin Buckley was also on the move slotting into third briefly but once again got swallowed up by Doherty, Cross and Blackburn. Doherty was quickest out of the chicane but having to pull out of the slipstream early was hindering his progress as he didn’t have enough pace to get ahead by the hairpin. The spectators weren’t complaining however as it led to cars three abreast on the exit and down the main straight millimetres apart with each thrusting in one another not to overstep the mark.

Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads Ronan Doherty, Sheane, and Colm Blackburn, Leastone, on his way to winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

As the race made its way into the final laps Blackburn again made his outside move ­­work moving back into third. Doherty again got into the lead a lap later on the run down to turn one, but Newsome got it back a corner later. Doherty wouldn’t lead again but the rookie proved his worth once again against seasoned Formula Vee drivers. He lost another spot to Blackburn and then to Buckley and had to watch for Cross behind.

Buckley moved into second at the hairpin and with two laps to go it was between him and Newsome. Newsome had opened a slight gap starting the last lap which looked like it would prove vital at the end but Buckley close in. Both men going wheel to wheel down the back straight towards the hairpin. Newsome held it but Buckley cut back on the inside and it was a drag race to the line. Both men deserved it, but it was Newsome who got to the chequered flag first but only by 0.079 of a second! It was the same for the final position on the podium with Colm Blackburn taking third.

Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, on his way to winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Yet again it was worth the long trip up north as the racing gets better every time, they visit the coastal circuit. Speaking after the race the winner was clearly pleased with his days work.

Lee Newsome, celebrates after winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

“It was a typical vee race full on slipstream no holds bar race. I got a weapon of a start from fourth to lead into turn one. I had different drivers behind me in my mirrors each lap. I got passed a few times but managed to get back by again and then try and hold my line and back those behind me up as much as I could. It the most competitive year in Formula Vee in a long time and I think 5 or 6 of us are in with a shout for the championship. I’m delighted to get the win today. It was a shame my brother Sean couldn’t get his car fixed in time but we will be back out in Mondello in two weeks to get another win”.

Results:

1^st Lee Newsome

2^nd Gavin Buckley

3^rd Colm Blackburn

The People's Champion wins the 2023 Irish Rallycross Grand Prix

 

04-June-2923: Tommy Graham, Ford Fiesta, on his way to winning the Irish Rallycross Grand Prix. Irish Rallycross Grand Prix 5 Nations Trophy, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Tommy Graham rolled back the years at Mondello Park on Sunday to take the 2023 Irish Rallycross Grand Prix. The Prosperous man who is in his fourth decade of motorsport competition showed the younger men a clean pair of heels in Sunday’s supercar final. While getting caught up in an incident earlier on in the day the Dominic McNeill ran Ford Fiesta in which he only purchased a couple of weeks ago, was repaired with the help of long serving mechanic and friend Jack Keane. This weekend was also a counting round of the British Rallycross Championship. On top of dealing with the leading Irish drivers Graham was up against the top drivers from UK.

04-June-2923: Tommy Graham, Ford Fiesta, on his way to winning the Irish Rallycross Grand Prix. Irish Rallycross Grand Prix 5 Nations Trophy, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

A vast array of high-performance supercars took to the county Kildare track including one of the new generation electric cars, that of Jake Harris with his BMW Mini Clubman. It brought back memories of days gone by when the European Championship came to town. Even the weather was as hot as it was back in those days with the sun-drenched spectators being covered in dust, throughout the day. Another local man out at Mondello Park was Naas driver Michael Leonard Jr. Also in a Ford Fiesta he was setting quickest lap times in the heats, but in doing so he was also getting caught up in incidents with current champion Derek Tohill and he clipped a tyre wall himself causing a lot of damage. That said he did line up on pole position for the final. Once again, they both collided as they made their way towards turn one.

04-June-2923: Tommy Graham, Ford Fiesta, on his way to winning the Irish Rallycross Grand Prix. Irish Rallycross Grand Prix 5 Nations Trophy, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

A heavy impact spun both cars off the track but they managed to get back going but dropping back from the rest of the field. Graham slotted into second place behind the electric mini of Harris with Tristan Ovenden in his Citroen in third. He went for the joker lap second time round which would prove a decisive move. He got away from the pack and ahead of both Leonard and Tohill which enabled him to put in the times knowing the rest would have to take the joker later in the race. Ovenden was next to take the joker dropping out of contention for the win.

04-June-2923: Michael Leonard, Ford Fiesta, and Derek Tohill, Ford Fiesta, collide during the Irish Rallycross Grand Prix. Irish Rallycross Grand Prix 5 Nations Trophy, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

04-June-2923: Tommy Graham, Ford Fiesta, on his way to winning the Irish Rallycross Grand Prix. Irish Rallycross Grand Prix 5 Nations Trophy, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

04-June-2923: Jake Harris, Mini, leads Tommy Graham, Ford Fiesta, during the Irish Rallycross Grand Prix. Irish Rallycross Grand Prix 5 Nations Trophy, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

04-June-2923: Jake Harris, Mini, leads Gary Donoghue, Ford Fiesta, during the Irish Rallycross Grand Prix. Irish Rallycross Grand Prix 5 Nations Trophy, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

04-June-2923: John McCluskey, Ford Fiesta, leads Derek Tohill, Ford Fiesta, during the Irish Rallycross Grand Prix. Irish Rallycross Grand Prix 5 Nations Trophy, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

As the front two battled for the lead Graham began to close and was in the right position to take the lead once the front two made their move for the joker. With a lap and a half to go it played into Graham’s hands as he took the lead while Harris and Donoghue both took the joker together. He had planned it perfectly and had enough in hand over John McCluskey who inherited second to take the win. Known as the “People’s Champion” those who have followed the local man over the years, cheered with joy as the he took the chequered flag. A fantastic victory for the sand and gravel man and his local sponsor Frank Smyth of FJS Plant Ltd.

04-June-2923: Tommy Graham, Ford Fiesta, on his way to winning the Irish Rallycross Grand Prix. Irish Rallycross Grand Prix 5 Nations Trophy, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Speaking afterwards he said “When I saw Derek and Michael coming together and going off, I knew I had a good chance and took the joker early in case they did. It left me clear of the others. I got out of my joker lap ahead of them so I pushed on to give myself a gap when the other did theirs. It worked and held on to take the win. I was Irish Champion in 2009 and 2010 but this was an amazing achievement winning the Grand Prix and also my first time driving a left hand drive car”.