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