Inside View: Dramatic Final Race Saw Kevin McGrath Take the 2025 Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship

Kevin McGrath with his trophy after taking the 2025 Championship

The final two races of the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship took place at a very wet Mondello Park on Sunday. The championship has been a closely fought affair all year between two Kildare men, Jonathan Taylor and Kevin McGrath. Taylor out to win the series for the second time and McGrath out to take his first title. Former champion Michael Cullen was out again at this event and guest drive from Paddy Shovlin would bring add competition to the regular championship drivers. The rain was very heavy for qualifying and staying on track would be hard work let alone setting a quick time. It was Michael Cullen who did the best job by taking pole position by 1.1 seconds from Jonathan Taylor.

Paddy Shovlin leads Jonathan Taylor on his way to winning race one.

With only 5 points between Taylor and McGrath going into this weekend it was down to four after qualifying as Taylor got the point for pole position as Cullen wasn't registered for points. As the lights went out it was Cullen who got he best start and lead the field into turn one. It was neck and neck through turn two with Taylor taking the lead with a great move on the outside. Cullen fought back on the inside of turn three but Taylor held him off but as they entered turn four a late braking move saw Cullen lock the brakes on the wet and greasy track. The result was both men taking to the gravel but luckily kept momentum up and were able to drive out of it but both dropping down the field .

With grip levels so low the rear wheel drive Strykers were extra tail happy as the drivers put the power down exiting each turn. Paddy Shovlin now found himself in the lead ahead of McGrath, Niall McFadden and Dave Reynolds. the latter two in their own battle for third in the championship. Taylor was moving up passing Dominic Ryan on the run to turn one but came together with Roger Welaratne in turn one resulting in the unfortunate Ryan getting caught up in it and spinning.

Taylor was pressing ahead passing both Reynolds and McFadden on the run out to turn three and into third. He had to as rival McGrath was ahead and challenging for the lead. Cullen too was on the move passing the same men on the outside of turn four. Taylor wasted no time in getting by McGrath. A brilliant move round the outside of the esses saw him move into second. By turn three he was in the lead but Cullen was now into third. It was really hotting up, but then the safety car was deployed to remove Darragh Evans car from the gravel at the final corner.

Dave Reynolds leads Niall McFadden during race one

On the restart Taylor pulled out a slight gap but Cullen was into second at turn one passing Shovlin on the inside. So it was back to the same front two that we had on lap one, It was a cracking race with all balancing grip levels and points at each corner. The track was drying out though as the race went on. The front two began to pull away from Shovlin in third with McGrath sitting in a comfortable fourth. Cullen tried to out-brake Taylor on the outside of turn one but Taylor wasn't having it and held firm. He tried the inside line at turn three to no avail and again on the outside through the esses but couldn't get by. It was fantastic stuff and one of the best races all year. Then as it looked like Taylor had the final corner covered Cullen held his line on the outside and on the run down the start/finish straight he got by. A brilliant move which he held round turn one.

Kevin McGrath takes to the gravel at turn one during race one.

Taylor tried moves on the outside of turns three and four but couldn't get by and Cullen managed to stay ahead. Behind McGrath out-braked himself and very nearly took out Shovlin but ended up in the gravel but managed to keep going and get back on track but now dropped to sixth and killing his chances of taking the title in this race. As they started the final lap Cullen was now clear of Taylor and in command. McGrath got passed Reynolds into turn two and finished fifth making it all level with Taylor going into the final race of the year. Cullen took the chequered flag to take the win with Taylor second and Shovlin third. A brilliant race that really entertained the crowd.

Jonathan Taylor, left, passes Michael Cullen during race one

Michael Cullen leads Jonathan Taylor on his way to winning race one

For race two of the day the weather had cleared up and the track was bone dry. It was Reynolds who was on pole from McGrath. Taylor and Cullen would be starting from fith and sixth so it would be all eyes on them coming through the field after the lights went out. It was simple in terms of the championship whoever finished ahead of the other would take the 2025 title. McGrath got the best start and lead the field into turn one but Taylor was already flying and came from fifth on the grid to second by turn one. He got a great run out towards turn three and tried a move round the outside for the lead. It was so close to coming off but he collided with McGrath and both spun a full 360 degrees. Amazingly both kept going, although dropping several places. Taylor came off better though and had plenty between him and McGrath. As he battled with Shovlin and Cullen exiting the final corner he slightly got sideways and caught Shovlin who was on his inside and ended up in the pit wall. An unfortunate accident but one that brought out the red flags. As the time ran on the medics and rescue teams attended Shovlin and did their job excellently. It was a heavy impact but the Stryker cars are strong and the safety cage did its job.

Paddy Shovlin leads Kevin McGrath during race one

When the race restarted the light had faded but there was enough to run it and let the championship battle recommence. This time Reynolds got the better start and lead the field to turn one. Cullen got a good start too and was up to third with Taylor behind. Cullen got a better exit out of turn three and made his move down the inside at turn four and got into second. Taylor followed and now McGrath found himself in fourth. Reynolds was holding on but only just and a better exit like the previous lap saw Cullen get passed on the run into turn four. Again Taylor followed leaving McGrath having to find a way past Reynolds somewhere else and soon as he couldn't let his rival get away. He didn't have to worry as by turn one Taylor tried to pass Cullen on the outside but Cullen held a tight inside line and in doing so bounced over the kerb which put him wide colliding with Taylor. Taylor then ended up cutting back across the track and on to the grass and dropped down to sixth. The front three began to pull away but Taylor kept trying and after a couple of laps was up to fourth closing in on McGrath. Then a mistake at turn three saw him loose the ground he made up but his attack and championship chase were over. Cullen once again pulled clear by the race end from Reynolds and McGrath to make it a double victory.

Michael Cullen leads Jonathan Taylor, Kevin McGrath and Dave Reynolds

Dave Reynolds leads Michael Cullen, Jonathan Taylor, and Kevin McGrath

Darragh Evans

Dave Reynolds leads Kevin McGrath

McGrath did what he had to do and brought it home to take the series title for the first time. It was a well deserved win as he drove well all year and put it up to the main and more experienced men all year.

Speaking afterwards the delighted Naas man spoke of the race and his season.

" I'm absolutely delighted, the heavens opened this morning and the wet doesn't suit me and Johnny goes well in the wet and put in a tremendous battle and left us going into the last race level on points and was very lucky to come away on top. I thought it was all over in the first race at one stage as I locked up the brakes going into turn one and went into the gravel but thankfully got back going. It was a great year and I had great battles with Johnny and all the other lads all year. It's a great class and I will be back to defend the title next year."