PrecisionWorks Engineering Rookie Champion 2025 - Brian Cowan

The Formula Vee season came to a close last Saturday at Kirkistown Racing Circuit. While some finished another season of many, some defended a title, some finally made it to the end of a race meeting without damage and one driver not only fulfilled a lifetime wish to go motor racing they also won a championship in the process. Belfast native Brian Cowan was one such person. Brian joined the Formula Vee grid this year and showed he wasn't out for a Sunday drive. His pace got quicker as the year went on and became one of the northern tribe along with the Kelly Brothers, James Friel and Sean McCallion. When you look at his results anyone would love to have them in their own championship  with three wins backed up with a podium spot in every other round.

Brian Cown, Sheane, in action in round 1 at Mondello Park.

His rivals Lee Flynn and John Lawless both won races but were nowhere near as consistent with each having numerous DNF's. This consistency earned him an 88 point cushion when the points table was totted up for the final time. Having spent some years in England where he raced on two wheels for several years on 2 stroke 500cc motocross bikes before moving on to classic race bikes where he did parade laps around such famous circuits like Dijon, Spa, Donnigton  and the Isle of Man! 

After returning to Ireland he often thought his biking days and the competitiveness of it which he enjoyed. He wanted to do experience that again so a trip to Kirkistown in June 2023 where he talked to a few drivers and met Sean McCallion  and decided to bite the bullet and bought his car from him. The first race in Mondello saw a strong start finishing runner up to Lee Flynn followed by a third and a second again in the next two events but by round four in Bishopscourt he came home with two wins. It was especially nice to do it at his home track. While a win at Mondello eluded him all year his other win came at Kirkistown in July.

Reflecting on the year go by it was clear he enjoyed it, " I'm over the moon at winning the rookie championship in my first full season including first time visits to Mondello Park on both the national and International circuits. I bought a good car thanks to Sean McCallion and with the help of James Friel along with Jordan and Owen Kelly I had a 100% finishing record. Formula Vee is one of the most competitive championships in Ireland but everyone is willing to help you if needs be until the helmets go on!! I know feel part of the Formula Vee "family" and love the enthusiasm of all involved who make it happen, with a special thanks to Michelle Morrin. Formula Vee is fun, serious and great craic!"

Like all motor racing it comes down to experience and time in the car. A move up the the TyreDoctor.ie 'B' championship next year will see more challenges and a need to make a step further in lap times. If this year is anything to go by it wont surprise some if he is right in the mix in that championship from the word go.