Make Mine A Double! - Jack Byrne wins latest Formula Vee races.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, on his way to wining the Formula Vee race at Mondello Park.

Annacurragh's Jack Byrne had a Carlsberg weekend at Mondello Park on Saturday by taking pole position, fastest lap and victory in rounds two and three of the Formula Vee Championship. It was a much needed confidence boost after mechanical trouble at the first round at Kirkistown in March which stemmed from late last year. He didn't have it easy though as he was pushed all the way by Gavin Buckley, Conor Melia and Kieran Hannan. 

To add to the mix a restarted race two meant he had to redo all his hard work again. The tight track on Mondello's national layout can make it hard to pass but also if you over defend you can get caught out and get nabbed in corners that aren't usually overtaking areas. Easier said than done though but a clash of wheels in race two with Buckley exiting turn one could have very easily ended in disaster for both drivers. With only fourteen cars out it is a sign of the times compared to a couple of years ago when there was usually twenty-five cars out each weekend. 

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, and Sean McClements, Sheane, on his way to wining the Formula Vee race at Mondello Park.

That said those who were out but on a great display not giving an inch but all done in a fair way with no bad driving standards. Buckley came close twice at turn one in taking the lead on the outside line but Byrne held firm. His effort in the last three weeks wasn't going to be wasted in the gravel trap and only a win would do. Buckley's car still has the most speed out of any of the cars on the grid and he put it to good use down the straights but just couldn't find a way by. Cheered on by his biggest supporters his wife Michelle and daughter Eabha he took the chequered flag twice and in doing so but himself right back in contention for the championship.

Above: Jack Byrne, with his daugther Eabha aged 1 and Below: with his new army of fans after winning the Formula Vee race at Mondello Park.

Speaking afterwards the jubilant victor explain how his weekend went; " Its great now to get two wins a start the championship from here. We still have a few things to finish off on the car that we didn't get done in time for this weekend. The engine is strong and thank to Kevin Sheane for all the work he done on the car for us since Kirkistown its made a huge difference. It will be hard to beat Gavin in Bishopscourt and Colm Blackburn will be back too so it could be anyone's but we will give it a try anyway."