Kearney's Double At Bishopscourt - Airportcars.ie Formula Sheane Championship

Richard Kearney, Sheane, on his way to winning the two Formula Sheane races. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Bishopscourt, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For round three of the Airportcar.ie Formula Sheane championship drivers made their way to Bishopscourt Racing Circuit north of the border in county Down. The welcomed change of venue is only used once a year and this year is the first time the class has be back since before the Covid outbreak. The 1.830 mile track is fast and flowing with some quick chicanes and tricky hairpins. 

Weather was good for  qualifying where Richard Kearney wanted to make amends for his DNF in round two last time out at Mondello. With Philip Sheane not taking part this weekend it would be hard to see if Kearney would be pushed hard at one of his favourite tracks. Qualifying times would prove that the others had much time to find. Kearney claimed pole position by a massive 3.209 seconds! Richie Adams was the closest to him which shows he is carrying his good form on from Mondello Park last month. It has to be said the problems of sourcing tyres due to manufacturing problems has left drivers with old rubber which they also have to make last two races. So qualifying times did not tell the full story. 

Richard Kearney, Sheane, leads Mark Keenan, Sheane, on his way to winning the two Formula Sheane races. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Bishopscourt, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

As the lights went out Kearney got the best start and lead the field as they made the long run down to the first left hand bend Brock's. Richie Adams got so much wheelspin off the line he dropped to last by the first turn. Mark Keenan got a flyer too and and made up several places off the line and by the end of lap one he was up to second and chasing down Kearney. Chris Dunne held third ahead of Garrett McKenna, and Mike Dermody. Poor Tom Foley in his first race this year ended with mechanical failure on the warm-up lap. Kearney who had a DNF in the previous round at Mondello was out to make amends this time and opened up a sizable lead by the end of lap two. Keenan hung on though and left Dunne behind in third. His speed has carried on from the opening round but try as he might just could close the gap to Kearney. 

Mark Keenan, Sheane, during the two Formula Sheane races. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Bishopscourt, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

By mid race distance the tyre issue all drivers were having came into play with times dropping off and some clearly lacking grip. That said Kearney was driving superb not missing an apex an clearly had his car setup well. Adams had an eventful race, making his way back up to fourth but dropped back to sixth as his car refused to play ball with him and handling problems cost him lots of time. McKenna also had a busy race having a steady run in fourth but at the half way mark he was back to seventh but got himself back up to fourth again by the flag. Kearney reeled off the final laps to take a comfortable win. Keenan continued his good form this season by taking second with Chris Dunne taking third. 

Chris Dunne, Sheane, leads Richie Adams, Sheane, and Garrett McKenna, Sheane, during the two Formula Sheane races. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Bishopscourt, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For race two again Kearney made the best start like in race one and headed the field into turn one. Garrett McKenna got a great start and moved into second ahead of Keenan, not what the Meath publican wanted as he knew Kearney would get away. McKenna's joy was short lived as he spun at the chicane letting not only Kennan through but also the whole field although he did get back up to sixth by the end of the race. Keenan set about closing down Kearney who again was in his groove and setting fastest times each lap. Tom Foley made repairs to his car and had a great run in fourth place keep more experienced drivers like Richie Adams and Garrett McKenna behind him.

Chris Dunne, Sheane, leads Garrett McKenna, Sheane, during the two Formula Sheane races. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Bishopscourt, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

 Bishopscourt has been a happy hunting ground for the Leighlindbridge man, who was on course to make it four wins in a row at the county Down track. He got his car setup right and it showed easily keeping his corner speed up through faster sections of the track over his rivals. Chris Dunne had a lonely race in third in his freshly painted car for this round. The race petered out from mid distance with the gaps staying the same. Kearney again reeled off the laps and took an easy win to make it a clean sweep with Pole position, two wins and two fastest laps.

Richard Kearney, Sheane, on his way to winning the two Formula Sheane races. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Bishopscourt, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Mark Keenan came home in second to take home a solid points haul. Chris Dunne did the same with his second podium of the weekend. Speaking with the victor after the race he was in expected buoyant form,

 " I'm really happy with winning the two races, the car was on point all weekend and I love the circuit. It has been good to me and that's four in a row now, I'm Over the moon to be honest."

Results:

Race 1

1st Richard Kearney

2nd Mark Keenan

3rd Chris Dunne

Race 2

1st Richard Kearney

2nd Mark Keenan

3rd Chris Dunne

Sheane Makes It A Double - Airportcars.ie Formula Sheane Championship

09-04-2022:Philip Sheane, Sheane, holds up his Championship trophy for winning the 2021 Formula Sheane Championship. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For race two the grid was again in reverse order and Richie Adams once more lead the field into turn one. Mike Dermody initially made a good start but slotted in behind Adams. The two quick men at the back in Sheane and Adams made light work of the field this time and sliced through the field in the opening laps. Sheane made a much better start in this one and by the end of lap one was up to second place. 

09-04-2022: Richie Adams, Sheane, leads Philip Sheane, Sheane, into turn one during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Chris Dunne made a rare mistake and spun at the first corner dropping to last and gave himself a lot of work to do for the remainder of the race. The experience of leading in the early part of race on, helped Adams enormously in this one. He wasn't going to give up the lead easy and fought off Sheane over the next number of laps.

09-04-2022: Philip Sheane, Sheane, leads Richard Kearney, Sheane, into turn one during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Then disaster struck the third place man Kearney, a broken throttle cable sidelining the Carlow man just as he was closing in on the front two. This elevated Mike Dermody back up to third, but he was coming under increasing pressure from Garrett McKenna in fourth and by lap four he was past. On the same lap Sheane made his move for the lead and got through. 

09-04-2022: Brendan Carr, Sheane, leads Garrett McKenna, Sheane, into turn one during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

09-04-2022: Mark Keenan, Sheane, leads Brendan Carr, Sheane, into turn one during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Anyone who thought he was going clear off from here was wrong as he was repassed by Adams a lap later. The Dublin musician was playing the gig of his life in this one and again held his lead for the next couple of laps. Sheane again got by but his lead only lasted a lap. Adams found another way by if the first was good this was up there with it. Brendan Carr and Mark Keenan were also having a good scrap of there own, but the clutch issue was still hampering Keenan as he didn't have the pace he had at the start of race one. 

09-04-2022:Garrett McKenna, Sheane, in action during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

09-04-2022:Chris Dunne, Sheane, in action during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Chris Dunne however, was flying back up through the pack and by lap twelve was back up to fifth. Carr sadly again was forced out with mechanical issues. McKenna was safe in third. By lap eight Sheane was into the lead again and this time he got his head down a pulled out a gap and a pace Adams could not match. He set the fastest lap of the race with a 58.355 seconds. 

09-04-2022: Richard Kearney, Sheane, retired due to a broken throttle cable from the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

He cruised home to take the chequered flag to make it two from two and it was a fitting and deserved double to bring some joy to the Sheane family this week. It was great to see new faces on the podium with Adams and McKenna taking second and third. 

09-04-2022: Mike Dermody, Sheane, in action during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Next race in in Bishopscourt in county Down in four weeks time. With Sheane not down to race there could be a new name on the winners trophy at the fast flowing northern circuit.

09-04-2022:Philip Sheane, Sheane, centre, Richie Adams, left, and Garrett McKenna, right, after the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Results:

1st Philip SHeane

2nd Richie Adams

3rd Garrett McKenna

4th Mark Keenan

5th Chris Dunne

6th Mike Dermody

Kearney Wins Final Race But Sheane Seals Series Title In Final Round - Formula Sheane 2021

Richard Kearney on his way to winning the final round of the 2021 Formula Sheane championship. Kirkistown Racing circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In its 20th season it is fitting that this years championship went to a Sheane. The class and car born from David Sheane as a step up from Formula Vee at the beginning of the new millenium. For the final race it was quiet simple for the two championship contenders. 

Richard Kearney leads Paul McLoughlin, on his way to winning the final round of the 2021 Formula Sheane championship. Kirkistown Racing circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Philip Sheane who had one hand on the trophy after winning the penultimate race only had to finish in the top five if Derek Roddy won. Roddy knowing he only had a slim chance for the big prize was still upbeat and was going out to enjoy his race. " I'd need Phillip to load the car on to the trailer now for a chance to win the title now." He said laughing just before he took to the grid. In saying that a sure victory was taken away from Sheane at the same venue back in July and if a similar thing was to happen it would give Roddy the title cruel as it may be.

Derek Roddy could get no higher than second during the final round of the 2021 Formula Sheane championship. Kirkistown Racing circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Beyond these two there were others out to make up for lost time and ground and to set right the bad runs had earlier in the year. Paul McLoughlin made a much welcomed reappearance and showed good pace in the previous race. Brendan Carr finally got his arm working again to take the wheel of the double race winning car used by Enda O'Connor in rounds 3&4 at July's Mondello meeting. Rookies Chris Dunne and Richie Adams were also out to settle the Scholarship class. 

Philip Sheane stayed of of trouble on his way to winning the 2021 Formula Sheane championship. Kirkistown Racing circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Richard Kearney also wanted to end his bad year with at least one more win stating that he would win before taking to the track. Some prayed for him to win, saying " It will be a long winter if he doesn't!". So still all to play for in this final race of the year. A quick year it has been even though the late start due to the pandemic. Kearney and Sheane lined up on the front row and it was Kearney who got the best start to lead the field through Debtor's and into turn two. 

Paul McLoughlin, top, and Brendan Carr above both showed great pace this after long lay offs, during the final round of the 2021 Formula Sheane championship. Kirkistown Racing circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Paul McLoughlin also made a great start and pulled off a great maneuver around the outside of Sheane to take second place. A slight touch of wheels on the exit may have upset Sheane's rythm for turn three, but his reflexes weren't as he had to move quickly to the left as Roddy was on a charge past with no signs of easing for the corner. In fact he pushed Sheane wide causing him to drop to sixth. By the end of the second lap Kearney had already opened up a gap to Paul McLoughlin as he had Roddy breathing down his neck. Sheane was making his way through the field passing Adams and Carr a couple of laps later. Roddy mad his move into second but it would be hard to catch Kearney ahead especially as he now had broken the toe from the men behind him. Sheane was now in a safe fourth place with no pressure. He couldn't catch those at the front and he had gapped those behind. All he had to do was reel off the laps and the championship was his. Roddy tried hard to catch Kearney but the Carlow man was true to his word and wanted the win. The placings became stagnant with the gaps staying much the same throughout the field from the halfway mark. It would have been nice to see a battle up front for the title but Sheane used his head and stayed out of trouble after that near miss on the opening lap. In the end 

Chris Dunne on his way to winng the 2021 Formua Sheane Scholarship Class championship during the final round of the 2021 Formula Sheane championship. Kirkistown Racing circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kearney cruised to another win and deservedly so as he was the quickest man all day taking fastest lap with a 1,01.708 second lap. Roddy did his best but it was always going to be a tall order and finishing again on the podium added to his consistency for the year. Paul McLoughlin came home in a fantastic third place and if only he had been out all year the championship could have been even closer. Hopefully he makes a return full time to the grid next year. Brendan Carr had a great run just finishing behind Sheane. 

Philip Sheane takes the chequered flag to become 2021 Formula Sheane champion. Kirkistown Racing circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In the Scholarship class Chis Dunne may not have had the pace in race two to rival Richie Adams but after nearly loosing it all in the previous race he was happy to sit tight and bring the car home to win the class. A brilliant result for the all newcomer to motor racing.  So that was a wrap for the 2021 season which saw a resurrection of the class with four newcomers coming into joining the current runners. Hopefully the interest has been sparked by other to come back out and join them on the grid in 2022!

Results

National Class

1st Richard Kearney

2nd Derek Roddy

3rd Paul McLoughlin

Scholarship Class

1st Richie Adams

2nd Chris Dunne

3rd Garrett McKenna

Roddy rescues third place to bring championship to final race decider - 2021 Formula Sheane Championship Round 11

Philip Sheane leads Derek Roddy as they battle it out during the Formula Sheane race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

From the season opener to the final meeting of the 2021 Formula Sheane series it hasn't failed to provide drama and close racing. The grids haven't been huge in numbers but the entertainment most certainly has. For the final two rounds of the series the drivers visited the county Down circuit of Kirkistown. Located on the Ards Peninsula the trip although long for the southern drivers, is worth it when you see the views along the coastal road nearing the circuit. Combined with the late spell of warm weather you could be forgiven if one was to think they were driving along the Riviera! Before anyone could let themselves think of a holiday the serious business of winning a championship had to be taken care off first.

Richard Kearney claimed pole position by 0.091 of a second. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It was down to two drivers The first a rookie to the class, the second a relative rookie with not much more seat time in the car over the other. Both though have grown as drivers as the year has progressed. Philip Sheane held a nine point advantage over Derek Roddy going into the penultimate race of the year round eleven. The simplest thing for both men was to win at least one of the races and to put pressure on the other. Easier said than done though as both men have had cruel mechanical luck already this year and indeed for Sheane at this very track back in July where a certain win was taken away by a failing cv joint.

Above Top: Paul McLoughlin leads Richard Kearney as they battle it out during the Formula Sheane race. Above: Brendan Carr made a return from injury earlier in the year. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It was at the July meeting where Roddy started his run of front running form by taking the gifted win but more importantly upping his pace which he would carry forward for the rest of the year. His two non starts in the opening round were kicking in now though but all was not lost if he could get another win. Sheane also having to DNF's couldn't afford another one and also need another win to make it much easier for the final race of the year. Things certainly didn't look good for Roddy in qualifying as he never got to do a lap as his driveshaft failed exiting the pits for the session. Sheane however just missed out on pole by 0.091 of a second to Richard Kearney who again showed his dry weather pace. 

Derek Roddy and Richard Kearney diced it out for several laps during the Formula Sheane race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Another out to prove a point to the field that he hasn't gone away and even though he has no chance championship wise he will want to take a victory or two before the season is out and possibly get third overall. It would also be a fight for the scholarship class title between Richie Adams and Chris Dunne with both men eyeing up the class prize. With Kearney on pole and being one of the best starters on the grid it be interesting to see if Sheane would get into a battle from the off or would he follow the Carlow man for the race? That was answered from the off as unusually for Kearney he got a terrible start and found himself down to fifth by the end of lap one not helped by outbraking himself into turn two and taking to the grass! 

Above Top: Philip Sheane makes a break for it at the fron over Derek Roddy in second. Above: Richard Kearney leads Derek Roddy round the hairpin. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Sheane got a good start but Roddy had a flyer, so much so he thought he had jumped the start. Either way he was in the lead by the end of lap one from the back of the grid! Now the battle was one as Sheane followed suit and was happy to sit there for a couple of laps. Roddy didn't look as comfortable as he usually does up front but held Sheane at bay defending well into the final hairpin. Kearney however woke up and reeled in the two championship contenders easily. However catching is one thing getting by is another another. By the halfway stage he still was in third. It was at this stage Sheane made his move on Roddy getting a better run through the chicane gave him the speed down the straight to pass at the hairpin.

Richard Kearney cuts the hairpin to gain extra time as he tries to catch Philip Sheane during the Formula Sheane race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Once ahead he knew he could control the pace and this he did by opening a small gap by the end of the following lap. He was then helped by Kearney getting by Roddy at the hairpin also. The following laps were magic for the onlookers as these two swapped places on each of the following four laps. It look as though Roddy got sucked into a battle that he didn't need and it could be argued that if he had sat behind Kearney, he would have been brought back to Sheane and maybe then he could get by at a later stage. Easy to say watching from the fence but it was still great to see how hard both drivers were pushing. Sadly for Roddy he pushed too hard going into the hairpin with two laps to go and ran wide and took to the grass. Luckily he was far enough ahead of Brendan Carr to remain in third. 

Richie Adams had a clear run home during the Formula Sheane race on his way to taking the Scholarship class win. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Unfortunate but lucky not to damage the car but his race for second was over and with it more dropped points. Sheane though was delighted to take the win and ease the pressure somewhat before the final round. Kearney took second but rued his bad start and his chance at victory. It would mean Sheane had a sizeable lead of fifteen points over Roddy going into the final round. Behind all this Paul McLoughlin who was out for the second time this year looked good in fourth until he retired on lap three with a mechanical problem. 

A great battle between Garrett McKenna and Chris Dunne ended with a broken nose and wing for Dunne during the Formula Sheane race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In the scholarship class Richie Adams, Garrett McKenna and Chris Dunne swapped places in the opening laps until a coming together at the hairpin between McKenna and Dunne resulted in Dunne running over his own nosecone and front wing. This let Adams off the hook to take the win over McKenna with Dunne managing to come home in third. 

Another race where caution was thrown against the wind, but it was still dragging it to the grand finale. Could Roddy take a win with Sheane not finishing? It was Sheane's to lose but he had one hand firmly on the trophy but anything could still happen.

Philip Sheane on his way to victory in the Formula Sheane race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Results:

National Championship

1st Philip Sheane

2nd Richard Kearney

3rd Derek Roddy

Scholarship Class

1st Richie Adams

2nd Chris Dunne

                                                                     

Richard Kearney Wins Round 10 - Formula Sheane

Richard Kearney, leads Philp Sheane during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

As expected the conditions for round ten of the Formula Sheane championship were perfect the damps patches were now gone and everyone looked forward to another battle between the top three. This time Philip Sheane got the start he wanted and held off Richard Kearney at turn one and again at turn two as Derek Roddy slotted into third. 

Philip Sheane, leads Richard Kearney, during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With the sun getting low it made it slightly awkward for the drivers as they made their way out to the county. All three up front knew they could'nt afford to let each other get away. Richie Adams again made a good start as he made his way up to fourth. On the way back towards the paddock Sheane kept the tighter line already defending hard from Kearney. 

Derek Roddy, in action after dropping time with a trip to the gravel trap during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

By lap three it was still the same as Sheane soaked up the pressure well which cannot be said this time for Roddy. On the entrance to turn 4 he locked up his rear brakes and spun into the gravel. Luckily for him he didn't get stuck in it and managed to drive his way out of it but all hopes for the win were gone. This let the duo of Sheane and Kearney away to fight it out themselves as they had by now pull well clear of the field.

Richard Kearney, leads Philp Sheane during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

 Tom Foley began to make progress up through the field with claiming fifth and then fourth. Up front Kearney began to pile on the pressure and it worked by passing Sheane for the lead. It had been four months since he had been in this position and this time he wasn't going to let it slip. Sheane tried hard to get back past and looked quicker on the older part of the circuit but the clever Carlow man had all the lines covered. 

Richie Adams, leads Chris Dunne during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Unfortunately Garrett McKenna who had been battling with Tom Foley spun at turn four just as Roddy had done earlier but sadly for him he beached his car and his race was run. With his car in an unsafe place and despite the marshals best efforts the safety car had to be deployed. This allowed Roddy to catch back up to the leaders, but time had run out for himself or Sheane to get past Kearney as it was just a simple run to the line.

Chris Dunne, leads Tom Foley during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Tom Foley, leads Garrett McKenna during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Still all in all it was good to see Kearney take a win as he was hampered by bad luck all season. With the last round taking place on the 25th of September it does not leave much time to get the cars ready for the final and most important round of the season as it has turn out to be. With nine points between Sheane and Roddy in the favour of Sheane, it still is all to play for as one DNF could swing it either way. In the scholarship class Tom Foley came home with the win adding to his win earlier in the year in Kirkistown. 

Results

1st Richard Kearney

2nd Philip Sheane

3rd Derek Roddy

Scholarship

1st Tom Foley

2nd Chris Dunne

3rd Richie Adams

Sheane Shines In The Rain - Formula Sheane Championship Round 7

Philip Sheane, Sheane, on his way to winning round 7 of the Formula Sheane Championship at Mondello Park,. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For the first time this year the weather gods didn't show up for the latest round of the Formula Sheane Championship as the warm sunny weather turned cold, wet and miserable. Sadly Paul McLoughlin and Brendan Carr again were non starters but it still wouldn't take away the action from the rest of the field. 

Richard Kearney, leads Philip Sheane, and Derek Roddy, out of turn 3 on the opening lap. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Richard Kearney, leads Philip Sheane, during the opening lap. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Philip Sheane, leads Richard Kearney out of turn 2 on his way to winning the Formula Sheane race. Photo: Barry Cregg.

At the last round in Kirkistown Phillip Sheane was on for his first double until mechanical failure let him down. Derek Roddy took his first win and another couple of podiums at Mondello would certainly keep him well in touch for the championship. The wet however can provide any results as it can catch the best of drivers out. For both Sheane and Roddy both have never driven these cars in the wet but it didn't show in qualifying as both men locked out the front row. Sheane though gapped Roddy by 1.3 seconds while taking pole, a sign of things to come maybe?

Richard Kearney battles for grip while holding off Derek Roddy. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Derek Roddy leads Richard Kearney on his way to finishing in second place. Photo: Barry Cregg.

As the lights went out however, it was Richard Kearney from fourth on the grid who got the jump on everyone and lead as they came out of turn one. There was also oil down on the track so conditions were far from easy. The Formula Sheane cars are very torquey and in the wet it is easily to get a lot of wheel spin. It is a balancing act and finding the areas where the most grip is can also a fine art. Sheane was a master at both and once he got a lap under his belt he was in the lead. Using the outside lines he found the grip and by not being too aggressive on the throttle he pulled clear from Kearney and Roddy behind. As Sheane built up his advantage the two men behind swapped places all race both seeming to struggle for grip much more than Sheane ahead. 

Tom Foley leads Mark Keenan in the Scholarship class. Photo Barry Cregg.

Mark Keenan leads Tom Foley in the Scholarship class. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kearney seemed to get into a rythm from lap four but Roddy also started to get used to the conditions and caught back up to him. He got by on lap six but a lap later he was repassed. Again Kearney held off the previous rounds winner but with two laps to go he could not keep him behind anymore as Roddy got by at turn 3. 

Chris Dunne on his way to second place in the Scholarship class. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Richard Kearney on his way to third place. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It stayed that way to the flag and an important result for Roddy as it kept the pressure on Sheane in the points race. Sheane was on another level and his car looked more comfortable on track than either Roddy's or Kearney's. Behind the front three Mark Keenan had a nightmare race spinning out of fourth place on the opening lap at turn three and again at turn one a couple of laps later before retiring half way through. In the scholarship class Tom Foley kept up his winning form from Kirkistown by taking the win after a battle with Keenan early on. Chris Dunne and Richie Adams tried to haul in Foley but a spin at turn two cost Adams any chance of victory. Dunne held his own and settled for second and more points for the championship after a win also in Kirkistown.

Richie Adams on his way to third place in the Scholarship class. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Philip Sheane was in a league of his on his way to winning round seven of the series. Photo's: Barry Cregg.

As hard as it was for the people with experience racing in the wet, it is doubly hard for those newcomers and adding in the oil they did very well to finish. Sheane laid down a marker for those to match in the following round and a lot of work on setup would need to be done to close the gap to the Wicklow man.

Results:

National Championship

1st Philip Sheane

2nd Derek Roddy

3rd Richard Kearney

Scholarship Class

1st Tom Foley

2nd Chis Dunne

3rd Richie Adams