2025 Selco.ie Formula Vee Champion - Gavin Buckley

Gavin with his trusty Sheane car after clinching his second title

Like buses, you wait ages for one and two come at once. This was somewhat the case for Gavin Buckley who successfully defended his Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship this year. He kicked off the season in style with two wins at Mondello Park. His strong pace in both races and qualifying suggested the rest would need to step up at the next round in Kirkistown. It wasn't to be though as a mechanical problem while lying in third dropped him down the field in the closing stages and another large points haul was missed. That said his luck was in somewhat though as he wouldn't have finished if the race was another lap longer. 

Next up was the only trip to the other county Down track, Bishopscourt Racing circuit. Only used once during the season it is a favourite of all drivers and the weather was superb to make it even better. Another front row start and an early lead in the opening laps saw him back in form as he was in Mondello but a mistake at the final chicane saw him spin off and drop down the field. More points lost but a third in race two after a brilliant battle with Colm Blackburn and Conor Melia gave him a good bag of points. Although it was a case of leaving two wins behind. 

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Colm Blackburn, Leastone, Mondello Park, Co. Kildare.

The second trip to Mondello brought the worst result of the year while again battling up front a spin into the barriers resulted in a DNF. His main rival Conor Melia while consistent still hadn't won yet which helped Buckley when he dropped points he still held the championship lead. He needed to comeback strong at the next couple of rounds to get hold of the championship properly. He did with two dominant wins at Mondello and Kirkistown. Next up was the penultimate round of the series including the Leinster trophy race. 

With the return of Ronan Doherty, Kevin O'Hara and Anthony Cross there were a few more to battle with but at this stage he was out to get enough points to wrap it up and not bring it to the final round as the year before. He didn't have the same pace as the previous rounds but did enough to secure a well deserved second title. For the final round in Kirkistown after being late to assembly he was put to the back for the race and a first corner coming together saw any chance of a win gone but a good comeback in difficult conditions saw he finish in fifth. It was his rival all year Melia who took his first win but it showed the up and down results Buckley had all year left the final points gap in the end at six points. It was close but he won more races and should have won more but racing is never as straight forward as it looks like it should be at times. 

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Colm Blackburn, Leastone, Bishopscourt, Racing Circuit, Co. Down

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, Bishopscourt, Racing Circuit, Co. Down.

It's testament to the hard work done be Adam McCauley who had the car on song all year with only one mechanical problem all year and to have the car rebuilt so well after the crash in Mondello.

Speaking after the Leinster Trophy meeting Buckley reflected on his season and taking retaining his championship.

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Fergal Begley, Sheane, Kirkistown, Racing Circuit, Co. Down.

" Yeah it's been a very up and down year, started off great with two wins followed by four not difficult races but ones that certainly didn't go to plan, then followed by to good ones. That brought us to here this weekend. His laughs give away his review of it and his performance " This one also didn't go to plan with a bad qualifying and didn't have a good race. Fair play to Conor though he drove well all year and if things had gone a bit different we could have well be heading to Kirkistown to decide the title. It has been a funny season though we lost points in race three with an electrical problem, then Bisophscourt was a bad day at the office both races I made mistakes completely my fault, then Mondello after it I don't know what happened if I hit oil or what but the car just shot off into the barriers. We looked at the videos but can't figure out what happened so that was a DNF. Conor really pushed me all year and I also benefited that Colm had car problems and didn't finish the season and Jack didn't do a full one either. I am delighted to win it though I really am it's great and thanks to Adam and the lads for the help and having the car running well all year."

Adam McAuley and Gavin Buckley, Mondello Park, Naas, Co. Kildare.

TyreDoctor.ie Formula Vee 'B' Champion 2025 - Conor Melia

13-September-2025: Conor Melia, the 2025 TyreDoctor.ie 'B'  Formula Vee Champion.
Picture Barry Cregg.

What a difference a year makes. This time last year the final race meeting at Kirkistown Racing Circuit for Lucan man Conor Melia was used to put to rest any demons he had after quiet a big crash he had there at the midpoint of the season. This year after already winning the TyreDoctor.ie 'B' Championship at the previous round at Mondello Park, he took his maiden Selco.ie Formula Vee national race win. 

It was in fact a long time coming as he was close to winning several times this year but just came up short. If he had and the crucial DNF in round three had not happened he may have claimed the overall championship as his consistency kept him in with a shout right up to the penultimate round. To be fair to the Dubliner he is only finishing his second season of racing this year. Another year with the SM Racing team also proved important as both parties kept the momentum going from last year and worked well together and as the season progressed the results got better and better. 

06-April-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. ICCR Round 1, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

06-April-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. ICCR Round 1, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

26-April-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane,, leads Eamonn Thornton, Leastone, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg

It was also a year where regular 'B' championship runners made a step forward in overall pace and who would have more race experience which made winning the championship all the better. Coming from a sim racing background rather than the traditional kart racing one so many have done before, his driving became more smoother and less erratic than last year. This comes from time in the car and one that is prepped very well by the father and son Christy and Stephen Morrin. 

Sadly the traitional final race of the year the Emmerson Fittipaldi Trophy, was cancelled due to heavy rain. The chance to add his name this year was takin away from him by mother nature, but if this year is anything to go by only a fool would rule him out of the running next year.

18-May-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Bishopscourt, Co. Down. Picture: Jack Cregg,

18-May-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Bishopscourt, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg,

Speaking after the race he described the final championship race and his overall year. 

" I'm just buzzing, I really am, and for the lads {SM Racing} too. We have had the pace all year it was just hard to get past Gavin for a reasonable newcomer like myself. It's been said all year and its true that my downfall was not winning enough races but today we have shown we can. Bishopscourt was were it changed as the lads found a problem with the car that was a leftover from the crash last year. Once that was fixed the pace got much better and we got two second places there. There have been some great races all year with Gavin Buckley, Colm Blackburn and Jack Byrne. Sadly the weather took the Emmerson Fittipaldi  race away from us today but I will be back next year with the elbows out a bit more and try and get a few more wins."

27-September-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, and Andy Keogh, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Picture: Jack Cregg.

27-September-2025: Conor Melia, Sheane, celebrates after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Picture Barry Cregg.

13-September-2025: Conor Melia, the 2025 TyreDoctor,ie 'B'  Formula Vee Champion with the SM Racing crew Michelle, Stephen and Christy Morrin, along with Girlfriend Dorie.
Picture Barry Cregg.

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.

Melia Takes His Maiden Formula Vee Win

 

Conor Melia celebrates after winning his first Formula Vee national win

Kirkistown Racing Circuit hosted the 11th and final round of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship on Saturday. The northern circuit is the traditional last hooray of the season but for once it wasn't a title decider weekend like it has been so many times before. This sadly meant a few of the usual front runners were not out but still the top two in Gavin Buckley and Conor Melia were. Sean McClements was back out again and flew in qualifying so much so he grabbed pole position with a 1.05.943 lap. Gavin Buckley for once this season had no pressure on him at the last round as he wrapped the title up last time out at Mondello Park, joined him on the front row.

There was drama before the race even began, due to being late to assembly the two front row men were put to the back of the grid. This promoted Melia and Thornton to the front row. The weather was horrible, with high winds and rain it made life very difficult for the drivers but at least the rain wasn't too heavy but the track was slippy. Melia got away well and took the lead going into turn one but behind him Thornton spun going into turn two. He wasn't the only one as nearly a third of the grid did the same with some colliding with other. More bad luck followed Buckley and McClements as they were two of those who spun off. Andy Keogh and Kieran Hannan benefited the most as the slotted into second and third. 

Conor Melia, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, and Andy Keogh, Sheane, on his way to winning his first Formula Vee national race

In the opening laps the front three settled into a nice battle each threading the fine line of going fast enough without being close to going off. It looked like hard work as the back end of each car stepping out as soon as the power was applied. Oliver Devlin and Michael Stafford found the grip levels very hard to find exiting turn two they both spun off more than once but luckily no damage was done other than their pride. By the halfway point the front three had pulled clear from the rest of the field but Melia had opened a gap to the two men behind also. Once again this year his smooth driving style was helping him and his chances of his first national win come closer and closer.

Kieran Hannan, Leastone, leads Andy Keogh, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race.

The battle for second was intense with both Keogh and Hannan looking like they were driving two old MKll escorts as both had them going from rack to rack. Keogh who has found some form again in the last couple of races was trying everything to get by and did with a lovely move into turn one. Hannan replied swiftly into turn three and took the place back. With both these battling it out Melia pulled clear and was safe in the lead until the safety car came out and he would loose his healthy lead. 

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Fergal Begley, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race

On the restart Hannon made a move into turn one but Melia had it covered and a better run through turn three saw him pull a slight gap. Keogh now was right on the tail of Hannan and again tried everything to get past but just could not find a way by. Melia cleared off again and reeled off the final couple of laps to take his maiden Formula Vee national win for the SM Racing team. It was well deserved and capped off a great season for him and the team adding to his VW Spares 'B' championship which he secured last time out at Mondello. 

Andy Keogh, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, during the Formula Vee national race

Conor Melia, Sheane, leads Kieran Hannan, Leastone, and Andy Keogh, Sheane, on his way to winning his first Formula Vee national race.

Conor Melia, Sheane, on his way to winning his first Formula Vee national race

The jubilant Lucan man wasn't shy in showing his joy at taking the win and afterwards said " I'm absolutely buzzing, a bit unexpected today with the two lads been moved to the back of the grid which left me on pole, but it's great for the SM Racing lads. They have put in a lot of work this year. It wasn't easy as the track was very slippy but I just concentrated on my lines and let the lads behind battle it out."

O'Hara Outpaces Formula Vee Regulars - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship Round 3

Kevin O'Hara with the winning trophy after victory in the Selco.ie Formula Vee race at Kirkistown. Picture: Barry Cregg.

A cold and wet weather front greeted the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship contenders on Saturday for round three of the series. Kirkistown Racing Circuit was the venue located south of Belfast along the Ards peninsula. The popular northern track can provide some great racing with slip stream style young racing due to the long straights but this time with the wet conditions on a newly surfaced track it would be a job to stay on it at all. Testing on Friday was also wet so the crews got the setups done well in time for qualifying on Saturday morning.

Kevin O'Hara leads the field on his way to  victory in the Selco.ie Formula Vee race at Kirkistown. Picture: Barry Cregg.

 A much welcome return to the series after a few years away even if it was for this round was Kevin O'Hara. The former winner took time out of running LOH Motorsport to get back behind the wheel of Dan Polley's car which he normally looks after for the Dubliner. Polley himself missing this round due to a clash with the British Formula Vee championship. It would be interesting to see how the rest would fair against the man from Donadea in county Kildare. 

Colm Blackburn, left, leads Kevin O'Hara, right, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race at Kirkistown. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Colm Blackburn, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race at Kirkistown. Picture: Barry Cregg.

As many predicted it was O'Hara who topped the time sheets in qualifying. The wet conditions would make some changes from the normal men that occupy the first couple of rows as Eamonn Thornton and Conor Melia qualified in second and third respectively and ahead of Colm Blackburn and Gavin Buckley. Great performances put in from both 'B' championship drivers. 

Come race time though the clear blue skies had arrived and dried the track out completely but the kerbs and grass verges on the track sides were still wet and could easily catch someone out. As the lights went out Colm Blackburn got a brilliant start getting the jump on the men ahead of him and from row two he went straight into the lead as the went for turn one. O'Hara tried the outside line but Blackburn saw him and held it through turn two. As they exited the chicane O'Hara drew alongside as both raced towards the hairpin in a Senna v Mansell esque scenario. As they exited O'Hara cut back to the inside and took the lead.

Kieran Hannan leads Conor Melia and Fergal Begley during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race at Kirkistown. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Eamonn Thornton, leads Andy Keogh and Niall O'Mara during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race at Kirkistown. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Blackburn wasn't going away and was side by side again at the end of the straight and then swapped to the inside for turn two but as much as he put O'Hara the outside O'Hara held firm and had the inside line on the exit and was back in the lead. A strong couple of moves by both men but it was fair and clean and also great to watch. O'Hara immediately set about to make a break and his quick line through the chicane saw him gap Blackburn by a car length or more. Behind the front two current champion Gavin Buckley was third with Kieran Hannan and Conor Melia behind him. All nose to tail and ready to pounce. Then disaster for Buckley as his car cut out at the hairpin and he dropped right down the field as he tried to get it to fire into life again. This gave the front two a gap as Hanann and Melia dropped back avoiding Buckley. 

Championship leader Gavin Buckley dropped points after mechanical problems during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race at Kirkistown. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Kevin O'Hara, on his way to victory in the Selco.ie Formula Vee race at Kirkistown.Picture: Barry Cregg.

O'Hara extended his lead but Blackburn was still trying and still in touch but was not able to close in and he was doing the same to Hanann in third. Melia too dropped back in fourth a few car lengths behind Hannan leaving the first four evenly spaced out. By halfway O'Hara was well in command and counting down the laps and barring mechanical failure it was his to loose. Behind though there were changes. Fourth place man Conor Melia had to retire with an engine problem elevating Fergal Begley for a couple of laps until front row starter Eamonn Thornton got past. Sadly too late for the Roscommon man to get a chance at a podium as the front three were well clear. Hannan was showing great pace in his first race of the year and was now right on the gearbox of Blackburn who seemed to drop off his earlier pace. 

Kevin O'Hara, on his way to victory in the Selco.ie Formula Vee race at Kirkistown.Picture: Barry Cregg.

Time was running out for him though, but he pressed Blackburn hard and as he got a good run out of the chicane with a lap to go a backmarker cost him time down to hairpin. He tried a move down the inside but just couldn't make it stick. Blackburn held on as they started the final lap. Hanan tried again at turn two and again on the run to the hairpin but just could not find a way by. No such worries for O'Hara who took the chequered flag with ease and added another win to the list. Blackburn took second with Hannan third. 

It was a convincing win and shows the level that the rest have to reach if they want to take a win from the Kildare man. Will he be out later in the year who knows, it would be great to see him out again time will tell. He was pleased with his efforts over the weekend. " It was easier than I was expecting but it was still enjoyable though. It was pity Gavin ran into a problem as it was close at the start. It was good fun and I hope to be out again if Dan isn't around."

Kevin O'Hara with his brother John and the winning trophy after victory in the Selco.ie Formula Vee race at Kirkistown. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Results: 

Selco.ie National Championship:

1st Kevin O'Hara

2nd Colm Blackburn

3rd Kieran Hannan

TyreDoctor.ie 'B' Championship:

1st Conor Melia

2nd Eamonn THornton

3rd Andy Keogh

PrecisionWorks Engineering Rookie Championship:

1st Lee Flynn

2nd Brian Cowan

3rd James Lawless

Melia and Flynn Take the Spoils In TyreDoctor.ie and PrecisionWorks Engineering / VW Spares Ltd Championships - Formula VEE

Above: Conor Meila with his trophy after winning the 'B' race.
Below: Lee Flynn with his trophy after winning the 'Rookie' race. Pitcures: Barry Cregg.

A wet and cold start to the third round of the TyreDoctor.ie and PrecisionWorks Engineering / VW Spares Ltd Formula Vee championship contenders on Saturday. Kirkistown Racing Circuit was the venue located south of Belfast along the Ards peninsula. The popular northern track can provide some great racing with slip stream style young racing due to the long straights but this time with the wet conditions on a newly surfaced track it would be a job to stay on it at all. Testing on Friday was also wet so the crews got the setups done well in time for qualifying on Saturday morning. 

Conor Melia, Sheane, leads Fergal Begley, Sheane, and Eamonn Thornton, Leastone, during the  TyreDoctor.ie 'B' race. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Despite the conditions Eamonn Thornton, Conor Melia, Fergal Begley and Lee Flynn really upped their game and put in some quick times to put themselves right in the mix the with 'A' championship runners. So for the combined B/C championships race Eamonn Thornton lined up on pole position his best qualifying to date, and ahead of Conor Melia. Fergal Begley and Lee Flynn lined up on row two so it would be a close battle if the previous race in Mondello was to go by. The wet and greasy conditions would also have an effect and needed to be treated carefully. A heavy mist came down as the rolled up to the line and as the lights went out it was Melia who got the best start and lead the field away to turn one. Begley also got a flyer and moved into second demoting Thornton to third. 

By the end of the first lap it remained the same but all were nose to tail so anything could happen and still very early days. Begley tried to take the lead on the inside of turn one but had to back out but still kept enough momentum to try a move on the outside of turn two. However it ended in a spin and all hopes of victory gone. This left Melia and Thornton to battle it out at the front and both men from Lucan in Dublin had similar pace so it would who had the nerve to try a move in the tricky and slippery conditions. 

Conor Melia, Sheane, leads and Eamonn Thornton, Leastone, during the  TyreDoctor.ie 'B' race.
Picture: Barry Cregg.

In the Rookie championship race Lee Flynn and Brian Cowan were having a right scrap nose to tail from the off with Cowan holding the lead on the opening lap but a brilliant outside line move at turn one saw Flynn take the lead. Once there he started to break clear and made inroads to the 'B' runners ahead.

Up front Melia had his work cut out holding Thornton off and a move down the inside at turn one saw Thornton take the lead. A slide on the exit of turn three saw Melia loose ground over the next couple of laps but not enough to loose the crucial toe. Two laps later and a better exit from the chicane saw both men side by side down the back straight. It looked as if Melia had it at the hairpin but Thornton drew alongside down the main straight and held the lead but only just. This was another cracker at Kirkistown despite the bad weather. Niall O'Mara was lying comfortably in third and on for some good points but ran wide on the exit of turn 3 and hit the barrier but luckily managed to get back going but dropped down the field. More points lost as in Mondello. Surely his luck will have to change soon. 

Eamonn Thornton, Leastone, leads Conor Melia, Sheane, during the TyreDoctor.ie 'B' race.
Picture: Barry Cregg.

Niall O'Mara, Leastone, leads Andy Keogh, Sheane, during the TyreDoctor.ie 'B' race.
Picture: Barry Cregg.

Back at the head of the field Thornton again made a gap on Melia but lost it overtaking the struggling O'Mara which lead to Melia getting on his tail again and despite his best efforts to get by at the hairpin each lap he lost his advantage on the exit and could not make the move stick down the main straight. With laps running out it would have to work or find a new spot to take the lead. With a two laps to go he pulled it off and bravely held it round the outside of turn one to stay in the lead. His pace trough the chicane helped him pull enough of a gap to prevent a move by Thornton down the back straight but there was still a lap to go. 

Our rookie leader Flynn had now made his way up to fifth place overall passing 'B' runners Fergal Begley and Colin Lewis in the process. A great run for the Waterford man and he nearly got fourth but sadly for him he ran out of laps and Ger Byrne survived the pressure he came under in closing stages.

Lee Flynn, Leastone, during the TyreDoctor.ie 'B' race. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Lee Flynn, Leastone, leads Aaron Murray, Sheane, during the TyreDoctor.ie 'B' race.
Picture: Barry Cregg.

All eyes were on first and second however as they raced to the hairpin for the final time. An side move by Thornton ended in a spin and luckily it didn't end with a collision with Melia. It did end his chances of victory though but luckily he still had enough over third place man Andy Keogh to keep himself in second. It left Melia to take the chequered flag with ease. It was the only point in the whole race he could do anything with ease. It was a great first championship victory for the Dubliner and also a great way to put the ghosts of the bad crash he had at the circuit last season to bed. Thornton came home in second, still a great result for him and Andy Keogh took third.

Andy Leogh, Sheane, during the TyreDoctor.ie 'B' race. Picture: Barry Cregg.

A delighted winner after the race explained how it went " It's great to finally get my first win after all that happened last year here. It was hard the weather made the track so slippy in places it was like ice. Eamonn and myself had a great battle so fair play to him it was great fun. Hopefully I can do it at Bishopscourt next time out."

In the rookie class Flynn just missed out on gaining a fifth place but was well clear of Brian Cown in second with James Lawless in third.

James Lawless, Leastone, leads Sean Slevin, Leastone, during the TyreDoctor.ie 'B' race.
Picture: Barry Cregg.

Brian Cowan, Sheane, leads Fergal Begley, Sheane, during the TyreDoctor.ie 'B' race.
Picture: Barry Cregg.

Conor Melia with girlfiend Dori after the TyreDoctor.ie 'B' race.
Picture: Barry Cregg.

Results:

TyreDoctor.ie 'B' Championship

1st Conor Melia

2nd Eamonn Thornton

3rd Andy Keogh

PrecisionWorks Ltd ' Rookie' Championship

1st Lee Flynn

2nd Brian Cowan

3rd James Lawless