Cullen Makes It A Double But McGrath Takes the Title

For the penultimate race weekend for the Bill Griffin Motors Irish Stryker Championship drivers went back to Mondello Park for the prestigious Leinster Trophy races. Usually the season finale, this season sees the final round in October at Mondello Park. It would give Dave Reynolds an extra chance to close in on series leader Kevin McGrath with the gap between the top two is just nine points, so neither men could afford to slip up. 

McGrath may have the upper hand but as he has all year Reynolds has doggedly stayed within striking distance to him. Returning for this weekend was former series champion Michael Cullen who was the benchmark for the field to catch in races past. It would be interesting to see if the fields pace had increased in his absence.

The weather was miserable for qualifying and the forecast was not looking any better for the day ahead. Cullen stamped his authority straight away by claiming pole position by a massive 4.3 seconds. Colin Kelly also impressed by taking third place on the grid ahead of fast men like Des Bruton and series leader McGrath. Reynolds lined up in second place crucially two places ahead of his rival and that extra confidence boost going into race one.

The longer International layout would give more opportunities to overtake and make up time if any was lost. As the lights went out Cullen got the drop and led the field into turn one. Kelly made a good start and held his third position, keep McGrath at bay. Opening laps saw the front four nose to tail but as it settled down Cullen start to etch a couple of car lengths ahead of Reynolds. Was it going to be a repeat of last October's meeting where he cruised home or could Reynolds stay with him and prove the pace on in Irish Stryker's. 

The answer was the latter as by the halfway stage as Cullens lead was cut in half. McGrath was now up to third but was too far away to challenge the front two. Cullen again tried to up his pace and pull clear but Reynolds was not going away and laps running out he was right o the tail of the leader. By the final lap Cullen had to defend every corner as Reynolds tried to find a way by and at the final turn he made his move after a great run up the hill. 

He got down the inside and looked to have pulled it off but his momentum carried him wide and Cullen the wise old fox cut back and had a better run to the line to take the win but only just as the gap was 0.054 of a second. One of the closest finishes in the series for some time.  McGrath came home in third from Kelly and Roger Welaratne.

That third place was crucial for McGrath as with Cullen winning and taking fastest lap it lessoned the loss of points to Reynolds. Reynolds would have to win race two and get fastest lap to take it to the final round in October. With the top six reversed on the grid for race two it would make it interesting in the opening laps. It was Colin Kelly who lead the field on the opening lap from Weleratne and was looking good and was not for being pushed aside easily as he kept McGrath, Reynolds and Cullen at bay. McGrath and Cullen had slight coming together resulting in rear bodywork damage to McGraths car which began to rub off the tyre. Initially it looked concerning with smoke coming off the back of his car but his pace didn't slow so it wasn't doing anything serious enough to damage the tyre and force a retirement. Once Cullen and Reynolds got by Kelly it was a repeat of race one as they pulled clear. 

Again Cullen could not shake off Reynolds who was happy to sit behind but McGrath was closing in by half distance now he too was past Kelly who hung on for as long as head could. Now McGrath had to catch up to the leaders and see if he could make a move himself for a win. Reynolds got a run out of turn one and was past a corner later but then left a gap to big for Cullen to resist at turn three and once again he found himself in second spot. With time running out he had lost his opportunity of a surprise overtake and once again it would have to be a last corner effort. McGrath was right there to take advantage if anything happened between the top two. So once again it came down to the final corner and Reynolds had to go for it, he tried but cruel luck prevented him from another chance of victory. The clutch cable popped out and left him stuck in second gear. He could not change gear and lack of drive down the straight saw both Cullen and McGrath get past. So unlucky and such a shame to what was yet another great drive and effort. He had the consolation of fastest lap but with McGrath coming home in third it secured him the title after the dropped rounds came into account. 

Despite the outcome Reynolds was still upbeat about it all, " That was the most enjoyable Stryker race I ever had and I've waited years to get past Michael after he pipped me for the championship in 2021 so I have been waiting years to get past him again. I wasn't even thinking about the championship I just wanted to beat Michael. Then bad luck came into it with the clutch cable at the end but that's the way it goes but it was still enjoyable. It's a pity the title chance is gone but fair play to Kevin He drove well all year and deserves it too."

The double winner was delighted to have come out on top of both races " For sure the absolute tightest two races I ever had in Strykers. I lured myself into a false sense of security after qualifying and thought once I got into the lead I would be fine and do my own thing and get away, but Dave was all over me like a hot blanket. He got me in the last corner but I got ahead towards the line and there was half a tenth in it. In race two I got into the lead and saw Dave down to third but he was catching up quickly and he got by me but left a gap and I got by again on the second last lap and held on. I'm 63 and not getting any faster but these guys are, so it was very enjoyable."

 The 2026 Champion was both delighted and relived after the race; " I done a bit of strategic weight loss after colliding with Michael at the start of race two. I saw to two lads up the road battling away so it let me get settled and allow me to catch up in the end but it was unfortunate for Dave running into gearbox problems right at the end. It's great to take the title again after a long battle all year with Dave and Michael today."

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."

Michael Cullen on his way to making it a double

Michael Cullen leads Dave Reynolds

Kevin McGrath on his way to the 2025 title

Jonathan Taylor in action during race two.

Cullen Does The Double - Bill Griffin Motors Irish Stryker Championship

For rounds 9 and 10 of the Bill Griffin Motors Irish Stryker Championship, drivers were once again back in Mondello Park but this time on the International circuit. All year two Kildare men have being battling it out for the series and this weekend saw no difference. Jonathan Taylor from Kildangan and Kevin McGrath from Naas, are no strangers to their local track but with this being the penultimate round both men cant afford to give away points. 

Taylor loves the wet and it showed in qualifying as he took pole position by over a second from McGrath. However former champion Michael Cullen was back out for a spin for only the second time this year. He would be starting from the back in race one and would be hard to hold back. Also in the hunt would be Dave Reynolds and Colin Marnane both showing great pace in qualifying. Taylor made a poor start and the field was lead by McGrath into turn one from Marnane and Reynolds. Cullen already made up a couple of places on the run to turn one. 

The long international layout allows for more overtaking opportunities and this played right into the hands of Cullen. Carving his way through the field like a hot knife through butter he showed why he was so dominant last season. Taylor was also beginning to make up lost ground. By the end of the first lap Cullen had brilliantly took the lead to head the field out onto lap two. McGrath remained in second but Taylor was now up to third and closing in. By the halfway mark Cullen was clear of any danger and as always just reeled off the laps. In saying that, the battle for second behind did help him and provided the spectators with great excitement. 

Taylor hounded McGrath lap after lap but just could not find a way past. Its a credit to his driving all year not panicking while under pressure. Another great drive came from Colin Kelly who made his way to fourth place in his second ever outing. In the end it was an easy win for Cullen who was out for fun and keep his hand in as he is concentrating on rallying more this year. McGrath came home in second with Taylor in third.

For race two the top six on the grid were a reverse of the finishing order in race one. Once again Cullen made light work of those ahead of him and took the lead once again although this time he was in the lead a few corners earlier. Taylor though was in second with  a few cars between him and McGrath. Taylor hung on to Cullen for a few laps but just could not match his pace but also had to think of the championship and not risk something failing on the car. However behind him, his title rival was tearing up his steady form book and making trip to the grass in a couple of corners as he and Reynolds battle for third all race long. 

Kelly again made a good showing in fifth and could be one to watch the next day out and next season. Des Meehan took his custom championship round trip to the gravel but thankfully no damage occurred to the car. The rest of the field became a bit strung out as the laps went by but it didn't matter to Cullen as he took another win and another double.

Taylor came home in second a crucially put another man between himself and rival McGrath. When you take dropped rounds into account it leaves fine margins going into the final two races on the 19th of October once again at Mondello Park.

Speaking after the race Taylor was happy with his day even though he didn't make the top step of the podium this time out. " I had a good day I got maximum points and Kevin did also so I think we are nearly even on points going into the last round. We had a problem with the car in race one but fixed it for race two. We couldn't get near Michael today but that's the way it goes. He is an amazing driver and he has brought us all on. Fingers crossed we can take it the next day but if Kevin does it will be great too as he has never done it but I am sure it will be neck and neck either way."

McGrath was more relieved after it was all over " I had a great battle in race one with Jonathan and came out on top there but in race two I made a couple of mistakes while battling with Dave Reynolds and was on the grass a few times. I thought I was going to loose a load of time at one stage, thankfully I didn't but I may use that a dropped round. It will be tight going for the last round but sure we will give it our best".

Race winner Cullen was happy to get another couple of wins " It was good fun but it would be nice to have had a good battle. I nearly had the car sold but it fell through so I said I'd take it out this weekend instead. Still it was good fun."

Results:

Race 1

1st Michael Cullen

2nd Kevin McGrath

3rd Jonathan Taylor

Race 2

1st Michael Cullen

2nd Jonathan Taylor

3rd Dave Reynolds

Double Tops For Cullen To Clinch Third Irish Stryker Title

Michael Cullen leads Roger Welaratne on his way to winning both Irish Strykers races. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. 

For the penultimate round of the Bill Griffin Motors Irish Strykers championship drivers took to the International layout at the county Kildare track. Despite missing the third round, series leader Michael Cullen came into this round with a healthy lead over son Victor by finishing either first or second in all races so far. A similar result this weekend will clinch another championship for the Dubliner, to add to his vast collection of national titles he already has. 

Victor Cullen leads Des Meehan during the opening Irish Stryker race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare.

Dominic Ryan leads Andrew Dalton during the opening Stryker race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare.

Des Meehan leads Roger Welaratne during the opening Irish Stryker race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare.

The day started off well by taking pole position in qualifying by 1.2 seconds ahead of son Victor and closest championship rival. The immaculately prepared cars ran by Kevin O'Hara of LOH Motorsport sounded crisp and sharp and clearly were doing the job by locking out the front row. However as the lights went out Des Meehan got a great start and got down the inside of Cullen as they went into turn 1. The international track gives drivers more chance to overtake than their normal races round the national layout but Cullen wasted no time in getting past and into the lead by the end of lap one. Not only that but he pulled out a healthy lead in the process leaving little hope to son Victor by the time he got past Meehan dad was too far ahead. Barring mechanical failure all Cullen senior had to do was keep his pace up and bring the car home.

Niall McFadden leads Colin Marnane during the opening Irish Stryker race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. 

Brendan Curran leads Darragh Evans during the opening Irish Stryker race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare.

Pat Bergin in action during the Irish Stryker race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare.

Darragh Evans in action during the Irish Stryker race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare.

Michael Cullen on his way to a third Irish Stryker Championship. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare.

Behind him though Meehan who now was down to third had to battle with Roger Welaratne and Andrew Dalton all race long for the final step on the podium. All three looked to be working hard behind the wheel between understeer and oversteer all would gain and then loose time to each other. It was clean racing though and provided entertainment for the onlookers although Darragh Evans provide that on his own, his car full of opposite lock on the exit of turn three for most of the race and also a full 360 on his approach to the penultimate corner. Niall McFadden and Colin Marnane had a great battle all race long with Marnane coming out the better. Meehan came out on top in the battle for third but ended up eleven seconds adrift of the top two.

Ahead Cullen took his foot off the gas on the final lap to lead home son Victor and to take the title for the second year in a row.

For the second race the top six on the grid were reversed as is normal practice in the championship and Dominc Ryan headed the front row alongside Andrew Dalton. The windy overcast day had began to drop a slight shower of rain ahead of the start but not enough to declare a wet race. Meehan lead the field but just as the opening lap was ending he went off and hit the barriers hard which brought out the red flags. Thanks to the medical team and track marshals in doing their job perfectly and thankfully Des didn't suffer any serious injuries. 

Andrew Dalton lead Roger Welaratne during the Irish Stryker race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare.

When the race was restarted time was limited due to the incident resulting in a shortened race. Nonetheless it was entertaining from the off as Michael Cullen sliced through the field on the opening lap and battled with Welaratne early on but once past, like race one he pulled away easily. Sadly for Victor Cullen while in a great battle with Walaratne, Dalton, Marnane and Dominic Ryan his gearbox cried enough and had to pull in. the four way dice was down to three with a couple of laps to go Marnane dropped back but it was a photo finish for second and third with Dalton getting the runner up spot by 0.58 of a second. 

So a perfect weekend again for Cullen taking another double and his third championship with it. It is a great achievement for someone who has won so much over the years to still have the hunger to win and the motivation. 

Michael Cullen on his way to his second win of the day in the Irish Stryker Championship. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. 

Michael Cullen on his way to his second win of the day in the Irish Stryker Championship. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare.

"I am delighted to win the Stryker championship again in 2024 and feel very grateful to have had LOH Motorsport prepare and build the fastest and most reliable cars for myself and Victor these last few years. We are going to leave Strykers next year for a couple of different challenges but we hope to return to the class in 2026 or 2027. It has been a fabulous experience racing these exciting cars with a great bunch of other drivers. I have never experienced such friendship and camaraderie in any class of racing over the last 40 years and I look forward to watching the class next year from the sidelines. Before that though there is one more round in October!"