Buckley Bags 2024 Selco.ie Formula Vee Title.

Gavin Buckley 2024 Selco.ie Formula Vee Champion.

For the final round of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship drivers headed north once again and to Kirkistown Racing Circuit. It is where this years series began back in march and once again it has been a dramatic run to the finale. Three points separated Jack Byrne and Gavin Buckley, so it was winner takes all and only if neither took the win then it would go back to countback of second places. 

Sadly recent Leinster trophy winner Ronan Doherty did not enter but former champion Anthony Cross made his return to the series for the first time this year and showed no signs of rust by taking pole position with a brilliant time of 1.05.182..Colm Blackburn and Dan Polley also would be ones to watch as both had nothing to play for. The Tyredoctor.ie 'B' Championship was also down to the wire between Kieran Hannan and Andy Keogh. So it would be an exciting race for both championships.

Gavin Buckley and Colm Blackburn battled for the lead in the opening laps.

 

As the lights went out it was Colm Blackburn who got a lightning start and lead the field through turn one ahead of Cross but Buckley was right behind and slotted into second by turn two. As always in the early laps in Kirkistown the field is one big freight train with everyone tucked into each others tow. Buckley wasn't for hanging around and took the lead on lap two putting Blackburn, Cross and Polley between him and Byrne. 

While they were going for the championship the rest were out for the glory but could play a big part in the outcome. Byrne had to work quick and get by the men in front to stay with the leader and not let him get away.A great exit from the chicane allowed him a run down to the hairpin and a brilliant move on the outside of Polley and Cross saw him up to third. A lap later he tried the same move on Blackburn but it didnt work. He got a better run down the straight and a dive down the inside at turn two saw him get through but was unable to hold the line and Blackburn got past again. All this let Buckley make a break for it and he pulled out a gap enough to cause those behind to loose the tow.

 While Gavin Buckley broke away in the lead, top, Jack Byrne and Colm Blackburn had a titanic battle the whole race, above.

With Buckley out of reach the race was for second and try as he might Byrne couldn't get past Blackburn over the next few laps. Cross tried to get past both at the hairpin but it didn't work out but was right there if anything happened between the two ahead. Then with a three of laps to go he Byrne got past at turn one and it looked like he could now pull away but a dive down the inside at the hairpin saw him briefly take second but Byrne got him on the switchback. Then on the last lap a move at turn two saw Blackburn back to second which he held to the line. However it was Buckley's day and year as he took the chequered flag to take his third win at Kirkistown and the championship with it. A well deserved victor who has been knocking on the door for the title in the last three years. And for someone who is a couple of years away from the free travel pass he has shown no signs of slowing down. It is thought he is the oldest Formula Vee champion too date, a record I'm sure he will hold for quiet a while. 

Gavin Buckley on his way to the 2024 Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Speaking after the race which he made look easy, the delighted Dubliner said it was close to going all wrong in the dying stages; 

 " I am delighted to get the win here today. It was close all year between myself, Jack and Colm. It was far from easy though. I thought with two laps to go it was going to go all wrong. I could heard a noise getting worse with a few laps to go and it turned out to be a headstud that cracked. I wasn't sure weather to slow down or keep the pace the same. If I slowed the others could catch back up but if I kept up the same pace it could go wrong. So I just prayed to god that it held together and it did. It's been a great year and a huge thanks goes to Adam McAuley who runs the car and for making it so reliable all year. I have been close to taking the championship before but it just didn't happen for different reasons but to finally get it now is great." 

Further battles down the field top, Ger Byrne leads Niall O'Mara, Paul Lewis leads Conor Melia, Eamon Thornton, Kieran Hannan, leads Dan Polley on his way to the 'B' Championship and Charlie Hart leads Owen Kelly on his way to the rookie championship race win.

In the Tyredoctor.ie championship battle Kiearn Hannan took the victory. He ran right up with the front runner again showing the progress he had made this year. Finishing fifth ahead of Dan Polley he took the title in style. His rival Andy Keogh didn't get the start he wanted to get near Hannan but had a great battle with Ger Byrne, Conor Melia and Niall O'Mara. Charlie Hart already crowned this years rookie champion had a great battle with Owen Kelly all race but just lost out on seventh place to the Donegal man. 

Charlie Hart with his team after winning the Ability IT Rookie Championship

Results:

Selco.ie National Championship 

1st Gavin Buckley 

2nd Colm Blackburn 

3rd Jack Byrne 

Tyredoctor.ie 'B' Championship 

1st Kieran Hannan

2nd Owen Kelly 

3rd Paul Lewis 

Ability IT Rookie Championship 

1st Charlie Hart 

2nd Conor Melia 

3rd Simon Rudd

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!" 

Lee Newsome Wins Round 8 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Lee Newsome celebrates with his trophy after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg

Ashford man Lee Newsome took an impressive win at round eight of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship at Mondello Park. Just like the July meeting last year driver had to contend with sweltering weather conditions. While it was nice for the large crowd at the county Kildare circuit, the drivers had to deal with a slick track. Due to the heat, the rubber being laid down really was only sitting on top of the tarmac and not going deep into the surface and thus creating greasing track conditions.

A fantastic entry of 25 cars took to the track for qualifying, which as with all Formula Vee races was going to be important, but on the tight National circuit used this weekend made it even more so. It was series leader and reigning champion Anthony Cross who took pole position from Newsome by a mir 0.075 of a second! In fact, the top nine drivers were covered by the same second showing how competitive the class has become this year.

Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads Jordan Kelly, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg

As the lights went out it was Newsome who got the best start and led the field into turn one. Championship leader Anthony Cross got swallowed up by the pack of the line but held on to just stay in second behind Newsome. Donegal man and one of the main contenders in this year’s championship, Jordan Kelly, slotted into third place by holding the outside line around turn one to move ahead of his brother Owen.

The other Newsome this time Sean the baby of the family also showed good pace starting from fifth on the grid and remained ahead of another Wicklow man Jack Byrne from Annacurragh who held sixth on the opening lap but was setting quicker times than those ahead and began to move up as the laps went by.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, took pole position but dropped points after colliding with Jordan Kelly, Sheane. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg. 

The pace was hot and as ever and the tight confines of Mondello Park meant every overtake or even an attempt of one must be executed with precision. If it was then a driver could easily loose more than one or two places if not successful. Newsome was happy in the lead absorbing the pressure put on him by Cross and co behind. As he should as he won race one here at the last round and his car looked to be handling well. Sean Newsome made a move on Kelly allowing Byrne to follow through.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, drove superbly from 6th on the grid to finish second by only 0.078 of a second. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It was now three Wicklow drivers in the top 5! Cross tried all he knew to get by Newsome, inside lines, outside lines, late braking, anything to even force the leader into a mistake and all the while trying to defend from Kelly who never likes to hang around too long before making his own move on the person in front. He duly did at turn 3 making a nice move down the inside of Cross to move into second. This move cost Cross time and Sean Newsome made ground and attacked at turns 4 and 5 before making an excellent switch back from the outside line to the inside line at the final corner to move ahead of Cross take third place. This was not in the plan for the series leader who is more accustomed to being the one doing the overtaking. He made a better exit and gained the momentum down the straight to repass Newsome and hold his third place for now. This played into the hands of Byrne who jumped ahead of Newsome to moved into fourth place.

Owen Kelly, Sheane, had a better day over his brother by winning the VW Spares 'B' race as Jordan Kelly, Sheane, dropped points after colliding with Trevor Delaney. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg. 

Cross having to defend from Byrne got another great exit from the final corner a lap later which allowed him to get alongside Kelly and out braked him on the outside and rounding turn one in a brilliant move to go back into second place. This allowed Byrne to follow through at turn two. By turn four Owen Kelly got by his brother to move into fourth. In one lap Kelly moved from second to fourth! It was all happening now, but it let Newsome the leader open a gap at the front. As Byrne and Cross went into the double apex right hander out “the county” as they say in Mondello. Byrne got up the inside of Cross at the second part and moved into second place.

As the second and third men battled it out over the next couple of laps, fourth place Kelly closed in on them and as Cross cut back from the outside line at turn one Kelly clipped his back wheel spinning Cross round and into the grass. Disaster for Cross who dropped right back to eight place as he re-joined the track. This gave Byrne a lot of breathing room to concentrate on catching leader Lee Newsome. Kelly after his collision dropped back to Sean Newsome who tried everything to get by. It was shaping up to be a Wicklow white wash if he could get into third.

Lee Newsome celebrates after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg

Time was running out however and with only a couple of laps to go it looked as if it was going to be too much for Byrne to close in and get by. There were back markers ahead though who could slow the leader and give him a chance. As Byrne whittled down the lead of Newsome to close right on his gearbox they caught the back markers on the final lap. With the chequered flag being prepared there was only three corners left in this thriller. Newsome stuck to the defensive line, making Byrne try the long way round each corner. Now by the slower men the final corner remained. Byrne went high and wide to get a better exit and as he drew alongside Newsome heading for the flag he ran out of road as Newsome held on to take the chequered flag to win by 0.078 of a second. A brilliantly entertaining race and one where everyone watching wanted to go on for another couple of laps. Kelly came home in third to complete the podium.

Wicklow men Lee Newsome, left, and Jack Byrne celebrate with his trophies after the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg

Speaking with the winner after the race he could not hide his delight in taking the win. “ I got a good start and got the jump on Anthony, and got into the lead. I had my mirrors full for a while and weathered the storm and they battled with each other which played into my hands for a while. Then Jack got into second and was full in my mirrors and I had to hold him off there on the last lap through backmarkers too, but I did, and I’m delighted to get the win. Hopefully we will get good racing like that in Kirkistown next time out, I Can’t wait”

In a hard-fought race Byrne was also delighted with his driver up through the field and to get into second. “ I had to work hard to get up through the field and then to catch Lee with backmarkers and yellow flags everywhere it was hard but great fun too. I’m delighted to get second though as it was also getting a bit toasty out there with the heat today.”

Aaron Murray, Sheane, winner of the LOH Motorsport championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg. 

In the VW spares 'B' championship Owen Kelly had a comfortable win in the end over Sean Newsome but at one stage the two were a cigarette papers width apart. In the LOH Motorsport championship Aaron Murray got the better of Kieran Hannon and Sylvie Bartlett after a long battle with Jonathan Hollywood. 

The drivers head north of the border and to Kirkistown Racing Circuit in county Down for round 9 of the Championship on the 27^th of August.

Results:

Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship

1^st Lee Newsome

2^nd Jack Byrne

3^rd Owen Kelly

VW Spares ‘B’ Championship

1^st Owen Kelly

2^nd Sean Newsome

3^rd Donal Downey

LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

1^st Aaron Murray

2^nd Kieran Hannon

3^rd Sylvie Bartlett

Cool Hand Cross Bags Another Win - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship Round 7

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, on his way to winning the Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Bohernabreena's Anthony Cross took yet another win in the latest round of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship at Mondello Park on Saturday. It was also an important victory as the championship leader retire from round six as he was hit from behind by Donal Downey forcing his retirement from the race. With zero points taken from that round he needed to make up as many points as he could in round seven. 

Starting from the second row it gave him a great chance to take a sizable points haul if not a win, but it would be crucial to stay out of trouble this time, especially in the early frantic part of the race. He has won the last four championships on the bounce and you don't do that many without being clever and tactical in a race and over the course of a season. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads Donal Downey, Leastone, during the Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Fellow Dubliner Gavin Buckley was also out to make amends for a DNF in round six but his was all his own doing. He was starting from pole position alongside local man Donal Downey who has shown so very impressive pace so far this season. He has yet been able to put it together over an entire race yet but he is not far away and is one for the future in Formula Vee. As the lights went out it was Downey who got the best start and used the outside line round turn one to take the lead as Buckley lost ground to Jordan Kelly and Lee Newsome. Cross made a very rare bad start and lost four places off the line but hung on to remain in fifth as they headed out of turn two. With twenty cars on the grid and being so even one small mistake can cost you a lot of time and ground. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads Lee Newsome, Sheane, and Donal Downey, Leastone, during the Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Luckily for this round the drivers were using the international track which allows more overtaking opportunities. Kelly was right on the gearbox of the Downey and looking to try and get past as early as he could and try and make a break. He did at turn seven and by the ending lap one there was an seven car train that broke clear from the rest of the pack. The winner would come from here. As they headed out on to the international loop the front two were side by side and had a slight gap over their pursuers lead by Buckley from Newsome and Cross. With the front two battling they lost the gap the built up and now it was nose to tail once again and by the final corner Newsome made his move to take third. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It was shaping up to be a race that would be decided in the final laps as the front six cars remained in their positions as each defend their lines from the other. If Cross was going to try and take the win, in this one he needed to start making his moves soon. Up front in the space of two corners the lead had changed as Kelly carried too much speed into turn four and running wide letting Newsome by who had just past Downey in the turn before. As they took to the international loop again they were three abreast. Fantastic wheel to wheel racing leaving onlookers on their edge of their seats. By the end of the lap Cross had made his way by Buckley and moved into fourth and nearing a podium. His pace much quicker he closed the gap to the front three within a few corners. 

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Owen Kelly, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

His experience would be key now and his remarkable sense of biding his time would again come into play. Half way through this lap he was up to third and right on the gearbox of Newsome who had lost the lead to Kelly. Time was starting to run out but by the end of the penultimate lap he was up to second. With only the last lap remaining he had no time to waste in deciding where to take the lead. First he had to close the slight gap to the leader which he did as again Kelly went wide at turn four giving Cross the better line and momentum for the run up to the next corner where he got by to take the lead. If he held his lines around the tight International loop, it only left the final corner for a last chance move by those behind him.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, on his way to winning the Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

This he did and defended the final corner forcing Kelly to try and use the outside line. This was the case but as he did an over ambitious Downey tried to take second but hit the back wheel of Kelly and putting him into the gravel. This let Cross comfortably cruise to the chequered flag and take the win. Another classy and canny drive by the Dubliner who took maximum points to still hold the championship lead. Gavin Buckley took second with Jack Byrne in third. 

Anthony Cross, holds up his trophy after winning the Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Speaking after the race the winner was both relieved and happy to take the win. " I didn't get the greatest starts in the world! I dropped back and it took a while to work my way back through again and I got stuck behind Gavin for a while. Once I got by him I caught up to the others and started to pick them off one by one. I was concerned after bang the car took in the race before, but it was ok. It's great to get that win after having the DNF."

Shane O'Neill, Leastone, on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport class during the Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In the VW Spares Championship Donal Downey hung on to take maximum points from Owen Kelly and Paul Lewis rounded out the podium. In the LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship Shane O'Neil took the win from Kieran Hannan this time with Stephen Roche in third.

The Next round of the series is back in Mondello but on the natioanl circuit on the weekend of the 16th and 17th of July.

Results:

Selco.ie

1st Anthony Cross

2nd Gavin Buckley

3rd Jack Byrne

VW Spares

1st Donal Downey

2nd Owen Kelly

3rd Paul Lewis

LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

1st Shane O'Neill

2nd Kieran Hannan

3rd Stephen Roche

Buncranna Man Bags Second Win Of The Year at Round 5 - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, on his way to winning the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Buncranna man Jordan Kelly dominated round five of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship with a lights to flag victory at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit in county Down on Sunday. Kelly who started from pole position ahead of championship leader Anthony Cross. Just like in Kirkistown, the other track the series visits in Northern Ireland, the long straights and fast bends seem to suit Kelly and his driving style as he always goes well on them.

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads the field on the opening lap on his way to winning the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

As the lights went out he got the better start but as often is the case at Bishopscourt the long run to turn one gives those behind time to draft past with the leader helpless to defend his position. It happened before in round four which put him down the field and caused him the chance of a win as he had to spend the rest of the race climbing back through the field and getting caught up in other peoples battles. This time however he stayed ahead and lead the field round the flout out left hand bend. Cross got beaten up a bit at the start and lost several place dropping to fifth as Sean Newsome moved into second with Donal Downey in third. 

 Sean Newsome, Sheane, leads Lee Newsome, Sheane and Michael O'Callaghan,, Leastone, during  the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kelly set about making a gap to the rest in an effort to break the tow so he couldn't be caught by the other in his slip-steam along the long fast straights. This he did as by the end of the first lap he had a five car length lead. With weather conditions perfect it was shaping up to be a typical hard fought battle between the rest to battle for second place. Although he lost place at the start Cross was now moving up and he had to if he were to have any hope of catching Kelly. By lap two he was into fourth and a lap later into second and out to catch Kelly. Newsome ran into mechanical trouble as he did in round four dropping down the field which was a shame as he had looked strong. 

 Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, Lee Newsome, Sheane and Michael O'Callaghan,, Leastone, during  the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Jack Byrne winner of round four was up to fourth trying to find a way past Gavin Buckley but with everyone lapping so close in times it was hard for anyone to find a way by. Kelly was now 2 seconds ahead and and setting fastest lap of the race in doing so with a 1.10.037sec lap. Michael O Callaghan was have his best drive to date lying in seventh for much of the race and battling with Lee Newsome and Donal Downey all the way. The race for the lead was over by the halfway mark as Kelly had pulled the pin and was in no fear of being caught by Cross and both men just reeled off the laps. Third place however, was still up for grabs and a brilliant battle for the final podium place was giving the onlookers plenty to take about.

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during  the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Byrne tried everything he knew going on the inside then outside of turn one, inside at both chicanes lap after lap but Buckley defended his place. Sadly for Bynre laps ran out and he had to settle for fourth, though if he had got past earlier in the race it would have been interesting to see if he could have taken the fight to Kelly. That said, Kelly drove superb all race making it look easy with clean lines and never looked out of shape which is somewhat unusual for him.

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, on his way to winning the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

 He took the chequered flag 5.344 seconds clear of Cross and Gavin Buckley in third. A strong performance again and one that should give the Illies man confidence going into the next round at Mondello Park in June. It also gave him another maximum points haul in the VW Spares 'B' Championship to make it a double in class wins! 

Dan Coyne, Sheane, on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Rookie class during the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In the LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship class Dan Coyne got the better of Aaron Murray and Stephen Roche. The next round of the champship will take the drivers back to Mondello Park in county Kildare on the 11th and 12th of June. 

Results:

Seclco.ie National Championship

1st Jordan Kelly

2nd Anthony Cross

3rd Gavin Buckley

VW Spares 'B' Championship

1st Jordan Kelly 

2nd Donal Downey

3rd Sean Newsome

LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

1st Dany Coyne

2nd Aaron Murray

3rd Stephen Roche