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