Comeback Cross Takes Fittipaldi Trophy Thriller

Anthony Cross leads Colm Blackburn, Gavin Buckley 

The final Formula Vee race of the year took place on Saturday at Kirkistown Racing Circuit in county Down. With all the championships decided, the Emmerson Fittipaldi Trophy race is the last chance for competitors to get their adrenalin fix until next year. Those who missed out on taking any silverware home had one last chance to do so and even for one driver it really was his one and only opportunity to get his hands on some silverware in 2024. Former series champion and Emmerson Fittipaldi Trophy winner Anthony Cross who decided to sit out this season, planned to just spectate at this years race. A late word from his dad and mechanic Fred, to bring the car out for at least one spin this year, saw him dust off the cobwebs of his faithful Sheane chassis vee and head north. 

Gavin Buckley leads Anthony Cross, Colm Blackburn, and Jack Byrne

Anyone writing the Bohernabreena man off due to his lack of track time this year had to eat their hats as there certainly was no rust or cobwebs on Anthony. In his only qualifying of the year he put his car on pole with a brilliant time of 1.05.182 seconds. A broken manifold cost him a chance of challenging for the win in the last championship race earlier in the day, but it was fixed and ready to go come race two. It would not be easy as newly crowned champion Gavin Buckley wanted to do the double and Jack Byrne and Colm Blackburn were out to make up for their loss of championship glory.

Colm Blackburn leads Anthony Cross, and Gavin Buckley

As the lights went out though it was Colm Blackburn who got the best start and lead the field away and for the opening lap until cross used his better exit of the chicane to get a run past on the way to the hairpin. Already it was a four car train for the lead with Buckley and Byrne tucked right in the slipstream of the front two. Owen Kelly made it five cars a couple of laps later but sadly the red flags came out as another car had dropped oil down. On the restart it was again Blackburn who got away first, could he hold those behind at bay this time? It seemed so as by the start of the next lap he had a couple of car lengths to Cross. Buckley and Byrne were right there too and it was only one of these four who were going to take the win. Such was the pace they had gapped the rest of the field enough to fight it out on their own.

Kieran Hannan leads Charlie Hart and Dan Polley

Colm Blackburn leads Anthony Cross, Gavin Buckley and Jack Byrne

Anthony Cross leads Colm Blackburn, Gavin Buckley and Jack Byrne

 Again a better run from the chicane saw Cross take the lead at the hairpin. Though the exit for Blackburn cost him ground and both Buckley and Byrne drew alongside down the main straight and by turn two he was down to fourth. By the hairpin Buckley had the lead but Cross got the better exit and retook the lead going into turn one. Blackburn did an identical move to Byrne to take third. This was shaping up to be another Formula Vee cracker. A lap later Buckley tried the same move and this time it worked and was back in the lead. He held firm for the next number of laps defending well and holding his lines but any slip and the others were through. 

A better exit from Cross at the hairpin saw him get alongside once again down the main straight to take the lead into turn one. this was undone by a bad exit from the chicane where the three men behind him  got the run down the back straight making it four abreast going into the hairpin. Blackburn tried a move round the outside of them all and it was close to coming off, but it did bring him up two places to second. Buckley dropped to third with Byrne in fourth. It was hard and close racing but also fair, and keeping the spectators on their toes and proving why the class is so popular. With three laps to go you could not call the winner at this point. A lap later Cross had a slower exit from the chicane allowing Blackburn get by and down the outside at the hairpin to retake the lead starting the penultimate lap. 

A great run through the chicane saw Blackburn create a small gap to cross on the run to the hairpin. Cross though took the outside line and retook the lead in a brilliant move to lead them out on to the last lap. It was nose to tail through the next series of corners which left the chicane and hairpin. Cross for once since the opening lap got the better run through the chicane to give himself the best chance to defend at the hairpin. Blackburn tried hard to close in on the brakes but was just too far back to make a move. Cross held it to the line to take the chequered flag and with it his fourth win of the Emmerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Byrne used the outside line to get an excellent run to the line where he pipped Buckley for third.

Anthony Cross holds the Emmerson Fittipaldi Trophy after spraying champange with Jack Byrne and being on the podium with Colm Blackburn

A truly brilliant Formula Vee race and one that will be remembered for a long time to come and rounding out the season in style.

Speaking to the winner after the race it was clear he was delighted to have ended his break from racing.

" That wasn't an easy race, I was under a lot of pressure. We tested Friday which was the first time I was out in the car all year, We had a lot of problems and didn't get one clean session where we didn't have to fix something so I wasn't happy with my pace at the end of it. Although you have to expect it after having the car lying up for a year. The race was brilliant though and Kirkistown always provides great racing. People say it's an easy track with the two straights, but its far from it. Colm and Gavin drove very well and it could have been anyone's. Racing here is a bit like poker you have to hold your cards and know when to play them. We are always treated very well up here too by the organizers who put up money and three sets of tyres for this race as prizes."

So did that race and win bring any regrets in not coming out sooner and will it tempt him back out next year? 

" I hadn't intended to leave it so late to go out racing this year but few things came up and i enjoyed the break too, we will see about next year no plans of yet but we will wait and see". 

Results: 

1st Anthony Cross

2nd Colm Blackburn

3rd Jack Byrne

4th Gavin Buckley

5th Dan Polley

6th Charlie Hart

7th Kieran Hannan

8th Conor Melia

9th Paul Lewis

10th Eamon Thornton

Dominant Doherty Takes The Leinster Trophy

Ronan Doherty lifts the Leinster Trophy after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race.

If there was ever a more deserving winner of an event it would have to be county Antrim's Ronan Doherty. One year on from the heartbreak of loosing out on taking the biggest prize in Irish motor racing due to a simple mechanical failure with a lap to go, he took victory in the Selco.ie Formula Vee race for the Leinster Trophy. 

Dating back to the early 1930's the who's who of Irish drivers have won the trophy over the years the likes of John Watson, John Pollock, Tommy Reid, Patsy McGarrity, Vivian Daly, Eddie Jordan, to name a only a few. It is not only prestigious for the great drivers from this land that have won it before but the history of international drivers who went on to the very top of the sport, such as Mike Hawthorn, Mauricio Gugelmin, J.J Lehto, Mika Hakkinen, and the most famous of them all Ayrton Senna.

To add your name to those is a great honor and he did it in style. With only one race meeting in the championship this season and a couple of test days he was missed in this years championship. Come the test day on Friday his times left everyone in the championship battle glad he chose not to do a full season and also left them with some head scratching for the weekend ahead. He was just one tenth off the lap record on the new Toyo tyres brought into the class a couple of years ago which are meant to be quiet a bit slower than the Dunlop's used before. 

A tight start to the race between Ronan Doherty and Dan Polley

The forecast was mixed and the rain came Sunday morning for qualifying and race one ahead of the bigger Leinster Trophy race later in the day. Would he be as quick in the wet as the dry? He answered by taking pole by nearly a second and backing it up with a win by 1.3 seconds. A certain confidence boost not that it was ever needed, by getting the win and not getting himself into trouble.

Starting from pole position once again but this time it was dry and he knew he had the pace over the rest. His opposition would have to get ahead straight away and hope they could battle and not let him break away. A harder task on the international track at Mondello, which is much longer and if a break is made it is harder to close down. Dan Polley also making a return to the series this year joined him on the front row. As the lights went out Polley immediately moved Doherty to the right and over the white line of pitlane exit to try and gain an advantage to take the lead. Doherty held firm and was not for giving way and held the inside line into turn one to lead the field. From there he got his head down and began to build a lead. By the end of lap one he was five car lengths ahead of Polley who was falling into the clutches of Gavin Buckley and Colm Blackburn.

Gavin Buckley and Colm Blackburn battled early on aswell as Jordan Kelly and Jack Byrne

Lap on lap he increased his lead leaving those behind in his wake and barring any repeats of the year before he was not going to be caught. Blackburn retired with a mechanical problem and both Polley and Buckley scrapped it out for second and third, leaving Doherty to break away even more. He reeled off the laps and crossed to take victory by a massive 20 seconds. A margin unheard of in Formula Vee but such was his early pace and those behind battling with each other it was a done deal very early on. 

A well deserved victory and one that put the nightmare of the year before to bed. 

Speaking after the race the laid back Antrim man said; " it was a perfect weekend with pole positions and two wins. What happened last year was the main motivation to comeback again this year and to try and win it. We had the pace from the first practice session in all conditions so big thanks to my dad and all the team for making the car so good for me and all their work. I am quiet relieved to have done it and also delighted at the same time."

Dan Polley and Gavin Buckley, top, had a race long battle that provided the entertainment of the race. While Ronan Doherty was in a league of his own out front, above.

Behind the top three Jordan Kelly and Jack Byrne had their own battle but were not near the pace of the leaders, which was not like them and would have been considered winners or podium possibilities ahead of the race. Owen Kelly out in a recently bought Sheane was further behind having his own race as he gapped Kieran Hannon early on. Hannan however caught back up and they began to battle for fifth. Another great battle was for sixth behind between Eamonn Thornton back out for the second time this year and having a great run ahead of Conor Melia who everyone was delighted to see out again after his big crash at Kirkistown and Charlie Hart. Ger Byrne was also making his way up through the field and got past Paul Lewis and Andy Keogh but was too far behind to gain another place.

Further battle throughout the field

Then sadly mechanical problems for Melia and he was blacked flagged ending his race and rookie championship challenge. A shame after all the hard work done by SM racing to get the car ready for the weekend. Thornton though pulled clear in the closing laps and was comfortably ahead of heart crossing the line. His best result and for only his second race this year it was a great achievement. By the time the chequered flag came out the pack was strung out Byrne winning his battle against Kelly followed by Owen Kelly, Hannan, Thornton and Hart. It got better for Thornton gaining one more place after the race when Hannan received a 10 second penalty for a jump start. Simon Rudd and Finn Gillespie round out the podium in the rookie class.

The rookie podium, Charlie Hart, top, Simon Rudd, middle and Finn Gillespie, bottom.

With Blackburn's DNF, his championship hopes ended so it goes to the final round in two weeks time at the fast and brilliant Kirkistown Racing Circuit between Gavin Buckley and Jack Byrne. With only 3 points separating them it's a winner takes all race. Luckily for Byrne a discovered broken rocker cover didn't end his race which kept the points gap to a minimum ahead of the finale.

The race and winners spoils went to Ronan Doherty pictured after the race with his parent Damien and Yvonne and sister Eva.

Results

Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

1st Ronan Doherty

2nd Dan Polley

3rd Gavin Buckley

Tyredoctor.ie B Championship

1st Jordan Kelly

2nd Owen Kelly

3rd Andy Keogh

Ability IT Rookie Championship

1st Charlie Hart

2nd Simon Rudd

3rd Finn Gillespie

Doherty Does the Double Including The Emerson Fittipaldi Tropy

 

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty with the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

After the heartbreak of missing out on a certain win for the Leinster Trophy and a chance to bring the national championship to the final round, Dunloy youngster Ronan more than made up for it at Kirkistown Racing Circuit on Saturday. The Damien Doherty Racing car never missed a beat all weekend. The sign of what was to come was shown in qualifying by Doherty as he claimed pole position by 0.477 of a second which is a lot in Formula Vee. The weather forecast looked mixed for the day with heavy rain expected. For the final Selco.ie national championship round it was dry underfoot as the 23 cars lined up on the grid.

30-09-2023: Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, and Dan Polley, Sheane, during the final Selco.ie Championship round. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

As the lights went out it was Gavin Buckley who took the lead as Doherty messed up the start and dropped to third by turn one. He was back up to second by turn two and right on Buckleys tail on the run down the back straight. A better exit from the hairpin brought him alongside and then into the lead by turn one. Behind them though Stephen Roche and Colm O’Loughlen had a coming together resulting in a big off for both men. Thankfully both were unhurt, and it is a testament to the strength of these Formula Vee cars as that is the third big incident this season and all drivers came away unharmed.

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the final Selco.ie Championship round. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

On the restart Doherty it right and lead the field away with Buckley and Dan Polley behind in third who was out after a tremendous effort during the week by the LOH Motorsport team to build his car from scratch on Wednesday! Doherty was heading a four-car train as Buckley, Polley and Cross hounded him using the slipstream to good effect down the straights. Buckley made good use of it to take the lead going through turn one but undid all his good work by locking up the brakes at turn two and spinning off. Doherty got through cleanly but cross and Polley had to take avoiding action which let Doherty off the hook giving him a gap to build on.

30-09-2023: Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Dan Polley, Sheane, during the final Selco.ie Championship round. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Colm Blackburn was now in third, but Cross was on the move setting the fastest lap of the race in the process. Polley tried to close the gap to Doherty but just couldn’t manage it as the Antrim manged his lap times well and never got out of shape. Cross closed up to Polley in the final laps and moved past on the run to the hairpin to get into second. Polley didn’t give up but a big lock up going into the hairpin put an end to his chance to retake second.

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Dan Polley, Sheane, during the final Selco.ie Championship round. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Doherty cruised home to take the chequered flag and his fourth championship win of the year. A very mature drive and it would put him as one of the favourites for the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy race later in the day.

The weather forecast was correct and as predicted the heavens opened. As always, the wet is a great leveller and create a sense of unpredictability when it comes to the final results. With the track heavily covered in water in places the grip would be hard to find for drivers and vision even more so from the spray off the cars.  Again, it was Doherty who lined up on pole from Polley who initially got the better start but Doherty held his line round the outside of turn 1 and took the lead.

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, on his way to winning the Emerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The clear road ahead would give him an advantage as he would not have to deal with the spray and let him create a lead. Polley was sticking with him for now though and Jack Byrne back out in his new car was in third and looked very strong. The weather was getting worse, and all were struggling for grip in the first sector of the lap and also the exit of the chicane.

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, on his way to winning the Emerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The more Polley and Byrne battled the more the lead for Doherty grew and by mid race distance just like the earlier it was his to loose. Byrne finally got by with an excellent move through Debtors Dip. His pace was strong and he began to close on Doherty. Time was running out but backmarkers began to come into play and slowed Doherty down. Anthony Cross also began a charge and passed Colm Blackburn and closed in on Polley. The rain really was coming down hard now and it was borderline on being cut short. Cross got by at the hairpin to get third the best he was going to get as the front to were too far ahead.

Up front Byrne had closed the gap significantly to Doherty and it was shaping up to be a close last couple of laps.Then the red flags came out due to a car being off at the hairpin and lying in a dangerous position bringing an end to a very wet race early and denying a last lap shootout. That is not to take anything away from Doherty who drove superbly and took the win and with it the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy.

After the podium celebrations and fun was had a protest by Dan Polley against Anthony Cross was upheld as he was deemed to have passed him under yellow flags. This demoted Cross to fourth, 

30-09-2023: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, on his way to winning the Emerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Jack Cregg.

Speaking afterwards he said:

“Well today was a fantastic close to a great rookie season, of course there are a few what ifs, but to take the most wins out of anyone this year is fantastic and to add the Emmo as one of those wins is amazing and nice to put my name beside the other great drivers who have gone before me”.

“Yesterday the car was on fire, wet or dry it didn’t matter, in qualifying we got a great lap, maximising the tow and from there drove smart in race 1 managing the gap after Gavin went round, The Emerson Fittipaldi was tricky in such a downpour but once I got my gap I knew I could drive at 80% and manage it by making use of the pit board. The cars great pace in all conditions is a testimony to the lads and all the work they put in. They are the real winners in my eyes”

 

 

 

Dan Polley Takes First Win of 2023 - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship Round 7

 

Dan Polley with his Sheane after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

For round seven of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship drivers returned to Mondello Park in county Kildare. This time out they would be racing on the international circuit which gives them a longer lap with more opportunities to overtake over the national layout used in previous rounds.

The weather forecast in the week leading up to the event didn’t look too good but for qualifying the showers that looked like coming down stayed away and the temperature rose producing ideal conditions. It also marked the return of Jack Byrne since his big accident in Bishopscourt earlier this year. Borrowing his father Ger's car, it was a test to get up to speed again while waiting on his new car to be built.

As per the course of qualifying in Formula Vee it was close between several drivers and a blanket could be thrown over the first four with them all being under the same second. Surprisingly current champion and Mondello specialist Anthony Cross could only manage sixth. Once again however, it was Dubliner Dan Polley who grabbed pole. His second in a row after Kirkistown two weeks previous. Series and racing newcomer Ronan Doherty once again showed great pace in qualifying in second place outgunning round six winner Lee Newsome in third.

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads the field though turn 3 on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

As the lights went out it Polley got the best start and lead the field into turn one. Doherty though had a disaster off the line, the car bogging down and dropped several places in the process and any chance of a win or podium was already out the window. Lee Newsome made the most of the opportunity and slotted into second place with Colm Blackburn in third. The opening lap is always fraught with everyone jostling for position and but current champion, Anthony Cross already made a place and was up to fifth.  

Polley lead the long train of cars out to the international loop for the first time and looked comfortable in the LOH Motorsport run car. Just like qualifying though there was nothing in it and an on form Newsome was right behind ready to pounce. As they rounded the final turn the safety car was brought out and it would bunch the field right up. On the restart Polley held his lead superbly defending his line into turn one from Newsome and Blackburn. The front three opening a gap to Gavin Buckley in fourth as they made their way out the county in what was shaping up to be another Formula Vee thriller, but by the time they were halfway round the lap it was a six car train again.

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads Lee Newsome, Sheane. through turn 3 on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Doherty was closing in on Cross and tried to get by on the inside of the long left hander on the international loop. In doing so he hit the back Cross's car spinning him off track and dropping him right down the field. Cross's consistent run of form has deserted him this year and it has not been his fault. It shows how competitive the class is this year, where any kind of mistake like this can cost you valuable points in the championship that is so close at this stage of the season.

A couple of laps later the front five had stretched out a bit with Doherty unable to close up to the leaders. Gavin Buckley was now up to third though and set out to catch the front two. Just as he looked like he was pulling away Polley made a slight error exiting turn one and Newsome closed back in again. He was hampered too though as he had Buckley closing in and as ever in Mondello it’s a battle to try for the lead whist also defending at the same time.

He wasn’t giving up though and he closed right in through Birrane’s Bends and got alongside on the run to the penultimate corner. It looked like his move was going to work but Polley held firm and held his lead thought the fast left hander. It would be Newsome's last attempt. Polley took control on the final laps and brought it home to win ahead of Newsome and Buckley.

Doherty work his way into fourth and looked fast in the final laps. It’s a shame his start ruined his race as it would have been interesting to see him mix it with the front three.

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads Lee Newsome, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Another different winner this year the fourth so far and speaking afterwards a happy but relieved winner gave his view on the race. “ I'm glad that’s over, It was tough out there today. I had a great battle with Lee. I knew I had the pace from testing and qualifying but I still knew I had to get the head down. I was comfortable, turn one was a bit tight but we got through and began to open a gap until I made a slight mistake and let Lee close in again. Im looking forward to Anglesea in Wales for the next round.”

 

Results:

Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship

1st Dan Polley

2nd Lee Newsome

3rd Gavin Buckley

 

 

Blackburn Burns Through The Mist To Win Again In Formula Vee

07-May-2023: Colm Blackburn, Leastone, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Ballyfermot man Colm Blackburn returned to winning ways again at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit on Sunday. The 2017 champion who has made a return to the series again after a four-year break hasn’t been far off the pace since his return. He looked strong in all races so far, this season but fuel pressure issues and silly bodywork parts coming loose in previous rounds put him out of contention for podiums and victories.

This weekend however, he was back stronger than ever and right in the mix in both Selco.ie Formula Vee championship races. The fast and flowing nature of the county Down circuit produced a great qualifying and was as close as you could get with the top six covered by the same second.

07-May-2023: Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads the field during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Jack Cregg.

Starting from 5^th for the first race Blackburn made a good get away and began a race long battle with the top eight drivers of the series. Battling with Jordan Kelly and Gavin Buckley for much of the race he then broke clear of them and closed in on the back of fifth place man Jack Byrne with a couple of laps remaining.

It looked good for him to grab another place or two before the chequered flag came out as his pace was as strong if not strong than those ahead. As they made their way up the back straight a big crash between the Anthony Cross and Jack Byrne gave him to further positions. Not the way he wanted to get them but thankfully the two drivers were unhurt, but it did bring out the red flags. The race was declared a result as it had gone past the distance to restart a new race and it gave Blackburn good points for the championship. Race two would give him another chance to take his first win in four years.

07-May-2023: Dan Polley, Sheane, leads Lee Newsome, Sheane, Colm Blackburn, Leastone, and Ronan Doherty, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

For race two the weather turned for the worse, still dry but a heavy mist hung over the circuit not bad enough to cancel but still not ideal for seeing the road ahead as clear as drivers would like. It was the same for everyone though and it was Dan Polley who lined up on pole. Anthony Cross amazingly got his car back out with the help of other drivers and team members after his crash earlier in the day. It has to be said it is a testament to the class where rivals come together to help each other out if they can. It was a major task to get the car fitted with a new front end of parts, as well as setting it up to the best as it could be within the time limit. Blackburn would start from fourth this time. Such was the mist the circuit commentator could not see the drivers round the hairpin at the far end of the track.

07-May-2023: Anthony Cross repairs his car after a crash in during Selco.ie Formula Vee race 1. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Blackburn held his fourth place by the end of the opening lap. Lee Newsome led from Cross and Polley with Balckburn being sandwiched by Gavin Buckley and Ronan Doherty as they round turn one. By the penultimate corner Blackburn was back in fourth and behind him Doherty and Buckley collided resulting in Buckley ending up on the grass. It gave Blackburn room to breathe and concentrate on the front three ahead.

As they exited the mist next time round Blackburn was into third behind Newsome and Polley, but the race was stopped when the red flags came out to clear up an incident. On the restart it was Newsome who led from Cross with Blackburn in third. The order was reversed one lap later. Blackburn had got to the front and meant business. He already pulled a slight gap and if he could hold that for another lap, he could stretch it out so those behind would begin to lose the tow.

07-May-2023: Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads the field during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

It was working as he began to open the gap to Newsome and Cross. A lap later Cross ran wide holding Newsome up but crucially for Blackburn his lead extended even more. Now he was clear and free from those behind catching his tow. Barring any mechanical problem or driver error the shortened race was his for the taking. Neither happened and he crossed the line to take his first win in four years and give his championship chance a major boost. There is still a long way to go in the season and anything can happen but with a win under his belt Blackburn will be another one to add to the list of title contenders. 

07-May-2023: Colm Blackburn, Leastone, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

07-May-2023: Colm Blackburn, Leastone, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Speaking after the race a delighted winner gave his view on the race “I am delighted to win again after four years and also it is my first win at this track which makes things even better. After clutch problems in testing and race one I asked myself why I came back to Formula Vee again after winning all 3 Championships before. Then I got this win, and I came to the conclusion that it’s a love that will never die. Long live Formula Vee in Ireland.”