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

                                                                     

Richard Kearney Wins Round 10 - Formula Sheane

Richard Kearney, leads Philp Sheane during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

As expected the conditions for round ten of the Formula Sheane championship were perfect the damps patches were now gone and everyone looked forward to another battle between the top three. This time Philip Sheane got the start he wanted and held off Richard Kearney at turn one and again at turn two as Derek Roddy slotted into third. 

Philip Sheane, leads Richard Kearney, during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With the sun getting low it made it slightly awkward for the drivers as they made their way out to the county. All three up front knew they could'nt afford to let each other get away. Richie Adams again made a good start as he made his way up to fourth. On the way back towards the paddock Sheane kept the tighter line already defending hard from Kearney. 

Derek Roddy, in action after dropping time with a trip to the gravel trap during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

By lap three it was still the same as Sheane soaked up the pressure well which cannot be said this time for Roddy. On the entrance to turn 4 he locked up his rear brakes and spun into the gravel. Luckily for him he didn't get stuck in it and managed to drive his way out of it but all hopes for the win were gone. This let the duo of Sheane and Kearney away to fight it out themselves as they had by now pull well clear of the field.

Richard Kearney, leads Philp Sheane during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

 Tom Foley began to make progress up through the field with claiming fifth and then fourth. Up front Kearney began to pile on the pressure and it worked by passing Sheane for the lead. It had been four months since he had been in this position and this time he wasn't going to let it slip. Sheane tried hard to get back past and looked quicker on the older part of the circuit but the clever Carlow man had all the lines covered. 

Richie Adams, leads Chris Dunne during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Unfortunately Garrett McKenna who had been battling with Tom Foley spun at turn four just as Roddy had done earlier but sadly for him he beached his car and his race was run. With his car in an unsafe place and despite the marshals best efforts the safety car had to be deployed. This allowed Roddy to catch back up to the leaders, but time had run out for himself or Sheane to get past Kearney as it was just a simple run to the line.

Chris Dunne, leads Tom Foley during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Tom Foley, leads Garrett McKenna during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Still all in all it was good to see Kearney take a win as he was hampered by bad luck all season. With the last round taking place on the 25th of September it does not leave much time to get the cars ready for the final and most important round of the season as it has turn out to be. With nine points between Sheane and Roddy in the favour of Sheane, it still is all to play for as one DNF could swing it either way. In the scholarship class Tom Foley came home with the win adding to his win earlier in the year in Kirkistown. 

Results

1st Richard Kearney

2nd Philip Sheane

3rd Derek Roddy

Scholarship

1st Tom Foley

2nd Chris Dunne

3rd Richie Adams

Roddy Wins Threeway Thriller - Formula Sheane Championship Round 9

Derek Roddy leads Richie Adams and Richard Kearney on the opening lap of the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The Formula Sheane circus made their way to Mondello Park for the ninth round the 2021 championship. The series trophy is still up for grabs but now only two drivers have a chance to claim it. To make it even more interesting this years title could go to a class newcomer if Philip Sheane takes it but the consistency shown by Derek Roddy since round three has brought him to be the second contender to take home the silverware.

Philip Sheane leads Richard Kearney during the Formula Vee race, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Back on to the international track for this meeting and the final trip to the county Kildare circuit for the year, meant the drivers would have a more physical challenge than the shorter national track last time out. The weather was going to be mixed going by the forecast so setup was crucial and driving had to be more precise if conditions varied. At the last Mondello race Philip Sheane dominated in the wet conditions and continued his form in qualifying this time out by taking pole by a massive 3.997 seconds ahead of Derek Roddy. If the weather stayed wet it would be hard to see him being caught. 

Richard Kearney spoke of his wet weather troubles at the last meeting and again wasn't confident after qualifying. " I can't figure out the problem with the car when it is wet it may need a full strip down to check the chasis for cracks. If it dries up I know I have the pace to be up the front but only if it's dry." 

Derek Roddy leads Philip Sheane and Richard Kearney during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

He must have prayed hard in the break in between qualifying and the race as the weather brightened up and the sun dried the track significantly. There still were some damp patches to look out for but by in large it was a dry track. As the lights went out it was Roddy who made a brilliant start to beat Sheane off the line to lead into turn one. Sheane's bad start allowed both Kearney and also Richie Adams to get by with Adams moving into second at turn two. Sheane wasn't down for long as he passed Kearney into turn three and a lovely move on the outside of turn four demoted Adams down another place. Kearney followed Sheane and was also passed Adams on the run onto the international loop. Roddy in his freshly painted car set about making a break from his pursuers and had made a small gap by the end of lap two.

Philip Sheane leads Richard Kearney during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Derek Roddy leads Richard Kearney and Philip Sheane during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

However Sheane and Kearney worked together and by lap four they were right on the back of Roddy. Now we would see for the first time since he got his engine problems sorted, if Roddy could match bothe Kearney and Sheane in a full race. Would Sheane have more pace and pull away if he got by or would Kearney repeat his first round dominance prior to his mechanical problems. Firt both had to get past Roddy who was driving his best race of the year if not ever as he soaked up the pressure from the two younger men in second and third.

Philip Sheane leads Richie Adams and Richard Kearney on the opening lap of the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Richie Adams leads Chris Dunne during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kearney made his move by getting past Sheane on lap six proving he did have his car sorted for a dry track but try as he might he could not break Roddy and by the penultimate lap he was back to third. Even with these changes the first three were nose to tail to whole way. Sheane again tried hard on the last lap, even taking the fastest time with 1.52.676 but Roddy had it covered to take a thoroughly deserved win and really keep the fight alive for the championship. Sheane did his best and second meant he didn't loose as much points to Roddy if he had finished third. Kearney tried but just couldn't find a way by either men. A good result  and another podium for the Carlow man who has had a year of mechanical hell so far.

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

Speaking after the race the victor was both joyed and relieved that he got the win." I really enjoyed that, it was a great race and so hard to keep the two boys behind me the whole race. Thanks to Enda for setting up the car perfectly it didn't miss a beat."

In the Scholarship class Garret McKenna took the win after taking the lead at the end of lap one. He got away from the chasing pack of Richie Adams, Chris Dunne and Tom Foley who all had swapped places throughout the race until Foley retired with a broke rose joint. Dunne seemed to have second place but was pipped on the penultimate lap by Adams. It was another great battle to watch and great to see the newcomers now all on the same pace. 

Garrett McKenna on his way to victory in the scholarship class during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Results

Formula Sheane National Championship

1st Derek Roddy

2nd Philip Sheane

3rd Richard Kearney

Scholarship Class

1st Garrett McKenna

2nd Richie Adams

3rd Chris Dunne

Sublime Sheane Secures Maiden Double - Formula Sheane Round 8

14-08-2021: Philip Sheane on his way to winning round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The weather didn't improve for round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship if anything it got worse. Sadly gearbox problems forced Mark Keenan out of this round but the Meath man will be back out at the next round. Starting from pole position again Philip Sheane had his first wet start behind him in the class so he knew what to do better this time round. The fact the others had to make a better start once again to have any chance of keeping him at bay, was their only hope in stopping a repeat performance of the previous round. This they duly did, Richard Kearney again got the holeshot and lead the field into turn one with Derek Roddy behind and Sheane dropping down to third.

14-08-2021: Richard Kearney leads Derek Roddy and Philip Sheane on the opening lap during round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With conditions as wet a slippery as they were, all drivers were in a battle to keep their cars under control and credit to the newcomers who all stayed on track minus the odd spin. Their times will improve but they were thrown in at the deep end between the rain and track conditions due to oil being put down it was no easy task for them. The top three broke clear and despite the spray they put on a show. Kearney was definitely the hare with Roddy and Sheane the hounds. Try as they might Kearney had them covered in the opening laps, given his sponsors logos plenty of exposure as the rear end stepped out every time he asked for power. Roddy in the ironically backed Climote Control car had the worst job as he had to both try and attack and defend. One slip would see Sheane through but on the other hand, a mistake by Kearney and he was through. 

14-08-2021: Richard Kearney leads Derek Roddy during round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Sheane had the better line though the Esses over both men ahead and it gave him better drive up the hill into the final corner where he made his move on Roddy to take second place. Try as he might Roddy had no answer and Sheane defended on the exit and again into turn one until the place was secure. He very nearly got Kearney on the inside into and again out of turn three but the Carlow man had that extra bit of grip and held the lead. It was tight though and he was using all his racecraft and experience to keep the newcomer to the class behind him. Once again Sheane used the outside lines through the Esses gaining huge ground and much more grip on the exit and the result was the move he done on Roddy the previous lap. Now in the lead he was free to get his head down and open up a gap on his two pursuers. This he did with ease. His setup looked better than that Kearney's or Roddy's as he it looked more balanced. That said he was driving very well and clever, using the outside lines where the grip was and it showed as he was able to gain massive amount of ground in the tight infield section alone. 

14-08-2021: Richie Adams leads Chris Dunne and Tom Foley on the opening lap during round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

14-08-2021: Chris Dunne leads Tom Foley during round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With Sheane out front the race was for second spot. Kearney out to finish higher on the podium than the previous round wasn't giving up holding Roddy behind. It worked for the first half of the race and even opened a small gap to the Louth man. Roddy though had other plans and while he knew the win was gone bar a mistake or mechanical problems on Sheane's car, second place was going to be the next best thing. He also was needed to stem the haul of points that Sheane was taking away from him in the championship. He caught back up to the gearbox of Kearney and by lap six he got by on the entry to the final corner. It was too late to catch Sheane but he still had to keep Kearney at bay and not make a mistake or go off track. 

14-08-2021: Philip Sheane on his way to winning round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In the Scholarship class Tom Foley kept up his good form and winning streak as he got the better of Richie Adams and Chris Dunne by the end of lap one and held it from there until the chequered flag. Back at the front Sheane reeled off the laps and even set the fastest lap of the race on the last lap to take his first double and to make up for the disappointment of not doing it at Kirkistown the meeting before.

14-08-2021: Tom Foley made it a double of Scholarship class wins during round eight of the Formula Sheane Championship. Photo: Barry Cregg.

There is a break now for the Formula Sheane Championship with the next round not until the 25th of September back across the border in Kirkistown. Time to gather funds, repair cars but also time to figure out how to stop Philip Sheane from doing another double.

Results

National Class

1st Philip Sheane

2nd Derek Roddy

3rd Richard Kearney

Scholarship Class

1st Tom Foley

2nd Richie Adams

3rd Chris Dunne

Roddy Takes Maiden Win - Formula Sheane Round 6

A delighted Derek Roddy with his trophy after taking his maiden win in Formula Sheane at round six. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For round six it was Derek Roddy who lined up on pole position this time ahead of Philip Sheane. He had to get the start right this time if he was to have any chance of beating Sheane. He did get the start right and braved the outside line as he went wheel to wheel with Sheane through Debtor's Dip and kept his line into turn two to lead the field. Behind the two front men Mark Keenan made an even better start and was up to third place from sixth by the end of the opening lap. Roddy and Sheane have been battling together on track for the last three rounds so there was no quarter going to be given by either man. 

Philip Sheane lead until 3 laps to go when a cv failed and put him out of the race. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Roddy seeking to get his maiden win was determined to get the job done this time round. However, Sheane had other ideas and was out to do the double. He didn't bide his time and made his move at turn two on the second lap. Roddy clung on as best he could for the next few laps but Sheane was on another level and began to take large chunks of time out of his rival over the next number of laps. This was also due to Roddy's car loosing its edge that it had at the beginning the race. A recurrence of the issue he spoke about after round five reared its head. By now Sheane was cruising with only three laps to go drifting his car round turn two, a sight to behold for those looking on.

Derek Roddy, Sheane, on his way to take his maiden win in Formula Sheane at round six. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Motor racing car be cruel at times and just as he look to have win number two of the day in the bag, a cv joint let go and his race was run. What should have been his first double turned into what could have been. The chance to claw back lost points from the opening round gone too. 

Tom Foley, Sheane leads Mark Keenan, top and Chris Dunne above on his way to taking his maiden podium in Formula Sheane. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Speaking afterwards the Wicklow man reflected on his day. "  It's was a last minute decision to come up this morning due to work commitments so we got no testing in. I'm glad to have got a win in the first race, Derek was catching me until he made a mistake and it let the gap grow again. It's disappointing not make it a double. I just felt a bang and then had no drive. When I got out of the car I saw the cv joint had gone and maybe a result from the shock letting go in Mondello, I won't know for sure until I get home. It's a pity but that's racing."

Derek Roddy, Sheane, on his way to take his maiden win in Formula Sheane at round six. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Take nothing away from Roddy though he has been on the pace since round one and with the mechanical problems in the opening two races so far this year he has lost out on race time over the others. He admitted it this one was handed to him but he was still happy to get his first win. " I'm really happy to get the win today, I know Philip had a problem but as they say 'to finish first, first you have to finish'. I got a good start and held Philip off then he got by me at the start of lap two. I tried to hang on to him but the car lost power again and there was nothing I could do. I'll have to get it checked out during the week and see what's happening."

Behind the front three the race was between Tom Foley, Chris Dunne and Richie Adams. The three newcomers swapped places all race, with Foley coming out on top and taking the win in the Scholarship class. Sadly Richie Adams retired with a lap to go with mechanical problems. With Philip Sheane retiring it promoted Foley up to third overall giving two rookies their first taste of being on the podium overall this weekend after Chris Dunne did in round five.

Next time out it is back to Mondello Park where Richard Kearney has to win to keep his hopes of a title defence alive.

Results:

National Championship

1st Derek Roddy

2nd Mark Keenan

3rd Tom Foley

Scholarship Class

1st Tom Foley

2nd Chris Dunne

The next rounds of the Formula Sheane Championship will take place in Mondello Park on the 7^th and 8^th of August.