Champion Cross Caps Off Season In Style - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Anthony Cross with the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Bohernabreena;s Anthony Cross finished off another championship year in style with a double victory in the season finale at Kirkistown Racing Circuit in county Down last Saturday. The current Selco.ie Formula Vee champion retained his title at the previous round in Mondello Park two weeks ago by finishing second to Owen Kelly. With the pressure of the championship in the bag he set his sights on not only winning the finale round of the series but the prestigious Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy race too.

With a solid grid of twenty cars taking to the track for qualifying and the return of former champion Dan Polley also the returned to form Jack Byrne it would not be an easy task. This meeting would also determine the outcome of the VW Spares ‘B’ and LOH Motorsport ‘Rookie’championships to add an extra bit of excitement to the onlookers. Cross gave himself the best chance to get the results he wanted by qualifying in pole position just ahead of young Kildare man Donal Downey who showed great pace at the same venue earlier in the year.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads the field during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Although he headed the field as the lights went out the long run to the first turn at the northern track can give those behind the bonus of a slipstream and as the field made it to turn two it was Jack Byrne who lead Cross with tucked in behind, followed by Polley and Downey. The long fast straights make it hard for anyone to break clear from one another due to the slipstream. Only a passing manoeuvre at the tight section into turn three or a mistake at the chicane can break up a train of cars. Cross had made a better exit from the final corner on lap one to give him the slingshot to get into the lead by turn one. Downey made a carbon copy move to move past Polley to move into third place.

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads Donal Downey, Leastone, Gavin Buckley, Sheane, and Tim Murray, Leastone, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

He repaid him back into turn three, but it allowed the front two to begin to pull away. Byrne also was into the lead again by the hairpin but again Cross got the better run into turn one to retake the lead. Three lead changes in a lap set the tone for yet another brilliant Formula Vee race. Behind, the following three cars of Downey, Polley and Gavin Buckley headed to turn one side by side. The trust between all drivers is immense and it has to be at of 100mph. Downey held his place, but Buckley now moved into third. Again, Cross got into the lead at turn three but by the end of the lap Byrne once again retook him. It was hard to keep up, but it certainly was entertaining the spectators. It was now become a game of cat and mouse both drivers finding where each was better than the other of the course of the lap. Buckley had now moved up another place into third and set out to catch the front two.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The front two would repeat each move Cross getting by at turn one only to lose it at the final corner. By the halfway mark though Bynre had settled into a rhythm and hold the lead over the next couple of laps and began to look like he was controlling the race until they cam upon a backmaker which held him up at turn two cost him time and letting Cross get past yet again, undoing all the hard work of the previous few laps. The Battle for third was still as tight as Buckley and Downey continued to pass and repass each other. As Polley made his move on Downey into turn two to move up to fourth Downey ran wide cost himself time and dropped back and out of contention for third. Up front Byrne found his way past at the hairpin with three laps to go but as they started the final lap cross after yet another clear run to the line seemed to let his opponent by to lead them round to the back straight where he could make a move with the slipstream to retake the lead.

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Donal Downey, Leastone, and Dan Polley, Sheane,  during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

A risky plan if any mistake was made but one if it worked would show why he is a five in a row champion. It did as he got the slingshot heading towards the hairpin, but another backmarker being in their way was not what he could have planned for, his exit was compromised, and Byrne drew alongside him. It was a drag race to the line where Cross got the win by 0.005 of a second! One of if not the closest ever finishes to a Formula Vee race seen. Gavin Buckley finished in third and set the fastest lap of the race in doing so. Although he dropped back Downey, came home in fifth but more importantly became the VW Spares ‘B’ Champion. A great result for the talented Kildare youngster. Speaking to the victor after the race it was clear he enjoyed that race.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

“Jack kept me honest in that one, I lost count how many times we passed each other for the lead. Then backmarkers got involved but I just got it on the line, it was a great race”.

VW Spares Champion Donal Downey. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kieran Hannan again drove superbly as he has all year to become the LOH Motorsport Rookie Champion. He showed great pace and is sure to be up there with the top ‘B’ championships runner’s next season.

Kieran Hannan, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With all the championships sorted it was time for the second Formula Vee race of the day for the prestigious Emmerson Fittipaldi Trophy. A trophy given to the Irish championship by the former Formula 1 World Champion. There was also a prize of €150 was up for grabs to the driver with the fastest lap. It was the top two from the previous race who lined up on the front row and again Cross started from pole. Byrne was out though to make amends for missing out on the win earlier and if that race was anything to go by the onlookers were in for a treat.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Byrne got a flyer and lead into turn one but out-braked himself letting Cross take the lead but he kept Polley at bay in third. Yet again the front two began to brake clear of the field and opened a five car length gap by halfway round the fist lap. As they rounded turn one for the second time Byrne was into the lead and straight away was out to build some sort of lead and not get dragged into another lead swapping battle so early on again in this race. Gavin Buckley was now into third ahead of Downey and Polley in what was now a carbon copy of the result in the earlier race. So much for not having a lead swap battle as Cross retook the lead two laps later at the hairpin only to lose it at the same spot a lap later.

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Donal Downey, Leastone, and Dan Polley, Sheane,  during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

All this helped Buckley and Downey to close in to make it a four-car train. Polley dropped back from the four ahead but held a solid fifth place. Yellow flags came out at the chicane which ruled it out as an overtaking spot but as they exited it Byrne got by a backmarker just at the right time giving him a gap as Buckley and Cross tripped over each other getting past the backmarker. Buckley got by and into second but not for long as by turn two he was back to third. Byrne ran slightly wide on the exit of the chicane losing ground and by the start of the next lap Cross was past. Byrne repeated the mistake a lap later at the same spot and this time Cross got the gap to his rivals behind. It was enough to give him some real breathing room and with only a few laps to go it looked like it was his for the taking.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Buckley was now into second ahead of Byrne and Downey. These three would need to work together if they were to reel in Cross but they began to have their own battle, swapping places and going three a breast into turn one wasn’t going to help catch the leader. It was all very entertaining though. Another mistake at the chicane by Byrne allowed Downey by going down the back straight. He retook him again at the beginning of the next lap and then Downey began to lose touch and drop back. A lap later Cross began to drop time and began to drop back to the two men behind.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, and Donal Downey, Leastone, during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It was enough to give them the tow again and with two laps to go it was again a three-car train. Yet again backmarkers looked to come into play as they were being caught coming to the chicane for the final time. A mistake by Buckley this time allowed Byrne through, but time was nearly up as they headed for the hairpin for the final time. Those backmarkers did hold Cross up but luckily for him not enough to allow anyone by and he held his lead to take the Fittipaldi Trophy race win.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Byrne held second with Buckley in third. Another close and hard-fought Formula Vee race won by Cross rounding out another great year for him and giving him the clean sweep of trophies for the year by adding the Fittipaldi Trophy to the Championship and Holmpatrick trophies he already won. It is such a rare achievement to do such a feat but one that is thoroughly deserved as he has been the benchmark for others for so long now.

Bill Adair presents the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy to Anthony Cross. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy podium Anthony Cross, centre, with Jack Byrne, left, and Gavin Buckley, right. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

"They were two great races today. I’m delighted to have won both and I was pushed hard all the way. I thought the second race was going to be a copy of the first between me and Jack, but he got caught up battling with Gavin and I got a way for a while. I was getting really bad understeer into turn three and lost time but I’m glad I got to hold on to take the win. Thanks to all the class sponsors and to my dad for his help all year.”

Anthony Cross with the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy with Jack Byrne,left, and Gavin Buckley, right. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Anthony Cross with the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Anthony Cross with the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Donegal’s Kelly dominates at a wet Mondello Park- Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

 

Owen Kellu with his trophy after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Buncranna’s Owen Kelly took his maiden national Formula Vee victory at Mondello Park in county Kildare at the weekend. In very tricky conditions due to heavy rainfall earlier in the day, Kelly in his Bugbitz backed Sheane showed a clean pair of heals to the rest of the field. Using the international layout for round 10 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship, Kelly qualified a massive 1.459 seconds ahead of current champion Anthony Cross who had a chance to wrap up the title again at this round. Sadly, Jordan Kelly was a non-starter and ending his chances of bringing the championship to a final round decider, but nevertheless he was on hand to help his brother by acting as his mechanic for the weekend.

Owen Kelly, left, Sheane, leads Jack Bynre, right, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg.

A great grid of twenty cars lined up in the drying but still wet conditions. As the lights went out Kelly got a brilliant start and lead the field into turn one. Cross had no answer and dropped to third behind Jack Byrne. As they field made their way round turns one and two you could see how hard they were all fighting for grip, each car’s rear end stepping out as the drivers put the power down even with the greatest of ease. By the exit of turn three Kelly built a gap of half a second, his car looking like it was on rails. Maybe the recent visit to the Knockalla hillclimb in similar conditions two weeks before did him the world of good in terms of finding a setup for this race.

Jack Byrne, left, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, right, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg

Whatever the reason it was working as he could not be matched and controlled the race with ease. Behind him the battle for second and third was only heating up as Byrne and Cross battled it out and giving the wet spectators something to watch in what was an unusual spread-out Formula vee race. The weather and the long circuit didn’t help to keep the field as close together as they normally are when on the smaller national track. That said behind the top three Gavin Buckley, Donal Downey and Tim Murray had their own battle, all three swapping places early on before settling into what would end up being their finishing positions.

Tim Murray, Leastone, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg

Both Byrne and Cross are known for being Mondello Park experts knew how to win and defend around the Kildare track. Several attempts by Cross to get past were thwarted by Byrne but with two laps to go the current champion got past. In doing so he gained more points and barring a mistake or mechanical failure both of which are a very rare occurrence, he was on course to retain his title. Not only that it would be the Dubliners fifth title in a row, a fantastic achievement in a series that is so competitive.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg

Owen Kelly, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In the end Kelly was also the man of the day by taking his maiden win by ten seconds! On his day he is as quick as any of the front men but a lack of consistency throughout the year has cost him for the overall title. In saying that he is still in contention for the VW Spares ‘B’ Championship and after this win he has brought it down to the final round in Kirkistown on September 24^th between himself and Donal Downey.

In the LOH Motorsport Rookie championship Kieran Hannon drove superbly to take another win in his Leastone to take the championship to the final round decider.   

Kieran Hannan, Leastone in action on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Rookie class. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Speaking afterwards he gave a typical laid-back response that only a Donegal man could deliver,

 “I just concentrated on the start and got a good one and made into the first turn in the lead and decided to go for it on the first couple of laps to build a lead up if I could. The lads behind me started to battle with each other which helped me too. I did the hillclimb at Knockalla in these types of conditions a couple of weeks ago which I think helped me too. Hopefully I can do the same in Kirkistown in a few weeks and try and win the VW Spares Championship.

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

Lee Newsome Wins Round 6 - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Lee Newsome, Sheane, celebrates his victory 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 six of the Selco,ie Formula Vee championship at Mondello Park. the baby of the Newsome family was on his own this weekend as brother Sean could not make it out for this round. However, he didn't help himself by qualifying in 6th place. As with all Formula Vee races while qualifying is important, on the international track layout there is plenty scope to improve your finishing position come the end of the race. It was Dubliner Gavin Buckley who took pole position from Jordan Kelly 0.112 of a second. In fact, the top six driver were covered by the same second showing the competitiveness of the class. 

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

As the lights went out it was Kelly who got the best start and led the field into turn one. Both Buckley and championship leader Anthony Cross got swallowed up by the pack and Newsome found himself in third on the exit of turn 1. By Turn three the pole man was out spinning off into the gravel letting Newsome gain another place as they headed out on to the international loop.

Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads Jordan Kelly, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Another Wicklow man Jack Byrne from Annacurragh had also moved up to third but the leader had a gap of three seconds over them. While the Wicklow men worked together to close the gap to the man from Donegal all sorts of battles were happening further back in the pack which ended in championship leader Cross being hit from behind by Donal Downey causing his retirement. The unfortunate Paul Lewis whose car broke a trailing arm and put him into the path of Jonathan Hollywood causing both men also to retire from the race as well as bringing out the red flags.

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, Lee Newsome, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Once all the debris and broken cars were removed from the track the drivers lined up on the grid with Kelly on pole from Byrne. Once again Kelly got a flyer off the line, but Newsome got the better of his fellow county man to nip into second from the second row. Not content with second he made a brilliant overtaking maneuver on the outside of turn 7 to move into the lead. Byrne ran wide on the exit of the penultimate corner dropping back to the clutches of local man Donal Downey. 

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

A lap later he had made a gap and began to catch the leaders who were having a mighty battle up front. Newsome defending with all his might from Kelly who tried the cut back from the outside line of the final corner to the inside line going down the main straight. Newsome was wise to it and covered the line and held his lead forcing Kelly to use the long outside line again at turn 1. This began to play into the hands of Byrne who was closing right up both men and as Kelly tried to overtake Newsome at Birrane's Bends they ran wide leaving a gap for Byrne to take but he then collided with Kelly and took the grass dropping back to fifth. While lost his nosecone Kelly remained glued to the back of Newsome , who was soaking up all this pressure superbly. This allowed Downey to close right up making it a three car scrap for the lead. Another Formula Vee thriller was shaping up as they began the last lap. 

Lee Newsome, Sheane, holds up to his trophy after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Newsome held his line brilliantly right around the international loop as did Kelly who had to deal with Downey trying to get past. As they Made their way up to the final corner Newsome stayed to the right forcing Kelly to go the long way round, which can back fire if not done right. He judged it perfectly though as he carried enough speed out of the corner to hold of his two rivals and win the drag race to the chequered flag. What a finish to a brilliant race with the top three cover by only 0.294 seconds! It was a deserved win for Newsome who has had the pace all year so far but not the luck or reliability to make it to the top step. Speaking afterwards a delighted victor spoke of his race. 

" It was a great race but I didn't qualify well although the car felt good but i wasn't too worried as the big track today helps with plenty of places to pass. I got a great start in the first run of the race and got up to second but I got into a battle with Jack Byrne and dropped back from Jordan but the red flags came out. I got the jump on Jack in the restart and passed Jordan on the outside out the back and then had to defend for the rest of the race which wasn't easy!! It was great fun and very enjoyable and thanks has to go to my two brothers Garry and Sean for their help today and all year. It's been up and down but hopefully this will give us the lucky we need to carry on up the front for the rest of the year,"

In the VW Spares Championship Jordan Kelly took the win from Donal Downey and Owen Kelly took third place. In the LOH Motorsport championship Kieran Hannan took the win with Shane O'Neill in second with Stephen Roche in third. 

Kieran Hannan, Leastone, on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Rookie class during the Selco.ie  Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Results:

Selco.ie

1st Lee Newsome

2nd Jordan Kelly

3rd Donal Downey

VW Spares

1st Jordan Kelly

2nd Donal Downey

3rd Owen Kelly

LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

1st Kieran Hannan

2nd Shane O'Neill

3rd Stephen Roche

Jack Byrne Takes Round Four In The Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Jack Byrne, Sheane, on his way to winning round four of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship. Bishopscourt Race Circuit, Co, Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For round four of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship drivers made a welcome return to Bishopscourt Racing Circuit north of the border in county Down. The much-loved venue is only used once a year and this year is the first time the class has be back in three years due to the Covid outbreak. The 1.830 mile track is fast and flowing with some quick chicanes and tricky hairpins.

The weather held up for qualifying where Jordan Kelly and Gavin Buckley fought it out with both men setting their fastest time on lap 9. Kelly edged out Buckley by a mere 0.160 seconds. Jack Byrne also made a big improvement in his qualifying performance by grabbing third just ahead of the ever-improving Donal Downey. As the lights went out it was Kelly who got the best start and lead the field as they made the long run down to the first left hand bend Brock's. With the run from the start-line being so long the field bunches up tightly which can give drivers from rows two or three and good tow and enable them to draft past. this is exactly what happened. Donal Downey from row two used this to his advantage and lead the field round the very fast first bend.

Donal Downey, Leastone, leads the field into turn one during round four of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship. Bishopscourt Race Circuit, Co, Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kelly and Buckley tucked in behind with Wicklow man Jack Byrne in fourth in his first meeting with his new engine. Fellow county man Sean Newsome woke up brightly and made his way up to second place by the end of lap one and began to chase the leader. By the exit of the bottom hairpin Newsome was into the lead with Byrne into second and Downey into third.

Sean Newsome, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during round four of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship. Bishopscourt Race Circuit, Co, Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Newsome from Ashford and Byrne from Annacurragh both looking to get a return to form edged out a gap over Downey who had to worry about Buckley and championship leader Anthony Cross closing in behind. With the nature of the northern circuits having long straights any gap made can be closed in quickly once the car in front hasn't broken the tow. This is when the car behind uses the one in front to break the air and allows them to catch up, as there is no air in front to reduce their speed.

What was three cars, now became a seven-car train and it was shaping up to be another Formula Vee thriller. With no margin for error, it is ultimate trust between drivers to race hard but fair at these high-speed tracks. Newsome tried to break the tow by moving from side to side on the main straight and just held the lead into turn one on lap four but behind it was three abreast with Byrne, Downey and Buckley scrapping for second place. Byrne held it and went one better going up the inside through back straight chicane to get into the lead. Still all to play for and all with Cross, Kelly and Lee Newsome still in this leading group. Then disaster struck for Sean Newsome as an electrical problem slowed him down on the main straight as he watched his rivals and his brother pass by.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, on his way to winning round four of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship. Bishopscourt Race Circuit, Co, Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

It was hard luck indeed as he was right there in the hunt for the win. Yellow flags were also out at turn one which helped Byrne's cause as the first overtaking opportunity was now gone for those behind him. That didn't stop Buckley at the hairpin though as he got by Byrne, as also did Cross over Downey to move into third. Pole position man Kelly was there but didn't show his hand just yet although as he did in passing Newsome he lost his nosecone. A lap later Byrne repaid Buckley by pulling the same move on him to take back the lead with four laps to go. Had he gone a lap too early or was it just right?

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, on his way to winning round four of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship. Bishopscourt Race Circuit, Co, Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

He did open a slight gap which gave him breathing space as they started another lap and when Buckley began to battle with Cross it extended further. With two laps to go Cross was really chasing him down but that new engine in Byrne's car was doing the job. The Annacurragh man has always had the talent and speed but has struggled in recent races to show the form we had being accustomed to seeing. Buckley was not out of it yet either as he was right behind Cross again which helped Byrne and starting the last lap his lead was up to over two tenths of a second.

By the hairpin though they were all together, but Byrne had the measure of them and held his lines through the final chicane and corners to take the win. A great win for Byrne in what was a very entertaining race. It was also a needed boost for his championship chances this year. 

“It was great to win that race, it was tough out there. I bought a new engine and just go into the car in time for the race and it worked a treat. It has made a massive difference. Hopefully we can kick on from here and start to get some good points at each race meeting from now on”.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, celebrates after winning round four of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship. Bishopscourt Race Circuit, Co, Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In the VW Spares 'B' Championship Jordan Kelly by managing to hold off Donal Downey in the closing laps took top honors and all was not lost for Sean Newsome who limped home in third place in the class despite his electrical issues. It shows again how strong this championship is with the front runners also fighting for out right wins too. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, on his way to winning the VW Spares 'B' class during round four of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship. Bishopscourt Race Circuit, Co, Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

In the LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship Aaron Murray took the win from Stephen Roche by finishing just outside the top ten which is a decent effort at his first visit to a track like Bishopscourt. 

Aaron Murray, Sheane, on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Rookie class during round four of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship. Bishopscourt Race Circuit, Co, Down. Photo: Barry Cregg

Results 

Selco.ie National Championship

1st Jack Byrne

2nd Anthony Cross

3rd Gavin Buckley

VW Spares 'B' Championship

1st Jordan Kelly

2nd Donal Downey

3rd Sean Newsome

LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

1st Aaron Murray

2nd Stephen Roche

Cross Makes It Four In Row With Round 9 Win - The Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, Jordan Kelly, Sheane, and Tim Murray, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo Barry Cregg.

With a double win at the previous rounds of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship at Kirkistown two weeks ago, Dublin man Anthony Cross had put one hand on the series trophy. A finish of sixth place at the latest round at Mondello Park would give him yet another title and a run of four straight championship wins. A fantastic achievement that proves the pre season favourite tag was correctly applied back in June. He gave himself the best chance to do it in style by taking pole position, albeit, right at the death in qualifying by 0.300 of a second from Jordan Kelly.

Tim Murray, Sheane, leads Jordan Kelly, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo Barry Cregg.

The weather was dry but the track was still damp in some areas after a heavy shower an hour before the race. This can play havoc as drivers can undo any good work done by hitting a damp patch resulting in a spin or going off track completely. On the other hand if one was to brave it out and take a risk it could move them up the field. As the lights went out both front row men got a good start but Cross held his line around turn one to hold the lead. Kelly slotted in behind, his car always looking slightly out of shape. Dan Polley, Gavin Buckley and Tim Murray followed suit all nose to tail nobody risking anything on the opening lap. Halfway round the second lap it looked as if the front two were starting to open a gap, but as they emerged from the double right hander on the international loop it was Polley who was now in second place.

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, and Tim Murray, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo Barry Cregg.

This however let Cross get a gap which he built up very quickly and by lap four he had a gap of just over a second on the pack behind. Initially it looked as though Polley was going to reel in Cross but it faded and he was back to third as Buckley got past on the inside into turn one. Kelly and Murray were now hounding Polley  and this group of four were well clear of Jack Byrne and Owen Kelly who were having an almighty battle between themselves. It was surprising to see Byrne so far down at Mondello as he was the master around the Kildare circuit last year. Then at the half way stage the safety car was brought out undoing all Cross's hard work and also that of Buckley who managed to pull clear of the battle for second.

Owen Kelly, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, and Robert Fleming, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo Barry Cregg.

As the safety car pulled in Cross lead the field out of the final corner and held his lead and continued from where he left off. Mechanical problems forced Dan Polley to retire, a shame as he had been looking strong early on. Jordan Kelly, though was becoming fed up behind Buckley and mad yet another one of his lunges down his inside into turn four. Buckley was wise to it and held his line and it was the young Donegal man who ended up loosing time on the exit which gave Murray the run up the hill and get by at the next corner. After enjoying a healthy lead and having no pressure for once, Cross now had to keep his cool as Buckley who had to win to keep his title hopes alive. Like many times before Cross didn't flinch and kept his cool never looking like making a mistake let alone making one, as Buckley tried his best. In fact it would have been easier for Cross to let Buckley by as they had a gap over the rest of the field and he still would win the title. That said, a true champion seals a title with a win if its on and with only a couple of laps to go he wasn't going to play it safe. Tim Murray did close up to them on the final lap but it was too late as Cross led the trio over the line to take the win and with it his fourth Formula Vee title in a row.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo Barry Cregg.

Robert Fleming, Sheane, gets it wrong at the final turn as Donal Downey, Leastone, and Andrew Keogh, Sheane, take avoiding action during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo Barry Cregg.
 

A typical relaxed Cross wasn't going to shout his achievement from the rooftops after the race, " It's great to win the title again but it wasn't easy, there's a lot of lads out there now on a similar pace. It has been a good year I won a few races and the Holmpatrick trophy too which is nice. Thanks to dad for his help all year and the championship organisers for getting the show on the road again during Covid." 

Donal Downey, Leastone, in action during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo Barry Cregg.

It is a fantastic achievement and in a competitive time in Formula Vee. He may not always win, but he is rarely off the podium if he doesn't and that was the key to his championship this year. It was also a great race for the less experienced drivers lead by Donal Downey showing great pace coming home in seventh with Andrew Keogh, Anthony Conway, and David O'Loughlin to round out the top ten. The front three in the end may have broke away but there was battles right throughout the field and with those new names in the top ten in bodes well for next year. Before that there is one more trip up north to Kirkistown on the 26th of September for the Emerson Fittapaldi trophy. Cross won that piece of silverware for the last two years so they will be all out to stop him making it a hat-trick this year.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, and Tim Murray, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo Barry Cregg.

It wasn't all bad for the Kelly brothers this weekend as Owen wrapped up the Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' Championship after being consistently inside the top six all year and is one who will become stronger again next year no doubt. In the VW Spares Championship it goes right down to the final round for this season between Jordan Kelly and Tim Murray and its anyone's guess who will take that trophy home. One thing though is that is will be a race to watch!

Results 

Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship

1st Anthony Cross

2nd Gavin Buckley

3rd Tim Murray

VW Spares Championship

1st Tim Murray

2nd Jordan Kelly

3rd Robert Fleming

Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' Championship

1st Owen Kelly

2nd Donal Downey

3rd Andrew Keogh