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

 

 

Newsome Wins in Kirkistown To Join Championship Title Race

Lee Newsome with his trophy after winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Ashford man Lee Newsome took an impressive win at round six of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship at Kirkistown on Saturday. It was July last year in Mondello Park when he last stood on the top step of the podium but has always been in the top ten in each race he has finished since. He always has had the pace but also cruel mechanical luck with it resulting in fewer wins that he has to him name.

As always in Formula Vee the pace was hot and close with the first six drivers covered under the same second. An entry of 20 cars took to the track for qualifying, but it was Dan Polley in the LOH Motorsport car who topped the timesheet and took pole position from current champion Anthony Cross who only qualified 0.001 of a second of new rookie hotshot Ronan Doherty with Lee Newsome rounding out the second row.

Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads Anthony, Cross, Sheane, and Colm Blackburn, Leastone, on his way to winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The weather improved from qualifying the previous day. From wet to damp to scorching sunshine the drivers and teams had a busy time setting up their cars as conditions changed but at least it would stay the same for race day. As always, the fast northern circuit which lays along the Ards Peninsula produced another classic race with a six-car train battling out for the win.

As the lights went out Newsome reacted the quickest and got a brilliant start passing the front row drivers going into turn 1 to take the lead. With two long straights it is very hard for the leader to make a break unless someone behind makes a mistake. Therefore, the only option for the leader is to defend their lines without loosing time. Not an easy feat and even hard to do from the very start. That was what Newsome faced, though but he was up for the challenge.

The long straights allow those following to benefit from the slipstream from those ahead. This also provides great entertainment for the spectators as there are always several passing moves per lap with trains of cars all vying for position. Newsome held firm and no matter how hard Cross tried he couldn’t get by. Doherty was up to third but the man on the move was Colm Blackburn who was trying every line possible, inside and outside and it was working as by lap three he was up to second. Pole sitter Dan Polley moved back to third then to fourth and then to sixth where he would finish.

Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads Anthony, Cross, Sheane, and Colm Blackburn, Leastone, on his way to winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

It was still anyone’s for the win at the halfway mark but Newsome kept his lines and kept backing those up behind him so they would trip over each other. However a dive down the inside at turn two saw Blackburn into the lead but a missed gear on the exit of the chicane saw Newsome through along with Doherty who fought it out from the hairpin to two turn where Newsome held the lead once more.

What a show the top six were putting on. Gavin Buckley was also on the move slotting into third briefly but once again got swallowed up by Doherty, Cross and Blackburn. Doherty was quickest out of the chicane but having to pull out of the slipstream early was hindering his progress as he didn’t have enough pace to get ahead by the hairpin. The spectators weren’t complaining however as it led to cars three abreast on the exit and down the main straight millimetres apart with each thrusting in one another not to overstep the mark.

Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads Ronan Doherty, Sheane, and Colm Blackburn, Leastone, on his way to winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

As the race made its way into the final laps Blackburn again made his outside move ­­work moving back into third. Doherty again got into the lead a lap later on the run down to turn one, but Newsome got it back a corner later. Doherty wouldn’t lead again but the rookie proved his worth once again against seasoned Formula Vee drivers. He lost another spot to Blackburn and then to Buckley and had to watch for Cross behind.

Buckley moved into second at the hairpin and with two laps to go it was between him and Newsome. Newsome had opened a slight gap starting the last lap which looked like it would prove vital at the end but Buckley close in. Both men going wheel to wheel down the back straight towards the hairpin. Newsome held it but Buckley cut back on the inside and it was a drag race to the line. Both men deserved it, but it was Newsome who got to the chequered flag first but only by 0.079 of a second! It was the same for the final position on the podium with Colm Blackburn taking third.

Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, on his way to winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Yet again it was worth the long trip up north as the racing gets better every time, they visit the coastal circuit. Speaking after the race the winner was clearly pleased with his days work.

Lee Newsome, celebrates after winning round 6 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championsip. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

“It was a typical vee race full on slipstream no holds bar race. I got a weapon of a start from fourth to lead into turn one. I had different drivers behind me in my mirrors each lap. I got passed a few times but managed to get back by again and then try and hold my line and back those behind me up as much as I could. It the most competitive year in Formula Vee in a long time and I think 5 or 6 of us are in with a shout for the championship. I’m delighted to get the win today. It was a shame my brother Sean couldn’t get his car fixed in time but we will be back out in Mondello in two weeks to get another win”.

Results:

1^st Lee Newsome

2^nd Gavin Buckley

3^rd Colm Blackburn

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.”

Cross Makes It Two from Two - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

15-05-2023: Anthony Cross, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race as Jack Byrne, Sheane, spins out. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Jack Cregg.

Current Formula Vee champion and 2023 series leader Anthony Cross made it two wins from two starts after taking victory in the second round of the Selco.ie championship at Mondello Park on Saturday. His points haul was further boosted by the fact that runner up in round one Jack Byrne got putt off track causing him not to score any points in this round. Qualifying was very close as always with the top eight drivers covered by the same second. 

Lee Newsome and Colm Blackburn locked out the front row with Cross and Jack Byrne in third and fourth. Blackburn got the best start and moved ahead on Newsome on the run towards turn one. Cross slotted into third and then on the exit of turn two a missed gear by Newsome allowed Cross by on the run towards turn three. Blackburn held firm in the lead holding his racing line round the tight county Kildare track making it hard for those behind to get by. Further behind Ronan Doherty the young man from Antrim who has shown great pace already in his first year of racing collided with Sean Newsome at the final corner.

15-05-2023: Anthony Cross, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The safety car was deployed for several laps to take Sean Newsome back to the paddock. On the restart Blackburn held the lead but only for a lap as Cross made his move going into turn one. Byrne tried to follow but was blocked but was successful a lap later. The front three were now out on their own and providing great entertainment for the spectators. Three abreast arriving into turn one each lap with only an inch between each other’s wheels. Cross though again showed why he is the current champion, keeping his laps tidy and smooth, holding his racing line making those behind work hard to try and get by. While under massive pressure he again soaked it all up. However, Blackburn had not given up just yet and got back into the lead in a move going into the esses. Cross responded immediately with a move round the outside at turn one which also let Byrne past by turn two. This move by Cross would prove vital in the outcome.

15-05-2023: Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Colm Blackburn, Leastone, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Two laps later Blackburn tried to go for a gap that wasn’t there and hit the back wheel of Byrne spinning him round at turn one. It was a shame as it was shaping up to be a last lap decider and it let Cross off the hook. With only a lap and a half remaining he maintained the small gap to Blackburn and Lee Newsome in third. Another victory won by not only on pace but by staying out of trouble. It is still early days in the championship but two maximum points scoring races in the bag already puts all the pressure on the rest to catch up. Afterwards the stewards of the meeting gave Blackburn a two-place penalty for careless driving.

15-05-2023: Anthony Cross, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race as Jack Byrne, Sheane, spins out. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Jack Cregg.

15-05-2023: Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Lee Newsome, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Jack Cregg.

15-05-2023: Lee Newsome, Sheane, on his way to second place the Selco.ie Formula Vee race as Jack Byrne, Sheane, spins out. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

15-05-2023: Dan Polley, Sheane, on his way to third place the Selco.ie Formula Vee race as Jack Byrne, Sheane, spins out. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Afterwards Cross was relieved to get the win. “Again, qualifying was tight, and I wanted to be on the front row but it wasn’t to be but I got a good start and got into second on lap two and settled in. It was a great race with Colm and Jack it was close the whole way. Then Jack was gone and I had a small gap to hold for the last lap so I just brought it home”.

15-05-2023: Anthony Cross, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race as Jack Byrne, Sheane, spins out. ICCR, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Cross Lays Down His 2023 Marker With Round One Victory

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, Gavin Buckley, Sheane, Lee Newsome, Sheane, and Ronan Doherty, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee Race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

The new Selco.ie Formula Vee national championship kicked off on Saturday in Kirkistown Racing Circuit in county Down. Bohernabreena man and current champion Anthony Cross once again took another victory at the northern track which is located along the beautiful Ards Peninsula. Those who follow the results could be forgiven for thinking it was just another win by the champion, but the results sheet does not tell the full story. It hides the truth that this victory was one of the hardest fought victories for the Dubliner. The depth in the class this season alone has risen with any of the first eight in this race itself were more than capable of taking the win. 

Colm Blackburn, Leastone, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, and Jack Byrne, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee Race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

It was yet another belter for the spectators to witness with the lead changing several times but Cross proved yet again why he is going for six championships in a row. He never panics while lying in the middle of the pack or if he is at the front of it. If not heading the field he picks off his competitors one by one and is always in the right place near the end of the race to challenge for the win. 

It began with Gavin Buckley topping the timesheets in qualifying but most impressive was returning former champion Colm Blackburn who joined him on the front row in his first race back. Twenty six cars took to the grid for the national race but sadly earlier VW Spares race winner Sean Newsome ran out of time in repairing his car to get out for this one. As the lights went out Blackburn got the better start over Buckley and lead the field round turn one, Cross tried to follow but had to slot into third.  Several cars had a coming together passing the start/finish line when Robert Fleming, Colm O'Loughlen and Andy Keogh collided. Unfortunately, Fleming was race was run and could not get back going. Keogh and O'Loughlen did but dropped an enormous amount of time to the rest of the pack.

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, and Jack Byrne, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee Race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Back at the front Buckley got by Blackburn down the inside at the hairpin. Jack Byrne also followed through and by the end of the front straight it was three cars abreast with Cross being the biggest looser dropping down to fifth. Newcomer Ronan Doherty was right behind in sixth showing great pace as he did in the days earlier race and his LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship victory was no flash in the pan. Buckley lost his lead by turn two to Byrne but pulled off a great move around the outside at the hairpin which gave him the inside line by turn one to retake the lead. Lee Newsome was now into third and Cross also moved up a place to fourth.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, Lee Newsome, Sheane, and Ronan Doherty, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee Race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Byrne repeated the same move to Buckley but it took until rounding turn two before he got ahead and into the lead. Again the hairpin saw a lead change as Buckley got by to lead an eight car train down the main straight. It was really settling into thriller and this was still only round one of the season! Dan Polley was also keeping in touch in sixth. As mentioned before the slipstream was coming into effect each time they raced towards the final hairpin corner. Buckley used it to again get past Byrne to head the field. It was hard to keep up with all the changes for the lead as well as the cars in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth places!

Cross however was now up to third as the laps left were running down, The gap to fourth had opened up enough to give the top three some breathing room. It wasn't the front threes first rodeo in this situation and all have the upmost respect for each other, and trust along with it while racing at this high speed track. Buckley again took the lead at turn two and they were now catching slower traffic.

With no blue flags used to warn slower drivers they could only stick to their own racing line and let those behind worry about getting past. Byrne and Cross began to battle allowing Buckley lead for a couple of laps with just three more to go. A lap later Cross was up to second and getting a great run out of the chicane took the lead into the hairpin. Buckley hit back straight away taking the lead at turn one to hold it only for half a lap as he went three abreast with Cross and Byrne into the hairpin to drop back to second to Cross and then to third to Byrne. Lee Newsome got past on the inside of turn three to move into third place blowing any chance for Buckley's shot at victory. It was still anyone's. Exiting the chicane for the final time they caught two backmarkers which allowed it a straight fight between Byrne and Cross.

Cross held his wider line round the hairpin for the final time and got enough drive to win the drag to the chequered flag to take the win by only 0.86 of a second! A fantastic race and one that had everything in it and everything motor racing should have. Another race that showed why everyone still has to beat current champion Cross who again proved why he has won so much in recent years. 

Speaking after the race a very happy winner explained his race win. 

" That was tough, there were a lot of lads on the pace today. I didn't think I had a chance of a win half way through. Gavin, Jack and Lee were flying as was young Ronan Doherty who will be a race winner for sure this year. I just tried to keep out of trouble and not make mistakes. I knew it was going to be important to get a win here to lay down a marker for the year. It is important for a championship to get a win at the start of the season."

Anthony Cross, centre, with Jack Byrne, left, and Lee Newsome, after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee Race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Results:

Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship

1st Anthony Cross

2nd Jack Byrne

3rd Lee Newsome

4th Gavin Buckley

5th Ronan Doherty

6th Dan Polley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Results:

Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship

1^st Lee Newsome

2^nd Jack Byrne

3^rd Owen Kelly

VW Spares ‘B’ Championship

1^st Owen Kelly

2^nd Sean Newsome

3^rd Donal Downey

LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

1^st Aaron Murray

2^nd Kieran Hannon

3^rd Sylvie Bartlett

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Results:

Selco.ie

1st Anthony Cross

2nd Gavin Buckley

3rd Jack Byrne

VW Spares

1st Donal Downey

2nd Owen Kelly

3rd Paul Lewis

LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

1st Shane O'Neill

2nd Kieran Hannan

3rd Stephen Roche