Buckley Bags Season Opener

23-March-2024: Gavin Buckley holds up his trophy after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Kirkistown Racing Circuit along the beautiful Ards Penninsula in county Down was the venue for the opening round of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship. The circuit is a favourite amongst the drivers and teams alike. A new season brings a clean slate and a chance for those who missed out last season to go one better this year and also for the five newcomers, a chance to finally get racing after all their planning over the winter. 

Sadly 2023 Champion Lee Newsome was a non starter along with former champion Anthony Cross and last years hotshot Ronan Doherty was also missing but all will be out later in the year. That said the competion was still strong with Jack Byrne back in his newly built and painted Sheane. Colm Blackburn was also in a new car, his being the newer Leastone chassis and which once belonged to former champion Ray Moore. 

23-March-2024: Colm Blackburn, Leastone, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, and Jack Byrne, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee Race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Jack Cregg.

Gavin Buckley who has been a championship contender for the last number of years but just missing out is determined to take the title this year. The Rathmichael man set his stall out early by taking pole by 0.7 second ahead of Jack Byrne. The long straights of Kirkistown provide great over taking opportunities but qualifying well means a driver can stay away from being caught up in a mid pack scramble that can cause problems.

As the lights went out it was a masterful start by Blackburn who went through the middle of the front two like a bullet to take the lead on the run to turn one. It was the same by the exit of the chicane but as mentioned to long straights came into play and by the end of the back straight it was three abreast going into the hairpin. From first to third, on the the exit Byrne now lead from Buckley and Blackburn. It was still early days however but already the front three had pulled clear of the field enough to let them battle for the lead between themselves.

23-March-2024: Colin Lewis, Leastone, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

23-March-2024: Brendan Ellis, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

A heavy shower of rain a half hour before the race left the track damp in spots making it tricky to overtake off the racing line. On the run to the hairpin second time round Buckley got alongside Byrne and took the lead at the hairpin. The tighter technical section of the track from turn two to three suited Buckley as he gained time over his pursuers but lost the advantage on the latter half of the track. That said he was driving well and absorbing the pressure well not making any mistakes. Blackburn was now back up to second and chasing the leader down, his car very quick down the back straight. 

23-March-2024: Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Colm Blackburn, Leastone, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee Race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Jack Cregg.

By half distance it was still the same heading to the hairpin nothing to separate the front three. A better exit from Blackburn gave him a run down the main straight to take the lead which he would hold for the next couple of laps. The weather again started to change with showers beginning to fall but slightly. Not enough to make track conditions change significantly. An excellent run down the back straight saw Buckley retake the lead and an even better run out of the hairpin gave him a three car gap to the two behind which would come into play as they were beginning to catch the tail-enders. Byrne got back into second at turn one with a move on the inside.

Buckley got passed the first of the tailenders to extend his advantage. Both Byrne and Blackburn were through but were in danger of losing the tow to the leader. With two laps to go Buckley was in command although loosing a bit of time behind one tail-ender, but he had enough in hand to bring it home barring any mechanical failure. Byrne was also in charge of second place until a sideways moment at the chicane on the final lap let Blackburn catch right up and try a move at the hairpin. He held on though and crossed the line to take second. Buckley had done so already and took his third win at the northern track.

23-March-2024: Charlie Hart, Leastone, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

 

23-March-2024: Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit. Picture: Barry Cregg.

A typical tight hard fought Formula Vee race and one to start the season off on a high note. 

Speaking after the race the winner was relieved to get the win. " It was a tight race with Jack and Colm, but I got a gap and then got through the backmarkers first which helped me get away a bit more. Conditions were tricky with damp patches and the wind, but its great to get the win and start the season off well"

Results:

Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

1st Gavin Buckley

2nd Jack Byrne

3rd Colm Blckburn

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

Buncranna Man Bags Second Win Of The Year at Round 5 - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, on his way to winning the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Buncranna man Jordan Kelly dominated round five of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship with a lights to flag victory at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit in county Down on Sunday. Kelly who started from pole position ahead of championship leader Anthony Cross. Just like in Kirkistown, the other track the series visits in Northern Ireland, the long straights and fast bends seem to suit Kelly and his driving style as he always goes well on them.

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads the field on the opening lap on his way to winning the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

As the lights went out he got the better start but as often is the case at Bishopscourt the long run to turn one gives those behind time to draft past with the leader helpless to defend his position. It happened before in round four which put him down the field and caused him the chance of a win as he had to spend the rest of the race climbing back through the field and getting caught up in other peoples battles. This time however he stayed ahead and lead the field round the flout out left hand bend. Cross got beaten up a bit at the start and lost several place dropping to fifth as Sean Newsome moved into second with Donal Downey in third. 

 Sean Newsome, Sheane, leads Lee Newsome, Sheane and Michael O'Callaghan,, Leastone, during  the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kelly set about making a gap to the rest in an effort to break the tow so he couldn't be caught by the other in his slip-steam along the long fast straights. This he did as by the end of the first lap he had a five car length lead. With weather conditions perfect it was shaping up to be a typical hard fought battle between the rest to battle for second place. Although he lost place at the start Cross was now moving up and he had to if he were to have any hope of catching Kelly. By lap two he was into fourth and a lap later into second and out to catch Kelly. Newsome ran into mechanical trouble as he did in round four dropping down the field which was a shame as he had looked strong. 

 Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, Lee Newsome, Sheane and Michael O'Callaghan,, Leastone, during  the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Jack Byrne winner of round four was up to fourth trying to find a way past Gavin Buckley but with everyone lapping so close in times it was hard for anyone to find a way by. Kelly was now 2 seconds ahead and and setting fastest lap of the race in doing so with a 1.10.037sec lap. Michael O Callaghan was have his best drive to date lying in seventh for much of the race and battling with Lee Newsome and Donal Downey all the way. The race for the lead was over by the halfway mark as Kelly had pulled the pin and was in no fear of being caught by Cross and both men just reeled off the laps. Third place however, was still up for grabs and a brilliant battle for the final podium place was giving the onlookers plenty to take about.

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during  the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Byrne tried everything he knew going on the inside then outside of turn one, inside at both chicanes lap after lap but Buckley defended his place. Sadly for Bynre laps ran out and he had to settle for fourth, though if he had got past earlier in the race it would have been interesting to see if he could have taken the fight to Kelly. That said, Kelly drove superb all race making it look easy with clean lines and never looked out of shape which is somewhat unusual for him.

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, on his way to winning the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

 He took the chequered flag 5.344 seconds clear of Cross and Gavin Buckley in third. A strong performance again and one that should give the Illies man confidence going into the next round at Mondello Park in June. It also gave him another maximum points haul in the VW Spares 'B' Championship to make it a double in class wins! 

Dan Coyne, Sheane, on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Rookie class during the Formula Vee race, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In the LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship class Dan Coyne got the better of Aaron Murray and Stephen Roche. The next round of the champship will take the drivers back to Mondello Park in county Kildare on the 11th and 12th of June. 

Results:

Seclco.ie National Championship

1st Jordan Kelly

2nd Anthony Cross

3rd Gavin Buckley

VW Spares 'B' Championship

1st Jordan Kelly 

2nd Donal Downey

3rd Sean Newsome

LOH Motorsport Rookie Championship

1st Dany Coyne

2nd Aaron Murray

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 Wins Thrilling Opener At Mondello Park. - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

After the titanic battle in the opening round in Kirkistown two weeks previous, the second round of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship brought the drivers to Mondello Park. Many were looking for the same again this weekend. 

09-04-2022: Members of Sheane Family together with Formula Vee and Formula Sheane drivers take part in a minutes round of applause in memory of the late David Sheane who was laid to rest on Wednesday. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Sadly the Formula Vee and Irish motorsport community lost one of its most loved stalwarts and characters of the sport in David Sheane. The man who brought circuit car racing to the ordinary man by bringing Formula Vee to Ireland and building his own chassis for the class. In the following 40 years his designs have enabled hundreds of drivers both in Ireland and the UK race cars at a very much reduced cost and also brought a one make class to Ireland twenty years ago in Formula Sheane. 

09-04-2022: Members of Sheane Family together with Formula Vee and Formula Sheane drivers take part in a minutes round of applause in memory of the late David Sheane who was laid to rest on Wednesday. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

While hearts were heavy, everyone in Formula Vee were determind to put on a good show and pay tribute to David Sheane. Drivers from both Formula Vee and Formula Sheane gathered together on the grid for a minutes applause ahead of the opening race. It was a touching moment for the Sheane family who were present, to see how much people thought of the David.

09-04-2022: Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Sean Newsome, Sheane, on his way to taking pole position for the Formula Vee Race. Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

If qualifying was anything to go by the race looked like it was going to be another hell for leather battle. the top 7 were covered by the same second. Anthony Cross lapped the quickest to take pole position by 0.199 of a second over Sean Newsome with Jordan Kelly in third. With the race being held on the tight national layout qualifying well would be key to a good result. 

09-04-2022: Sean Newsome, Sheane, leads Lee Newsome, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It was Newsome however to go the jump at the start. He led the field round turn one with Cross and Kelly close behind. His lead only lasted a further corner though, as he became the filling in the sandwich  of Kelly and Cross going into the esses, where one tried to get by on the outside and the other on the inside. The inside line which Kelly took was the correct line and gave him the lead. Cross also made ground taking second only for a late lunge by Newsome into the final corner to take it back. All this and only one lap completed! With the cars so evenly matched the field held together in one big train as they began lap two. 

The battle for fourth heated up as Jack Byrne and Lee Newsome swapped places behind the front three. by lap five the first three began to gap each other with Kelly settling into a rythm and begin to control the pace. However by mid distance Cross had began his own charge, dropping Newsome and closed in on Kelly. Newsome found himself on his own clear of Byrne in fourth who had now to deal with Gavin Buckley after Leee Newsome retired. 

09-04-2022: Lee Newsome, Sheane, leads Jack Bynre, Sheane, during the Formula Vee Race. Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Cross made his first move by trying to take the lead on the outside of turn three, a move that nearly came off but Kelly held firm and still lead. Again Cross attacked at turn three a lap later and a better drive out of the final corner gave him more speed down the straight and into turn one. Kelly though knew what he had to do and just held his line and forced Cross to keep on the outside. A lap later, again a better exit out of the final corner gave Cross more speed down the main straight but this time he cut across the front of Kelly to take the lead going into turn one.

09-04-2022: Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, on his way to winning the Formula Vee Race. Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

09-04-2022: Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, on his way to winning the Formula Vee Race. Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Try as he might Kelly just could not find away by Cross. He was glued to the back of the Tallaght mans car. Cross hasn't won four straight titles in a row for nothing though and he was in this position many times before and knew what to do. Once the attack from Kelly eased off after the Donegal man ran wide at turn three due to his rear suspension becoming loose and allowing Newsome to get by. He had enough of an advantage to stay in third. Cross reeled off the final lap to win round two. Jack Byrne held of the attack from Buckley but on by a tenth of a second! 

09-04-2022: Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jordan Kelly, Sheane, on his way to winning the Formula Vee Race. Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

09-04-2022: Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jordan Kelly, Sheane, on his way to winning the Formula Vee Race. Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In the VW Spares 'B' championship Sean Newsome took maximum points ahead of Kelly with Sean McCallion taking third having started from P12. In the LOH Motorsport 'Rookie' Championship Daniel Coyne took the win with a very impressive drive with times not that far off the top six! In doing some beating much more experienced men, Kieran Hannan came home in second with Aaron Murray  in third. 27 cars entered this weekend another great lineup in these times of ever increasing price hikes. 

09-04-2022: Sean Newsome, Sheane, on his way to taking maximum points in the VW Spares 'B' Championship race, during the Formula Vee Race. Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

09-04-2022: Daniel Coyne, Sheane, on his way to taking maximum points in the LOH Motorsport 'C' Championship race, during the Formula Vee Race. Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Speaking with race winner Cross afterwards he admitted "It was nice to get the win for the week that was in it."

09-04-2022: Anthony Cross, Sheane, holds up his trophy after winning the Formula Vee Race. Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It was fitting that the first three cars home were Sheane chassis. I'm sure David would have been pleased. 

2021 Season In Pictures

2021 was yet another difficult year for us all and a year that everyone hoped a return to pre covid times would arrive towards the end of the year. To date it looks like things are even more uncertain than ever, but all we can do is stay safe and live in hope that 2022 will bring us closer to what we once knew. Despite all the torment and frustration endured it also brought out some of the best racing be it on two or four wheels. 

Many thanks and gratitude have to go to all the organizers, competitors, marshals, medical personal that made it happen. Many don't truly know what work goes into making an event happen and to make it happen in a pandemic only doubles the workload. Here is a selection of pictures from the year. Sorry if your not in there but it is not that your forgotten about. 

Thank you for taking the time to look and read my posts throughout the year and for anyone who bought calendars off me or prints. I truly am very grateful for the support. Here is to 2022 and more of the great action on track, between the hedges, in the forests and on the stages.

Happy Christmas to you all.

Regards

Barry.