Dramatic Final Race Saw Kevin McGrath Take the 2025 Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship

Kevin McGrath with his trophy after taking the 2025 Championship

The final two races of the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship took place at a very wet Mondello Park on Sunday. The championship has been a closely fought affair all year between two Kildare men, Jonathan Taylor and Kevin McGrath. Taylor out to win the series for the second time and McGrath out to take his first title. Former champion Michael Cullen was out again at this event and guest drive from Paddy Shovlin would bring add competition to the regular championship drivers. The rain was very heavy for qualifying and staying on track would be hard work let alone setting a quick time. It was Michael Cullen who did the best job by taking pole position by 1.1 seconds from Jonathan Taylor. 

Paddy Shovlin leads Jonathan Taylor on his way to winning race one.

With only 5 points between Taylor and McGrath going into this weekend it was down to four after qualifying as Taylor got the point for pole position as Cullen wasn't registered for points. As the lights went out it was Cullen who got he best start and lead the field into turn one. It was neck and neck through turn two with Taylor taking the lead with a great move on the outside. Cullen fought back on the inside of turn three but Taylor held him off but as they entered turn four a late braking move saw Cullen lock the brakes on the wet and greasy track. The result was both men taking to the gravel but luckily kept momentum up and were able to drive out of it but both dropping down the field  .

With grip levels so low the rear wheel drive Strykers were extra tail happy as the drivers put the power down exiting each turn. Paddy Shovlin now found himself in the lead ahead of McGrath, Niall McFadden and Dave Reynolds. the latter two in their own battle for third in the championship. Taylor was moving up passing Dominic Ryan on the run to turn one but came together with Roger Welaratne in turn one resulting in the unfortunate Ryan getting caught up in it and spinning. 

Taylor was pressing ahead passing both Reynolds and McFadden on the run out to turn three and into third. He had to as rival McGrath was ahead and challenging for the lead. Cullen too was on the move passing the same men on the outside of turn four. Taylor wasted no time in getting by McGrath. A brilliant move round the outside of the esses saw him move into second. By turn three he was in the lead but Cullen was now into third. It was really hotting up, but then the safety car was deployed to remove Darragh Evans car from the gravel at the final corner. 

Dave Reynolds leads Niall McFadden during race one

On the restart Taylor pulled out a slight gap but Cullen was into second at turn one passing Shovlin on the inside. So it was back to the same front two that we had on lap one, It was a cracking race with all balancing grip levels and points at each corner. The track was drying out though as the race went on. The front two began to pull away from Shovlin in third with McGrath sitting in a comfortable fourth. Cullen tried to out-brake Taylor on the outside of turn one but Taylor wasn't having it and held firm. He tried the inside line at turn three to no avail and again on the outside through the esses but couldn't get by. It was fantastic stuff and one of the best races all year. Then as it looked like Taylor had the final corner covered Cullen held his line on the outside and on the run down the start/finish straight he got by. A brilliant move which he held round turn one.

Kevin McGrath takes to the gravel at turn one during race one.

Taylor tried moves on the outside of turns three and four but couldn't get by and Cullen managed to stay ahead. Behind McGrath out-braked himself and very nearly took out Shovlin but ended up in the gravel but managed to keep going and get back on track but now dropped to sixth and killing his chances of taking the title in this race. As they started the final lap Cullen was now clear of Taylor and in command. McGrath got passed Reynolds into turn two and finished fifth making it all level with Taylor going into the final race of the year. Cullen took the chequered flag to take the win with Taylor second and Shovlin third. A brilliant race that really entertained the crowd.

Jonathan Taylor, left, passes Michael Cullen during race one

Michael Cullen leads Jonathan Taylor on his way to winning race one

For race two of the day the weather had cleared up and the track was bone dry. It was Reynolds who was on pole from McGrath. Taylor and Cullen would be starting from fith and sixth so it would be all eyes on them coming through the field after the lights went out. It was simple in terms of the championship whoever finished ahead of the other would take the 2025 title. McGrath got the best start and lead the field into turn one but Taylor was already flying and came from fifth on the grid to second by turn one. He got a great run out towards turn three and tried a move round the outside for the lead. It was so close to coming off but he collided with McGrath and both spun a full 360 degrees. Amazingly both kept going, although dropping several places. Taylor came off better though and had plenty between him and McGrath. As he battled with Shovlin and Cullen exiting the final corner he slightly got sideways and caught Shovlin who was on his inside and ended up in the pit wall. An unfortunate accident but one that brought out the red flags. As the time ran on the medics and rescue teams attended Shovlin and did their job excellently. It was a heavy impact but the Stryker cars are strong and the safety cage did its job. 

Paddy Shovlin leads Kevin McGrath during race one

When the race restarted the light had faded but there was enough to run it and let the championship battle recommence. This time Reynolds got the better start and lead the field to turn one. Cullen got a good start too and was up to third with Taylor behind. Cullen got a better exit out of turn three and made his move down the inside at turn four and got into second. Taylor followed and now McGrath found himself in fourth.  Reynolds was holding on but only just and a better exit like the previous lap saw Cullen get passed on the run into turn four. Again Taylor followed leaving McGrath having to find a way past Reynolds somewhere else and soon as he couldn't let his rival get away. He didn't have to worry as by turn one Taylor tried to pass Cullen on the outside but Cullen held a tight inside line and in doing so bounced over the kerb which put him wide colliding with Taylor. Taylor then ended up  cutting back across the track and on to the grass and dropped down to sixth. The front three   began to pull away but Taylor kept trying and after a couple of laps was up to fourth closing in on McGrath. Then a mistake at turn three saw him loose the ground he made up but his attack and championship chase were over. Cullen once again pulled clear by the race end from Reynolds and McGrath to make it a double victory.

 

Michael Cullen leads Jonathan Taylor, Kevin McGrath and Dave Reynolds

Dave Reynolds leads Michael Cullen, Jonathan Taylor, and Kevin McGrath 

Darragh Evans 

Dave Reynolds leads Kevin McGrath

McGrath did what he had to do and brought it home to take the series title for the first time. It was a well deserved win as he drove well all year and put it up to the main and more experienced men all year. 

Speaking afterwards the delighted Naas man spoke of the race and his season.

 " I'm absolutely delighted, the heavens opened this morning and the wet doesn't suit me and Johnny goes well in the wet and put in a tremendous battle and left us going into the last race level on points and was very lucky to come away on top. I thought it was all over in the first race at one stage as I locked up the brakes going into turn one and went into the gravel but thankfully got back going. It was a great year and I had great battles with Johnny and all the other lads all year. It's a great class and I will be back to defend the title next year."

Michael Cullen on his way to making it a double

Michael Cullen leads Dave Reynolds

Kevin McGrath on his way to the 2025 title

Jonathan Taylor in action during race two.

Cullen Does The Double - Bill Griffin Motors Irish Stryker Championship

For rounds 9 and 10 of the Bill Griffin Motors Irish Stryker Championship, drivers were once again back in Mondello Park but this time on the International circuit. All year two Kildare men have being battling it out for the series and this weekend saw no difference. Jonathan Taylor from Kildangan and Kevin McGrath from Naas, are no strangers to their local track but with this being the penultimate round both men cant afford to give away points. 

Taylor loves the wet and it showed in qualifying as he took pole position by over a second from McGrath. However former champion Michael Cullen was back out for a spin for only the second time this year. He would be starting from the back in race one and would be hard to hold back. Also in the hunt would be Dave Reynolds and Colin Marnane both showing great pace in qualifying. Taylor made a poor start and the field was lead by McGrath into turn one from Marnane and Reynolds. Cullen already made up a couple of places on the run to turn one. 

The long international layout allows for more overtaking opportunities and this played right into the hands of Cullen. Carving his way through the field like a hot knife through butter he showed why he was so dominant last season. Taylor was also beginning to make up lost ground. By the end of the first lap Cullen had brilliantly took the lead to head the field out onto lap two. McGrath remained in second but Taylor was now up to third and closing in. By the halfway mark Cullen was clear of any danger and as always just reeled off the laps. In saying that, the battle for second behind did help him and provided the spectators with great excitement. 

Taylor hounded McGrath lap after lap but just could not find a way past. Its a credit to his driving all year not panicking while under pressure. Another great drive came from Colin Kelly who made his way to fourth place in his second ever outing. In the end it was an easy win for Cullen who was out for fun and keep his hand in as he is concentrating on rallying more this year. McGrath came home in second with Taylor in third.

For race two the top six on the grid were a reverse of the finishing order in race one. Once again Cullen made light work of those ahead of him and took the lead once again although this time he was in the lead a few corners earlier. Taylor though was in second with  a few cars between him and McGrath. Taylor hung on to Cullen for a few laps but just could not match his pace but also had to think of the championship and not risk something failing on the car. However behind him, his title rival was tearing up his steady form book and making trip to the grass in a couple of corners as he and Reynolds battle for third all race long. 

Kelly again made a good showing in fifth and could be one to watch the next day out and next season. Des Meehan took his custom championship round trip to the gravel but thankfully no damage occurred to the car. The rest of the field became a bit strung out as the laps went by but it didn't matter to Cullen as he took another win and another double.

Taylor came home in second a crucially put another man between himself and rival McGrath. When you take dropped rounds into account it leaves fine margins going into the final two races on the 19th of October once again at Mondello Park.

Speaking after the race Taylor was happy with his day even though he didn't make the top step of the podium this time out. " I had a good day I got maximum points and Kevin did also so I think we are nearly even on points going into the last round. We had a problem with the car in race one but fixed it for race two. We couldn't get near Michael today but that's the way it goes. He is an amazing driver and he has brought us all on. Fingers crossed we can take it the next day but if Kevin does it will be great too as he has never done it but I am sure it will be neck and neck either way."

McGrath was more relieved after it was all over " I had a great battle in race one with Jonathan and came out on top there but in race two I made a couple of mistakes while battling with Dave Reynolds and was on the grass a few times. I thought I was going to loose a load of time at one stage, thankfully I didn't but I may use that a dropped round. It will be tight going for the last round but sure we will give it our best".

Race winner Cullen was happy to get another couple of wins " It was good fun but it would be nice to have had a good battle. I nearly had the car sold but it fell through so I said I'd take it out this weekend instead. Still it was good fun."

Results:

Race 1

1st Michael Cullen

2nd Kevin McGrath

3rd Jonathan Taylor

Race 2

1st Michael Cullen

2nd Jonathan Taylor

3rd Dave Reynolds

Taylor Does The Double - Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship

Jonathan Taylor with the winners trophies after the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship races. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Mondello Park was the venue for rounds five and six of the Bill Griffin Motors Irish Stryker Championship. After the closely fought races last time out in Bishopscourt, more of the same was expected around the tight 2.2 mile county Kildare circuit. The weather was changing all the time from heavy rain to sunshine, making it difficult for the drivers to make the right setup for their cars. Qualifying was very close with Dave Reynolds taking pole position from local man Kevin McGrath by 0.017 of a second. In fact the top four were covered by 0.344 of a second.

Jonathan Taylor leads the field into turn one during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

 As the lights went out for round five both Reynolds made a bad start allowing the two local men Kevin McGrath and Jonathan Taylor to head the field into turn one with Des Meehan right behind. The track was wet and greasy from the rain earlier in the morning but was beginning to dry. Taylor a former champion with years of experience racing around Mondello Park set to make a break early on and gap the rest. It was working well in the opening laps, with a clear road ahead he let the others battle it out behind him. Fifth place qualifier Mark Meenehan was showing much better pace than in qualifying and was making his way towards Taylor up front. He was past Reynolds and Meehan after the opening laps and began to catch McGrath for second. A lap later he caught and passed him which was important as Taylor had built up a 1.5 second lead.

Kevin McGrath leads Des Meehan and Mark Meenehan during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Kevin McGrath leads and Mark Meenehan during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Dave Reynolds leads Roger Welaratne during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

 By the halfway mark he was on his tail and starting lap seven he out-braked Taylor going into turn one and took the lead but nearly threw it away on the exit of the corner with a big slide. He held it but it allowed Taylor to close back in. Next time round it was Taylor in the lead. Laps were running out along with places to pass as a number of drivers were taking to the gravel traps and bringing out the yellow flags. Again he tried an outside line move on Taylor at turn one. Taylor braked as late as he could and held his line but Meenehan did the same on the outside and it was enough to take the lead again. A brilliant move in a fantastic race in tricky conditions. 

Niall McFadden takes a trip to the gravel during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Brendan Curran takes a trip to the gravel during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Mark Meenehan, right, leads Jonathan Taylor during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

He held the lead for the following lap but Taylor wasn't finished. He was out for the win and got by once again with a lap to go. Early third place man Des Meehan out-braked himself trying to overtake Niall McFadden and beached his car in the gravel. The gravel done its job as it prevented what could have been a big accident. With the car in a dangerous spot the yellow flags remained on that corner, so no chance for Meenehan to try his turn one move again. Taylor Was in control though and brought it home to take the win from Meenehan with McGrath in third. 

Jonathan Taylor leads Mark Meenehan during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

For their second race of the day and round six of the championship Roger Welaratne lined up on pole from Dave Reynolds with McFadden and  McGrath in third and fourth. Taylor and Meenehan would start from fifth and sixth so they would have work to do to get to the front. As the lights went out Reynolds got the holeshot and lead the field into turn one. With the sun back out the track was dry so the drivers didn't have to worry about grip levels this time out.

Reynolds looked quicker than the earlier race and got his head down and began to pull away from Welaratne who was driving well but had McGrath and McFadden breathing down his neck. Race one winner Taylor got pushed onto  the grass at turn two by McGrath and dropped back to last leaving him with a whole pile of work to do. McGrath and McFadden were having a great battle McFadden holding third for the opening laps but McGrath was quicker and got by into turn one and chased after Welaratne. Reynolds was comfortable in the lead and opened up a lead of two seconds.

Des Meehan leads Dominic Ryan during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Brendan Curran leads Mark Meenehan during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Dave Reynolds, left, leads Kevin McGrath during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

 Taylor was making moves too and his pace clearly quicker than those ahead of him carved his way through the field and now was right behind McFadden. He made shot work of getting by him and pulled away to close in on third placed Welaratne. He again made short work in making up another place.

By the halfway mark it was Reynolds from McGrath and Taylor. McGrath trying hard worked hard and closed down Reynolds and brought Taylor with him. He tried an outside line overtake at turn one that was close to coming off but Reynolds was driving well and held the lead. A lap later though Taylor got down his inside and moved into second and by the exit of turn three he was up into the lead. He opened a gap while McGrath and Reynolds battled behind. It was a good job as once McGrath got into second he closed that gap right down, putting in the fastest lap of the race in doing so. Taylor had time on his side though as it was now the last lap where he brought the car home to take the win and with it the double for the weekend. 

Two entertaining races with Taylor the local  man taking to the top step in both. Speaking after the race it was clear he was happy with how his weekend went; 

" Yeah I had a great weekend back at my home track, racing here since 1989, two good races with Kevin, Dave and Mark who pushed me all the way. I got put on the grass at turn two on the first lap and dropped to last. It was just a racing incident but it fired me up to come back through the field. For the first race I like the wet and I was faster than the rest in that one and the dry makes it closer for everyone which is what you want. I'm delighted in how the weekend has gone and hopefully do the same again here for the next round.

Jonathan Taylor during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Kevin McGrath leads Jonathan Taylor during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Dave Reynolds leads Kevin McGrath and Jonathan Taylor during the Bill Griffin Irish Stryker Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Drought and McGrath Share The Spoils At Bishopscourt

Nicole Drought leads Jonathan Taylor during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Jack Cregg.

Building on his success in the opening two rounds of the Bill Griffin Motors Irish Stryker Championship, Kildare man Kevin McGrath took home a further win in round 3 and maximum points in round 4 at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit this weekend. The Naas man certainly is reaping the awards for his hard work over the winter. Rebuilding and upgrading a few things on the car have benefited him massively this season. Former series champion Jonathan Taylor and a guest drive by Nicole Drought who usually competes in the UK Trackday Championship joined the grid for this weekend and would bring stiff competition to the meeting. The Bishopscourt track is a fast and flowing one and gives the drivers a chance to really stretch the legs of the Ford Zetec powered cars. 

Kevin McGrath leads Niall McFadden during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Barry Cregg.

The weather could not have been any better with high temperatures and barely a cloud in the sky as qualifying began. It was a close run affair as the top 5 were covered by one second. Taylor grabbed the pole position spot by 0.2 of a second from McGrath with Drought impressing in third. 

As the lights went out for race one of the weekend it was Taylor who got the best start and lead the field into turn one. Drought though gained a place straight away by moving into second place ahead of McGrath. As they all made their way round on the opening laps the first four of Taylor, Drought, McGrath and McFadden began to open an early gap to the rest of the field. It was close and the two chicanes on the back section were the time was going to be won and lost over the race. Even through the second one on the opening lap Taylor was using all and even some more of the road in his efforts to keep Drought at bay. This would cost him eventually.

Jonathan Taylor leads Nicole Drought during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Barry Cregg.

Nicole Drought leads Jonathan Taylor during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Barry Cregg.

Roger Walaratne leads Colin Marnane and Richie Byrne during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Jack Cregg.

As the race settled down after the opening laps the first four spilt into two with Taylor and Drought battling for first and McGrath and McFadden battling for the final podium spot. Drought made her move at turn one and took the lead from Taylor who stuck to her tail and this gave the onlookers something watch. Both on the limit, one defending the other waiting for a slight gap to open and to make a move. At the final chicane Taylor dove down the inside of Drought and retook the lead. Drought had to give way or risk loosing time to Taylor but still was right in contention. 

A lap later she was back in the lead, but a mistake at the first chicane where she spun onto the grass saw her drop to fourth. This left Taylor off the hook for a wile but McGrath put in some quick laps and began to close in on him and pulling clear of McFadden in third. Time was running out though and Taylor crossed the line first but in his efforts gained a 15 second time penalty for track limits which would drop him back to fourth. This promoted everyone up a place, so in the end McGrath took the win ahead of McFadden and Drought.

Jonathan Taylor leads Nicole Drought during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Barry Cregg.

Colin Marnane during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Jack Cregg.

Dominic Ryan leads Des Meehan during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Jack Cregg.

Jonathan Taylor leads Nicole Drought during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Jack Cregg.

Richie Byrne leads Dominic Ryan during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Jack Cregg.

Jonathan Taylor leads Nicole Drought during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Jack Cregg.

For race two the top six are reversed so it was Colin Marnane on pole from Dave Reynolds. The pace at the front was as hot as it was in race one from the off so by the end of the opening lap it was the Taylor and Drought show again. Drought lead but Taylor was watching her every move. McGrath and McFadden also renewed there battle from race one for third although briefly joined by Dave Reynolds before he had to retire. Colin Marnane wasn't far away either but all eyes were watching the battle up front.

Taylor retook the lead and defended over the next number of laps and also keeping an on his track limits this time, not wanting to receive another penalty. Drought seemed happy to sit in second and way up where she could make her move. As the laps ran down to the final one she went for it on the inside going into turn one. Taylor hung on the outside and both banged wheels as the rounded the fast left hand corner. Taylor ran wide on to the grass dropping back to fourth. By this stage McGrath had pulled clear of McFadden after battling for most of the race to moved into second. 

Drought just had to bring it home to take the win, which she did with McGrath in second and McFadden third. With Drought not registered for the championship this gave McGrath a maximum score in the points again to strengthen his lead in the championship.

Darragh Evans during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Barry Cregg.

Niall McFadden during the Stryker race at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Barry Cregg.

Nicole Drought takes the chequered flag to win the Stryker race 2 at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit. Picture Barry Cregg.

Speaking afterwards the man from Naas told me how his weekend went, " I nearly didn't make it here as the van broke down during the week but thanks to Andy Dalton and Jonathan Taylor I got here. First was was great I had a great battle with Jonathan but he got a penalty which gave me the win. The second race I was just a spectator really watching the battle up front. It was still a great weekend though, the sun was out, had a few beers and great craic. I'm looking forward to Mondello Park next and hopefully do well there."

A delighted Nicole drought also spoke afterwards " I have a big gap in my racing in the UK at the moment and one of my commercial partners is the Beacon Sports Clinic, so Michael Cullen suggested that I drive his car this weekend. I jumped at it as Strykers are so much fun to drive. The cars are pretty equal with 4 or 5 drivers able to win at a weekend. I was comfortable in race one but made a small mistake at the first chicane and went off but I got the head down and got third and fastest lap. Race two was a thriller with Jonathan with a hectic scrap all the way to the flag and delighted to take the win. Thanks to Michael Cullen and LOH Motorsport and everyone in the Stryker class it was a great weekend."