O'Grady Takes Dunlop Masters Title In Final Race Thriller

Thomas O'Grady celebrates clinching the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship after victory in the final race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The 2022 Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship came to its conclusion on the 25^th of September and for Thomas O’Grady from Lusk, Co. Dublin, it has been one hell of a year. Returning on his Clear Energy backed Yamaha R1 he was certainly one to be counted as a contender for the title this year after his performances and podiums last season. The Martin Gallagher built Yamaha came armed with upgraded brakes, suspension and kit electronics he knew he had the tools to get the maiden win he was so close to getting several times last season.

Above top, Thomas O'Grady with sponsor Peter McMahon, Clear Energy, ahead of the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship. Wooden Bridge, Clontarf, Dublin. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The opening event brought home good points with three fourth place finishes, not exactly the start he wanted but after looking at the data logger he found the information he needed to improve a to get nearer the podium. Helped by Steve Hardnett on suspension setup it sparked a run of form that saw him on the podium at every race after that. By the July event and while like waiting for a bus two came along at once, as not only did Thomas take his maiden win, but he also made it a double and a third place to move into the lead of the series. He followed this up with another win a second and a third in the next meeting although a chance to lift the Leinster 200 trophy would have to wait another year.

Unlike the previous two seasons the pure road racing calendar was back to full swing again since the Covid-19 pandemic. This would mean the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship would lose top riders such as Derek Sheils and Michael Sweeney from its grid at rounds that were close to big events like the Isle of Man TT and national road races. It is a shame that it happens, but as ever-increasing costs mount up over the year it is too hard to fit in every event unless the budget is there to do it. 

Derek Sheils, BMWM1000RR, leads Richie Ryan, Yamaha R1, on his way to victory in the opening round of the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It was at this time of the season however the new rules for the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship would come into play and caused confusion amongst riders and that would affect O’Grady’s understanding of where he was in the series points table. Riders were for this year allowed to drop their two worst points scoring events. The new rules were put in to make the last two events or six races (three races per event) a shootout for the overall prize of becoming the 2022 champion. It did make it close and a real battle with Alan Kenny, Derek Sheils and Emmet O’Grady along with Thomas all going into the final two events in with a chance to win the title.

Derek Sheils missed the second event in May as it was too close to the start of the Isle of Man TT, so he dropped that round which caused the confusion on how the new system worked. O’Grady was of the understanding that he had a 14-point lead over Alan Kenny at the time as he saw how the points should be. He didn’t know at the time Sheils dropped rounds included one where he wasn’t even at! It made him question whether to carry on his efforts in the series. 

Above top, leads the field into turn one during the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship race. Middle, Thomas O'Grady celebrates after taking his maiden victory in the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship. Below, Thomas O'Grady leads Derek Sheils during the Leinster 200 race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

“We were all told that we were two drop two rounds at the start of the year but the regs say event which is what I was told later in the year. Three quarters of the grid thought the same as me. It was very annoying at the time, and it has hurt me in terms of points a bit more than others. It made Derek look bad when it was nothing to to with him at all. Derek is an idol to me and a phenomenal rider with twenty years of winning championships behind him. He loves a good fight in a race, and he came up to me and shock my hand after the fantastic battle we had in Saturday’s race. I have so much respect for him, and we are two of a kind as in we take it race by race and this championship isn’t the be all and end all for both of us. It just got so messy the way it is was run and I know if I come second or third, I can honestly swallow that pill because I have but in 110% this year and that’s good enough for me as they are all brilliant riders.” After finding out from the organisers that Sheils dropped rounds were allowed in O’Grady now found himself three points behind going into the final event of the year. It raises the question of the absence of a national championship instead of championship both north and south of the border. Where a championship doesn’t suffer if riders who do the roads can’t take in which Thomas eludes too ahead of Sunday’s races. “I would love if there was a national championship but there is a lot of politics involved. I am being starved to being able to put my name to a national title and there must be easily 15-20 top superbike riders in this country along with the cup and support classes which means riders don’t have to go across to England. I am getting a bit of cabin fever racing around Mondello. It’s great to have family and friends come down and the racing has been fantastic this year, but I might change something for next year.”

Thomas O'Grady, Yamaha R1, leads Brian McCormack, BMWM1000RR, during the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It made him more determined to try and take the title. Saturday’s opening superbike race of the final weekend saw him take charge early on leading from the start riding hard but fair around the international circuit. He won a very closely fought race so close in fact himself, Sheils and Josh Elliott were lapping 0.1 seconds outside the lap record!

So, with it all to play for and whoever finish ahead of the other between Thomas and Derek they would be crowned champion. Elliott got the best start and took the lead, but Sheils got by on lap two, but Thomas stayed in touch in third. It was edge of your seat stuff and the final lap played out like a movie ending. Thomas past Sheils but ran wide giving the place back and with only the last corner an overtaking option he had no choice but to go for it. He did by squeezing past on the inside which seemed to be covered by Sheils. He held his line and held his lead as they all crossed the line. There has not been a roar from a crowd at a motorcycle race like it in years. Nobody could begrudge Thomas his win and championship. The first to congratulate him was Sheils, his idol in Irish racing. Credit to the top three for such a display all weekend. Fairy tales do come true, and a very emotional Thomas expressed it after the race.

“It was unbelievable I can’t believe it, it’s brilliant and to do that on Derek Sheils and Josh Elliott is amazing. I tried to pass him earlier and did but it didn’t stick so I had to try on the last corner, and it worked. I must thank everyone for helping me out this year, I couldn’t have done it without them. "

Thomas O'Grady, Yamaha R1, during the final Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Thomas O'Grady, on the podium after winning the final Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Derek Sheils, BMWM1000RR, leads Thomas O'Grady, Yamaha R1,  during the final Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Derek Sheils, left, speaking to Thomas O'Grady, right, on the podium after the final Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Thomas O'Grady celebrates with his girlfriend Jess after clinching the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship after victory in the final race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Thomas O'Grady celebrates clinching the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship after victory in the final race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Thomas O'Grady, left, speaking to Derek Sheils, right, after the final Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Thomas O'Grady celebrates with his team after clinching the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship after victory in the final race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

If competing in the superbike class wasn’t enough to keep the Dubliner busy on a race weekend, he also competed in the Supertwin support class on his Aprillia RS660. A brace of wins and consistent podium finishes throughout the year gave him a 23-point lead going into the final event ahead of Darragh Crean. He did enough by finishing third and fourth to take the title.

By taking two titles in a year against very accomplished opposition is nothing short of outstanding from man who is from a small town in north county Dublin that revels in the pure road racing and off-road scene. He has done it all in his relaxed way and with a smile on his face and exuberance that is infectious to those around him. It also has endeared him to the spectators looking on at each round this year and becoming a fans favourite. He has come along racing from tearing up the grass in his granny’s back garden on his TM50.

Thomas O'Grady celebrates after clinching the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship after victory in the final race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Thomas O'Grady celebrates after clinching the Supertwins Championship. Mondello Park, Donore, Co.Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Sheils Shines In Leinster 200 Downpour

Derek Sheils, BMWS1000RR, in action on his way to winning the Leinster 200. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Blessington’s Derek Sheils took home the prestigious Leinster 200 trophy for a third time after clinching victory at a very wet Mondello Park on Sunday. With the dark clouds looming around the county Kildare track all day, it was looking ominous that they would open at some stage. Then with pitlane about to open for riders a monsoon like shower of rain came down. It lasted only 10 minutes, but it was enough to leave large amounts of water lying on track in various parts and to threaten the race entirely. Some riders jokingly suggested swapping their bikes for canoes! However, the Mondello track staff worked wonders and managed to clear enough of the water to let racing go ahead.

Derek Sheils, BMWS1000RR, leads Alan Kenny, Yamaha R1, on his way to winning the Leinster 200. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Even with a lot of the water removed it was still far from ideal conditions as wet weather racing even goes. With the two other superbike races held over the weekend in dry conditions it wasn’t the only wet weather experience riders had at this meeting. Qualifying was also wet so some comfort could be taken for the riders in setting their bikes up for the wet. Qualifying didn’t go to plan for the Road House Macau backed Sheils, stating from an unusual 14^th hampered his progress in the earlier two superbike races round the 3.5km International layout which was being used for this meeting. He battled his way through a competitive pack which consisted of Kerry’s Emmet O’Grady on his Honda Fireblade, Waterford’s Brian McCormack on his BMW S1000RR, Alan Kenny on his Yamaha R1 and series leader Thomas O’Grady also on a Yamaha R1 to take a second and third place. It was good points for his championship hopes though, after missing the previous round while competing at the Isle of Man TT.

Thomas O'Grady, Yamaha R1, leads Derek Sheils, BMWS1000RR, during the Leinster 200. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The last superbike race was the one they all wanted to win though as it was for the prestigious Leinster 200 trophy. First presented in 1923 to N.P. Metcalfe it has passed through such famous motorcycle racing hands through the years such as Graham Walker (father of the late Murray Walker), Reg Armstrong, Ralph Byrans, Joey Dunlop, Eddie Laycock, Jeremy McWilliams to name but a few. With two wins under his belt already Dubliner Thomas O’Grady was favourite but with the weather change it was anyone’s as the lined up on the grid for the 7-lap dash. It was Brian McCormack who would start from Pole with Sheils second and Alan Kenny third. Then just before the lights went out McCormack BMW cut out and was unable to get it restarted in time and had to wheel it off the grid. A real shame for the Waterford man who would have been one of the favourites.

Alan Kenny, Yamaha R1, leads Derek Sheils, BMWS1000RR, and Thomas O'Grady, Yamaha R1, during the Leinster 200. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

When the race did get underway it was Sheils who got the best start and lead the field into turn 1, but Thomas O’Grady who was in confident form went past on the outside as they exited the turn and took the lead. Riders not only have to contend with the slippery surface in the wet but the spray of water coming up from the bikes ahead is just as bad if not worse. The visibility is cut right down and as the evening sun was coming down it was the ultimate test for the riders this time out. Sheils dropped further back to third as Alan Kenny came by on the run to turn 3. It was early stages though but by the end of the lap Sheils was back up to second passing Kenny into the right hander at turn 7 and closed in on O’Grady. Unfortunately, Cork rider Ray Casey fell on the penultimate corner, thankfully unharmed but it showed how easy it was to get caught out. Halfway through the second lap the front two had pulled away and were making it a battle between them as Kenny struggled to keep up the fast pace of O’Grady and Sheils in the worsening conditions as rain began to fall again. With two riders further down the field coming off the race was red flagged. Thankfully all were ok but unable to take to the grid again. The restarted race would be over four laps so there would be no time for settling into this one and cross the line first at the end of the laps would be important in case anymore red flags came out. On the second time of asking it was again Sheils got the best start but again he let the second-place man round the outside to take the lead. This time it was Alan Kenny who took over at the front and looked to have more pace than in the first part of the race. However in a copy of the move he made earlier Sheils got by Kenny into turn 7. Thomas O’Grady was also closing in on the front two with Daniel Matheson and Emmet O’Grady(no relation) also shortening the gap in fourth and fifth. This was shaping up to be a close fought race despite the terrible conditions. A lap later as Sheils lead, behind him Kenny ran wide at Birrane’s Bends dropping back to both O’Gradys. 

Derek Sheils, BMWS1000RR, leads Alan Kenny, Yamaha R1, on his way to winning the Leinster 200. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It was Emmet O’Grady on his Honda Fireblade who looked to have the better pace as he passed Thomas O’Grady into the final corner and then set about catching the front two. The rain was getting harder with a lap to go but Sheils stayed steady and controlled his lead, but at the long right Parabolica the back end stepped out on him. He saved it but dropped some valuable time to Kenny and the flying O’Grady. Four corners later O’Grady got down the inside of Kenny going into Devaney’s to move into second. Now the front three were together and with only one lap to go it could be anyone of the top three.

Alan Kenny, Yamaha R1, leads Derek Sheils, BMWS1000RR, and Thomas O'Grady, Yamaha R1, during the Leinster 200. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Then as they came out of the final corner to start the final lap O’Grady got on the power a fraction early and the rear wheel stepped out and down, he went. Thankfully not seriously hurt, slightly winded maybe, but he got up and off the track but his bike was in a much to dangerous place for on coming riders and the red flags were brought out once again. The race was declared with Derek Sheils taking the win ahead of Alan Kenny with Thomas O’Grady in third.

Speaking after the race the winner was happy but relieved to take the win. “I’m delighted to take the win and the Leinster 200 trophy again, but the conditions were awful. It was like riding on marbles out there. I didn’t qualify well but was doing quicker times in the races, but it just took time to get through the pack, but it was still good close racing and fair play to Tom he rode very well all weekend too.”

Derek Sheils, with the Leinster 200 trophy and his BMWS1000RR. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

That win and other two podiums have put him right back into contention for the title where the next round takes place on the 27^th and 28^th of August.

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