Doherty Wins The Leinster Trophy - Again

Ronan Doherty with the Leinster Trophy after the race.

If there was ever a more deserving winner of an event it would have to be county Antrim's Ronan Doherty. One year on from the heartbreak of loosing out on taking the biggest prize in Irish motor racing due to a disqualification on a technical problem with his car, he took victory in the Selco.ie Formula Vee race for the Leinster Trophy. 

Dating back to the early 1930's the who's who of Irish drivers have won the trophy over the years the likes of John Watson, John Pollock, Tommy Reid, Patsy McGarrity, Vivian Daly, Eddie Jordan, to name a only a few. It is not only prestigious for the great drivers from this land that have won it before but the history of international drivers who went on to the very top of the sport, such as Mike Hawthorn, Mauricio Gugelmin, J.J Lehto, Mika Hakkinen, and the most famous of them all Ayrton Senna.

To add your name to those is a great honor and he did it in style. Having moved to Formula Ford this season he decided to return for this weekend to the Formula Vee series to win the Leinster Trophy and prove to all he was the man to beat and lay to rest the disappointment of last year. Come the test day on Friday his times left everyone in the championship know that he had upped his strong pace from last year and qualified on pole position. 

Ronan Doherty leads the field into turn one during the Leinster Trophy race.

The forecast was for heavy rain, however by the time they lined up on the grid for the Leinster Trophy it was cloudy but dry. He already had given himself a certain confidence boost by winning the two Formula Vee races the day before.

Starting from pole position once again he {and everyone else} knew had the pace over the rest. His opposition would have to get ahead of him straight away and hope they could battle it out and not let him break away if he got out on his own. A harder task on the international track at Mondello, which is much longer and if a break is made it is harder to close down. 

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Tim Murray, Leastone, during the Leinster Trophy race.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Jordan Kelly, Sheane, Conor Melia, Sheane, during the Leinster Trophy race.

Tim Murray who was also making a return to the series this year joined him on the front row. As the lights went out Murray was unfortunetley to eager to make a better start and jumped it. Doherty held firm his line towards turn one and held the inside line into turn one to lead the field. From there he got his head down and began to build a lead as he had done in both races on Saturday. By the end of lap one he was five car lengths ahead of Murray who had been given a ten second penalty, with Jordan Kelly and Anthony Cross behind.

Ronan Doherty, Sheane, on his way to winning the Leinster Trophy race.

Lap on lap he increased his lead leaving those behind in his wake and barring any mechanical problem he was not going to be caught. After a safety car period he once again resumed where he left off and again pulled clear. Cross was into second on the road and ahead of Murray and pulled clear of Kelly who scrapped it out for third with Jack Byrne. Doherty just reeled off the laps without any problem and crossed to take victory by a massive 11 seconds from Cross. Kelly began to drop back leaving newly crowned series champion Gavin Buckley to take his place in the battle for third. It all got very close with Byrne, Buckley and Conor Melia with a couple of corners to go. Byrne held on though and took the last podium spot.

Dave Furlong winner of the 1967 race presents Ronan Doherty with the Leinster Trophy

Ronan Doherty lifts the Leinster Trophy

Ronan Doherty gets sprayed with champagne by Anthony Cross, left, and Jack Byrne, right after winning Leinster Trophy race

Ronan Doherty celebrates after winning Leinster Trophy race

A well deserved victory and one that put the nightmare of the year before to bed.  

Speaking after the race the laid back Antrim man said; " it was a perfect weekend with pole position and the two wins yesterday and winning the Leinster Trophy today. I have to thank the lads for giving me a great car it was on rails and had great pace, I had the easy job of driving it."

Doherty Does The Double - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Ronan Doherty with his trophy after winning the two Selco.ie Formula Vee races. 

Round 9 and 10 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship drivers made their way to Mondello Park to take on the international circuit. They would also would be competing for the prestigious Leinster Trophy on Sunday. First though the two final southern rounds of the series would have to be completed first. It also could see the crowning of all three class champions for 2025 if things panned out. 

Its been a close between Gavin Buckley and Conor Melia all year but both have had flaws in their campaign. In Buckley's case he lost points by making mistakes while leading races in Kirkistown and Bisopscourt but has won more races. In Melia's case he has been more consistent but lacked wins. This weekend would see the return of several drivers that have been missing for sometime. Jordan and Owen Kelly, Anthony Cross, Kevin O'Hara, Ronan Doherty and Tim Murray. 

Tim Murray left leads Anthony Cross into turn one at the start of race one 

A large grid of 26 cars took to a damp and slippery track for qualifying. The favorites would have to be Doherty and O'Hara. Both very talented drivers and ones the rest would have to step up to challenge. This was proved right as both locked out the front row with Doherty taking pole by a massive 1.6 seconds.     However come race time the sun was out and the track was bone dry. When the lights went out the two front men had bad starts and Tim Murray from row two shot through the middle of them to lead from Anthony Cross into turn one. Things went from bad to worse for O'Hara as he went wide and on to the grass dropping right down the order and any chance of a win gone.

Doherty was back into second as they made their way back in from the country. He wasted no time and took the lead as they started the international loop. Immediately he began to open a gap and by the end of lap one he pulled 3 car lengths clear. Cross and Jordan Kelly were now giving Murray a hard time. Championship contenders Buckley and Melia were having their own battle with Jack Byrne behind that group. Melia trying to put as many between him an Buckley. It was all go in the usual first lap mayhem of Formula Vee.

Top: Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, during race one.
Bottom: Colm Blackburn, Leastone leads Niall O'Mara, Leastone, during race one.

Fergal Begley had a coming together with O'Hara in the final corner and ended up spinning but managed to get going again. This slowed O'Hara's progress which was rapid for the next couple corners as he had to re close the gap to those ahead. Doherty increased his lead with ease and the three behind him had no answer to him. In fact they were beginning to spread out themselves. It was all change in the next group as Buckley was now ahead of both Byrne and Melia. The following lap saw Doherty get close to the lap record with a 1.52.9 second lap just a dew tenths off the lap record held by O'Hara. 

Doherty now had a commanding lead over Cross who just couldn't stay with him but then the safety car came out and which would bunch them up again. The problem with the safety car being brought out on the international track it eats into the race time. It was back in after a lap and Doherty resumed the race and made a great re-start not letting those behind get a chance to make a move on him for the lead. Jack Byrnes hard work was undone as a brake problem caused him to take a trip through the gravel trap at turn one. He was saved though as Lee Flynn went off at the final corner on the re-start which brought out the red flags. 

Top: Eamonn Thornton, Leastone, leads Colm Blackburn, Leastone, during race one.
Bottom: Jack Byrne, Sheane, takes a trip to the gravel.

The result was declared from the lap before not that the result was in doubt as Doherty was never going to be caught. It was good to see Cross and Murray back on the podium again though and a shame they haven't been out much this year. In the championship battle Melia came home in sixth and Buckley eight meaning it was still all to play for.

Tim Murray, Leastone, on his way to third place in race one.

For the second race there was no poor starts from the front two who both got away well but Doherty got the better one and lead into turn one from O'Hara. By the end of lap one it was already a two horse race although Doherty once again was beginning to open a gap. Cross and Byrne were right together having a great scrap behind with Murray, Buckley, Keogh and Melia all in toe. It was much the same over the next couple of laps. Championship contenders Buckley and Melia were now separated by a couple of seconds on track but still only one car between them meaning if it stayed that way the championship would not be settled and would go to the final round. 

Ronan Doherty, Sheane, leads Kevin O'Hara, Sheane, during race two.

Up front Doherty extended his lead and ended any hopes O'Hara had on challenging for the win. He was driving superb and just reeling off the laps. Cross was clear in third and had dropped Byrne into the group behind where the race was. He was having to fend off Murray, Buckley, Kelly and Melia in a car that was far from ideal, handling wise. Sadly Kelly pulled out with a mechanical problem a lap later. Once again as the race was near a close the red flags came out. Again the race was result was not in doubt as Doherty had built a lead of over five seconds. It was good to see the Antrim man back out in Formula Vee and showing how his Formula Ford season has brought his driving on even more since this time last year.

Top: Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during race two.
Bottom: Andy Keogh, Sheane, leads Eamonn Thornton, Leastone, during race two

After the race when dropped rounds came into play the title had been decided and Gavin Buckley took the 2025 series to make it a successful title defence. A very well deserved title too and one where he was pushed all the way by Conor Melia. Melia still had cause to celebrate as he wrapped up the Tyredoctor.ie 'B' Championship. Brian Cowan also had reason to celebrate as he to wrapped up the Precision Works Engineering Ltd Rookie Title.

Top: Conor Melia, Sheane, leads Eamonn Thornton, Leastone, during race one.
Bottom: Brian Cowan, Sheane, on his way to the Rookie title

So it was Doherty's day and Buckley]s year. Next up was the important Leinster Trophy race.

Gavin Buckley on his way to winning the 2025 Sleco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Speaking afterwards Doherty said " I had a great day, I had the easy job of driving the car but its the lads who set the car up that won us the races as it went very well and it made it easier to win. Lets hope it does the same in the Leinster Trophy race."

Ronan Doherty on his way to winning race two

Joy for Kelly after taking the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy

Jordan Kelly with the Emmerson Fittipaldi trophy after winning the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Now that the championship was over for another year the Formula Vee drivers had one last race for the year. The last big prize to win was the coveted Emerson Fittipaldi trophy. The former F1 World Champion who began his career in Formula Vee in his homeland of Brazil kindly donated a trophy to the Irish class several years ago and it is one all drivers want to win. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads the opening lap of the Emmerson Fittipaldi race as Tim Murray and Dan Polley spin off in the background. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With nothing for anyone to loose it was a chance for some to bring home silverware that missed out for various reason throughout the year. Also up for grabs was a cheque of €120 for fastest lap kindly sponsored by circuit commentator Alan Drysdale. Final championship round winner Jordan Kelly lined up on the front row alongside pole man Anthony Cross. As the lights went out it was an even start by the two front row men. Tim Murray again got a flyer off the line and challenged into turn two but in doing so took out Dan Polley and Anthony Cross. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads the field on the re-start of the Emmerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

This left Kelly 150 metres clear of the field with only two corners gone. It was short lived as the red flags were brought out and they had to do it all over again. On the restart it was Kelly who got the better getaway from the line and lead into turns one and two. Yet again his pace through the chicane is unmatched as from entry to exit he gained two car lengths over the chasing pack. This was on top of a two car length gap he opened up prior to that. Cross was second with Polley defending from Jack Bynre in fourth. A lap later Byrne was into third and really pressing Cross ahead on the run down to the hairpin. He got by on the inside but Cross had a better exit and it took Byrne until turn two make the move stick. His efforts were undone as he lost the place on the back straight to Cross who powered by. 

Tim Murray, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, and Anthony Cross, Sheane, during the Emmerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

All this was playing into the hands of Kelly who just grew the gap lap on lap enough so to break the toe to the second and third placed men. Byrne was like his namesake terrior and would not give up his second spot and retook it going through Debotor's Dip. For a lap it looked as though Byrne was going to make a break from Cross and possibly make inroads to Kelly but again Cross got by at the hairpin and this time held it through the opening corners. What a race it was for second place. Tim Murray had now moved into fourth place and began to close in on the two ahead of him. Kelly just ticked off the laps and continued to pull clear. Gary Newsome though had taken the fastest lap by this stage and if he held on he would be €120 the richer. Murray wasn't biding his time anymore and made a great move into the hairpin to pass both Cross and Byrne to take second place.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, and Tim Murray, Sheane, during the Emmerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

 Newsome had now also got by Cross and these four were like a train for several laps not one moving out of line from the other. It really was an entertaining battle and it was anyones for the taking. Then with only a couple of laps to go Byrne got to close to Murray and lost his nosecone and damaged his bonnet which began to flap in the wind. This dropped him back, a shame as he really drive well. Murray now was clear in second from Cross and Newsome but a lap later Cross was right on his tail and trying everything to get by. Murray who has got stronger as the year has gone by defended superbly though. Barring a mistake a mechanical problem Kelly was home and dry. Thankfully nothing happened to the Donegal mans car and he took a deserved win in fine style.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the Emmerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Tim Murray, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, during the Emmerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

 Murray did win the battle for second from Cross with Newsome and Gavin Buckley round out the top five. A mixed year for the young Buncranna man but a great end to the year all the same. Speaking to him after the race he was both relieved and joyful at the same time. " When I broke clear from the field I was just focusing on my lap timer. I was just keeping my times within a tenth of each other which is something I've learned from Sim Racing and was finally able to put it into practice. To win the Emerson Fittipaldi trophy was just the best possible way to end the season where I made too many mistakes with the car. Without the help I got from Dad and my brother Owen it wouldn't have been possible".

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, on his way to winning the Emmerson Fittipaldi race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

So a terrific end to a terrific season with a new name on both the Fittipaldi and Holmpatrick trophies in Jordan Kelly and Anthony Cross. A new name and trophy for the Formula Vee this year after receiving the Martin Birrane trophy where Tim Murray won. That said the same name remains on the main prize again this year after Anthony Cross made in four in a row. 

Jordan Kelly holds up the Emmerson Fittipaldi trophy after the race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Jordan Kelly holds up the Emmerson Fittipaldi trophy alongside Tim Murray, left, and Anthony Cross. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Result

1st Jordan Kelly

2nd Tim Murray

3rd Anthony Cross

'B' Championship for Buncranna Man - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship Round 10

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, on his way to winning the final round of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship and also the VW Spares title. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

For the final round of the 2021 Selco.ie Formula Vee championship the drivers headed north of the border one last time. The national championship had been wrapped up at the previous round by Anthony Cross and the Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' championship by Owen Kelly but the VW Spares title was still up for grabs between Jordan Kelly and Tim Murray. Both men had wins overall in the class this year and also bad luck with mechanical problems and accidents hence why whoever finished in front at the final race would take the title. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads Tim Murray, and Dan Polley, during the final round of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

By this time of the season the wooly hats, scarfs and umbrellas are brought back out and especially at the county Down circuit where the sea is only a stone throws away. Not this year, as the Indian summer hung on to make conditions for drivers and spectators sublime. Testing and qualifying took place the previous day with Cross carrying his good form over from Mondello to take pole but by only 0.97 of a second from Jordan Kelly who always goes well in Kirkistown. Murray however kept the pressure on by taking third spot on the grid with another great qualifying by Gary Newsome who would start from fourth. 

Top pic, Owen Kelly throws his glove into his Sheane, after a collison with David O'Loughlin. Middle pic Owen Kelly guides his car on to the recovery truck. Bottom pic, Garry Manning helps the circuit marshals clean up some oil off the circuit. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

A fantastic grid of twenty three cars took to the grid for the final round, a sign that the class has built a solid core of drivers for a full season. As the lights went out Cross spun his wheels and gave the upper hand to Kelly as they left the line. Murray made an even better start to slot into second with Newsome following suit into third as they all rounded Debtor's Dip for the first time. With plumes of smoke at turn two after several lock ups it was expected there would be waved flags but they all emerged in single file with the Kelly in the lead. He gained five cars lengths after exiting the chicane alone such was the speed he was able to carry through. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, leads the field round the hairpin on the opening lap during the final round of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

This would help him no end down the long back straight towards the hairpin. Dan Polley had now got passed Cross and Newsome to hang on the tail end of Murray. By the start of lap three Kelly was on his own with a gap to both Murray and Polley who had also broken away from the pack behind. Behind this at the hairpin David O'Loughlin who spun was unfortunately collected by Owen Kelly who sadly broke the left rear suspension which left his car stranded in the middle of the circuit. There was no option but to bring out the red flags. 

Tim Murray, Sheane, left, and Jordan Kelly, Sheane, battle it out down the back straight during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

On the restart Cross didn't make the same mistake twice and got the jump on Kelly and lead the field round Debtor's with Murray in second who also made a great start. With Kelly in the pack Murray took his opportunity at the hairpin to take the lead at the end of lap one. Kelly also got by on the outside of Debtor's knowing he could not let Murray make a break for it. the battle was on and winner would take the prize. For the following two laps Kelly tried his best to outbrake Murray at the hairpin. Both men side by side all the way down on the approach. Murray held firm and his inside line and remained in the lead for now. The next time round he got better drive on to the main straight as also did the new third place man Dan Polley, as the first three went side by side going towards the fast left hand kink. Anthony Cross still held fourth and was also ready to pounce. 

Tim Murray, Sheane, leads Jordan Kelly, Sheane, during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kelly took the lead but by the end of the back straight Murray again got by on the inside line at the hairpin. By the second corner the positions reversed again, this was turning into a classic Formula Vee race. Nothing between the first four cars and all racing clean with not one unfair move pulled by anyone. It was anyones, both Murray and Kelly knew whoever finished ahead of the other they would be champion. Again it was a Senna/Mansell esque run to the hairpin as Murray made use of the tow exiting the chicane to pull alongside Kelly. It worked and he again lead on to the main straight but only briefly as Kelly used the inside line to retake the lead. Polley held off Cross to hold third. 

Jordan Kelly, Sheane, on his way to winning the final round of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship and also the VW Spares title. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

A lap later they all got a great run through the chicane leaving another three car side by side battle on the run down to the final corner. The margin of error getting smaller and smaller each time. With two laps to go Polley moved into second giving Kelly a slight breather in the lead. He knew he had to get his head down on this lap to make a gap to prevent a last lap scramble. This he did and his run through the chicane alone gained him the time he needed. Murray got by Polley at turn two but try as he might he didn't have the laps left to get close enough to challenge Kelly. Kelly took the chequered flag and with it the VW Spares championship. A deserved victor and champion who proved his pace yet again this year and if weren't for those DNF's he could have brought the national championship to the final round aswell. 

Tim Murray, Sheane, fought all the way during the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Donal Downey, Leastone, on his way to winning the Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' class during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Rubane, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

" It's nice to get the win today and the B championship, It was a hard battle with Tim and Dan and it was close for most of the race. I just happened to get a gap with a couple of laps to go."

Results:

Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship

1st Jordan Kelly

2nd Tim Murray

3rd Anthony Cross

VW Spares Championship

1st Jordan Kelly

2nd Tim Murray

3rd Sean McCallion

Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow ' Championship 

1st Donal Downey

2nd Anthony Conway

3rd Colm O'Loughlen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Results 

Selco.ie Formula Vee National Championship

1st Anthony Cross

2nd Gavin Buckley

3rd Tim Murray

VW Spares Championship

1st Tim Murray

2nd Jordan Kelly

3rd Robert Fleming

Motorsport.ie 'Star of Tomorrow' Championship

1st Owen Kelly

2nd Donal Downey

3rd Andrew Keogh