Tohill Takes 10th IRX Rallycross Title

Gary Donohue, Honda Civic, leads the field into turn one during the supercar race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

For the final two rounds of the Partsforcars.ie IRX Irish Rallycross championship drivers face a completely new track layout at Mondello Park. The new course would be the same that will be used in the upcoming and much anticipated FIA European Rallycross round in July. The weather was the best all season with very hot conditions but would cause its own problems with dust and tyre wear. The new layout however which would run in the opposite direction than normal but it is also very tight with few overtaking places. It was also a counting round of the British Rallycross Championship which brought a great entry of overseas drivers in the Super Retro and Supercar classes. Local men Derek Tohill, Peter McGarry and Logan Hoey were out to clinch their championship in the Supercar, Modified and Juniors classes respectively. 

In the supercar class Tohill was out for title number ten in a row! The switch to Peugeot power last year brought new hunger and motivation for the Dubliner and to make the amount of titles an even number was also an added quest this year. It would not be easy though as Gary Donoghue was back out in his Honda Civic as well as his team-mate John McCluskey in his civic. It would be all eyes on Kildare man Michael Leonard in his beautiful Audi S1 after his switch from the VW Polo he used at the last round. Also the other Kildare man Tommy Graham would be there in his Ford Fiesta along with fella Fiesta man and William Carey. Not forgetting English visitors Julian Godfrey and Tristan Ovenden.

Julian Godfrey, Citroen DS3, centre, leads Tommy Graham, left, Ford Fiesta, and Thristan Ovenden, VW Polo, into turn one during the supercar race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Thristan Ovenden, VW Polo, leads Julian Godfrey, Citroen DS3, into turn one during the supercar race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Tommy Graham, Ford Fiesta, during the supercar race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Gary Donohue, Honda Civic, leads Michael Leonard, Audi S1, into turn one during the supercar race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

It was a clean sweep during the heats on Saturday for Leonard avoiding any trouble while those behind didnt. Tohill and McCluskey came together a couple of times and let him get clean away but that said he was driving very well and clearly clicked with the Audi S1 and was unstoppable in the final and took the win comfortably by nearly 3 seconds. Sunday looked like more of the same with a clean sweep of wins in the heats and semi-final. However he didn't get the best of starts in Sunday's final and had to back out of a first corner duel with Tohill and Donoghue. Donoghue held firm over the next couple of laps and lead them with neat and tidy driving. Tohil and Leonard were however closing the gap but a mistake on lap 3 at turn 3 nearly saw Leonard run into the back of Tohill but quick reactions saw him missing him by millimeters  but the time lost was enough to end his run of wins for the weekend. 

Derek Tohill, Peugeot 208, during the Supercar race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Derek Tohill, Peugeot 208, during the Supercar race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Derek Tohill, Peugeot 208, during the Supercar race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Then as Donoghue exited the joker lap he ran wide on the exit letting Tohill through and with Leoanrd still having to do his joker lap it was looking good for the current champion. Leonard though was putting in a quick time and it was going to be close. He ran wide but it wouldn't have to been enough that earlier mistake had cost him too much. He emerged from the joker in second and Tohill brought it home for the win and with it his tenth Irish title. It is a fantastic achievement for the Dubliner who is in a real purple patch of form lately after his win in France a couple of weeks ago and the win also helped his chances to retain the British tile. He still remains the benchmark in Irish Rallycross and with Europe's finest coming in July he will be out to beat them on home soil.

Michael Leonard, Honda Civic, during the supercar race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

In the Modified Class another Dublin Peter McGarry was out to take the title in his VW Polo but he would have his work cut out to gain an over all win with the Bleasdale brother over from the UK in the very quick Vauxhall VX220's. He also had to keep an eye on his main rival in the championship Willie Coyne in his older but quick Opel Corsa. With the new layout it was hard to pass in a 4WD 600hp Surpercar so in a 300HP 2WD it was harder again so any slip up in the tight hairpins the time loss would be crucial in trying to go for a win. Try as he might bar one heat win McGarry could not get the better of Jason Bleasdale and on both Saturday and Sunday he finished second to the UK driver. That said he hard the better of his championship rival Coyne who was not in his usual form missing out on the podium on Saturday but finishing third on Sunday but it wasn't enough and the title went to McGarry. It is well deserved after driving very well all season and also continent which has clearly brought his driving up a level again.

Stanley Bovill, Ford Escort MKII, leads the field into turn one during the IRX Modified race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Stanley Bovill, Ford Escort MKII, during the IRX Modified race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Willie Coyne, Opel Corsa leads Ricky Alonan, Vauxhall Nova, during the IRX Modified race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Jason Bleasdale, Vauxhall VX220, leads the field into turn 1 during the IRX Modified race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Peter McGarry, VW Polo, leads Jason Bleasdale, Vauxhall VX220, during the IRX Modified race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Peter McGarry, VW Polo, during the IRX Modified race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Speaking afterwards the delighted Tallaght native gave his reaction to the weekend. " It was a tough weekend i love the new layout, it's nice to come down to mondello and have different course to race on. It is hard to overtake on and Jason was on top form but I had to think of the championship too. I am delighted to have taken here today and in the new car too after all the hard work the team put into it, they deserve it as much as me. Thanks to all who helped during the year and to my family who put up with all this rallycross!"

In the IRX Junior class current champion Logan Hoey had one hand on the trophy already and a steady weekend would give him title number three in a row. Academy driver Kori Bagnall was the star of the day on Saturday as he was pushing Hoey all the way. In the final he only finished less than half a second at the line and will be one to watch next season. Hoey had easier on the Sunday and once again showed why he had made it three in a row despite a couple of slides during the day that could have ended his run. He has been fast and consistent all year and even halfway through the season bar mechanical failure it was looking like it was his title to loose. Still he had to go out and do the business which he did by winning every heat and both finals to claim title number three in style. 

Logan Hoey, Mini,leads the field into turn 1 during the IRX Junior race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Logan Hoey, Mini, during the IRX Junior race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Hugo Loonam, Mini, during the IRX Junior race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Ailish Sexton, Mini, during the IRX Junior race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Speaking afterwards the laid back Louth man gave his review of the weekend." I am really happy to make it three in a row, it was really tight Saturday and survived some big slides to take the win. Sunday was a bit easier but still had to fight for it. Thank to all my sponsors and dad for all his hard work during the year."

The next Rallycross meeting is the big one with the FIA European Championship coming to town on July 18th and 19th where the locals will take on their European counterparts for the first time in 30 years.

Sam Bovill, Ford Escort Fiesta, during the IRX Modified race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Derek Tohill, Peugeot 208, during the Supercar race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg

Gary Donohue, Honda Civic, leads the field off the line during the supercar race. IRX Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Picture: Barry Cregg.

Tohill Makes It Four From Four - IRX Rallycross Championship Rounds 3 & 4

Derek Tohill in action during a heat at the IRX Rallycross Championship at Mondello Park.

The third and fourth rounds of the PartsforCars.ie Irish Rallycross Championship took place at Mondello Park last weekend to mark the halfway stage of the series. Current champion Derek Tohill was back out fresh from claiming his second Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship at Lydden Hill earlier this month. 

The Supercar class is the top tier class in rallycross and Tohill would be joined on the grid by local man Tommy Graham who would taking his first run out in the ex John McCluskey Ford Fiesta. William Carey, Declan Kelly, Darragh Morris and the return of Shane Murphy in his VW Polo. 

The Modified class saw a great entry once again  with round two winner Peter McGarry back out in his Fully rebuilt VW Polo and would be looking to take victory in the modified class once again. He would be up against an in form Sam Bovill in his Ford Fiesta and Willie Coyne in his trusty Opel Corsa. The ever popular IRX Junior class saw a health entry of youngsters take to the grids in the usual mixture of Mini's and fiestas. Add the IRX Clubman, Rallycar, Autocross, Super Buggies, classes it would be another busy and action packed weekend. 

The weather was miserable on Saturday morning with heavy overnight rain leaving large Puddles of water around the county Kildare circuit. Visibility would be bad for the morning but by the afternoon it was to clear up.

Bradley Turner in action during the Buggie race at Mondello Park

In the supercars the Tohill Dominated the heats with three wins on the bounce to lead overall on times.That said WIlliam Carey kept him honest in heat two and three and Murphy was looing the rustiness and was getting quicker as the day wore on. The conditions for the early heats were wet but it was drying as the day went on but it still left drivers fighting to keep their powerful machines on track as they tried to find grip. As the day wore on the weather improved and the track dried but it also got colder too still leaving grip levels low.  

For the final it was Tohill on pole from Carey and Graham, with Murphy and Morris at the back with all the work to do. It would not be easy but if he wanted a chance of a win Murphy would have to get past Carey and Graham early on. As the lights went out it was Tohill who got the best start and lead into turn one followed by Carey, Graham, Murphy and Morris. Murphy wasted no time in getting past Graham and Carey and was on the same pace as Tohill. Tohill however was that fraction quicker each lap but by no means was he pulling away. As the others completed their joker laps ( an added section of track to be completed once during a race) the front two still raced away waiting to see who would joker first.  Murphy did and hoped to gain enough for  final lap and try and take the lead. He was close but the few tenths Tohill had on him proved enough to stay in the lead on the final lap to take the win. Tohill spoke afterwards " I'm delighted to get the win it was close between me and Shane but its also good for the championship and to get the hard work done now and use the other rounds to test the Hoosier tyres for the European rounds next year. It means we have room if they don't work as well and we drop points in those rounds."

William Carey, Ford Fiesta, leads Derek Tohill, Peugeot 208, and Tommy Graham, Ford Fiesta, during the Supercar race at Mondello Park. 

Derek Tohill, Peugeot 208, leads Shane Murphy, VW Polo, Tommy Graham, Ford Fiesta, and William Carey, Ford Fiesta, during the Supercar Final at Mondello Park.

Derek Tohill, Peugeot 208, on his way to winning the Supercar Final at Mondello Park.

In the modified class for two wheel drive cars,  it was battles between Peter McGarry, Sam Bovill and Willie Coyne to decide victory that entertained the crowd all day long. Wet weather conditions made it twice as hard as they have only two wheel drive unlike the 4wd Supercars. The heats saw wins for all three men but it was Peter McGarry who headed the field overall after the three heats . The early heats saw the slippiest conditions after the rainfall leaving the drivers fighting to keep their pocket rockets on track as they tried to find grip. The weather improved and the track dried but the temperatures dropped. As semi final one got under way in was McGarry on pole from Bovill with the hard charging Niall Carey in third. As the lights went out it was McGarry who got the better start and lead the field into turn one and lead the whole race long to take the win. It was Carey in second leaving Bovill in third. 

In the second semi final Coyne was on pole from very quick Pete Dornan in his Peugeot 206 and Kieran Curran in third in another Corsa. It was Curran who got the better start and lead into turn one from Coyne with English visitor Liam Doran in third. Curran another man not out for a while had pace early on but dropped off as the race wore on to let Coyne in to the lead which he held to the chequered flag. Dornan came home second after another almighty flat out drive which is great to watch as he flings the little French car around in efforts to stay with the quick men ahead.

For the final it was McGarry on pole from Coyne and Dornan. It would not be easy to pick a winner as all had similar pace. It was Coyne however who got . As the lights went out it was McGarry who got the best start and lead into turn one followed by Coyne and Bovill.  From the off it was a close affair between the top four all nose to tail providing great viewing for the hardy souls braving the cold and now near dark evening. It already a race where it was going to be who jokered first. Coyne went for it on lap two leaving McGarry off to put in a quick lap in hope to have an advantage over Coyne come his turn to joker. He made his move a lap later but was slower and Coyne got back into the lead and has to be said really driving the little Opel Corsa on the absolute limit in efforts to keep the modern Polo behind. No matter how hard McGarry tried he just couldn't get past and Coyne took the win. Coyne spoke afterwards " I'm thrilled to get that win, I drove as hard as I could to stay ahead of Peter, the car was on two wheels in a few place. It was great fun and I enjoyed it."

Sam Bovill, Ford Fiesta, in action during the Modified race at Mondello Park.

Willie Coyne, Opel Corsa, in action during the Modified race at Mondello Park.

Peter McGarry, VW Polo, leads Sam Bovill, Ford Fiesta, and Michael Coyne, Citroen DS3, during the Modified race at Mondello Park.

In the Junior Rallycross class for the stars of the future the current champion Logan Hoey like Tohill in the Supercars dominated the heats winning all three of his to finish first overall on times. As semi final one got under way in was Logan Hoey on pole from Hugo Loonan with Eoin Dooley in third. As the lights went out it was Hoey who got the better start and once again lead the way. As always he put in strong laps and wasn't challenged. They finished the same a the starting order although Ailish Sexton wasn't far off third.

In the second semi final it was Cody Mahon on pole from David McAdams and Sean Savage. It was Mahon lead into turn one and like Hoey put in the laps and pulled away easily. The battle behind though was close with Savage moving into second which he held by just two tenths of a second at the end.

For the final it was which had to be run on Sunday morning as daylight was too poor on Saturday evening, Hoey on pole from Mahon and Loonam. As the lights went out Hoey got to much wheel spin and dropped to third behind Mahon who got the best start and lead into turn one. Hoey's circuit racing experience showing through at turn two as he was up to second and then began to put in the times following Mahon and before taking the lead. He reeled off the laps to take another win and increase his championship lead. The rest will have to find something before he builds up a too big a lead to catch. Loonam got the better of Mahon to take second  with McAdams and Sexton rounding out the top five. In the Super Buggies Chris Kelly took the win from Ben Walsh and Paul Brogan. In the FIA Cross Car class Jack Newman took the win from Liam McMullan and Teddie MacPherson who battled all day. In the IRX Rallycar class the two citroen men Stephen Lipsett and Ken McGrath battled all day with Lipsett taking the win. UK visitor Abbie McGuinness again showed a clean pair of heals to the men in the IRX Clubman class to take the win from Thomas McManus and John Shaw. It would be great to see her move up to the modified class next season as I am sure she would be very capable in a good car to take victory there also.

Hugo Loonam, Mini, leads Cody Mahon, Mini, durng the IRX Junior race at Mondello Park

Sean Savage, Mini, in action during the IRX Juniors race at Mondello Park

Logan Hoey, Mini, leads Cody Mahon, Mini, during the IRX Juniors race at Mondello Park

Eoin Dooley, Ford Fiesta, Hugo Loonam, Mini, and David McAdams, Mini, during the IRX Juniors

race at Mondello Park

For Sunday the weather was dry and overcast but no rain in sight although it was again very cold. In the supercars the heats saw wins for Tohill and Carey overall on times While on paper it looked as Tohill was again in dominant form. In reality he was being pushed all the way in the heats from both Carey and Murphy. Tommy Graham was also getting quicker as he was getting more used to his new car. It was great to see Declan Kelly back out after three years rebuilding his beautiful Ford Fiesta. Barry Morris was also out in his Hyundai. Murphy had a mechanical problem in heat two costing him time overall while Carey won heat 3 to give him a front row start for the final. 

For the final it was Tohill on pole from Carey and Graham. As the lights went out it was Tohill who got the best start and lead into turn one followed by Carey and Graham. There was nothing in it in the opening laps Carey hounding him and looked quicker on the loose sections. Tohill jokered first with a lap of 44.492 seconds, Carey did the same a lap later but had a lap of 444.667 seconds, it was enough to just hold the lead when rejoining the track. Carey tried hard in the remaining two laps but just couldn't find enough of a gap to try a move. It was a thrilling race and Tohill worked for the win and deserved it. Tohill spoke afterwards " That was a hard one, fair play to William he drove superb and pushed me all the way. We had another great weekend four wins on the bounce leaves us in a good place at the halfway point of the season."

Derek Tohill, Peugeot 208, leads William Carey, Ford Fiesta, Tommy Graham, Ford Fiesta, and Shane Murphy, VW Polo, during the Supercar Final at Mondello Park.

Derek Tohill, Peugeot 208, leads William Carey, Ford Fiesta, during the Supercar Final at Mondello Park.

In the modified class the saw heat wins for Peter McGarry, Sam Bovill and Willie Coyne. Both McGarry and Coyne both had wins in their semi-finals. If the day before was anything to go by it should be another brilliant battle. Coyne lined up on pole from McGarry with Sam Bovill in third. As the lights went out it was Bovill who got the better start but as he exited turn one the car spun round and he could not get going and he was out. A shame as he could have taken it to Coyne and McGarry.  on the restart it was McGarry who got the best start to lead into turn one.  Again not much between the two men who were quick to pull away from Niall Carey in third. As with the final the day before it was about who would joker first and could they do enough to hold or take the lead when the time came. Coyne went first on lap 4. He was 2 seconds quicker on that lap than McGarry was on his which helped him make the overtake and move into the lead. Try as he might McGarry couldn't close in and it was Coyne who took the win and make it two wins this weekend. Niall Carey came home in third.

Coyne speaking afterwards ." It's been a great weekend to take two wins. I am just concentrating on the modified class championship and this year and this weekend will help that". 

Willie Coyne, Opel Corsa, on his way to winning the Modified final at Mondello Park

Sam Bovill, Ford Fiesta, leads the field into turn one during the Modified final at Mondello Park

John Rock lifts Sam Bovill's Ford Fiesta, after it broke down during the Modified final at Mondello Park

Peter McGarry, VW Polo, leads Willie Coyne, Opel Corsa, into turn one during the Modified final at Mondello Park

In the Junior Rallycross class saw Logan Hoey once again come out on top after the heats when he won his three. Cody Mahon and David McAdams were not far behind though and out to stop Hoey's good run of form. The Junior grid had an extra car as Luke O'Connell was out for the first time in the academy car. As semi final one got under way in was Hoey on pole from McAdams with Keenan Murphy rounding out the front row. As the lights went out it was Hoey who got the better start but McAdams was right alongside as the exited turn one.  Once out in front after the opening lap Hoey began to put in quicker times and pulled away and took the win.

In the second semi final Cody Mahon was on pole from Hugo Loonam and Sean Savage. It was Mahon who lead into turn one from Loonam with Savage in. A slow first lap from Mahon kept Loonam in touch but Mahon was just a few tenths quicker on the rest to take the win. Savage ran his own race to finish third. 

For the final it was Hoey on pole from Mahon and McAdams.Loonam was in fourth on row two but had the pace to get on the poidium. Again it was Hoey who got the best start and lead into turn one followed by Mahon, McAdams and Lonam.  AS with the heat Hoey just got into his rhythm straight away and began to put in the times. Behind the chasing three battled it out for the poidum spots and with a quicker joker lap Loonam moved up to third but there was no catching Hoey who once again took the win making it four in a row. Hoey spoke afterwards " The weekend went well apart from a wheel bearing issue in one heat. The competition is fierce and I just had to put my head down and do my job. Winning eight races out of eight was amazing for me and the team. I'm excited for next year and hopefully 2026 brings the same results to finish the seaon. Thanks to Dad for making it happen along with Fire Protection Specialists, Dynamite Fireworks, Swan Rock Quarries, Napa Racing UK and Duprint."

Luke O'Connell, Mini, during the IRX Juniors race at Mondello Park

Logan Hoey, Mini, during the IRX Juniors race at Mondello Park

Dean Deasy, Mini, leads Luke O'Connell, Mini, during the IRX Juniors race at Mondello Park

Cody Mahon, Mini, leads Hugo Loonam, Mini, during the IRX Juniors race at Mondello Park

In the Super Buggies Paul Brogan won from Ben Walsh and Ciaran Greenan. The IRX Clubman class final was won of the best races of the weekend with a grid packed with mini's It was Abbie McGuinness who took the win by a whisker from Thomas McManus. McManus tried everything to get by and looked to have the lead got as McGuinness was taking her joker lap but as they both headed for rallycross three McGuinnes just nosed herself in front and held it to the line and won by .348 of a second. Stephen Lipsett took the win from Pat Masterson and Glenn Montgomery in the rallycar class.

Abbie McGuinness, Mini, leads Tom McManus, Mini, during the IRX CLubmans Race at Mondello Park

  The next round of the championship takes place on November the 7th and 8th of March 2026.

O'Donovan and Tohill Share The Spoils In Season Opener - IRX Championship 2025/ 2026

The opening two rounds of the PartsforCars.ie Irish Rallycross Championship took place at Mondello Park. It was also a counting round for the Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship which saw a welcome return of the top UK drivers who love coming across and battling it out with their Irish counterparts. 

The premier class in rallycross are the Supercars and a welcome return to Mondello for local man Ian Barrett in his VW Polo who was out to upset the favourites in Derek Tohill, John McCluskey, Ollie O'Donovan and Julian Godfrey. Other local men Gary Donoghue, William Carey and the Morris brothers Darragh and Michael would also be in the mix.

The Modified class saw a great entry with six county Antrim drivers alone travelling down. Indeed the overall entry saw an increase in northern drivers which was great to see and which bodes well for the futre of rallycross. Niall Carey would be making his debut in the class and would be one to watch in his BMW Compact. Peter McGarry had to make a switch to a Ford Fiesta as his VW Polo is still not ready from a rebuild. Tommy Graham another local man was back out in his old Ford Fiesta and ex Dermot Carneige car but this time it has been converted to rear wheel drive. The Coyne brothers would also be ones to watch out for and and all eyes would be watching Michael in his new Citroen DS3. That said Bovill brothers, Derek Lenehan in his Toyota MR2 and Ricky McAlonan in his nova would also be ones to tach out for. The increasingly popular IRX Junior class saw a health entry of youngsters take to the grids in a mixture of Mini's and fiestas. Add the IRX Clubman, Rallycar, Autocross, Super Buggies, BRX Super Retro classes it would be a busy and action packed weekend. 

The weather also played its part as the tail end of storm Amy lingered on Saturday morning leaving conditions very wet and the track more slippy than usual. It dried out as the day went on but some showers came down which left tyre choice difficult. The track layout on the Saturday saw the drivers skip the usual second corner on the rallycross circuit and use the long run down to the hairpin on the normal race circuit. It would provide another overtaking place and give the drivers a chance to stretch their cars legs. The sight of the Supercars making their way down the straight really showed how quick these top level rallycross machines really are.

In the supercars the heats saw wins for William Carey, Derek Tohill and Ollie O'Donovan overall on times. The early heats saw the heaviest rainfall leaving the drivers fighting to keep their powerful machines on track as they tried to find grip. As the day wore on the weather improved and the track dried but the odd shower of rain kept making setup and tyre choice difficult. As semi final one got under way in was Derk Tohill on pole from Ian Barrett with John McCluskey and Darragh Morris behind. Sadly WIlliam Carey didnt make it out due to mechanical problems. As the lights went out it was Barrett who got the better start but as he moved across Tohil was right alongside and both men touched, hitting the armco barrier in the process. Tohill had to back out or it could have been a bigger incident. They still were ahead of the pack though and raced to turn three. Barrett held him off but a nice move into rallycross 3 saw Tohill take the lead and immediately pull away. McCluskey took the joker lap on the first lap which payed off as he was up to second on the final lap when Barrett took his. Tohill was too far ahead though and took the win.

In the second semi final Ollie O'Donovan was on pole from Garry Donoghue and Julian Godfrey with Michael Morris behind, sadly Derek Jobb once again had mechanical problems with his Ford Escort and was a non starter. O'Donovan got a bad start and it was Godfrey who lead into turn one from Donoghue with O'Donovan in third with all the work to do. As they made their way to turn two both he and Godfrey collided which at first didnt look that much but a rear link arm broke on O'Donovan's car leaving the rear wheel hanging on only just. He did well to avoid hitting anyone else but his race was run and would leav him at the back for the final. The race was restarted after O'Donovan's car was remved from the track. The re run saw a great battle with Donoghue being pushed all the way to the end to take a great win. 

For the final it was Tohill on pole from Donoghue and Godfrey, with O'Donovan at the back with all the work to do. It would not be easy but if he wanted a chance of a win he would have to get past McCluskey and Barrett early on to give himself a chance with the front three. He got ahead of the Morris brother off the line and made a much better exit out of turn one and got up the inside of Godfrey and Barrett on the run to turn two. Godfrey then ran wide and into the gravel at turn two but got back on just ahead of Darragh Morris but as he came back across before turn thee he hit the front of Morris and spun ending his chances on a decent result. 

Up front Tohill lead but only just from Donoghue and McCluskey and O'Donovan. The front four were now right together giving the crowd lots of entertainment. O'Donovan made his next move into turn one and got ahead of McCluskey. He was on a charge and with Tohill not breaking away as he did in the semi final a win was still on. A mistake into the final corner saw O'Donoghue run wide letting O'Donovan get on his inside and with better drive again made another spot into turn one and into second. The second half of the lap saw him close right up to Tohill with both still having to do their joker lap. O'Donovan went first and did it very well neat and tidy not loosing anytime. Tohill needed to put in a quick first half a lap to keep his lead after he did his joker. It was close and as he exited the second chicane O'Donovan was halfway through rallycross two. He had done enough and pipped Tohill going into rallycross three. A brilliant drive and a tight defence line into the final corner sealed the win with Tohill unable to make it a drag to the line. A very entertaining final and also a clean and fair battle too. From last to first is not an easy thing to do at Mondello. As O'Donovan isn't doing the Irish Championship Tohill opened up his new campaign with maximum points and spoke afterwards " Yeah a solid result for round one, didn't, get the win today but Ollie drove well. Your have to get though a lot of races to get to a final in Irish Rallycross but I'm Delighted to start off the new campaign with a win."

In the modified class it was battles between the both the Coyne's and Bovill's with Peter McGarry in there also. Willie Coyne, Stanley Bovill and Peter McGarry all came out on top in the heats which were all close run races with all cars very evenly matched. The conditions made it twice as hard as they have only two wheel drive unlike the 4wd Supercars. In the semi-finals Willie Coyne had a comfortable win over Niall Carey but the second semi final was a closer run thing between the two Bovill's both with just over a second separating them in the end. For the final it was Willie Coyne on pole from Stanley and Samuel Bovill. Niall Carey qualified a great fourth for his first modified final with Michael Coyne beside him. As the lights went out Samuel Bovill got a lightning start and shot into the lead from the outside of the front row. Stanley Bovill got a great start two to slot into second leaving pole man Coyne back in third. A mistake at turn two by Bovill saw Coyne take advantage and move into second. It was the like the opening heat all over again the little Opel Corsa chasing the fiesta with the inside rear wheel on both cars lifting in the corners. 

The fiesta had the power advantage though as  a couple of times coming out of turn one Bovill went very sideways but had the legs on the straight to hold the lead. Coyne took his joker at the halfway mark timing it to perfection to stay ahead of Carey. Noe he had to put in quick laps to get an advantage when both the Bovill's did theirs. He didn't need the escort ahead to hold him up if he was to take the lead. It didn't matter though as Samuel Bovill had also put in quick enough times to keep his advantage as he exited the joker on the final lap and held the lead to the flag. It was a close finish but very deserving to the Antrim man. A happy 'Maun' as they say in his part of the world spoke after the race " Very pleased with the day, I got a great start in the final and had to go really deep into the corners as I knew Willie was behind me. At he started of the day I forgot the car was setup for the dry from Pembrey but everything went well in the end and hopefully it will again tomorrow."

In the Juniors Logan Hoey picked up where he left off last season winning two of the three heats and his semi final. Cody Mahon however kept him honest winning heat two and his semi final. So it was really going to be between these two for the final. As the lights went out both got a similar start but Hoey had the inside line and squeezed Mahon out wide on to the loose which dropped him to third allowing David McAdams into second. These junior cars are very evenly matched which leads to close racing and this race was delivering this. Hoey's circuit racing experience came into effect at turn three making better exits each time allowing him to open a gap to McAdams and Loonam. Ailish Sexton was also going well and her increase in speed since last season was noticeable hold third by the halfway mark. She still the joker to do but a strong fifth was on the cards but a mistake exiting the joker cost her time and dropped to sixth. Up front Hoey was well clear and in command. He took his joker with ease and took the win carrying on his form from last year. Speaking after the race Hoey was happy at how his day went " It was a good day, I wanted to get a good start to the season and give myself some breathing room come the end of the year. I hope to do the same tomorrow and win again but anything can happen".

In the Buggies Jack Newman and Ben Walsh battled all day with Newman coming out on top with Paul Brogan in third. Stephen Lipsett took the win from Ken McGrath and Ian Lawlor in the rallycar class. One of the best races of the day came from the visiting SuperRetro class from the UK. Charles French in his beautiful Forst Escort and Alan Crokett in his equally beautiful Opel Kadett swapped places all day and again in the final. It brought back memories of rallycross meetings of old to those old enough to remember these cars being the ultimate machines to have. French took the win by just under a second.

For Sunday the weather was much better although cloudy no rain fell and the tyre choice was made easier. Sadly Gary Donoghue was missing in the supercar class as he his father Joe a great motorsport man sadly died earlier in the week and he decided to sit out the Sunday races. In his place though Niall Murray former circuit racing champion got behind the wheel of Donoghues car. A heavy impact in the third heat between McCluskey and O'Donovan brought out the red flags. Once restarted it was O'Donovan who came home first to add to his earlier heat win. Tohill was avoiding the drama as much as he could but after a win in heat one he got hit from behind by Ian Barrett and went into the gravel exiting turn two. Come the final it was important Tohill won it for his British championship bid. 

It was O'Donovan who lined up on pole position from William Carey who had a brilliant run all day, with Tohill on the outside of the front row Niall Murray and Ian Barrett were behind on row two with McCluskey, Julian Godfrey and Darragh Morris on row three. Tohill got the best start from the outside and lead into turn one from William Carey who made an excellent startto get ahead of O'Donovan in third. Behind them though it was carnage as Niall Murray hit the back of Ian Barrett which spun him into the unfortunate Julian Godfrey who had nowhere to go. The polo was badly damaged and Barrett's race was run there and then. Murray's car wasn't in great shape either but he managed to get going and get back into the race. Carey ran wide at turn two letting O'Donovan by and now it was going to be a battle between him and Tohill. Tohill was flying though kept putting in fast laps and it showed as try as he might O'Donovan was using all the road and more in his efforts to stay with him. He would close right up to him from turn two across the loose up to the final corner but loose the gained ground down the straight. On the penultimate lap Tohill took the joker first and would need to be pin perfect to keep his lead once O'Donovan took his joker lap. He did and he retained his lead and held it to the line to take the win and maximum points in British championship to bring it to the final round. William Carey came home in third with Niall Murray in fourth. 

Speaking after the race Tohill was very pleased with his day "I knew I had to win that race so I threw the kitchen sink and everything else at it. It was really important for the championship and also for the Irish too making it a double is a great way to start the season".

In the Modified class it was Peter McGarry who took the honors in heat one from Samuel Bovill who carried on Saturday's good form to take second ahead of Willie Coyne. Once again in heat two it was McGarry ahead of Coyne but Bovill finished down in eight but in heat three in was a repeat of heat one as the top three finished in the same order. That said it was closely fought all the way in the heats between the top three. Local Man Tommy could not be counted out either with a fourth and a third in two of the heats. For the semi final one it was Peter McGarry who won from Samuel Bovill and Pete Dornan. In semi final two it was Willie Coyne from Ricky Alonan and Niall Carey. So for the much anticipated final it was McGarry on pole from Coyne and Bovill. McGarry got the best start and lead into turn one from Bovill and Coyne. the front two drifting round turn on in unison. Coyne tried to go down the inside at turn two but Bovill blocked him straight away. Coyne who never gives up tried to cling on to the back of Bovill who was driving very well but could not get close enough for a move. This let McGarry open a slight gap in front. Coyne took the joker first but got stuck behind Carey on the exit for a couple of corners and dropped time. Which let Bovill stay in second when he took his joker. McGarry reeled of the final laps and too the flag in comfort. Not as close a race as Saturday's but one that made up the disappointment that McGarry had in the semi final after breaking a wishbone. 

Speaking after the race McGarry was delighted to get the win " We had good pace all weekend really, I just got caught out in a newly formed pothole out the back and broke a wishbone. From this morning on I knew we had a good chance. The car is brilliant and handles so well and does what you want it to do ans we were setting some really good times. There is serious pace in modified and a great mix of cars, front wheel drive rear, wheel drive and great bunch a drivers too. I'm hoping to have the polo out the next day as we spent the time since the end of last season rebuilding it and trying a couple of different things while we can. "

In the juniors true to his word Logan Hoey was again the man to catch as he won all the heats and his semi final with ease. Cody Mahon was the only one to stay within some distance of Hoey all weekend but its early days yet in the championship and anything could happen. For the final it was Hoey on pole from Mahon and Ailish Sexton. Once again it was Hoey and Mahon got fairly similar starts but Hoey had the inside line and lead into turn one but drove Mahon wide and onto the loose. This let Hugo Loonam up the inside into second. Sexton dropped back at turn two but made up places as the race went on and cam ehome a solid fifth place in the end. Try as he might Loonam could not catch Hoey who once again put in the times and pulled a gap which was enough to hold to the end. Mahon got back up to third but could not catch Loonam. It was the perfect week end for Hoey who did the double and started off his title defence in style. 

In the Clubman modified class Abbie McGuinness was in a league of her own all weekend and did the clean sweep winning her heats, semi finals and finals. Although she was dominant all weekend, Dessie Martin and Leah McManus were not too far away either and will get quicker in the coming rounds. In the IRX Super Buggies it was Ben Walsh who too the honors from Kevin Sharkey and Paul Brogan. In the Super Retro class Alan Crokett and Charles French had another brilliant battle with Crockett taking the win on the way to the line by.2 of a second!

So after a long wait the first round of the 2025/2026 IRX Rallycross Championship was over. Some great racing throughout all classes all weekend in various weather conditions was put on by own home talent and overseas visitors. Thanks to all the marshalls and volunteers who helped run the meeting and to our visitors from across the water for coming. 

The next round of the championship takes place on November the 29th and 30th of November.