Richard Kearney Wins Round 10 - Formula Sheane

Richard Kearney, leads Philp Sheane during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

As expected the conditions for round ten of the Formula Sheane championship were perfect the damps patches were now gone and everyone looked forward to another battle between the top three. This time Philip Sheane got the start he wanted and held off Richard Kearney at turn one and again at turn two as Derek Roddy slotted into third. 

Philip Sheane, leads Richard Kearney, during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With the sun getting low it made it slightly awkward for the drivers as they made their way out to the county. All three up front knew they could'nt afford to let each other get away. Richie Adams again made a good start as he made his way up to fourth. On the way back towards the paddock Sheane kept the tighter line already defending hard from Kearney. 

Derek Roddy, in action after dropping time with a trip to the gravel trap during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

By lap three it was still the same as Sheane soaked up the pressure well which cannot be said this time for Roddy. On the entrance to turn 4 he locked up his rear brakes and spun into the gravel. Luckily for him he didn't get stuck in it and managed to drive his way out of it but all hopes for the win were gone. This let the duo of Sheane and Kearney away to fight it out themselves as they had by now pull well clear of the field.

Richard Kearney, leads Philp Sheane during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

 Tom Foley began to make progress up through the field with claiming fifth and then fourth. Up front Kearney began to pile on the pressure and it worked by passing Sheane for the lead. It had been four months since he had been in this position and this time he wasn't going to let it slip. Sheane tried hard to get back past and looked quicker on the older part of the circuit but the clever Carlow man had all the lines covered. 

Richie Adams, leads Chris Dunne during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Unfortunately Garrett McKenna who had been battling with Tom Foley spun at turn four just as Roddy had done earlier but sadly for him he beached his car and his race was run. With his car in an unsafe place and despite the marshals best efforts the safety car had to be deployed. This allowed Roddy to catch back up to the leaders, but time had run out for himself or Sheane to get past Kearney as it was just a simple run to the line.

Chris Dunne, leads Tom Foley during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Tom Foley, leads Garrett McKenna during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Still all in all it was good to see Kearney take a win as he was hampered by bad luck all season. With the last round taking place on the 25th of September it does not leave much time to get the cars ready for the final and most important round of the season as it has turn out to be. With nine points between Sheane and Roddy in the favour of Sheane, it still is all to play for as one DNF could swing it either way. In the scholarship class Tom Foley came home with the win adding to his win earlier in the year in Kirkistown. 

Results

1st Richard Kearney

2nd Philip Sheane

3rd Derek Roddy

Scholarship

1st Tom Foley

2nd Chris Dunne

3rd Richie Adams

Roddy Wins Threeway Thriller - Formula Sheane Championship Round 9

Derek Roddy leads Richie Adams and Richard Kearney on the opening lap of the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The Formula Sheane circus made their way to Mondello Park for the ninth round the 2021 championship. The series trophy is still up for grabs but now only two drivers have a chance to claim it. To make it even more interesting this years title could go to a class newcomer if Philip Sheane takes it but the consistency shown by Derek Roddy since round three has brought him to be the second contender to take home the silverware.

Philip Sheane leads Richard Kearney during the Formula Vee race, Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Back on to the international track for this meeting and the final trip to the county Kildare circuit for the year, meant the drivers would have a more physical challenge than the shorter national track last time out. The weather was going to be mixed going by the forecast so setup was crucial and driving had to be more precise if conditions varied. At the last Mondello race Philip Sheane dominated in the wet conditions and continued his form in qualifying this time out by taking pole by a massive 3.997 seconds ahead of Derek Roddy. If the weather stayed wet it would be hard to see him being caught. 

Richard Kearney spoke of his wet weather troubles at the last meeting and again wasn't confident after qualifying. " I can't figure out the problem with the car when it is wet it may need a full strip down to check the chasis for cracks. If it dries up I know I have the pace to be up the front but only if it's dry." 

Derek Roddy leads Philip Sheane and Richard Kearney during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

He must have prayed hard in the break in between qualifying and the race as the weather brightened up and the sun dried the track significantly. There still were some damp patches to look out for but by in large it was a dry track. As the lights went out it was Roddy who made a brilliant start to beat Sheane off the line to lead into turn one. Sheane's bad start allowed both Kearney and also Richie Adams to get by with Adams moving into second at turn two. Sheane wasn't down for long as he passed Kearney into turn three and a lovely move on the outside of turn four demoted Adams down another place. Kearney followed Sheane and was also passed Adams on the run onto the international loop. Roddy in his freshly painted car set about making a break from his pursuers and had made a small gap by the end of lap two.

Philip Sheane leads Richard Kearney during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Derek Roddy leads Richard Kearney and Philip Sheane during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

However Sheane and Kearney worked together and by lap four they were right on the back of Roddy. Now we would see for the first time since he got his engine problems sorted, if Roddy could match bothe Kearney and Sheane in a full race. Would Sheane have more pace and pull away if he got by or would Kearney repeat his first round dominance prior to his mechanical problems. Firt both had to get past Roddy who was driving his best race of the year if not ever as he soaked up the pressure from the two younger men in second and third.

Philip Sheane leads Richie Adams and Richard Kearney on the opening lap of the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Richie Adams leads Chris Dunne during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kearney made his move by getting past Sheane on lap six proving he did have his car sorted for a dry track but try as he might he could not break Roddy and by the penultimate lap he was back to third. Even with these changes the first three were nose to tail to whole way. Sheane again tried hard on the last lap, even taking the fastest time with 1.52.676 but Roddy had it covered to take a thoroughly deserved win and really keep the fight alive for the championship. Sheane did his best and second meant he didn't loose as much points to Roddy if he had finished third. Kearney tried but just couldn't find a way by either men. A good result  and another podium for the Carlow man who has had a year of mechanical hell so far.

Derek Roddy on his way to winning the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Speaking after the race the victor was both joyed and relieved that he got the win." I really enjoyed that, it was a great race and so hard to keep the two boys behind me the whole race. Thanks to Enda for setting up the car perfectly it didn't miss a beat."

In the Scholarship class Garret McKenna took the win after taking the lead at the end of lap one. He got away from the chasing pack of Richie Adams, Chris Dunne and Tom Foley who all had swapped places throughout the race until Foley retired with a broke rose joint. Dunne seemed to have second place but was pipped on the penultimate lap by Adams. It was another great battle to watch and great to see the newcomers now all on the same pace. 

Garrett McKenna on his way to victory in the scholarship class during the Formula Sheane race. Mondello Park, Donore, Co. Kildare. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Results

Formula Sheane National Championship

1st Derek Roddy

2nd Philip Sheane

3rd Richard Kearney

Scholarship Class

1st Garrett McKenna

2nd Richie Adams

3rd Chris Dunne

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