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.

Champion Cross Caps Off Season In Style - Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

Anthony Cross with the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Bohernabreena;s Anthony Cross finished off another championship year in style with a double victory in the season finale at Kirkistown Racing Circuit in county Down last Saturday. The current Selco.ie Formula Vee champion retained his title at the previous round in Mondello Park two weeks ago by finishing second to Owen Kelly. With the pressure of the championship in the bag he set his sights on not only winning the finale round of the series but the prestigious Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy race too.

With a solid grid of twenty cars taking to the track for qualifying and the return of former champion Dan Polley also the returned to form Jack Byrne it would not be an easy task. This meeting would also determine the outcome of the VW Spares ‘B’ and LOH Motorsport ‘Rookie’championships to add an extra bit of excitement to the onlookers. Cross gave himself the best chance to get the results he wanted by qualifying in pole position just ahead of young Kildare man Donal Downey who showed great pace at the same venue earlier in the year.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads the field during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Although he headed the field as the lights went out the long run to the first turn at the northern track can give those behind the bonus of a slipstream and as the field made it to turn two it was Jack Byrne who lead Cross with tucked in behind, followed by Polley and Downey. The long fast straights make it hard for anyone to break clear from one another due to the slipstream. Only a passing manoeuvre at the tight section into turn three or a mistake at the chicane can break up a train of cars. Cross had made a better exit from the final corner on lap one to give him the slingshot to get into the lead by turn one. Downey made a carbon copy move to move past Polley to move into third place.

Dan Polley, Sheane, leads Donal Downey, Leastone, Gavin Buckley, Sheane, and Tim Murray, Leastone, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

He repaid him back into turn three, but it allowed the front two to begin to pull away. Byrne also was into the lead again by the hairpin but again Cross got the better run into turn one to retake the lead. Three lead changes in a lap set the tone for yet another brilliant Formula Vee race. Behind, the following three cars of Downey, Polley and Gavin Buckley headed to turn one side by side. The trust between all drivers is immense and it has to be at of 100mph. Downey held his place, but Buckley now moved into third. Again, Cross got into the lead at turn three but by the end of the lap Byrne once again retook him. It was hard to keep up, but it certainly was entertaining the spectators. It was now become a game of cat and mouse both drivers finding where each was better than the other of the course of the lap. Buckley had now moved up another place into third and set out to catch the front two.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

The front two would repeat each move Cross getting by at turn one only to lose it at the final corner. By the halfway mark though Bynre had settled into a rhythm and hold the lead over the next couple of laps and began to look like he was controlling the race until they cam upon a backmaker which held him up at turn two cost him time and letting Cross get past yet again, undoing all the hard work of the previous few laps. The Battle for third was still as tight as Buckley and Downey continued to pass and repass each other. As Polley made his move on Downey into turn two to move up to fourth Downey ran wide cost himself time and dropped back and out of contention for third. Up front Byrne found his way past at the hairpin with three laps to go but as they started the final lap cross after yet another clear run to the line seemed to let his opponent by to lead them round to the back straight where he could make a move with the slipstream to retake the lead.

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Donal Downey, Leastone, and Dan Polley, Sheane,  during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

A risky plan if any mistake was made but one if it worked would show why he is a five in a row champion. It did as he got the slingshot heading towards the hairpin, but another backmarker being in their way was not what he could have planned for, his exit was compromised, and Byrne drew alongside him. It was a drag race to the line where Cross got the win by 0.005 of a second! One of if not the closest ever finishes to a Formula Vee race seen. Gavin Buckley finished in third and set the fastest lap of the race in doing so. Although he dropped back Downey, came home in fifth but more importantly became the VW Spares ‘B’ Champion. A great result for the talented Kildare youngster. Speaking to the victor after the race it was clear he enjoyed that race.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

“Jack kept me honest in that one, I lost count how many times we passed each other for the lead. Then backmarkers got involved but I just got it on the line, it was a great race”.

VW Spares Champion Donal Downey. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Kieran Hannan again drove superbly as he has all year to become the LOH Motorsport Rookie Champion. He showed great pace and is sure to be up there with the top ‘B’ championships runner’s next season.

Kieran Hannan, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With all the championships sorted it was time for the second Formula Vee race of the day for the prestigious Emmerson Fittipaldi Trophy. A trophy given to the Irish championship by the former Formula 1 World Champion. There was also a prize of €150 was up for grabs to the driver with the fastest lap. It was the top two from the previous race who lined up on the front row and again Cross started from pole. Byrne was out though to make amends for missing out on the win earlier and if that race was anything to go by the onlookers were in for a treat.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, Sheane, during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Byrne got a flyer and lead into turn one but out-braked himself letting Cross take the lead but he kept Polley at bay in third. Yet again the front two began to brake clear of the field and opened a five car length gap by halfway round the fist lap. As they rounded turn one for the second time Byrne was into the lead and straight away was out to build some sort of lead and not get dragged into another lead swapping battle so early on again in this race. Gavin Buckley was now into third ahead of Downey and Polley in what was now a carbon copy of the result in the earlier race. So much for not having a lead swap battle as Cross retook the lead two laps later at the hairpin only to lose it at the same spot a lap later.

Gavin Buckley, Sheane, leads Donal Downey, Leastone, and Dan Polley, Sheane,  during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

All this helped Buckley and Downey to close in to make it a four-car train. Polley dropped back from the four ahead but held a solid fifth place. Yellow flags came out at the chicane which ruled it out as an overtaking spot but as they exited it Byrne got by a backmarker just at the right time giving him a gap as Buckley and Cross tripped over each other getting past the backmarker. Buckley got by and into second but not for long as by turn two he was back to third. Byrne ran slightly wide on the exit of the chicane losing ground and by the start of the next lap Cross was past. Byrne repeated the mistake a lap later at the same spot and this time Cross got the gap to his rivals behind. It was enough to give him some real breathing room and with only a few laps to go it looked like it was his for the taking.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, and Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Buckley was now into second ahead of Byrne and Downey. These three would need to work together if they were to reel in Cross but they began to have their own battle, swapping places and going three a breast into turn one wasn’t going to help catch the leader. It was all very entertaining though. Another mistake at the chicane by Byrne allowed Downey by going down the back straight. He retook him again at the beginning of the next lap and then Downey began to lose touch and drop back. A lap later Cross began to drop time and began to drop back to the two men behind.

Jack Byrne, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, and Donal Downey, Leastone, during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

It was enough to give them the tow again and with two laps to go it was again a three-car train. Yet again backmarkers looked to come into play as they were being caught coming to the chicane for the final time. A mistake by Buckley this time allowed Byrne through, but time was nearly up as they headed for the hairpin for the final time. Those backmarkers did hold Cross up but luckily for him not enough to allow anyone by and he held his lead to take the Fittipaldi Trophy race win.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Byrne held second with Buckley in third. Another close and hard-fought Formula Vee race won by Cross rounding out another great year for him and giving him the clean sweep of trophies for the year by adding the Fittipaldi Trophy to the Championship and Holmpatrick trophies he already won. It is such a rare achievement to do such a feat but one that is thoroughly deserved as he has been the benchmark for others for so long now.

Bill Adair presents the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy to Anthony Cross. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy podium Anthony Cross, centre, with Jack Byrne, left, and Gavin Buckley, right. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

"They were two great races today. I’m delighted to have won both and I was pushed hard all the way. I thought the second race was going to be a copy of the first between me and Jack, but he got caught up battling with Gavin and I got a way for a while. I was getting really bad understeer into turn three and lost time but I’m glad I got to hold on to take the win. Thanks to all the class sponsors and to my dad for his help all year.”

Anthony Cross with the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy with Jack Byrne,left, and Gavin Buckley, right. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Anthony Cross with the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Anthony Cross with the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy. Kirkistown Racing Circuit, Kircubbin, Co. Down. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Donegal’s Kelly dominates at a wet Mondello Park- Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship

 

Owen Kellu with his trophy after winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Buncranna’s Owen Kelly took his maiden national Formula Vee victory at Mondello Park in county Kildare at the weekend. In very tricky conditions due to heavy rainfall earlier in the day, Kelly in his Bugbitz backed Sheane showed a clean pair of heals to the rest of the field. Using the international layout for round 10 of the Selco.ie Formula Vee championship, Kelly qualified a massive 1.459 seconds ahead of current champion Anthony Cross who had a chance to wrap up the title again at this round. Sadly, Jordan Kelly was a non-starter and ending his chances of bringing the championship to a final round decider, but nevertheless he was on hand to help his brother by acting as his mechanic for the weekend.

Owen Kelly, left, Sheane, leads Jack Bynre, right, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg.

A great grid of twenty cars lined up in the drying but still wet conditions. As the lights went out Kelly got a brilliant start and lead the field into turn one. Cross had no answer and dropped to third behind Jack Byrne. As they field made their way round turns one and two you could see how hard they were all fighting for grip, each car’s rear end stepping out as the drivers put the power down even with the greatest of ease. By the exit of turn three Kelly built a gap of half a second, his car looking like it was on rails. Maybe the recent visit to the Knockalla hillclimb in similar conditions two weeks before did him the world of good in terms of finding a setup for this race.

Jack Byrne, left, Sheane, leads Anthony Cross, right, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg

Whatever the reason it was working as he could not be matched and controlled the race with ease. Behind him the battle for second and third was only heating up as Byrne and Cross battled it out and giving the wet spectators something to watch in what was an unusual spread-out Formula vee race. The weather and the long circuit didn’t help to keep the field as close together as they normally are when on the smaller national track. That said behind the top three Gavin Buckley, Donal Downey and Tim Murray had their own battle, all three swapping places early on before settling into what would end up being their finishing positions.

Tim Murray, Leastone, leads Gavin Buckley, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg

Both Byrne and Cross are known for being Mondello Park experts knew how to win and defend around the Kildare track. Several attempts by Cross to get past were thwarted by Byrne but with two laps to go the current champion got past. In doing so he gained more points and barring a mistake or mechanical failure both of which are a very rare occurrence, he was on course to retain his title. Not only that it would be the Dubliners fifth title in a row, a fantastic achievement in a series that is so competitive.

Anthony Cross, Sheane, leads Jack Byrne, Sheane, during the Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg

Owen Kelly, Sheane, on his way to winning the Selco.ie Formula Vee race. Photo: Barry Cregg.

In the end Kelly was also the man of the day by taking his maiden win by ten seconds! On his day he is as quick as any of the front men but a lack of consistency throughout the year has cost him for the overall title. In saying that he is still in contention for the VW Spares ‘B’ Championship and after this win he has brought it down to the final round in Kirkistown on September 24^th between himself and Donal Downey.

In the LOH Motorsport Rookie championship Kieran Hannon drove superbly to take another win in his Leastone to take the championship to the final round decider.   

Kieran Hannan, Leastone in action on his way to winning the LOH Motorsport Rookie class. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Speaking afterwards he gave a typical laid-back response that only a Donegal man could deliver,

 “I just concentrated on the start and got a good one and made into the first turn in the lead and decided to go for it on the first couple of laps to build a lead up if I could. The lads behind me started to battle with each other which helped me too. I did the hillclimb at Knockalla in these types of conditions a couple of weeks ago which I think helped me too. Hopefully I can do the same in Kirkistown in a few weeks and try and win the VW Spares Championship.