Race Report

DALY WEAVES MAGIC TO TAKE OUTRIGHT LAP RECORD!

Dull and overcast conditions prevailed as 15 drivers took to the circuit to qualify for rounds 3 and 4, but thankfully the threat of rain didn’t materialise during the day. Those who had tested on Friday reported the circuit slightly slower, but that didn’t stop Dan Daly pedalling his Illmor powered car to pole on a 52.0 and setting the stage for things to come later in the day as track conditions improved. Eamon Matheson’s turbo Mission (silent by comparison to the Reynard apart from the spectacle as the dump valve does its job) joined him on the front row albeit a full second and a half behind the Reynard. Paul Dagg was similarly dominant in F2, just under a second up on Stephen Daly, with the ever improving Philip Shields next up barely two tenths adrift, followed by the Heary family, uncle shading nephew this time, the more powerful AJP engine more at home in Kirkistown. Ken Fildes and Stanley Watson both suffered transmission problems while Fergus Faherty’s engine woes from testing continued, the latter pair’s problems precluding them from any further participation.

Race 1 dramas started on the warm up lap with 2 cars going off, necessitating a delayed start while the track was cleared, which in turn caused overheating problems for Eugene Heary Jnr who had to be pushed off the grid to allow the race get underway. Daly made the best start from pole and led the opening lap from Matheson and a flying Heary Snr. Stephen Daly took the lead in F2 from Paul Dagg and Philip Shields while Heary Jnr got going from pit road, but called it a day after 2 laps when the engine temperature got no better. Paul Dagg took the F2 lead on lap 2 tagging on to the leading trio and pulling away from the dice between Stephen Daly and Philip Shields. Out front meanwhile the elder Daly pushed on at a pace around his pole time, and at three quarter distance produced the perfect lap to shade the track record. Close race long battles raged on all the way through the field, Ivor Greenwood and Ken Fildes making good progress from the back of the grid after opening lap dramas for Greenwood, but they couldn’t catch the Daly Shields battle which was resolved in the latter’s favour at the end. Jim Larkham got the better of his scrap with Martin Daly, but up front the drama wasn’t quite finished. Start line officials produced the last lap board which the leader duly noted expecting to see the chequered flag next time round, but had to stay going when it wasn’t produced. Half way round the lap his drive shaft broke, and as the field passed he eventually coasted across the line to be classified tenth. Chaos ensued amid the jubilation in parc ferme when officials tried to bring the result back a lap but common sense prevailed and Matheson was declared the winner.

A poor start in race 2 saw Matheson jump ahead of Dan Daly initially but the status quo was restored on the back straight. Heary Snr again produced a storming first lap to slot in behind the leaders and with Paul Dagg also tagging on the lead battle from race 1 was resumed. Heary Snr made it past Matheson on lap 7 but dropped to fourth 2 laps later before gear selection problems dropped him to the back a few laps from the end. The Daly Jnr Shields F2 battle was also rejoined, albeit temporarily as both drivers retired though Philip completed sufficient distance to be classified ninth. Eugene Heary Jnr stayed in touch but couldn’t challenge, Eugene declaring the engine down on power after its earlier roasting and facing a rebuild before his next outing. The Greenwood Fildes battle was also resumed, Ken getting by briefly mid race, but unable to pass after that. Martin Daly had another solid run to third in F2, his consistency putting him top of the points standings in that class.

It was another excellent days racing for Magic Bullet Breezemount Formula Libre Ireland, which will be returning to Kirkistown in June for our next event. The F1 class has come on strongly this year with more set to come when Philip Shields debuts his GP2 car, possibly in June! Aidan Bagnall and Stanley Watson’s mighty Chevy V8 powered cars have now been built with both drivers about to start testing. The pace at the front has lowered 1 lap record so far, and the elder Heary has been particularly impressive getting himself and the powerful Reynard up to speed. Add in Mondello winner Sylvie Mullins, runner up Donal Griffin along with John Naylor and the mix starts to get very potent...

Click here for championship table

Link to the results: http://www.mylaps.com/results/showevent.jsp?id=663577

2012 Calender

April 15 - Mondello Park National
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April 28 - Kirkistown
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May 12/13 - Bishopscourt (non championship)
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May 26 - Kirkistown
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July 1 - Mondello Park National
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August 18/19 - Phoenix Park (non championship)
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September 8/9 - Mondello Park International
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September 29 - Kirkistown
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